Splinter of the Mind’s Eye is the first expanded universe novel in Star Wars history, and it happens to be written by Alan Dean Foster, who ghostwrote the novelization of A New Hope, the first Star Wars movie.
The novel takes place shortly after the events of A New Hope and follows Luke and Leia to the planet Mimban, where they end up tracking down a mystical crystal. Leia’s original intention is to rally support for the Rebel Alliance. Han Solo and Chewbacca do not appear in this novel. Some fans speculate that this time period is the same time that Han is on Ord Mantell (an event he mentions in The Empire Strikes Back).
Foster’s writing style obviously follows the template laid out in A New Hope, and the book feels like it was aimed at a much younger audience. Luke struggles with his feeling for Leia, which just proves that this book was written before George Lucas decided what he was doing with Luke and Leia’s relationship.
The biggest sticking point for readers in this novel is the fact that Luke dies, but a combination of Force power and the crystal revive him, something that will be echoed in The Courtship of Princess Leia. Luke actually fights Darth Vader in this novel, but in a twist the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi takes control of Luke and fights the Dark Lord of the Sith.
The book is enjoyable, and even more so after reading more of the storyline. It feels like a true Star Wars novel.
Re-readability: 8.7
Final Grade: B+
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