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Chapter 18

 

Very much a filler, this story comes alive when Luke is acting and drags when he's not.

 

I've pretty much stopped reading at the moment. I'm hoping that letting a bunch of chapters pile up and reading them at once will help get through the Luke mopes part.

 

I'm a bit conflicted at the moment with the story. Blank101's Empire's Son is my favorite Star Wars fanfiction. His characterization of a battered and subdued Luke, seen almost solely through the eyes of Han, is impeccable. In addition, I've yet to find any other story that does a manipulative and machination-riddled Palpatine as well as he does. At times, I think the pacing can be a tad on the slow side, but it's not a major concern I have with the story.

On the other hand, I think my biggest complaint with Empire's Son II is actually Luke's character. Seeing things through Luke's perspective is perhaps too angsty and brooding for me. I don't think his characterization has drastically changed from the first story, but the change in viewpoint has shifted the way I look at him. Being able to view the broken teenager that Luke was through Han's eyes and watching Han struggle to understand just how a person could become like Luke was a major strength of Empire's Son. Hopefully, we'll see some more growth and perhaps less introspection in the long run and this won't really be an issue.

Overall still have to say 5/5

 

Intro seems difficult to get through. Info dump about room which is supposed to impress upon the reader the differences in lifestyle, importance and power. It does this successfully but I did want to skip over it. Other than that this is enjoyable, thankyou.

 

This updated again here.

 

Update, chapter 20.

 

Man I just want the plot to get moving again. It seems like it's been years since anything happened.

 

I really think this spice subplot needs to die a very painful death. It's been stopping Luke from getting shit done for way too long.

 

Addiction ain't that easy.

 

That doesn't make it any more fun to read about.

 

Yeah it is certainly a realistic portrayal of addiction and it actually fits the story/character well but that sadly doesn´t make it any more fun to read about, at least for me. And the story seems so slow to progress, though I think that if you would read it all in one go it would be far better.

 

Any story where you read a chapter every few weeks will seem slow. Not to say that blink doesn't do a some beating around the bush. I do it myself.

 

Another update here. Things are starting to move and it looks like the spice plot might finally be wrapping up thank god. A few EU characters make their appearance as well.

 

So, it updated Chapter 22.
It seems like Luke is going to be redeemed, and turned to the light by his sister. Even though nothing truly interesting happened in the chapter, it does seem like something will happen eventually. I'm guessing Luke will complete his betrayal of Palpatine and the empire, and fully join the rebellion in the chapters to come.

 

Yeah, I'm in this really weird place where the redemption is exactly what I want going forward. Yet I can't help but dread its actual occurrence. Depending on how everything unravels the story could potentially lose what's special about it, not that I think Blank won't handle it well... but I don't know, who thought nonjon could make a noticeable dip in quality?

I definitely wanted to see Luke school Leia during a spar though, just to give him a way to shut her up. Man can that girl talk.

 

Chapter 23

Urgh!

 

The angst is becoming a little drawn out by chapter 23.

 

Of the sequel...