Title: The Force Unleashed IIAuthor: Sean Williams
Superseries: Star Wars
Series: Force Unleashed
Preceeded By: The Force Unleashed
Succeeded By: The Force Unleashed III ?
Ratings
Score: 9/10
How likely I am to read the next in the Series: Definite
Review
The first thing to note is that this book is a sequel. It's kind of obvious from the name, but it would have helped to have read the previous story, or to have properly played the game the previous novel was based on prior to reading this. While it did make sense knowing only the skeleton plot of the last book, I feel that mch of the feelings we had for the characters would have been very much amplified by the previous story, as it is then that we learn most about them (As it is, I've only read summaries of the previous story).
Disregarding the story for a moment, the writing itself is fantastic. The narrative flow is smooth for the most part, and when it does jump, it's deliberate and suspense building.
There are a few sections that I thought didn't fit in with the rest of the Star Wars universe, understandable in what must be one of the biggest fictional universes, but sometimes awkward. The biggest one in this book is the ending, which would drastically change the story of the original Trilogy. Although this simply suggests a sequel to bring the story inline with the rest of the super-series. But other than that, although I remember thinking "That seems wrong" at the time, they were small enough for me to not remember what it was that was wrong.
One line that did seem out of place, was "It's a trap", said by Ackbar, a line that he is famous for saying in the original star wars movies. I feel that it was weird to have him say it here as well. It's a clear reference, and a funny one, but it doesn't fit well with the serious situation of the time. Another character saying it would have been better.
Conclusion: While the writing is practically flawless, the storyline is quite dependent on the previous story, and although it does manage to give the general impression of "The Force Unleashed I", I would recommend reading that first. The odd occasion exists which seems out of place, but these are few and generally unmemorable. Any Star Wars fan, or any sci-fi fan not averse to extended universe fiction should give this book a go. It's a great, well-written story, with some memorable scenes, and impressive characters.
More Information
Main Protagonist(s): 1 Male; 1 Female;
Main Antagonist(s): 1 Male
Main Relationships: Heterosexual
Genre: Science-Fiction
Brief Synopsis (from Amazon):
This is a brand-new novel tying in to the huge "Star Wars" video game that is the follow-up to the blockbuster, award-winning "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed" video game which came out in 2008 and has sold over 6 million units. Written by Sean Williams who also penned the number 1 "New York Times" bestselling first installment, this promises to be a thrilling sequel.
ISBN: 978-1848568488
Website: Star Wars Site , Force Unleashed (Game)
Amazon Link: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II
Pages:480
First Published: 5th October 2010
Publisher: Titan Books
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