Tarkin by James Luceno

Reviewed by: Jimi Roberts, Circulation Assistant

Genre: Science Fiction

Suggested Age: Adult

What is the book about?: This book explores the character of Grand Moff Tarkin, who is most known for being the highest ranking Imperial Officer on the Death Star in Star Wars Episode IV.  His relatively brief time on screen has added to his mystique over the years, and this book finally gives fans the depth that many have wanted for decades.  The story picks up approximately five years after Star Wars Episode III.   Tarkin is overseeing the creation of the Death Star,  and it is facing all the realistic delays and setbacks of any major construction project…and then some.  As problems come up, the past is explored through flashbacks that give an understanding of who Tarkin is and from where he came.  These flashbacks are chock full of references to the prequel movies and the Clone Wars cartoon.

My review: Let me just start out by saying I loved this book, but it’s probably not for everyone.  I’d even go so far as to say it is not for every Star Wars fan.  The light saber battles and starship gunfights are largely (though not completely) absent.  In exchange, we explore how some of the relationships we see on screen later are forged. Perhaps the most fascinating part of the novel is the relationship between Tarkin and Darth Vader, which is explored in great detail. Tarkin and Darth Vader take on the roles of Jim Gordon and Batman, to some extent.  The Emperor continually forces them to work together, and though they never outright dislike each other, there is a level of mystery, distrust, and curiosity between them.  Their fascination with each other is as interesting as, and often more interesting than, their exploration of various Outer Rim systems.  It’s hard to write a recommendation for anything related to Star Wars, because fans come in so many different flavors.  One thing I can say is that this book is for dedicated Star Wars fans, and this book should not be the reader’s first introduction to the series.  This book assumes the reader is familiar with many of the main characters from Star Wars mythology and does little in the way of providing introductions.  Characters from the movies show up, and the reader is expected to know who they are.  While this may be off-putting to new readers, it comes off as inclusive to old fans.  In terms of the “feel” of the book, it definitely lends itself more to A New Hope than The Phantom Menace, which will likely please the audience this book seems so clearly aimed at.  I loved it.

Heads up: I picked up the audiobook, as well, and the production is top notch.  The voice acting and sound effects exceeded my expectations.

Rating: 4/5

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About FDL Reads

Welcome to FDL Reads, weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.  Librarians (and possibly some other guest reviewers) review all types of books, from children’s picture books, young adult favorites, to the latest adult thriller, and share their thoughts each week at fondulaclibrary.org. If the book is owned by Fondulac District Library (or another local library), you’ll see a direct link to the catalog entry and whether or not it is available.  If it is checked out or at another local library, you will be able to place a hold as long as you have your library card and PIN numbers. As with any book review, these are our opinions…we disagree amongst ourselves about books frequently.  We all have different likes and dislikes, which is what makes the world an interesting place. Please enjoy, and keep on reading!