Want to save the franchise? Give it over to Matthew Woodring Stover, who takes a character heretofore only distinguished by the fact that Sam Jackson portrays him, and brings him to gritty, determined life, as a Jedi forced to confront all his assumptions as he enters his own Heart of Darkness.

Mace Windu, Jedi Master, returns to the planet of his birth to unconver the connection between his old apprentice and some massacres during a bloody (is there any other kind?) civil war. He finds that nothing, including himself, is as it seems. Well enough plot...

Stover creates a haunting, wholly believable view of what it means to be a Jedi in a world gradually devolving towards empire. His characters are vivid, filled with humanity and humor, and a maturity that makes this so much more than just a 'Star Wars' book.

Stover does a brilliant job of showing us both the steel that makes Windu one of the most powerful Jedi Masters, as well as the humanity which in the end, will be the temporary downfall of the Jedi and the Old Republic.

And it's hellishly entertaining. An unbelievable ride.

Apart from the excellent the New Jedi order series a lot of the SW books which have been written were mor or less kids books with a dash of adult themes thrown in here and there to make it appealing to all ages. With Shatter point this is not the case. This is what war is all about, death, despair and combat. There is plenty of action in this book and it is presented in a way that is realistic and without the sugar coating. Mace Windu returns to his home planet in search of the padawan which he had sent there months earlier to aid in the struggle against the separatists. When he arrives though all kinds of horrors awaits him. He lands in the middle of a bloody civil war and its a take no prisoners kind of battle. Throughout the many challenges he faces he must also reevaluate his own beliefs and ideals of what it means to be a jedi. It was a book full of the kind of plot lines and philosophy that befits a Star Wars novel. It also shows the beginnings of how and why the republic will eventually fall. A great addition to the Star Wars saga and a great new spin off sereies in regards to the clone wars. Can hardly wait for book II to come out. I hope in subsequent books Palpatine and Count Dooku play increasing bigger parts. this book contains 5 CDs and is read by Jonathan Davis who has become the new voice for the Star Wars audiobooks.

You know, i have been reading star wars books for many years now and have read to many to count and all of them are called star wars, but the wars in the book have never felt like any of the wars we have to come to know and hate. Shatterpoint is the vietnam of star wars books. It actually shows that war isnt all so clean and thrilling; it is a terrifying, horrible, uncivilized action that kills unmercilessly. The story is about Mace Windu and his return to his home planet of Haruun Kal to search for his former padawan, Depa Billaba, because of a disturbing message he receives from her that shows what can only be her turning to the dark side. I liked this book alot and Stovers writing was very detailed and easy to read. The first part of the book is pretty much Mace's trek through the jungle and his learning of the ways of the planet and its residents. It was exciting and fun at first, but towards the end it started to drag, but dont worry, cuz at that exact point, the story changes and it gets interesting again. The final battle takes a whole third of the book and is very exciting. This book raises and answers many questions about jedi beliefs, their war, and war in general. This is a very dark, and detailed(gory) book so i wouldnt recommend this to some of the younger kids, but it is a great read about the horrors of war, but with the star wars twist.

WOW!!

I just finished readin an advance copy of this book (thanks to Coosin Al- a definite Hero). The setting of the book flips between a fantasy setting, and a harsh look at the future of humans on Earth. Both settings were blandly generic though a few original twists and ideas have been thrown in.

The compelling points of the book did not involve the setting. However the characters have been carefully formed and well rounded, and more importantly- realistic. Even the supporting characters have a suprising depth to them, with their own beliefs, desires and plots.

"Heroes Die" (listed here in Amazon as "Caine") is a masterfully built book. A story within a story, independant plots and intrigues are woven together for a believable resolution. Romance, grim humor, blood and death thread themselves through the story, creating a complex pattern that will delight and enthrall the Reader.

Matthew Woodring Stover has brought us a book with something for everyone. The story is compelling, and the characters will hook themselves into your heart as you find yourself fighting with the main character against all odds.

If you want to read an epic adventure that leaves you wanting more, give this masterpiece by Stover a try. This is the first novel I have read by Stover, and I am now planning on going back and reading his prior novels, "Iron Dawn" and "Jericho Moon."

WOW!... I read the novel and was totally blown away from the very beginning and it just got better and better! Hari Michaelson is an actor of the future who is transported along with a few other actors, including his wife, to another world and or dimension called OVERWORLD. Here in this fantasy-filled world the actors go on ADVENTURES that are followed back on earth by the populace by virtual reality-based technology. The whole book reminded me of the Matrix but in a fantasy set world. This would make a blockbuster movie idea by the way since this is a mix of sci-fi and fantasy with a writer who has written an excellent and thought-provoking idea that readers will love due to its great characters both good and bad, (and inbetween). The god emperor MA'EL-KOTH, the giant who rules in this fantasy land is a very interesting character and you just can't wait to see what he will do next. Hari Michaelson aka Caine in Overworld is such a rich and engaging character in both worlds is just a plus in this extravaganza of a novel. This si definately a one of a kind, ground-breaking read in both the sci-fi and or fantasy realm. Please do yourself a favor and get this book to read - you won't be sorry!

Not as well known as many other authors, but this book is the best fantasy book I've read in a long time. If you want an interesting new world, intense action, sunspense and a great character, this book is the one for you. Probably the best combat descriptions ever.

What can I say? I did not get very far with this one, the characters seemed like cardboard (the author says they were based on RPG characters). The action justs happens, you feel you need to be in the RPG campaign to get all the character info. I stopped reading it, but may continue sometime in the future. I am starting to believe that in the Science fiction and Fantasy genres only the woman authors are creating characters with any depth. If you are a fan of action, and want to read an RPG-type narrative then this may just be what you are looking for.

The best thing about this book is how it combines "dark and grim" stuff with funny stuff. Life in the Bronze Age was hard and brutal, and Stover portrays it as such. However, Stover peppers the book with genuinely humorous dialogue and characters, which keeps the tone from being too dark. Kheperu the unapologetic pervert was my particular favorite. Cynical, lewd, and cowardly, Kheperu spouts some of the books funniest lines, and somehow ends up doing the right thing. Barra is a strong, solid heroine, and should appeal both to fans of Xena and fans of The Mists of Avalon. The only bad thing about this book was when Barra suddenly developed the "sight", which seemed hokey. Overall, though, a highly entertaining read.

Though I love fantasy, I tend to avoid reading a lot of fantasy novels, as too many of them turn out to be one in a series of twelve, or doorstop epics with exhaustive appendices and interminable plotlines. That sort of thing is all well and good when one is in the mood for it, but sometimes you just want a light, rollicking adventure, and Iron Dawn delivers that in spades.

Following the exploits of three mercenaries in the Phoenician city of Tyre, Iron Dawn moves along crisply with brisk battles, witty banter, a straightforward plot and a cast of likeable (and hateable) characters. It isn't particularly grand or epic, as fantasy novels go, but it tells a good story and tells it very well. I devoured this book in a few days and gave it a place of honor on my bookshelf. I've already ordered the sequel and am eagerly awaiting it.

Amazon has shown this volume as being out of print, which is a real shame -- I urge you to pick it up used or find it if you can. It's a great read.

After reading "Heroes Die," I was very glad to learn that Stover was writing a sequel. Stover is amazingly good at using the conventions of action, fantasy, and dystopian science fiction while also subtly twisting them in service of his all too believable and recognizable characters. Unlike many authors, he understands that actions have consequences, not all conflicts have good solutions, and nobody can be a hero all the time. He writes great fight scenes, too.

"Blade of Tyshalle" is, in some ways, very similar to "Heroes Die." It focuses on Hari Michaelson, and his alter-ego, Caine, as he fights against impossible odds to save his family from threats on both Earth and Overworld. It includes action, dungeons, desperate last stands, and so on. However, this book spends a lot more time on other characters, including Shanna/Pallas Ril, Hari's wife; Ma'elKoth, who goes by Tan'elKoth for much of the book; Raithe, a young Monastic dedicated to killing Caine; Kollberg, Hari's old nemesis, raised up from his exile to the Labor Pool; and Kris/Deliann, the Changeling Prince of the elves. Also, Earth has become more directly involved with Overworld, to the point of creating an enclave of technology, and later releasing an incurable virus to justify an armed invasion, in the name of "restoring order;" this changes the rules of the game.

The plot is even more intricate than in "Heroes Die," but the story also contains much more social commentary and philosophy. There are many brief, odd, semi-mythic interchapters, which, once you figure out which character corresponds to which mythic figure, provide a handy road map for the rest of the book.

After I finished "Blade of Tyshalle," I wasn't quite sure what I thought of it. I let it sink in for a few days, then reread the book. I knew I liked the action and the characters, and the way the loose ends from the first book, particularly the much-vaunted "black flow" were finally resolved, but I wasn't sure about the philosophy and social theory, or about the balance among the various elements of the book.

I think, finally, that "Blade of Tyshalle" is a very, very good book. It is also, unquestionably, a flawed book, from which several plot and character complications -- and fifty to a hundred pages -- could profitably have been trimmed. But it made me think, it involved me emotionally, it convinced me it was worth the money I paid for it, and it hooked me enough that I have already reread it three times. I definitely recommend both the book, and Stover.

Just make sure you have an open mind, and a strong stomach.

After reading "Heroes Die" I couldn't wait for Matthew Stover to finish this one. I wasn't dissappointed. "Blade of Tyshalle" is an exciting book filled with Stover's trademark violence and anti-establishment sentiments. However this one is very different from the first; it is far darker (if that's possible)and delves more into the minds of the other characters. The first book was for the most part told from Hari/Caine's point of view; "Blade" gives the reader the chance to see through the eyes of Stover's other characters, as well as Hari Michaelson's tortured vision of the world. Warning: if you're not ready to visualize some pretty horrible imagery don't read this one; however, if you can get past that (it is not gratuitous, but necessary to the story in my opinion)you will learn a lot about yourself, especially if you have a somewhat Libertarian view of the world. You'll also have great time while doing it. I will be reading everything this guy has written, and anxiously await all his future work.

Two points stuck firmly in my mind, when I read BLADE OF TYSHALLE:
1) It's a stand alone sequel with equal punch compared to it's precursor, HEROES DIE. An unfortunate side effect of epic and multi installment fiction is an original or novel (pardon the pun) idea gets squeezed for every last ounce of mileage. Stover's CAINE novels work in their own dynamic, and you don't have to read one to understand the other. Though I admit skipping HEROES DIE might lessen your experience with BLADE, it won't void it.

2) It's cerebral and faithful to its premise. Stover has his politics, and he's true to himself in his fiction. You may not agree with his world view, but his sincerity transfers to a breathtakingly plausible dual reality that's right on the edge of greatness. Also, and supremely pertinent, this is Literature (with appropriate capitalization and Heavenly choral accompaniment). Read BLADE OF TYSHALLE, finish it, then sit back and think over each element. Everything means something in this book. Dual worlds, dual personalities for every character; this novel is a study of contrasts, and Stover's understanding of the human condition renders BLADE's revelations sublime.
'Properly, we should read for power. Man reading should be man intensely alive. The book should be a ball of light in one's hand.'
-Ezra Pound
Indeed.

In TRAITOR, Matthew Stover gives one of the first real hero journeys in the NJO series. Jacen Solo was captured by the Yuuzhan Vong shortly after his brother Anakin died. It has long been advanced that he was subsequently killed by them. Stover provides the action which led to Jacen's severance from the force causing even his twin sister Jaina to believe him dead.

While all the previous NJO novels boasted a large supporting cast, TRAITOR possesses only six characters. The foremost of them are Jacen and Vergere. Vergere has appeared several times in past NJO novels, as well as some Pre-Empire novels. Always enigmatic, she plays both friend and foe to Jacen, seemingly helping ease his pain at times during his indenture, other times aiding those who hold him. Constantly throughout the book, the reader is forced to wonder exactly whose side she is on, if on any side at all other than her own. Thankfully, it seems this question is honestly resolved at the book's end.

As a prisoner, Jacen is first subjected to what any reader would regard as torture, but not for any specific purpose, e.g., gathering of information. This motivation, among others, is part of the learning Jacen must experience in order finally to find a path for his life. In previous novels he has appeared only as a whiner, always wondering if he is doing enough, too much, or simply the wrong thing. While he must suffer much, he gains wisdom and experience unique among Jedi.

This book is filled with some of the most descriptive writing in the series, but it lacks some of the flamboyant action and violence typical of some of the past books. If you really want space combat and individual battles of Jedi and Yuuzhan Vong, this is really not the book for you. While there are some moments, they all serve to educate and mature young Jacen. There is a very significant combat at the end involving a figure not seen much since the earlier novels in the series in which he played a noticeable role.

I really enjoyed this book, as it was more cerebral and psychological in nature than those preceeding it in the series. It is a short book, though, under 300 pages, ending too quickly for my enjoyment.

This book had, in my opinion, so many factors playing against it. First, there was the fact that it was the other half of the unofficial "Solo twins duology", and it's companion book, "Dark Journey" was an anti-climatic and skippable read. We had a talented author who was unproven in the Star Wars universe, and like previous reviews have mentioned, didn't have a "special thanks" page, which, to be honest, kind of hurt his credibility. Said author used only six characters, far less than what we're used to. Not only did the story have to be engaging in its philosphical discussions, it also had to redeem a character, who, in the eyes of many fans, has done nothing but whine and hold back since the series started. Very much a make or break situation. And lastly, all of the above had to be done in less than 300 pages.
Well, Matthew Stover succeeded brilliantly.

With the focus primarily on Jacen Solo and Vergere, there is ample room for character development. We can see Jacen's evolution from whining brat into something much deeper, and judging from the cover art of the next installment, he'll play a crucial part in turning the war. LIke his sister, Jacen also has a close encounter with the Dark Side, though it is much darker than Jaina's was. Vergere is herself a darker version of Yoda, a mentor, trickster, and companion who knows that to defeat the Vong is to embrace their pain and let it develop into a higher understanding. Lastly, there is an appearance by Ganner Rhysode, who also finds new maturity here. Hands-down, Ganner gets the coolest scene and coolest line in the book, when Stover borrows a classic scene from a certain 1st installment of everyone's favourite fantasy movie trilogy.

Of course, the bulk of this book is dedicated to philosphy and force-related discussion. While none of this stuff is completely new (what makes a flower different from a weed, what makes it okay to kill, etc), it actually serves a purpose instead of endlessly going around in circles for its own sake, which would have been a cheap way out. Each new thought puzzle brings Jacen to a higher level of understanding, and I can only imagine the task Stover and Lucasfilm had of mapping these parts out. The force is redefined here as a whole that is neither light nor dark, and it's interesting to think of the long way we've come, and where this will ultimately lead. Finally, Stover gives us a taste of how Lucasfilm eventually plans to link the prequel era to the New Jedi Order. I won't spoil it, but it'll definitely leave you begging for more.

Unlike past novels that featured important plot points in the series (death of Chewie, death of Anakin, etc.), "Traitor" is in itself a huge, cleverly disguised plot point. It is from this that future interpertations of the force will be defined, making it an essential read.

I found this book to be among the best of the NJO series, if not THE best. Although I have always been a Jacen fan, I have been irritated with the writing of his character in previous NJO books. However, if you read between the lines in many of these books, you can see how they were leading up to Jacen's development. I've gone back to previous novels and read pieces of the books and found little snatches of information hinting at just how powerful a jedi Jacen really is. Previous novels have hinted to how Jacen was able to use the force in many different ways; i.e., healing, empathy, fighting, etc. And remember how surprised Jaina was at the end of Balance Point when she saw the power her brother exhibited while fighting to save their mother? Neither Jaina nor Anakin ever exhibited such a diversity in their abilities with the Force.

With a couple minor exceptions, this writer did an excellent job with continuity. He tied the unanswered questions left from previous NJO novels into this one and provided believable answers. After reading this one you can think and say yeah, that makes sense now with what happened in .... NJO novel. I sincerely hope that Matthew Stover continues to write in the Star Wars Universe. As far as I'm concerned, he's right up there with Timothy Zahn (the Best!), Michael Stackpole, Troy Denning, and Kathy Tyers.

I'm happy to see a Star Wars novel get back to what makes Star Wars Star Wars. The Force. This was a wonderful read and I believe has been a critical change for the Star Wars Universe as it relates to the Force. I can't wait for the next novel to see how others, particularly Jacen's family and friends, react to his change.

The book is enjoyable enough, in a cheesy, Xena-esque sort of way, but I wasn't too keen on the way it portrayed so very negatively an obviously "unfashionable" religion such as Old Testament Judaism. I imagine I am a fundamentalist for feeling this way... or that I'm being politically correct if I say that I wish that all authors being published today could bring it upon themselves to respect the faiths of everyone, regardless of their own personal beliefs. Oh well, I guess this particular author had his own axe to grind.

I've often thought that a literal reading of the Old Testament would make great fodder for a sword and sorcery story, because the OT Yahweh is as much a nasty customer as any Lovecraftian Elder God--slaughering children, plagues, mass murder, etc. This is the first time I've ever seen it done. Barra, the hero, is a wonderful character, reminiscent of Xena but far more believable. The author has done his research and clearly has extensive knowledge of combat and warfare. The characters are engaging, the story is fast moving, and the final battle between Barra and Yahweh is intense.

I have grown exceedingly weary of most contemporary fantasy novels. Seemingly all of them come prepackaged as five-volumes sets, telling the "epic saga" of the stable boy/orphaned princess who is a forgotten heir/prophesied one who must become a great warrior/mighty enchanter to overcome Ultimate Evil (and for some reason, this increasingly seems to involve the aid of telepathically linked horses/unicorns/cats/hawks).

It was a real delight, then, to read "Jericho Moon". The setting abided for the most part of the constraints of the known history of the time period in that region, and there was an exciting mix of cultures. The use of the "fighting mad" Old Testament God o' Wrath was rather daring and provocative, and the bad guys (the Hebrews) were depicted fairly sympathetically.

The alleged heroes, as well, were presented in an unbiased fashion, with all their quirks and flaws and drawbacks. Without clobbering the reader over the head, the author manages to establish intriguing backstories and plausible motivations for the characters, bringing them to life and making them real, warts and all.

I would agree that there's something of an RPG feel to them, but to me, that's not really a drawback, and I don't think it detracts from the story.

A strong effort, great characters, a unique twist on the historical period--a refreshing work indeed!