I have newfound respect for Luke Skywalker. I started to get it when reading sort of the later NJO installments leading into LOTF, but I really began to respect (and even like) him in LOTF. And that of course led to me appreciating him in the earlier star wars books that he was featured in. This may hurt some people (Ha!) but I used to detest Luke Skywalker. He just seemed so. . . pathetic. Weak. I didn't understand I guess, but I figured that if he was the son of the Chosen One and was in fact one fourth pure Force that he should be pretty powerful. In the movies he was alright. He was clearly best in ROTJ. For the longest time I couldn't understand why he through away his lightsaber when Palpatine attempted to turn him to the dark side. And even now that I understand it, it's still a wacked out moment for me.

He just took down the Emperor's right hand man. The Emperor wants him to take his place. The Emperor is evil and has an anger problem. Luke defies said Emperor and throws away only means of self defense. And here I think what did you think was gonna happen you nitwit? You figured he'd respect your "boldness" and repent? But then Daddy comes to save him and the movie turns out more or less alright. It kind of leaves the impression that had Luke not thrown away his lightsaber, he could have beaten the Emperor. If you read any book after that you know the answer is "Yeah right." He was way too weak, and too scared of turning to the dark side. So I didn't like him for a while.

Then as I read the NJO and began to comprehend the true scope of his restrained power in the Dark Nest Trilogy, I began to respect him. I reread old books as well as read books I hadn't read that had him in it, and I understood. It was kind of like a light bulb moment for me True he's not incredibly powerful, but he shields is true power very well. And in LOTF. . . well I'm not gonna leak any spoilers, but now he is one of my favorite characters!! I'm happy about this because Anakin (as you all know) is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CHARACTER in the entire Star Wars universe!!!!!! How could I like him, and detest his son? This was a huge stumbling block, and disrupted my SW addiction for a while. I was sooooooooooooooooo happy when I began to like Luke. One of the main series that did it was the. . . Sithspit. I don't remember the name of the trilogy, but the books in it (in order) are "Heir to the Empire," "Dark Force Rising," and "The Last Command." Thrawn is also in those series (the primary character as a matter of fact) and he is so awesome!!

He's a master strategist like nothing I've ever seen or read about before!! He. . . well I'll use another blog for that.

May the Force be with You!!!