I just finished reading Bloodlines. I know others have shared their impressions regarding the latest Star Wars EU series. I couldn't help but add my own two cents. Karen Traviss once again has done an excellent job chronicling the latest events facing the Skywalkers, Solos and Fetts.

That being said, I don't think I have ever been so bothered while reading a Star Wars book. I know this may sound odd, but I had to force myself to get through Bloodlines. It had nothing to do with Ms. Traviss' style or her storytelling (both of which I truly enjoy. She's an excellent writer.). It had to do with the subject matter - specifically S*P*O*I*L*E*R ** A*L*E*R*T Jacen's turn toward the Dark Side, the heinous acts he performs, his disregard for his Uncle Luke, and Jacen's perception that Luke and the Jedi Council are weak. Even more disturbing (to me, at least) is how Jacen attempts to justify his actions, that he thinks his Dark Side way of doing things will bring peace to the galaxy. He is willing to sacrifice everything for this supposed peace (which, of course, never will be. Others already show their disdain for some of Jacen's actions; thus, he already risks unrest. The oppressed always fight back, even if it takes a while.).

Jacen doesn't think he is repeating his grandfather's mistakes. How blind he is. I just wanted to jump into the pages of the book, grab the misguided young man by the shoulders and shake some good sense into him!
Oh, if only I could!

S*P*O*I*L*E*R ** O*V*E*R

Despite the fact I was bothered by the route on which Jacen had embarked (I admit I get a bit too involved in the stories. I love to read, and I have read every Star Wars novel. I know they're only imaginary characters, but considering I've been a fan since 1977, and I've "gotten to know" these characters, I'm saddened when I see one of them venture where he/she should not go. If anyone can understand this, I know you can! ), I got to thinking about what it takes for a person to turn to the Dark Side. Why would someone - especially someone who, for all of his life, believed in doing good, in doing right - change his outlook and believe the (evil ) means justify the end? Why would he change? Has his outlook suddenly become so skewed? Wouldn't those Dark Side feelings always have been simmering below the surface? Is it acceptable to "do wrong" for all the right reasons (as Jacen has deluded himself into believing)?

Jacen accuses Luke for not taking hard-line measures to bring peace to the GFFA. Is Jacen so naive as to believe his uncle is not choosing a course that is for the betterment of all because it preserves life? Sometimes the hardest - and best - thing to do is to walk away, or, at the very least, take the less direct route to the (ultimate) conclusion.

Sometimes it is necessary to fight. Of course, knowing when that point is reached is the real trick. And, there can be honor in war (I know that may sound odd, but, as a US Marine veteran, I truly believe that). It is apparent in how one treats one's enemy/ies. That is what Jacen, Anakin and all those who swear their allegiance to the Dark Side fail to see, to understand, to grasp.

It is heartbreaking to see Jacen turn his back on those he loves, on that in which he once believed, to watch him be manipulated just as his grandfather was. We, the readers, see the parallels between the two young men (even though Jacen believes he isn't/won't make the same mistakes his grandfather made).

So many of us are faced with (real-life) similar situations - Should I choose right for right's sake . . . Do I cross the line and do evil for good's sake . . . Decide who do I want to be?

To get from Point A to Point B is not always a straight line. Am I willing to sacrifice everything in which I believe, everyone I love because I think I have The Only Answer?

(A good book or movie really gets you thinking, doesn't it? )

I hope I would be more like Luke when he stood tall, threw down his weapon, and spurned the temptations of the Dark Side. I'd rather strive to be the best I can be, cognizant of the fact that there are times I'd rather take the fast and easy way out, but never give in to those Dark Side tendencies.

Bloodlines is yet another example of why Luke always will be my favorite character, why I think he was so much stronger a Jedi than Anakin. Luke understood and respected the Dark Side (that he had the capability of turning his back on everything he had learned, believed in, but refused to give in to it).

It was inevitable a new, strong Dark Lord would emerge to challenge Luke. I am just sad that it had to be a member of his own family.

I'll be counting the days until Tempest comes out . . .

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I am so sorry this turned out to be so long. I just had to write about this topic until I had said what I had to say. (I know my ramblings have taken me in more than one direction.) These thoughts have been swimming around in my head for quite a while, and I'm happy (and relieved!) that I've finally aired them. If you've made it this far, thank you so much for sticking with me.

As always, I welcome your comments.

MTFBWY
JMW