The Crystal Staris a 1994Star Warsnovel written byVonda N. McIntyre[1]and published byBantam Spectra.The novel is set ten years after theBattle of Endorin theStar Warsexpanded universe.
 | |
| Author | Vonda N. McIntyre |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Drew Struzan |
| Language | English |
| Series | CanonC |
| Subject | Star Wars |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Bantam Spectra |
Publication date | Hardcover: December 8, 1994 Paperback: December 4, 1995 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Hardcover&Paperback |
| Pages | Hardcover:309 Paperback:313 |
| ISBN | 0-553-57174-5 |
| Preceded by | Starfighters of Adumar |
| Followed by | Before the Storm |
Plot
editBackground
editJacenandJaina Soloare now five years old, and their brotherAnakinis three, all at an age where they are easily manipulated.
Summary
editOn Munto Codro, Jacen, Jaina and Anakin are kidnapped by a man named Hethrir. Their motherLeia Organa Soloimmediately dispatches a rescue operation. Meanwhile, Leia's husbandHan Soloand brotherLuke Skywalkergo to Crseih Station on a supposed "vacation", and learn of a secret cult that influences the Crystal Star, which could possibly threaten the very existence of the galaxy.
Hethrir continues to manipulate the children for several days, as he leads the Empire Reborn, an organization looking to resurrect theGalactic Empire.Eventually, Leia andChewbaccamanage to rescue the children, but Hethrir is still connected to the events that transpire around the Crystal Star. After an intense series of events, Hethrir is killed, the Crystal Star explodes, Crseih station moves out of the area beforehand, and Luke, Leia, Han and the children are safe.
Reception
editThe Crystal Starwas a New York Times Bestseller, and the sixth consecutiveStar Warsnovel to reach the bestseller list.[1]
Critical reception was generally hostile. It was dubbed "The most derided novel in the entire Expanded Universe" in a 2013Gizmodoretrospective with criticized elements including recycled plot elements from other EU novels such as the Solo children being kidnapped and Luke losing his Force powers, as well as the novel's stranger aspects making little sense, such as centaurs and werewolves in a science-fiction settings and Luke joining Hethrir's "transparently evil" cult.[2]In 2016, it was called the worstStar Warsbook ever by Gizmodo.[3]Game Rantwrote in 2023: "The Crystal Star is fascinating in all the ways it fails. The book is like a trainwreck."[4]Publishers Weeklysaid: "While this is easily the best of a bestselling series [...], its flaws are still obvious."[5]
Editions
edit- The Crystal Star,1st hardcover, 1994. Vonda McIntyre,ISBN0-553-57174-5
References
edit- ^"The Crystal Star".PenguinRandomHouseAudio.com.
- ^"The 12 Worst Things in the Star Wars Expanded Universe".Gizmodo.March 4, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on March 30, 2019.
- ^Trendacosta, Katharine (November 9, 2016)."Crystal Star Really Is the Worst Star Wars Book Ever".Gizmodo.Keleops Media.Archivedfrom the original on January 23, 2022.RetrievedOctober 23,2024.
- ^Heindl, Joseph (October 2, 2023)."5 Weird Star Wars Novels That Are Entertaining To Read".Game Rant.Valnet.Archivedfrom the original on October 24, 2024.RetrievedOctober 24,2024.
- ^"The Crystal Star".Publishers Weekly.Archivedfrom the original on October 23, 2024.RetrievedOctober 23,2024.
Further reading
edit- Cassada, Jackie (November 15, 1994), "Star Wars: The Crystal Star",Library Journal,119(19), Library Journals, LLC: 89,ISSN0363-0277
- Hays, Carl (October 1, 1994), "The Crystal Star.(Young Adult Review)(Brief Article)",Booklist,91(3),American Library Association:188,ISSN0006-7385
External links
edit- The Crystal StaronWookieepedia,aStar Warswiki