From A Certain Point Of View

Probably one of the more original book ideas in the "Star Wars" lexicon, "Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View" tells the entire story of "A New Hope" through the eyes of its secondary characters. Each chapter is written by a different author, many being previous novelists like Claudia Gray and Meg Cabot. But you also have chapters from "Star Wars: The Clone Wars/Rebels" creator Pablo Hidalgo, "Star Trek: The Next Generation" alum Wil Wheaton, and Ashley Eckstein, the voice actor of Ashoka Tano on "Clone Wars/Rebels." Each chapter pushes the story along but gives a different perspective to the goings-on.

The opening scene tells the tale from the viewpoint of Captain Raymus, the Rebel Alliance member who hands Princess Leia the stolen data card for which the heroes of "Rogue One" lost their lives. When Leia is captured, we hear this section of the story from the Stormtrooper buddy of TK-4602, who shot Leia with the stun gun. We even hear from the Empire Gunnery Captain who allowed the escape pod carrying the droids to get away.

As the book progresses, knowledge of "A New Hope" is expected. (Whoever reads this is clearly a fan, anyway.) Because while the story is going on, it's the side-stories we are getting involved with so the saga of Luke, Leia, Han, Obi-Wan, and Darth become the supporting players in the lives of those around them. But not all of the chapters are by supporting players.

A chapter with Yoda shows how Obi-Wan communicated with him after his death in order to convince him to train Luke. Yoda was more interested in being in charge of Leia's future, but Obi-Wan had other plans. Here we also see Yoda's attachment to Qui-Gon and those he cared for in the past.

Even more interesting is what happens to Obi-Wan after Vader strikes him down. In "Time of Death" Obi-Wan suddenly finds himself in his old homestead, free of pain, and confused as to why it has been ransacked. It's an interesting perspective and one that enriches the Star Wars mythology greatly.

There are also some humorous chapters, like the one involving the Mouse Robot from the Death Star, and another featuring Omi, the captured female trash compactor monster that simply doesn't want to be a prisoner - just like Luke, Han, Leia, and Chewie.

While some chapters are more compelling than others, this is a fascinating and intriguing take on a legendary story. While it might seem to be just goofy fan service, as you get more involved in the storytelling, you realize you're getting a richer look at the "Star Wars" universe, revealing a lot more about the characters we've come to know and love - even those we know just a little bit. It gives the universe a richer life and allows the bit players a memorable stamp in George Lucas' world.

"Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View"
Del Rey Hardcover
$35.00
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