- Paperback: 336 pages
- Publisher: Bantam Books (Transworld Publishers a division of the Random House Group); paperback / softback edition (4 April 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0553504312
- ISBN-13: 978-0553504316
- Product Dimensions: 17.4 x 10.6 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 497,052 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
The first in the "Black Fleet" trilogy. While the Republic enjoys an unaccustomed peace, a fleet of star destroyers, seized in the chaos after the Emperor's death, are secretly being prepared for war by the ruthless Yevethan ambassador.
From the Back Cover
In the blockbuster bestselling tradition of Heir to the Empire comes this thrilling addition to the Star Wars saga, as peace gives way to a dire new threat...
BEFORE THE STORM
It is a time of tranquillity for the New Republic. The remnants of the Empire now lie in complete disarray, and the re-emergence of the Jedi Knights has brought power and prestige to the fledgling government on Coruscant. Yesterday's Rebels have become today's administrators and diplomats, and the factions that fought against Imperial tyranny seemed united in savoring the fruits of peace.
But the peace is short-lived. A restless Luke must journey to his mother's homeworld in a desperate and dangerous quest to find her people. An adventurous Lando must seize a mysterious spacecraft that has weapons of enormous destructive power and an unknown mission. And Leia, a living symbol of the New Republic's triumph, must face down the ruthless leader of the Duskhan League, an arrogant Yevetha who seems bent on a genocidal war that could shatter the fragile unity of the New Republic...and threaten its very survival.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I hate to say it, but I did wait until I read all three books, and they just are a massive screwup. The author has managed to completely change the characters we know and love, the technology they use, and the plot(s) are barely reasonable. Luke is searching around aimlessly for his mother (this is pre-TPM so we'll forgive the author) but has no interaction with other characters we know, and doesn't act like himself. His personality is non-existent and he is completely non-assertive. Leia is hesitant and weak, unlike the strong leader we saw from the movies. She doesn't confront anything (if she had that attitude in Episode VI she would be getting opinions on going to Endor instead of firing at stormtroopers. The universe has been changed completely. It's great to see an enemy that isn't ex-Imperial warlord #848, and they come with their own ships, but the Republic bears no resemblance to what it normally is. The battle fleet has none of our regular main line ships (such as Calamari Cruisers or assault frigates) and the starfightes which everyone else views as great (including the x-wing which in the New Rebellion has been upgraded to keep it top-notch) is inferior in this book. No longer do we fire proton torpedoes, rather we fire slugs and flechettes. The e-wing and k-wing aren't really stated why they are so great, we just have to take the author's word that they are. Personally, if it ain't broke, why is the New Republic replacing it? And as for plot(s)- they are terrible. Lando, a psychiatric Lobot (who really should be left at Cloud City), and two suddenly hostile droids are wandering around the universe blindly (and completely unconnected to the story). Luke is lost, looking for his mother (and unconnected to everything else). While battle is possible (except for technology screw-ups) and is the underlying plot, is written a little too vaguely. Everything's happening one way- then POOF!- it's going the other, but the reader doesn't know why or how. In summary, what we have here is a Star Wars universe that bears little resemblance to the movies and other books, with poor characters, and is poorly written. It contributes very little to other stories (pretty much every other author has decided to ignore it) and adds no new dimensions. If you are a die-hard Star Wars fan determined to read every piece about SW, go for it. But if you are trying to decide how to spend $20, ignore this and go read something else.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
This is the beginning of a three book series which moves...very...slowly. Basically there are some nasty aliens, Leia worries a lot, and Luke is off with some girl. And Leia worries a lot. Then, Leia worries a lot. And, for some variety, Leia worries a lot.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Kube there really isn't much to say besides this book blew Bantha #*$%. This book revolves around politics. At first I was wondering why this book got such good reviews but then I reliezed that the stupid people only gave reviews (all 13 of them) The real Star Wars fans knew that it was a waste of their time. But I'm just here to make a difference, in hopes the Kube never writes another star wars book again. I don't Know what George Lucas was thinking when he approved this garbage. I use to think that nothing could affect my view on star wars. But when I read this book I have to say I lost intrest a little luckily This was the first book I ever read so in reading books like Courtship of Princess Leia, Dark Saber, Shadows of the Empire I regained that Lac of respect. I encourge people to stay away frm it unless your absolutly fastenated with politics.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Unorthodox concepts but not bad as a stand alone trilogy.
I’ve read quite a few reviews for the black fleet trilogy and most seem to slate it a lot. Initially at the first read I didn’t really rate this book as the plots... Read more
Published on 8 Mar 2004 by L. W. Chew
Much better than expected
After reading several reviews slating this triology, I wasn't expecting much, but I'm glad I didn't listen to them, as I found it hard to put this down. Read more
Published on 11 Mar 2000 by hilasbat@aol.com
This book is LOOONG!
This book is really WRONG!! When Luke goes to his mother's home world in the book it isn't Naboo! I think that George Lucas was a little stupid not to realize that some lady... Read more
Published on 9 Aug 1999
Not the best but better than MANY ...
I've read through all the reviews and was surprised to see this book (and the entire trilogy) attracting as much anger as it did. Read more
Published on 20 July 1999
Kinda slow at some parts, but delivered a punch!!!
This book could have been better, but not much. I loved the manipulation of Nil Spaar and the jedi discoveries Luke makes of himself. Read more
Published on 16 July 1999
Loop Hole?
Well, remember, details can be lost in time, and have been, I see no reason why it couldn't happen in the star wars universe.
Published on 6 July 1999
Good start, TERRIBLE middle and finish
The first book gave a good beginning and set up a complex storyline. However, it failed to deliver. Read more
Published on 5 July 1999
Going, going ... short.
Not that the story is short though. This story really should've ended with book one. Instead McDowell wrote three. Read more
Published on 16 Jun 1999
Serious plot contradiction here!!
This would have been a very good book except for that it was unfortunately published before "The Phantom Menace" came out. Read more
Published on 8 Jun 1999
ok but definitely not up to par w/ most star wars novels
the black fleet crisis was an ok trilogy but it was no where near the quality of some of the other star wars trilogies (zahn, jedi academy, correlian) the author flip flopped... Read more
Published on 8 April 1999
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