Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Day 557, Quasi-Quarantine: In Or Out Of Our Galaxy, "Last Shot" Offers The No-Stress Fun We Need Right Now


"Usually, blasters blazing felt like not only the right but also the singular option available. Lying never worked, not for long. And what were negotiations if not extended, overcomplicated lies?" 

Not having been introduced to the plethora of "Star Wars"-inspired books, I settled into "Last Shot: A Han And Lando Novel" with little to no expectations as a quintessential beach read. 

Daniel Jose Older nails the voice of the saga, and the novel is peppered with inside jokes and allusions to other Star Wars places, people, and events. The author leans hard into the Han Solo and Lando Calrissian stereotypes, with Han in particular channeling his inner Ron Swanson at every turn.

"He didn't like describing things, and he especially didn't like it when those things were feelings." 

The banter between the characters -- especially Han and Lando -- feels true, but the overall story is diminished with seemingly unnecessary complexity and jumps in sequence. 

However, if you're looking for a quick, lively read to tide you over until the next "Star Wars" offering from Disney, "Last Shot" will have you chuckling through hyperspace.

"It smelled like the armpits of a hundred dead banthas bathing in spoiled bantha milk. But worse."

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