Rebel Dawn by A. C. Crispin

 

Synopsis:

Here is the explosive conclusion of the blockbuster trilogy that chronicles the never-before-told story of the young Han Solo.  Set before the Star Wars(r) movie adventures, these books chronicle the coming-of-age of the galaxy's most famous con man, smuggler, and thief.

The Millennium Falcon is "the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy."  So when Han Solo wins it in a game of sabacc, he and Chewbacca become kings of the smugglers—uncatchable, unstoppable.  But with the Empire clamping down, Han knows his luck can't last.  Still, when an old girlfriend who is now the leader of an insurgent Rebel group offers him a shot at an incredible fortune, Han can't resist.  The plan seems a sure thing.  The resistance will be light and the take enormous.  Han and his friends will divide it equally with the Rebels.  Too bad for Han that the planet of Ylesia is far from a pushover, that the Rebels have an agenda of their own, and that smuggler friends can often turn into enemies...quicker than lightspeed.

Review by Patrick:

Want a ride? 'Cause this book will turn your stomach like being a passenger with Han making a Kessel Run. And yes, the Millennium Falcon not only make an appearance, but becomes Han's own ship.

What Crispin does as a writer with this book is absolutely fantastic. The story that was introduced in the first two novels of this trilogy comes to a close, but in addition, a wonderful back story is presented that ties directly into the first Star Wars movie, Episode IV: A New Hope. It's like there were these individual pretty strands that were made from the first two books or from our experience watching the Star Wars movies, and Crispin takes those strands and builds a beautiful web of storytelling.

Life isn't easy for the scoundrel and his Wookie companion. Things get pretty risky in the smuggling business, then there's the Hutts who are pretty upset, a lot of bounty hunters and one really famous one named Boba Fett... then there's the rebel alliance who have their own priorities, and an old love interest who gets caught up in everything as well.

Again, if you are a fan of Han Solo, or Harrison Ford, or just Star Wars in general, this trilogy was a good read. It had new story lines in it, with new characters, but it never strayed away from the consistency of the saga. I liked it and can't wait to read more. This book gets 4 stars from me, although I will have to admit, that about half way through, I couldn't put the book down.