Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina

Star Wars: The Mandalorian Armor

This book offers a gritty dive into the criminal underworld of the Star Wars galaxy, centered around the mysterious and legendary Boba Fett. While the concept is compelling and the tone leans darker than most Expanded Universe novels, the execution felt uneven. The plot jumps around quite a bit, and the pacing often drags under layers of dense exposition. Fett is as ruthless and calculating as ever, but his character remains frustratingly distant. There are some exciting moments and cool lore connections, but overall, it didn't quite deliver the punch I was hoping for.

Star Wars: Slave Ship

K.W. Jeter

★★★☆☆

Star Wars: Slave Ship by K.W. Jeter just didn’t hold my attention the way I hoped it would. The premise had potential, but the pacing felt slow, and by the halfway point, I found myself losing interest. There were moments of intrigue, but overall, it lacked the momentum and excitement I expect from a Star Wars novel. Not a bad read, just not one that left a lasting impression.

Star Wars: Hard Merchandise

K.W. Jeter

★★★★☆

Although the Bounty Hunter Wars trilogy moved at a slower pace overall, Hard Merchandise delivered a strong and satisfying conclusion. K.W. Jeter wrapped up the threads with depth and precision, giving fans a rewarding payoff. The character arcs and final twists made the buildup worthwhile, and it felt like the series finally hit its stride. A solid ending to a gritty, under the radar Star Wars story.

Star Wars: The Truce at Bakura

Kathy Tyers

★★★★☆

The Truce at Bakura picks up right after the events of Return of the Jedi, and Kathy Tyers does a great job maintaining the momentum. The pacing is tight, the stakes feel real, and the character development, especially for Leia and Luke, adds emotional depth. One of my favorite touches was Anakin’s occasional appearances as a Force spirit, which added an unexpected layer of complexity and tension. While not a perfect entry, it’s a compelling and satisfying bridge between the films and the expanded universe.

Alphabet Squadron

Alexander Freed

★★★★☆

Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed is a thrilling addition to the Star Wars universe. I loved seeing familiar characters return, woven seamlessly into a new story full of heart, grit, and starfighter action. The balance of nostalgia with fresh perspectives made this a standout read, and while a few pacing lulls kept it from being a perfect five, it’s still an exciting and worthwhile journey for any Star Wars fan.

Title: Princess of Blood 

By: Sarah Hawley

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 512

Release Date: September 30th, 2025

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

 
Summary from Goodreads:

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Review:

What a disappointment. After loving the first book and giving it 5 stars, this sequel completely lost the spark. The rich world building and intrigue were replaced with scattered storytelling and an overbearing focus on dull politics. Honestly about 90% of the book. Kenna, who once carried the story, felt flat, and the promise of fascinating threads like her friend’s broken mind or the Blood House never delivered. Instead of pulling me deeper into the world, this installment left me bored and frustrated.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. 

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A Shadow in the Ember

A Shadow in the Ember by Jennifer L. Armentrout was a mixed experience for me. The first half easily earned 5 stars. I was fully immersed in the world, the tension, and the characters. But once the MC entered the Shadowlands, the momentum slowed drastically. The story shifted into endless rules and frustrations, which left me annoyed and struggling to finish. This seems to be a pattern I’ve noticed with this author’s writing: strong, captivating beginnings that lose steam midway through. Ultimately, while the setup was fantastic, the payoff didn’t land for me.

310/100 2025 Reading Challenge

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115/217 in my Star Wars Legends challenge

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19/20 2024 Goodreads Fantasy Nominees Reading Challenge

At the end of the day, these are just my musings, but sharing them here feels like lifting a little weight off my shoulders. Whether you’re nodding along, laughing, or shaking your head at my confessions, I’m glad you’re here with me. Until next Sunday, I’ll be collecting new stories, small truths, and maybe a few more confessions to spill.