Title: The Paradise Snare
Author: Ann C. Crispin
Pages: 306
Type: Adventure
Time: 10 BBY

Introduction
This is my first review of a novel about the OT-period and I have to say that I was very excited to start on it. I wasn't sure what to expect however. An entire trilogy of novels about Han Solo, could Han be interesting enough to warrant a trilogy? There is one thing I can already tell you, this novel has surprised me in a positive way. I'll explain how below.

Novel quality
The novel tells us the story of a young (about 19 years old) Han Solo who escapes from the oppressive and nasty pirate who has raised him and goes out into the wide galaxy to create a life for himself. He takes a job as a pilot on the planet Ylesia and this is where the adventure starts. He soon finds out that not everything on Ylesia is what it seems. There are some interesting characters introduced here. First there are the t'landa Til a race of aliens that are the leaders of the "pilgrim" world. Their leader Teroenza is the high priest and seems to be in control of the entire operation on the planet. Their race is quite well found and gives the entire cult-like feeling some solid background, their special skills at making people happy ad to this and are very interesting. Immediately after Han arrives Teroenza provides him with a Togorian "bodyguard" named Muuurgh. It is obvious right from the start that Muuurgh is there to ensure that Han doesn't run. Muuurgh is one of the more interesting characters of the story. Togorians are a race of excessively large felines with a strong feeling of honor. Although this race does feel quite similar to the wookies, it is still fun to read about. Muuurgh soon starts to form a bond with Han and they form quite a team. He plays quite an important role in the rest of the story. Last of the new characters is Bria. Bria is a "pilgrim" and is working hard in the mines when she first meets Han. Slowly but certainly she comes around to what Han is saying and she joins the team. After a while, when the full scope of the operation becomes clear to Han and he even discovers that it are the Hutts who are running the scene, Han decides to leave. This, as you might imagine, is where the action begins. When Han is finally gone from Ylesia the story is far from over. They'll visit several planets until they finally get to the end on Coruscant. I'll leave what happens and how for you to discover.

The setup of the story is quite basic, but everything from the grand scheme of Ylesia to the involvement of the Hutts is just really well described and pulls you right into the story. Even after Han leaves Ylesia, the story has some nice twists. The only thing I was not completely happy about was the way the past always seems to catch up to Han. There is just a bit too much coincidence in there at times. This does however ad to the tension and it also provide for some nice Han Solo-moments, so it's not too big a point. Overall I can say I really enjoyed reading this novel. Although it isn't really special in any way, it does provide for some fun reading and it gives a great background on the Han Solo we all know and love. Don't expect any Jedi or Sith philosophy in here, that's not what this novel is about. It's telling us about a simple man trying to make his way in the universe and it does so very well. Solid novel!
Rating: 83/100

Personal Tilt
I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical about this novel at first. Han Solo wasn't really one of my favorite characters in the movies (ducks) and I wasn't sure I could enjoy reading an entire novel just about him and his history. I'm glad to admit however that I did like this novel a lot. Sure it doesn't really do anything special and it may not be very important to the main themes in the Star Wars galaxy, but that just doesn't really matter. It does what it does very well and it provides for a fun read. I hope Ms. Crispin can keep this level of fun up for the next two novels from the trilogy. She has just about turned me into a Han Solo fan. Anyone not sure whether or not to read the Han Solo Trilogy should pick this first volume up and give it a try. You'll probably be as pleasantly surprised as I was. Good read.
Rating: 78/100

Overall rating: 81.0/100

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For an overview of al reviews and a ranking see my Book review summary