Splinter of The Mind's Eye Review

Released in 1978 Splinter of The Mind's Eye is the very first expanded universe novel written by Alan Dean Foster who also wrote the novelization of the original '77 film. The story it set 2 years after the destruction of the Death Star and 1 year before the Battle of Hoth with Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia on their way to Circarpous IV to recruit underground rebels to their Rebel Alliance against the evil Galactic Empire. Engine failure and an unnatural planetary phenomenon crash-land Luke and Leia on the planet Mimban, a secret Imperial mining planet, where not only do they have to avoid capture and escape the planet but are also become enthralled in a search for The Kaiburr Crystal said to incredibly enhance one's power over The Force.

I loved this book, it was action packed and I have to say the most brutal Star Wars story I ever read in it's description of battles with Yuzzem ripping apart Stormtroopers, injuries after a Thermal Detonator explosion, and Lightsaber wounds. This story is unique being the only story that explores Luke and Leia emerging and confusing feelings for each other before they ever discover they are siblings, basically seeing the starting of their caring about each other and getting to know more about each other. My most favorite thing in the book is Foster's portrayal of Darth Vader, awesomely writing as the badass Dark Lord of The Sith who is both fearsome, deadly, and unforgiving, the Vader that definitely lives up to he's bold reputation referenced in the movies.     

I highly recommend this book to all Star Wars fans, not just for it being the first expanded universe story but also it's truly great story which was original written to be filmed as a TV movie if the original film didn't do well in theaters, the Star Wars 2 that could of been. The story didn't have Space battles or Han Solo and Chewbacca, but I think learning more about how the Empire operates, Luke and Leia's comradery, and the epic Lightsaber battle at the end more then make up for it. Also you've got to love the right out of the storyboards art by Ralph McQuarrie for the cover, makes me want to track down the first edition of the original film novelization Star Wars: From The Adventures of Luke Skywalker with he also did the cover for.