I was one of those people who really enjoyed The Last Jedi, so of course I purchased the novelisation. Here I’ll be talking about my thoughts on the book, as well as the extra scenes and things that weren’t in the movie, so this post will contain spoilers.
The Last Jedi picks up straight from where Star Wars The Force Awakens left off. Rey has left to find Luke Skywalker, and The Resistance is on the run from The First Order. If you haven’t seen The Force Awakens, I would highly recommend watching the movie, or reading the book, before you attempt to read this novelisation. Without it, you may find the setting and characters confusing.
I already watched The Last Jedi before reading this book, so I knew the story, but the book is well written enough that you could probably still enjoy it without watching the movie. It covers what happens in the movie as well as plenty of extra content, and some great jokes. The new and original material blended together seamlessly, and many of the characters thoughts, feelings, and motivations were explained more in depth. It was a great way of gaining a new perspective on the story.
The opening scene was especially interesting, and tells a short dream sequence of what would have become of Luke had he not gone on his adventure. It was a great way of seeing how his life would have been more peaceful, but the empire would have won. There is also a scene between Rose and her sister as they say goodbye to each other for the last time.
Finn’s character in the book was also a lot more interesting than I expected. The book covers more of his conflict between running far away or joining The Resistance, which I didn’t think was as obvious in the movie. He is only with the Resistance because of Rey, and would have joined her hunt for Luke if he hadn’t been injured. At the beginning of the book he is still fully prepared to get her and run, but his way of thinking changes as the story progresses. He and Rose also have some great lines and jokes together which I especially enjoyed.
Finn considered that. “I know where the nearest escape pods are.”
“Of course you do,” Rose said.
Rose also seems more jealous about Finn’s relationship with Rey and is tired of hearing about her all the time.
Rey, Rey, Rey. Rose really wanted to stun him again.
We also learn more about Kylo Ren and his thoughts, feelings, and reasons for turning to the dark side.
A boy who always seemed alone, a churning storm in the force. And whose anger had begun to manifest in malfunctions and breakdowns and objects that fell of shelves and shattered with no one near.
You also get some insight into his relationship with his parents and why they chose to send him to Luke.
For a moment Kylo let himself recall his parent’s worried conversations behind closed doors, the one’s they’d deluded themselves into thinking he wouldn't know about. Conversations about the anger and resentment that had boiled over once again in their son. Conversation in which they talked about him like he wasn't their son, but some kind of monster.
Another interesting thing is how Snoke considers Kylo Ren to just be Ben Solo with a name change. Even though he manipulated him since he was a child by using his emotions against him, and trained him himself, he acknowledges that Ben Solo could never fully give himself over to darkness, and still has weak sentiments.
He called himself Kylo Ren, but as with so much else about him, that was more wish fulfillment than reality. He had never escaped being Ben Solo, or learned to resist the pull of the weak pathetic light, or had the strength to excise the sentimental streak that had destroyed his legendary grandfather.
Luke also thinks the same thing.
But Luke sensed that Kylo Ren was just a shell around the same broken boy he had tried so hard to reach.
To be honest I find Kylo Ren a much more interesting character this way. In the first move he seemed more like a weak Darth Vader knock off, but in this story he seems like a much more deep and original character.
Luke does seem more of an arse in the book, but you get more insight into his thinking. He does actually make the decision to leave the island and go back with Rey, until he catches them together in the hut, and then completely freaks out and decides to destroy the Jedi temple.
Rey is also quite interesting in the book. You get more insight into her loneliness, and suffering on Jakku. Rey’s disappointment with Luke is also a lot more obvious. There is also also some more explanation on how Rey has become so good at using the force despite having very little training. She got all her techniques from Kylo when she invaded his mind.
Somehow, almost instinctively, she knew how he accessed some of the powers at his command- even though she didn't understand them. It was as if his training had become hers, unlocking and flinging open door after door in her mind.
I knew some people were hoping for more romance between Rey and Kylo. Their interactions do come off a little more romantic compared to the move. Take for example these lines from the hut scene.
At the sight of him, she felt relief surge through her.
Luke Skywalker walking into the hut-- to find Rey and Kylo with their hands clasped, staring into each other’s eyes.
I’m sorry, but never in my life have I held hands with any of my male friends and stared into their eyes. But you could still interpret their interactions as friendship if you really wanted to. The book doesn’t mention Kylo’s thoughts during the hand holding scene, because it was considered as Episode IX material for some reason.
Hux’s motivation was also explained in more depth. You can see that he’s really gunning for the position of supreme leader. He’s willing to take out anyone who gets in his way, including his own father, Kylo, and Snoke.
Commander of the Supremacy would be an excellent title… surpassed only by that of Supreme Leader Hux.
Hux almost whispered those three words to himself, but caught himself in time.
The book also explains more about how The First Order works, and how they managed to rise to power as a band of Imperial Refugees. Palpatine also had plans to ensure The Empire’s rebirth in case it was destroyed.
I was wondering what they would do about the Ray and Poe introduction scene, which was in the Force Awakens novelization, but also happened in the second movie. The author managed to cover it with this.
As Leia and Chewbacca arrived, Poe looked up from talking with Rey,
Over all I really enjoyed this book and I think it was worth my money. I liked it a lot more than The Force Awakens novelization. I don’t normally read books more than once, but I would happily read this one again. I recommend this book for anyone who likes Star Wars or The Last Jedi.
The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition (Star Wars)
Stories M.C.Queen
Memories of a Soul in the Underworld
Story summary: Ethan is a soul in the Underworld with no memory of his life on Earth. He is bought and sold by various masters for centuries. Traveling from large industrial towns to scorching hot deserts. During his journey he picks up the skills, knowledge and magic to escape his enslavement. He runs with the intent of living a free life, but is pursued by agents until he’s cornered on a remote mountain range. With little time left, Ethan begins to recount his life and masters in the hope of leaving a record of his existence. These are his memories.
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