Before I start posting reviews, I'll define how my ratings system works. Not all books in the Expanded Universe can be readily compared to one another. However, people love to rate things and I'm certainly not above that. These are very rough guidelines of what the Rancor Ratings mean to me.

Five Rancors: spectacular! The tale exudes Star Wars while standing as a thoughtful and provocative read. Immensely enjoyable while it lasts and adds something permanent and worthwhile to the Star Wars mythos.

Four Rancors: superior; can be a ripping yarn or a slower tale, but possesses enough quality to elevate above the typical read.

Three Rancors: nicely in the middle; usually a decently well-written, pleasurable read; sometimes a particular flaw holds an otherwise high-class book to three.

Two Rancors: below average; still worth reading for a fan, but significant problems in the story and/or writing prevent a better rating.

One Rancor: outstandingly poor; reserved for the bottom of the Expanded Universe barrel.