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Luke Skywalker expected trouble when he volunteered to follow Princess Leia on her mission to the planet Circarpous. But he discovered that hidden on the planet was the Kaiburr crystal, a mysterious gem that would give the one who possessed it such powers over the Force that he would be all but invincible. In the wrong hands, the crystal could be deadly. So Luke had to find this treasure and find it fast....
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1978
445 people are currently reading
4415 people want to read
About the author
Alan Dean Foster
499 books2,035 followersBestselling science fiction writer Alan Dean Foster was born in New York City in 1946, but raised mainly in California. He received a B.A. in Political Science from UCLA in 1968, and a M.F.A. in 1969. Foster lives in Arizona with his wife, but he enjoys traveling because it gives him opportunities to meet new people and explore new places and cultures. This interest is carried over to his writing, but with a twist: the new places encountered in his books are likely to be on another planet, and the people may belong to an alien race.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
Foster began his career as an author when a letter he sent to Arkham Collection was purchased by the editor and published in the magazine in 1968. His first novel, The Tar-Aiym Krang, introduced the Humanx Commonwealth, a galactic alliance between humans and an insectlike race called Thranx. Several other novels, including the Icerigger trilogy, are also set in the world of the Commonwealth. The Tar-Aiym Krang also marked the first appearance of Flinx, a young man with paranormal abilities, who reappears in other books, including Orphan Star, For Love of Mother-Not, and Flinx in Flux.
Foster has also written The Damned series and the Spellsinger series, which includes The Hour of the Gate, The Moment of the Magician, The Paths of the Perambulator, and Son of Spellsinger, among others. Other books include novelizations of science fiction movies and television shows such as Star Trek, The Black Hole, Starman, Star Wars, and the Alien movies. Splinter of the Mind's Eye, a bestselling novel based on the Star Wars movies, received the Galaxy Award in 1979. The book Cyber Way won the Southwest Book Award for Fiction in 1990. His novel Our Lady of the Machine won him the UPC Award (Spain) in 1993. He also won the Ignotus Award (Spain) in 1994 and the Stannik Award (Russia) in 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 819 reviews
November 17, 2009
This book is very basic, by-the-numbers sf--but with the added thrill of being written right after A New Hope came out. Thus, the entire story is about Luke and Leia's sexual tension. Sure you always intended them to be siblings, Lucas. Sure.
June 26, 2010
In 1976, a little paperback book called Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker appeared on the mass market. A little blurb notified the readers that it was soon to be a motion picture from its author, George Lucas. You probably know the cinematic story from there, but the literary world of Star Wars is often overlooked. To begin, Lucas did not pen that first novel; it was ghostwritten by noted science-fiction author Alan Dean Foster. No one knew whether the film would make any money, but Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher were already signed for a sequel. Lucas decided to work on an expensive script (that became The Empire Strikes Back), but Foster was brought in to write a sequel story that would be far cheaper to produce if need be. That was that genesis of Splinter of the Mind's Eye.
En route to a secret conference, Princess Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker crash land on the mysterious planet Mimban. Not much is known about the place, other than that it exists. In truth, the Empire has established a secret mining operation there, abusing the indigenous primitives. The two protagonists encounter the elderly (and potentially crazy) Halla, who agrees to help them escape the planet in exchange for their help in locating the rest of the mythological Kaiburr Crystal. Leia is not convinced it even exists, or that on such a foggy, swampy planet that they would ever find it among the ruins of a long-gone civilization. Once Luke lays his hand on the singular shard of it possessed by Halla, he knows it is not only real, but that it greatly enhances one's sensitivity to the Force. Were it to fall into the hands of Force-sensitive Darth Vader, it would be catastrophic. And so begins their quest.
As a novel, Splinter is fast-paced and full of tension and atmosphere. This was the first non-canonical Star Wars story, so what makes it refreshing is that it is not full of self-aware references to things mentioned in the movies or other non-canonical works. (Foster even describes one creature's sound as being "like a hog in heat." Subsequent writers would scarcely use such a non-Star Wars frame of reference.)
Unfortunately, he who lives by the sword also dies by the sword and what makes Splinter disappointing is its detachment from Star Wars. Taken exclusively in relationship to the 1976 novel and 1977 film, most of the inconsistencies are easy to accept. There is, for instance, no reason to be found in that tale (later re-titled Star Wars: A New Hope) that would prevent the presence of sexual tension between Luke and Leia. What taints the story, though, is the climax. Darth Vader simply bears no resemblance to his previously established self. Even if we overlook the description of his lightsaber as blue instead of red as irrelevant, try not to notice the absence of any reference to his scuba-inspired breathing sounds and try not to hear James Earl Jones's voice speaking his lines, this is simply not the same character. Neither in prose nor on screen is the Dark Lord so wordy, sounding here more like a guy with a large mustache whose plan involves tying up the princess and leaving her on the train tracks.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye includes several scenes that today call to mind not only the subsequent film sequels in the series, but the Indiana Jones series as well. In fact, an alternate title of this novel could well be Luke Skywalker and the Kaiburr Crystal. The relationship between he and Leia bears a striking resemblance to that of Indiana Jones and Willie Scott in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and their trek across Mimban feels more like an Indy adventure than a Star Wars tale. Still, it's fun, it's fast-paced and not self-conscious meaning this is one of the few Star Wars books I would actually endorse.
En route to a secret conference, Princess Leia Organa and Luke Skywalker crash land on the mysterious planet Mimban. Not much is known about the place, other than that it exists. In truth, the Empire has established a secret mining operation there, abusing the indigenous primitives. The two protagonists encounter the elderly (and potentially crazy) Halla, who agrees to help them escape the planet in exchange for their help in locating the rest of the mythological Kaiburr Crystal. Leia is not convinced it even exists, or that on such a foggy, swampy planet that they would ever find it among the ruins of a long-gone civilization. Once Luke lays his hand on the singular shard of it possessed by Halla, he knows it is not only real, but that it greatly enhances one's sensitivity to the Force. Were it to fall into the hands of Force-sensitive Darth Vader, it would be catastrophic. And so begins their quest.
As a novel, Splinter is fast-paced and full of tension and atmosphere. This was the first non-canonical Star Wars story, so what makes it refreshing is that it is not full of self-aware references to things mentioned in the movies or other non-canonical works. (Foster even describes one creature's sound as being "like a hog in heat." Subsequent writers would scarcely use such a non-Star Wars frame of reference.)
Unfortunately, he who lives by the sword also dies by the sword and what makes Splinter disappointing is its detachment from Star Wars. Taken exclusively in relationship to the 1976 novel and 1977 film, most of the inconsistencies are easy to accept. There is, for instance, no reason to be found in that tale (later re-titled Star Wars: A New Hope) that would prevent the presence of sexual tension between Luke and Leia. What taints the story, though, is the climax. Darth Vader simply bears no resemblance to his previously established self. Even if we overlook the description of his lightsaber as blue instead of red as irrelevant, try not to notice the absence of any reference to his scuba-inspired breathing sounds and try not to hear James Earl Jones's voice speaking his lines, this is simply not the same character. Neither in prose nor on screen is the Dark Lord so wordy, sounding here more like a guy with a large mustache whose plan involves tying up the princess and leaving her on the train tracks.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye includes several scenes that today call to mind not only the subsequent film sequels in the series, but the Indiana Jones series as well. In fact, an alternate title of this novel could well be Luke Skywalker and the Kaiburr Crystal. The relationship between he and Leia bears a striking resemblance to that of Indiana Jones and Willie Scott in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and their trek across Mimban feels more like an Indy adventure than a Star Wars tale. Still, it's fun, it's fast-paced and not self-conscious meaning this is one of the few Star Wars books I would actually endorse.
February 26, 2020
4.5 Stars for Splinter of the Mind’s Eye by Alan Dean Foster. It’s fun to go back and read one of the original Star Wars books again. I read one of the new Disney Star Wars books recently and it just didn’t work for me. Foster wrote the first two novels and I will always appreciate his writing. He set the standard for how the Star Wars story should be told.
October 30, 2025
Years ago, I read this novel---"Splinter of the Mind's Eye" (the title alone is pretty kick-ass)---by Alan Dean Foster, which I think was one of the first Star Wars novels published that wasn't a novelization of one of the Lucas films.
I recall very little of the plot, but I remember enjoying it.
Legendary artist Ralph McQuarrie provided the cover art for the original mass market paperback edition
I'm pretty sure, though, that Foster's novel doesn't quite follow the continuity of the other Expanded Universe novels, which is why it kind of exists in a literary limbo of "alternate universe "Star Wars" novels. It may actually be the ONLY one in that category.* Regardless, it's a must-have for any Star Wars fan.
*5/4/2025 addendum: Of course, everything pre-"Episode VII: The Force Awakens" now exists in an alternative universe, per the "new canon" that was created by the Lucasfilm/ Disney merger in 2012.
I recall very little of the plot, but I remember enjoying it.
Legendary artist Ralph McQuarrie provided the cover art for the original mass market paperback edition
I'm pretty sure, though, that Foster's novel doesn't quite follow the continuity of the other Expanded Universe novels, which is why it kind of exists in a literary limbo of "alternate universe "Star Wars" novels. It may actually be the ONLY one in that category.* Regardless, it's a must-have for any Star Wars fan.
*5/4/2025 addendum: Of course, everything pre-"Episode VII: The Force Awakens" now exists in an alternative universe, per the "new canon" that was created by the Lucasfilm/ Disney merger in 2012.
November 28, 2017
OK, I admit it: I read this.
I was young and foolish and more than a little drunk on blue milk and whatever that squeaky little guy ordered in the cantina. Plus, I had a lightsaber (a white plastic tube from a golf bag that I MacGyver'd into an ersatz Star Wars toy) and not enough plot to fill out my own pubescent Expanded Universe, so I was a-Jonesin' for plot hooks and adventure ideas. Episode V was years away! YEARS, people! Heck, in my house, we were so desperate for more Star Wars we had... THIS:
Yeah, man. Let that wash over you for a minute. That album happened, and we all let it happen. It was the 70s. All manner of crimes against humanity were committed. The Empire slaughtering jawas is nothin' compared to the depravities that were unleashed. You think partying ewoks at the end of episode VI is cheesy? We didn't just own that album; we DANCED to it. As a family.
In case you didn't know, it wasn't Imperial Stormtroopers that killed Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. It was that album.
My point is that you can't put that kind of pressure on a thirteen-year-old. He's gonna turn to the Dark Side. Just the cover of the book... with that black silhouette standing there. It's too much for a young jedi to bear.
(An Even More Candid Moment: I always wanted to be Darth Vader, not Luke or Han. My family has photographic evidence to prove it. I wanted to be Vader until ep1 came out.... But we'll leave it at that.)
In this case, the Dark Side was controlled by Emperor A'landean, and he was a cruel master. He subjected his young apprentice to many pages of illogical plot coincidences and inhuman dialogue. Plus, the whole thing was just meandering. That's not entirely Lord A'landean's fault, though. Nobody really knew where anything was going. I'm personally convinced that the "master plan" that everyone talked about that Lucas supposedly had for the series was a bunch of flim-flam. Oh, I'm sure he had some vague notions and general ideas, but the impression everyone was given was that the films existed, fully formed in his head like Aphrodite waiting to jump out of Zeus' noggin? Nonsense. So, when Foster picked up this particular nugget and ran with it, he was pretty much on his own. If anyone thinks I'm off on that, go ahead and explain the Star Wars Holiday Special, which came out ten months after this book in 1978. They just didn't have a handle on what they were doing back then.
You could pretty well just read the blurb for this book and get the book in its entirety, so I'll not relate a lot of detail here. I did like that the book introduced what would probably later be called a "Force Sensitive" character who was not part of either the Jedi or Sith "establishments" but still able to manipulate Force powers. There are other tidbits of things that could have showed up in the canon or EU and not been out of place.
Overall, though, I can't recommend it to anyone other than someone really trying to round out their Star Wars history. But I can't bring myself to give it a single star either. It's not the most horrible concept ever, and though it was clearly written to cash in on the hype, the same could be said of episodes 1-3, so if that's the kind of thing one has a problem with then one really isn't a Star Wars fan. It's a goofy, endless elaboration of the universe, and that is part of its appeal. The Star Wars universe is, ultimately, an inclusive one. Some of that content is... not as good as other parts. But that's what it is to be an aficionado. You have to embrace the "What the...?" with the wonder.
I was young and foolish and more than a little drunk on blue milk and whatever that squeaky little guy ordered in the cantina. Plus, I had a lightsaber (a white plastic tube from a golf bag that I MacGyver'd into an ersatz Star Wars toy) and not enough plot to fill out my own pubescent Expanded Universe, so I was a-Jonesin' for plot hooks and adventure ideas. Episode V was years away! YEARS, people! Heck, in my house, we were so desperate for more Star Wars we had... THIS:
Yeah, man. Let that wash over you for a minute. That album happened, and we all let it happen. It was the 70s. All manner of crimes against humanity were committed. The Empire slaughtering jawas is nothin' compared to the depravities that were unleashed. You think partying ewoks at the end of episode VI is cheesy? We didn't just own that album; we DANCED to it. As a family.
In case you didn't know, it wasn't Imperial Stormtroopers that killed Uncle Owen and Aunt Beru. It was that album.
My point is that you can't put that kind of pressure on a thirteen-year-old. He's gonna turn to the Dark Side. Just the cover of the book... with that black silhouette standing there. It's too much for a young jedi to bear.
(An Even More Candid Moment: I always wanted to be Darth Vader, not Luke or Han. My family has photographic evidence to prove it. I wanted to be Vader until ep1 came out.... But we'll leave it at that.)
In this case, the Dark Side was controlled by Emperor A'landean, and he was a cruel master. He subjected his young apprentice to many pages of illogical plot coincidences and inhuman dialogue. Plus, the whole thing was just meandering. That's not entirely Lord A'landean's fault, though. Nobody really knew where anything was going. I'm personally convinced that the "master plan" that everyone talked about that Lucas supposedly had for the series was a bunch of flim-flam. Oh, I'm sure he had some vague notions and general ideas, but the impression everyone was given was that the films existed, fully formed in his head like Aphrodite waiting to jump out of Zeus' noggin? Nonsense. So, when Foster picked up this particular nugget and ran with it, he was pretty much on his own. If anyone thinks I'm off on that, go ahead and explain the Star Wars Holiday Special, which came out ten months after this book in 1978. They just didn't have a handle on what they were doing back then.
You could pretty well just read the blurb for this book and get the book in its entirety, so I'll not relate a lot of detail here. I did like that the book introduced what would probably later be called a "Force Sensitive" character who was not part of either the Jedi or Sith "establishments" but still able to manipulate Force powers. There are other tidbits of things that could have showed up in the canon or EU and not been out of place.
Overall, though, I can't recommend it to anyone other than someone really trying to round out their Star Wars history. But I can't bring myself to give it a single star either. It's not the most horrible concept ever, and though it was clearly written to cash in on the hype, the same could be said of episodes 1-3, so if that's the kind of thing one has a problem with then one really isn't a Star Wars fan. It's a goofy, endless elaboration of the universe, and that is part of its appeal. The Star Wars universe is, ultimately, an inclusive one. Some of that content is... not as good as other parts. But that's what it is to be an aficionado. You have to embrace the "What the...?" with the wonder.
June 17, 2025
I e been wanting to read this ever since I first saw Stars Wars way back in the day but have never had a chance until now. It holds up as a great sequel to the first film. It has all the excitement and wonder of the film although it’s a bit more bloody and violent.
October 26, 2011
In some ways I feel a little bit like poor Alan Dean Foster got shafted here. The idea behind this book was to write a sequel to Star Wars that could be turned into a movie on a low budget and presuming that Harrison Ford wouldn't return as Han Solo. When in hindsight we look at how the Star Wars saga turned out, with Empire Strikes Back being not just the high point of the series, but of sci-fi/fantasy movies in general, this "what-if" looks tragically unambitious and rather stupid. It's clear that Lucas kept potential plot developments to himself since, beyond the inclusion of a swamp planet and a climactic face off between Luke and Darth Vader (inevitable, anyway) there's no thematic resemblance between the two. Foster had a tough remit, to follow up a brilliant, ambitious movie with something necessarily simple and scaled back. The very opposite of what Empire Strikes Back turned out to be.
Yet, much of the failure of this book is Alan Dean Foster's fault too. It *could* still have been unambitious in setting and scale but intriguing from a character point of view. Sadly, the final product couldn't have been less intriguing or done a worse job of sucking me into the Star Wars universe if it had tried (that is, one compatible with "A New Hope"). The main problem is the fact that it's nothing more or less than an Edgar Rice Burroughs pastiche. ERB is not the most talented writer ever to bless bookshelves but he writes fun pulp novels full of action, action, action. ADF tries the same thing, thinking that the success of Star Wars was the action, action, action and the result is certainly a book full of action, action, action. Luke and Leia crash land on a planet, Luke and Leia get in a fight, get captured, escape, hunt for a legendary crystal fight monsters, fight more monsters, fight more monsters, fight Darth Vader. Anything other than running and fighting has been excised as "not what audiences would want" and unfortunately that's a big mistake. People love the action in Star Wars, but even more than that they love the characters, the atmosphere and the visual imagination.
Characterisation here is reduced largely to moments of banter between Luke and Leia whilst pausing for breath. There's also a fair amount of Luke lusting after Leia sexually (out of SW continuity that's perfectly logical, though strangely one-sided in the novel. Leia never seems to reciprocate)and at certain points Leia recalls her experiences being tortured aboard the Death Star and turns to quivering jelly. Beyond that, like in all good pulp novels, the author allows the reader to project his own wishes and desires onto the character's which are just little more than heroic ciphers, there's no experiencing and growing up here, no tough choices or depth of feeling. There's simply fighting monsters.
To be fair, it's mostly competent enough. The book is short and sharp and doesn't threaten to outstay its welcome and there's fun to be had in a slicin', dicin' kind of way. It's also fun being in the company of Luke and Leia and Darth Vader because you can play the Star Wars theme in your head while you're reading, and ponder the fact that Carrie Fisher was pretty sexy in the first movie before she became a bit rubbish later on. Read this knowing exactly what you're going to get and it's a reasonably diverting afternoon's entertainment; though in all honesty you'd be better off going back to a pulp master rather than bothering with this since ADF's writing is rarely evocative or imagination-inducing. It does the job.
Sadly though the thing I liked most about this book is the title. I find "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" to be a nicely poetic phrase. Trust me, there's no more poetry inside the covers.
Yet, much of the failure of this book is Alan Dean Foster's fault too. It *could* still have been unambitious in setting and scale but intriguing from a character point of view. Sadly, the final product couldn't have been less intriguing or done a worse job of sucking me into the Star Wars universe if it had tried (that is, one compatible with "A New Hope"). The main problem is the fact that it's nothing more or less than an Edgar Rice Burroughs pastiche. ERB is not the most talented writer ever to bless bookshelves but he writes fun pulp novels full of action, action, action. ADF tries the same thing, thinking that the success of Star Wars was the action, action, action and the result is certainly a book full of action, action, action. Luke and Leia crash land on a planet, Luke and Leia get in a fight, get captured, escape, hunt for a legendary crystal fight monsters, fight more monsters, fight more monsters, fight Darth Vader. Anything other than running and fighting has been excised as "not what audiences would want" and unfortunately that's a big mistake. People love the action in Star Wars, but even more than that they love the characters, the atmosphere and the visual imagination.
Characterisation here is reduced largely to moments of banter between Luke and Leia whilst pausing for breath. There's also a fair amount of Luke lusting after Leia sexually (out of SW continuity that's perfectly logical, though strangely one-sided in the novel. Leia never seems to reciprocate)and at certain points Leia recalls her experiences being tortured aboard the Death Star and turns to quivering jelly. Beyond that, like in all good pulp novels, the author allows the reader to project his own wishes and desires onto the character's which are just little more than heroic ciphers, there's no experiencing and growing up here, no tough choices or depth of feeling. There's simply fighting monsters.
To be fair, it's mostly competent enough. The book is short and sharp and doesn't threaten to outstay its welcome and there's fun to be had in a slicin', dicin' kind of way. It's also fun being in the company of Luke and Leia and Darth Vader because you can play the Star Wars theme in your head while you're reading, and ponder the fact that Carrie Fisher was pretty sexy in the first movie before she became a bit rubbish later on. Read this knowing exactly what you're going to get and it's a reasonably diverting afternoon's entertainment; though in all honesty you'd be better off going back to a pulp master rather than bothering with this since ADF's writing is rarely evocative or imagination-inducing. It does the job.
Sadly though the thing I liked most about this book is the title. I find "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" to be a nicely poetic phrase. Trust me, there's no more poetry inside the covers.
May 29, 2020
9-year old me thought this was awesome.
9-year old me was pretty naive.
9-year old me was pretty naive.
May 12, 2009
In it's day, this book would have gotten a higher rating from me--I was a big Alan Dean Foster fan. However, since it was published prior to the release of The Empire Strikes Back, it does suffer plot- and characer-wise now. But if you're a fan, it's worth a read for old time's sake.
Although I must say that even back then, it made NO sense that Luke (from a desert planet) would know how to swim while Leia would not. That still baffles me.
Although I must say that even back then, it made NO sense that Luke (from a desert planet) would know how to swim while Leia would not. That still baffles me.
February 21, 2023
The first EU book. It was definitely an interesting read. A look at what the sequel for Star Wars would've been if it hadn't been such a huge success. Does this story even get mentioned in the later EU? I don't think so. I feel like Leia dueling Vader alone and doing pretty well would be mentioned often.
It was just Luke and Leia on Mimban trying to get into contact with an underground resistance against the Empire. And it was neat to see the start of the terms that would be used regularly in Star Wars going forward. But a lot of it was so vastly different that it was jarring to read.
Darth Vader also talked much different then what we're used to seeing. Pretty similar to the audio drama for the original films, actually. It wasn't bad, just different.
It was just Luke and Leia on Mimban trying to get into contact with an underground resistance against the Empire. And it was neat to see the start of the terms that would be used regularly in Star Wars going forward. But a lot of it was so vastly different that it was jarring to read.
Darth Vader also talked much different then what we're used to seeing. Pretty similar to the audio drama for the original films, actually. It wasn't bad, just different.
October 23, 2014
I don't know what the story is behind this book. I read it well before the second Star Wars movie was released, thinking it would be it. But it wasn't. In fact, it's not part of the Star Wars story that I know of. That alone makes it kind of interesting.
Foster had to write this book as part of his contract for the novelization of Star Wars. Originally, this was supposed to be the basis for a low budget sequel, but then Star Wars hit it big & it was decided there would be a big budget sequel & this book got scrapped - or so I read somewhere.
I don't think it followed some of the story line that emerged later, either. I don't think Darth Vader was related to Luke in here, at least he didn't recognize Luke. Also, Vader says it was Luke who shot his ship on the last run at the Death Star when everyone knows it was Solo in the Millennium Falcon who came up behind while Vader was trying to get a shot at Luke. Major goof.
Other than that, it was an OK book. It's about Luke & Leia at a mine site. I don't want to say more & ruin the story, but it was suspenseful & interesting. If you're a Star Wars buff, you should probably read it, if you can find a copy.
Foster had to write this book as part of his contract for the novelization of Star Wars. Originally, this was supposed to be the basis for a low budget sequel, but then Star Wars hit it big & it was decided there would be a big budget sequel & this book got scrapped - or so I read somewhere.
I don't think it followed some of the story line that emerged later, either. I don't think Darth Vader was related to Luke in here, at least he didn't recognize Luke. Also, Vader says it was Luke who shot his ship on the last run at the Death Star when everyone knows it was Solo in the Millennium Falcon who came up behind while Vader was trying to get a shot at Luke. Major goof.
Other than that, it was an OK book. It's about Luke & Leia at a mine site. I don't want to say more & ruin the story, but it was suspenseful & interesting. If you're a Star Wars buff, you should probably read it, if you can find a copy.
December 26, 2009
I read this when it came out. it was riding the "wave" of the early Star wars mania. I remember it being a mildly interesting science fantasy read. the funny part is that for me the memory that stands out is a scene in the book where Luke is fighting and throwing things around with the force...which it was established later would put him firmly on the dark side of "THE FORCE". Got to be careful when you write those early novels. It was like a James Blish Star trek novel written back in the early days where he had the Enterprise traveling at "near light speed" instead of using the "warp" idea and the crew was dealing with time distortion and taking years to travel....oops.
January 31, 2025
Sadly, such a mediocre book. I understand what Alan Dean Foster was tasked with, and I think he accomplished that task ok, but man, it is a very unsatisfying book.
To start with, the book is very small scale. With the exception of the opening chapter, the entire book takes place on the swampy planet Mimban. (the opening chapter is in ships above Mimban). As such, the book just feels so small. Even the end of the book the characters of Luke and Leia don't even reach their main goal.
The book also feels like it is not really adding much of value to the story of Luke and Leia. They have a few fun moments, and their battle at the end of the book with Vader is interesting, but Luke doesn't particularly grow in the force in this book, and Leia doesn't really go on any character journey.
The worldbuilding here is decent, and the mythology and mystery around the Kaiburr Crystal is interesting, but still nowhere on the level of other excellent Star Wars books.
The plot was generally competent, and the showdown with Vader is pretty fun to read (except that Vader is literally only in the last 2 chapters of the book). However, I felt that the ending was unsatisfying because the main goal of arriving on Circarpous doesn't even get achieved, and that's like the main point of the book.
I did like the Yuzzem characters, as well as the Imperial Grammel.
Overall, an unsatisfactory book that is basically competent overall and at least accomplished what Lucas wanted, a low budget sequel to Star Wars. But thank goodness that Star Wars (a New Hope) was a success and he could afford Empire Strikes Back, which is a much better story. Overall, this just gets a 5.5 out of 10.
To start with, the book is very small scale. With the exception of the opening chapter, the entire book takes place on the swampy planet Mimban. (the opening chapter is in ships above Mimban). As such, the book just feels so small. Even the end of the book the characters of Luke and Leia don't even reach their main goal.
The book also feels like it is not really adding much of value to the story of Luke and Leia. They have a few fun moments, and their battle at the end of the book with Vader is interesting, but Luke doesn't particularly grow in the force in this book, and Leia doesn't really go on any character journey.
The worldbuilding here is decent, and the mythology and mystery around the Kaiburr Crystal is interesting, but still nowhere on the level of other excellent Star Wars books.
The plot was generally competent, and the showdown with Vader is pretty fun to read (except that Vader is literally only in the last 2 chapters of the book). However, I felt that the ending was unsatisfying because the main goal of arriving on Circarpous doesn't even get achieved, and that's like the main point of the book.
I did like the Yuzzem characters, as well as the Imperial Grammel.
Overall, an unsatisfactory book that is basically competent overall and at least accomplished what Lucas wanted, a low budget sequel to Star Wars. But thank goodness that Star Wars (a New Hope) was a success and he could afford Empire Strikes Back, which is a much better story. Overall, this just gets a 5.5 out of 10.
April 19, 2023
To the best memory serves, this is the first true novel I ever read, at least by choice. I remember loving it, of course I read it shortly after seeing The Empire Strikes Back, a movie that helped shape me into the nerd I am today.
Recently, I found it at my local library and decided “why not”.
I’m not sure why I loved it so much way back when, but I’m still grateful I read it such a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. It turned me onto reading, a hobby I never left.
I could get into why this novel no longer makes much sense in the world of The Wars, but others have done so much better than I. If you have never read it, you should. It’s from a golden time where Canon didn’t matter. We didn’t know so much, but we imagined much.
Recently, I found it at my local library and decided “why not”.
I’m not sure why I loved it so much way back when, but I’m still grateful I read it such a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. It turned me onto reading, a hobby I never left.
I could get into why this novel no longer makes much sense in the world of The Wars, but others have done so much better than I. If you have never read it, you should. It’s from a golden time where Canon didn’t matter. We didn’t know so much, but we imagined much.
May 3, 2017
Having known of the existence of this novel since my early childhood, I finally got around to purchasing a copy and reading it. Let me start out by saying that this is a fairly entertaining story and a really quick read. The plot moves fast and has a fairly interesting sequence of events. Where this book really shines though is in the different direction that it takes our heroes from that of the film series.
This novel was written after Star Wars: A New Hope was in production, but before anyone knew if there was going to be a sequel or not. Alan Dean Foster had been conscripted to write the novelization of the first film and Lucas signed him on to write a sequel novel at the same time. Obviously, we all know that The Empire Strikes back went in an entirely different direction that what we see in this sequel novel and it is interesting to me to see how the original direction of the series was imagined and a few things that actually were taken from this novel that make appearances in Empire.
A great read for any fan of the Star Wars franchise.
This novel was written after Star Wars: A New Hope was in production, but before anyone knew if there was going to be a sequel or not. Alan Dean Foster had been conscripted to write the novelization of the first film and Lucas signed him on to write a sequel novel at the same time. Obviously, we all know that The Empire Strikes back went in an entirely different direction that what we see in this sequel novel and it is interesting to me to see how the original direction of the series was imagined and a few things that actually were taken from this novel that make appearances in Empire.
A great read for any fan of the Star Wars franchise.
November 19, 2020
Fourth grade? Can it really have been that long ago? I remember it was quite the sensation when it showed up in the paperback rack at the grocery store: MORE STAR WARS, and the cover looked so official, as if it might very well be the sequel itself, the second Star Wars movie we were all so eagerly awaiting. And that's how I read it, too, with all the vivid visualization my mind could provide -- easy, as I recall, thanks to the words of Alan Dean Foster.
I came here to give it five stars because I just read today (Nov. 18, 2020) that Disney hasn't paid Foster the royalties he's due on all his Star Wars novelizations and spinoffs, which are still in print. That's bad business on the part of the Empire. The news about his legal struggle to get them to pay up reminded me of "Splinter" and how much joy it brought me as a kid. Pay up, Mickey!
I came here to give it five stars because I just read today (Nov. 18, 2020) that Disney hasn't paid Foster the royalties he's due on all his Star Wars novelizations and spinoffs, which are still in print. That's bad business on the part of the Empire. The news about his legal struggle to get them to pay up reminded me of "Splinter" and how much joy it brought me as a kid. Pay up, Mickey!
March 22, 2023
Received a copy of this from a book fair sale at a town festival.
It was an easy read, appropriate for all ages of Star Wars fans. Although I do not count myself in with the 'all-knowing-all-things-SW" crowd, the story did seem to be loyal to the genre and characters of Star Wars lore. THis was an engaging and well written story.
It was an easy read, appropriate for all ages of Star Wars fans. Although I do not count myself in with the 'all-knowing-all-things-SW" crowd, the story did seem to be loyal to the genre and characters of Star Wars lore. THis was an engaging and well written story.
November 21, 2023
An interesting slice of Star Wars history, written after the first movie came out. It's awkward in some respects (Luke's unbrotherly feelings for Leia), but a lot of fun overall, with an episodic Saturday Morning Pictures feel and loads of action. I owned this as a kid and never read it, 40 years later I can't figure out why.
August 5, 2015
Literally the worst book I've read all year. Like, by a long shot. And definitely the worst Star Wars book I've ever read. Though, to be fair I haven't read a Star Wars book in quite some time... so perhaps the quality was always a bit... off? But somehow I doubt it. This was just... just awful. So, so, SO fucking awful.
I suppose, to be fair this was written as a sort of ~fan-fiction~ less than a year between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back--so the author didn't have much to go on character/grander plot wise. But dear Sith Lord, did he ever fuck it up. Like, how did this even get authorized?
Luke's "characterization" was just... just... no. Inconsistent. Awful. Counter-intuitive. And, of course, way the fuck out of character. My favourite Luke fuck up was his conflicting ~knowledge~ of alien beings--which given he's a farm-boy from Tatooine, would be as this passage states...almost nil.
"Once he saw something that looked like a four-meter-long pale snake slither off into the underbrush at his approach. As he strode cautiously over the path it had taken, he saw that had left a grooved track lined with luminous mucus in the soft earth. But Luke wasn't impressed. He had spent little time in zoological study. Even on Tatooine, which harbored its own protoplasmic freaks, such things hadn't interested him much. If a critter didn't try to eat you, claw you or otherwise ingest you, there were other things to absorb one's interest." p. 21
Followed later by Professor Luke making friends with the Yuzzem (a Wookie-like creature who talks in growls and grunts).....
"'Why it didn't tear your head off. You...' she gazed at Luke admiringly, 'you talked to it!'
'Yes,' Luke admitted modestly. "I used to study a lot about certain worlds back on my uncle's farm on Tatooine. It was my only escape, and educational as well. This,' and he indicated the creature resting a massive long arm on his head in a friendly fashion, 'is a Yuzzem.'" p.118
And then there was Leia. Oh...poor Leia. YOU DID NOT DESERVE THIS.
The beginning was promising for Leia. She could land a crashing Y-Wing and get herself out. Then the oh-so-70s casual violence against women reared it's ugly head--either she was being hysterical and needed a push/smack or Luke hit her "for show". Though she did kick Luke into the mud after the first incident so that was awesome.
And when Leia wasn't having torture chamber flashbacks and/or fainting, she would occasionally become super badass. Like when she shot and hit Vader, and later had a lightsaber duel with him. Never mind that's totally illogical considering he's a Sith Lord (who has likes to conveniently forget how to Force choke or Force fling, or Force DO ANYTHING 90% of the time), I was still pleased to see it after all of Leia's poor characterization. But yet, (in reference to asking Luke to kill her and then himself before letting Vader get to either of them)there were gems like these--and I fucking quote: "'Swear it!' she demanded, her voice that of a steel kitten." p. go-fuck-yourself-Alan-Dean-Foster
All in all probably my favourite thing in the entire book was laughing at the poorly wrought (and fated) sexual tension between her and Luke. Ahhhhhhh so funny and gross. And funny.
Oh, and P.S. Vader's fucking lightsaber is red. Not blue. It's fucking red.
I suppose, to be fair this was written as a sort of ~fan-fiction~ less than a year between A New Hope and Empire Strikes Back--so the author didn't have much to go on character/grander plot wise. But dear Sith Lord, did he ever fuck it up. Like, how did this even get authorized?
Luke's "characterization" was just... just... no. Inconsistent. Awful. Counter-intuitive. And, of course, way the fuck out of character. My favourite Luke fuck up was his conflicting ~knowledge~ of alien beings--which given he's a farm-boy from Tatooine, would be as this passage states...almost nil.
"Once he saw something that looked like a four-meter-long pale snake slither off into the underbrush at his approach. As he strode cautiously over the path it had taken, he saw that had left a grooved track lined with luminous mucus in the soft earth. But Luke wasn't impressed. He had spent little time in zoological study. Even on Tatooine, which harbored its own protoplasmic freaks, such things hadn't interested him much. If a critter didn't try to eat you, claw you or otherwise ingest you, there were other things to absorb one's interest." p. 21
Followed later by Professor Luke making friends with the Yuzzem (a Wookie-like creature who talks in growls and grunts).....
"'Why it didn't tear your head off. You...' she gazed at Luke admiringly, 'you talked to it!'
'Yes,' Luke admitted modestly. "I used to study a lot about certain worlds back on my uncle's farm on Tatooine. It was my only escape, and educational as well. This,' and he indicated the creature resting a massive long arm on his head in a friendly fashion, 'is a Yuzzem.'" p.118
And then there was Leia. Oh...poor Leia. YOU DID NOT DESERVE THIS.
The beginning was promising for Leia. She could land a crashing Y-Wing and get herself out. Then the oh-so-70s casual violence against women reared it's ugly head--either she was being hysterical and needed a push/smack or Luke hit her "for show". Though she did kick Luke into the mud after the first incident so that was awesome.
And when Leia wasn't having torture chamber flashbacks and/or fainting, she would occasionally become super badass. Like when she shot and hit Vader, and later had a lightsaber duel with him. Never mind that's totally illogical considering he's a Sith Lord (who has likes to conveniently forget how to Force choke or Force fling, or Force DO ANYTHING 90% of the time), I was still pleased to see it after all of Leia's poor characterization. But yet, (in reference to asking Luke to kill her and then himself before letting Vader get to either of them)there were gems like these--and I fucking quote: "'Swear it!' she demanded, her voice that of a steel kitten." p. go-fuck-yourself-Alan-Dean-Foster
All in all probably my favourite thing in the entire book was laughing at the poorly wrought (and fated) sexual tension between her and Luke. Ahhhhhhh so funny and gross. And funny.
Oh, and P.S. Vader's fucking lightsaber is red. Not blue. It's fucking red.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2021
This is fast and slick space-opera adventure that happened to star characters who had been introduced in a popular film that premiered the previous year. It's now become important to consider the novel in historical context. There were no DVD's, no VHS copies of the film available, and it was the first book other than Foster's novelization of the first teleplay. No one knew that the franchise would continue for very long, that there would be literally hundreds of future volumes and films and television series and a never-ending cascade of toys and games and comics and costumes and conventions and that Lucas's little fable would become a literal way of life for thousands of future fans for decades to come. It was just a fun story at the time, and it was cool to see the gang back in action one more time. No one suspected that the film would be re-edited and enhanced and there would be all kinds of ret-con action... It's just a fun, well-written sf story... we didn't ask for anything more.
July 18, 2025
(2.0-3.0)
Imagine if 1977’s “Star Wars” wasn’t a massive phenomenon like it was but did well enough to get a low budget sequel. “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye” by Alan Dean Foster, the author of the first movie’s novelization, would have been the sequel’s basis. But as Star Wars was a success and George Lucas went forward with “The Empire Strikes Back”, Splinter of the Mind’s Eye instead became a sequel novel set between the two movies to help fans pass the time. The book basically opened the door for more spin-off novels, thus giving birth to the Star Wars’ Expanded Universe beyond the movies and a forerunner of all Canon and non Canon Star Wars books. While I can say I appreciate how it set precedent for Star Wars to release countless stories outside of the movies, I’m also very grateful this was not an actual Star Wars movie and we got Empire Strikes Back instead.
First, let’s rip the band-aid off. The book has TOO MANY romantic/sexual teases between Luke and Leia. So anyone who has read the book after seeing “Return of the Jedi” understands how icky that pairing is. Through no fault on Foster’s part (or maybe a bit because even if they weren’t twins the treatment of Leia is pretty gross), it definitely… “dates” the book and makes a good chunk of the book really uncomfortable to read.
Moving on to the rest of the book, the intended low budget story definitely feels more restrained and while I don’t want to call it “filler”, it does feel that way compared to Empire Strikes Back. The cast for instance is very dialed back with no Han Solo and Chewbacca and most of the returning characters missing for large chunks of the book (Vader doesn’t appear until the last quarter) to focus on Luke and Leia (and the accompanying grossness). The new characters meanwhile aren’t as memorable as the returning, missing (the Yuzzum feel like off-brand Wookiees), or who we got instead in Empire Strikes Back (Halla is no Yoda). The story itself is constrained and unambitious even if the central MacGuffin does have a lot of universe-shaking ramifications but again is confined to just this story. The action is sparse and somewhat repetitive in the middle section (mostly just variations of Luke and Leia encountering some alien beast). The climatic duel between the heroes and Vader is serviceable but lacks the emotional resonance of other Vader fights and ends on a lackluster note.
Truthfully I was expecting a disaster of a book and while there are some unfortunate parts and the book doesn't feel like an epic follow-up to an epic movie, I was mostly enjoying it for what it was, or at least curious as to what Foster was going to do next. Coming out in a period where Foster only had one movie to use as a jumping off point to explore A Galaxy Far Far Away, Foster does use the freedom well or at least well enough. There are interesting ideas never used again like a gun being used to charge up a lightsaber’s battery. I did like some of the ideas for Mimban, like the ancient cities and ruins definitely adding to the ones seen on Yavin IV in the first movie. While I don’t think Foster is great at writing Star Wars, I think he at least had a sense of what Lucas had in mind and parts are reminiscent of the pulpy sci fi stories among Lucas’ influences (i.e., the duel between Luke and indigenous warrior feels like something out of “A Princess of Mars”). Needless to say I would say Splinter of the Mind’s Eye did have some influences on the franchise as a whole. A few elements did end up becoming part of the official Canon (Mimban appearing in “Solo”, kaiburr crystal becoming kyber crystals, Leia fighting with a lightsaber). As to how much of the book had input from Lucas, Mimban feels like a preview of Dagobah with a few lines reminiscent of the ones used in Empire Strikes Back. So there are parts in this that keep the book engaging.
As a pulpy and low stakes Star Wars adventure, “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye” does its job well enough I guess. But no matter its somewhat influential role in the franchise, its very problematic at points and doesn’t really hit the high points of subsequent follow ups be they cinematic or literary.
Imagine if 1977’s “Star Wars” wasn’t a massive phenomenon like it was but did well enough to get a low budget sequel. “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye” by Alan Dean Foster, the author of the first movie’s novelization, would have been the sequel’s basis. But as Star Wars was a success and George Lucas went forward with “The Empire Strikes Back”, Splinter of the Mind’s Eye instead became a sequel novel set between the two movies to help fans pass the time. The book basically opened the door for more spin-off novels, thus giving birth to the Star Wars’ Expanded Universe beyond the movies and a forerunner of all Canon and non Canon Star Wars books. While I can say I appreciate how it set precedent for Star Wars to release countless stories outside of the movies, I’m also very grateful this was not an actual Star Wars movie and we got Empire Strikes Back instead.
First, let’s rip the band-aid off. The book has TOO MANY romantic/sexual teases between Luke and Leia. So anyone who has read the book after seeing “Return of the Jedi” understands how icky that pairing is. Through no fault on Foster’s part (or maybe a bit because even if they weren’t twins the treatment of Leia is pretty gross), it definitely… “dates” the book and makes a good chunk of the book really uncomfortable to read.
Moving on to the rest of the book, the intended low budget story definitely feels more restrained and while I don’t want to call it “filler”, it does feel that way compared to Empire Strikes Back. The cast for instance is very dialed back with no Han Solo and Chewbacca and most of the returning characters missing for large chunks of the book (Vader doesn’t appear until the last quarter) to focus on Luke and Leia (and the accompanying grossness). The new characters meanwhile aren’t as memorable as the returning, missing (the Yuzzum feel like off-brand Wookiees), or who we got instead in Empire Strikes Back (Halla is no Yoda). The story itself is constrained and unambitious even if the central MacGuffin does have a lot of universe-shaking ramifications but again is confined to just this story. The action is sparse and somewhat repetitive in the middle section (mostly just variations of Luke and Leia encountering some alien beast). The climatic duel between the heroes and Vader is serviceable but lacks the emotional resonance of other Vader fights and ends on a lackluster note.
Truthfully I was expecting a disaster of a book and while there are some unfortunate parts and the book doesn't feel like an epic follow-up to an epic movie, I was mostly enjoying it for what it was, or at least curious as to what Foster was going to do next. Coming out in a period where Foster only had one movie to use as a jumping off point to explore A Galaxy Far Far Away, Foster does use the freedom well or at least well enough. There are interesting ideas never used again like a gun being used to charge up a lightsaber’s battery. I did like some of the ideas for Mimban, like the ancient cities and ruins definitely adding to the ones seen on Yavin IV in the first movie. While I don’t think Foster is great at writing Star Wars, I think he at least had a sense of what Lucas had in mind and parts are reminiscent of the pulpy sci fi stories among Lucas’ influences (i.e., the duel between Luke and indigenous warrior feels like something out of “A Princess of Mars”). Needless to say I would say Splinter of the Mind’s Eye did have some influences on the franchise as a whole. A few elements did end up becoming part of the official Canon (Mimban appearing in “Solo”, kaiburr crystal becoming kyber crystals, Leia fighting with a lightsaber). As to how much of the book had input from Lucas, Mimban feels like a preview of Dagobah with a few lines reminiscent of the ones used in Empire Strikes Back. So there are parts in this that keep the book engaging.
As a pulpy and low stakes Star Wars adventure, “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye” does its job well enough I guess. But no matter its somewhat influential role in the franchise, its very problematic at points and doesn’t really hit the high points of subsequent follow ups be they cinematic or literary.
February 17, 2023
"Today it is an amazing, if unexpected, legacy of Star Wars that so many gifted writers are contributing new stories to the Saga. This legacy began with Splinter of the Mind's Eye, published less than a year after the release of Star Wars."―George Lucas
Set in 2 ABY, this first-ever official Star Wars Expanded Universe novel with its own original storyline follows Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa marooned to the planet Mimban, where they encounter the locals, seek out the powerful Kaiburr crystal, and struggle against the forces of the evil Galactic Empire, including Darth Vader. It is based on story discussions with George Lucas, and it was written while Star Wars: A New Hope was still in production. According to Starlog magazine, Foster's Star Wars contract allowed for Splinter of the Mind's Eye to be filmed.
In 1976, Alan Dean Foster was contracted to ghostwrite a novelization of Star Wars. Drafts of the script, rough footage and production paintings had been provided for use as source material in fleshing out the novel. A second novel was also required by the contract, to be used as a basis for a low-budget sequel to Star Wars in case the film was unsuccessful. Though Foster was granted a great deal of leeway in developing the story, a key requirement was that many of the props from the previous production could be reused when shooting the new film. Foster's decision to place his story on a misty jungle planet was also intended to reduce set and background costs for a film adaptation. Lucas's only request upon inspecting the manuscript was the removal of a space dogfight Luke and Leia undertake before crash-landing on the planet, which might have been effects-heavy and expensive to film.
An additional sequel novel was planned, but by the time of publication, Star Wars had broken box office records. The film adaptation of Splinter of the Mind's Eye was abandoned in favor of Lucas's vision of a big-budget sequel (The Empire Strikes Back). Nevertheless, riding on the success of the film in its first year of release, the book became a bestseller. It was published in paperback form a month after its hardcover publication. From April until July 1978, it was listed frequently as a New York Times bestseller. It was reprinted in the 1990s as Classic Star Wars: Splinter of the Mind's Eye, and retroactively placed two years after the original film, or one year before its sequel.
As a young but already seasoned fighter pilot, Luke Skywalker expected trouble when he volunteered to accompany Princess Leia on a diplomatic mission to Circarpous to enlist their Rebel Underground in the battle against the Empire. But the former farm boy from Tatooine hadn't counted on an unscheduled crash-landing in the swamplands of Mimban…a landing that destroyed their ships. Nor had he counted on any of the things they would find on that strange planet.
First, unknown to anyone, a secret base of Imperial Stormtroopers was thriving on Mimban. As if that weren't trouble enough, there was the Kaiburr crystal, a mysterious gem that would give the one who possessed it such powers over the Force that he would be all but invincible. In the wrong hands, the crystal could be deadly.
So Luke had to find the Kaiburr crystal, and find it fast.
Accompanied by Artoo Detoo and See Threepio—his two faithful 'droids—Luke and the Princess set out for the Temple of Pomojema and for a desperate confrontation deep beneath the surface of an alien world with the most fearsome villain in the galaxy!
The characters Han Solo and Chewbacca are notably absent from the novel; unlike actors Mark Hamill (Luke) and Carrie Fisher (Leia), actor Harrison Ford had not yet been contracted for film sequels at the time of the novel contract; Han Solo is, however, alluded to by Luke as "a pirate and a smuggler" he knows.
I was impressed by the crystal artifact they had recovered. The Kaiburr crystal that appears in Splinter of the Mind's Eye was based on the "Kyber crystal," a Force-focusing artifact mentioned in early drafts. In the current Star Wars canon, kyber crystals are the power source for lightsabers.
The setting of Mimban chilled me to the bone. The planet Mimban, which was created for Splinter of the Mind's Eye, appeared in 2018's Solo: A Star Wars Story. In the final issue of Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren, an artifact called the "Mindsplinter" was mentioned as being from the Minemoon of Mimban.
And that, my friends, is everything I have to say about the first Expanded Universe novel. I usually enjoyed it for the most part, and am willing to look forward to reading everything this universe has to offer.
Set in 2 ABY, this first-ever official Star Wars Expanded Universe novel with its own original storyline follows Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa marooned to the planet Mimban, where they encounter the locals, seek out the powerful Kaiburr crystal, and struggle against the forces of the evil Galactic Empire, including Darth Vader. It is based on story discussions with George Lucas, and it was written while Star Wars: A New Hope was still in production. According to Starlog magazine, Foster's Star Wars contract allowed for Splinter of the Mind's Eye to be filmed.
In 1976, Alan Dean Foster was contracted to ghostwrite a novelization of Star Wars. Drafts of the script, rough footage and production paintings had been provided for use as source material in fleshing out the novel. A second novel was also required by the contract, to be used as a basis for a low-budget sequel to Star Wars in case the film was unsuccessful. Though Foster was granted a great deal of leeway in developing the story, a key requirement was that many of the props from the previous production could be reused when shooting the new film. Foster's decision to place his story on a misty jungle planet was also intended to reduce set and background costs for a film adaptation. Lucas's only request upon inspecting the manuscript was the removal of a space dogfight Luke and Leia undertake before crash-landing on the planet, which might have been effects-heavy and expensive to film.
An additional sequel novel was planned, but by the time of publication, Star Wars had broken box office records. The film adaptation of Splinter of the Mind's Eye was abandoned in favor of Lucas's vision of a big-budget sequel (The Empire Strikes Back). Nevertheless, riding on the success of the film in its first year of release, the book became a bestseller. It was published in paperback form a month after its hardcover publication. From April until July 1978, it was listed frequently as a New York Times bestseller. It was reprinted in the 1990s as Classic Star Wars: Splinter of the Mind's Eye, and retroactively placed two years after the original film, or one year before its sequel.
As a young but already seasoned fighter pilot, Luke Skywalker expected trouble when he volunteered to accompany Princess Leia on a diplomatic mission to Circarpous to enlist their Rebel Underground in the battle against the Empire. But the former farm boy from Tatooine hadn't counted on an unscheduled crash-landing in the swamplands of Mimban…a landing that destroyed their ships. Nor had he counted on any of the things they would find on that strange planet.
First, unknown to anyone, a secret base of Imperial Stormtroopers was thriving on Mimban. As if that weren't trouble enough, there was the Kaiburr crystal, a mysterious gem that would give the one who possessed it such powers over the Force that he would be all but invincible. In the wrong hands, the crystal could be deadly.
So Luke had to find the Kaiburr crystal, and find it fast.
Accompanied by Artoo Detoo and See Threepio—his two faithful 'droids—Luke and the Princess set out for the Temple of Pomojema and for a desperate confrontation deep beneath the surface of an alien world with the most fearsome villain in the galaxy!
The characters Han Solo and Chewbacca are notably absent from the novel; unlike actors Mark Hamill (Luke) and Carrie Fisher (Leia), actor Harrison Ford had not yet been contracted for film sequels at the time of the novel contract; Han Solo is, however, alluded to by Luke as "a pirate and a smuggler" he knows.
I was impressed by the crystal artifact they had recovered. The Kaiburr crystal that appears in Splinter of the Mind's Eye was based on the "Kyber crystal," a Force-focusing artifact mentioned in early drafts. In the current Star Wars canon, kyber crystals are the power source for lightsabers.
The setting of Mimban chilled me to the bone. The planet Mimban, which was created for Splinter of the Mind's Eye, appeared in 2018's Solo: A Star Wars Story. In the final issue of Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren, an artifact called the "Mindsplinter" was mentioned as being from the Minemoon of Mimban.
And that, my friends, is everything I have to say about the first Expanded Universe novel. I usually enjoyed it for the most part, and am willing to look forward to reading everything this universe has to offer.
December 27, 2020
3.5 Stars
Set after the events of a New Hope, Splinter of the Mind's Eye takes place on the planet of Mimban where Leia, Luke, C3PO, and R2D2 have embarked on a mission to recruit the local government and peoples to the Rebel Alliance.
*spoiler alert* Trouble ensues when they crash land on the planet. They quickly have to make their way to the nearest civilized establishment, which happens to be an imperial run mining operation. Disguised as local miners, they meet an older woman, Halla, who picks up on Lukes sensitivity to the Force. She convinces Luke and Leia to help her find a large red crystal that is linked to the force of which she has a small sample. Upon their departure, they run into trouble and are incarcerated by the local imperial Captain-Supervisor Grammel. He is ruthless and seizes the opportunity to seize the red stone. He alerts the corresponding imperial Governor who immediately takes an interest in his captive, Leia Organa.
Luke and Leia are able to make allies with their two fearsome Mimbanian prisoner cellmates and with Halla's help, they make a dramatic break out of prison. From here, the group start on an adventure towards the temple of the crystal and of course, further trouble ensues.
The story is an easy read but written at a time before Empire Strikes Back which poses some character development inconsistencies. Once you get past that, its a breezy read and has its interesting moments of excitement and adventure. It did lack humor and the backstory of the crystal, local planet and its inhabitantants could have used a bit more interesting details. For example, why was the crystal strong with the force? How did it end up in a temple? How did the locals use it? Still, there was enough going on to keep the story interesting.
Set after the events of a New Hope, Splinter of the Mind's Eye takes place on the planet of Mimban where Leia, Luke, C3PO, and R2D2 have embarked on a mission to recruit the local government and peoples to the Rebel Alliance.
*spoiler alert* Trouble ensues when they crash land on the planet. They quickly have to make their way to the nearest civilized establishment, which happens to be an imperial run mining operation. Disguised as local miners, they meet an older woman, Halla, who picks up on Lukes sensitivity to the Force. She convinces Luke and Leia to help her find a large red crystal that is linked to the force of which she has a small sample. Upon their departure, they run into trouble and are incarcerated by the local imperial Captain-Supervisor Grammel. He is ruthless and seizes the opportunity to seize the red stone. He alerts the corresponding imperial Governor who immediately takes an interest in his captive, Leia Organa.
Luke and Leia are able to make allies with their two fearsome Mimbanian prisoner cellmates and with Halla's help, they make a dramatic break out of prison. From here, the group start on an adventure towards the temple of the crystal and of course, further trouble ensues.
The story is an easy read but written at a time before Empire Strikes Back which poses some character development inconsistencies. Once you get past that, its a breezy read and has its interesting moments of excitement and adventure. It did lack humor and the backstory of the crystal, local planet and its inhabitantants could have used a bit more interesting details. For example, why was the crystal strong with the force? How did it end up in a temple? How did the locals use it? Still, there was enough going on to keep the story interesting.
November 3, 2020
And so I finally got round to reading this book - so many years after first buying a copy and then giving it away (what was I thinking).
But not this time - I found it, I kept it and I finally read it - and what an interesting book I must say. Okay the book itself is pretty predictable and not really as "epic" as other stories (more on that in a second) but it was a great little adventure.
But why the epic comment - well GR community correct me if I am wrong but this story was originally published as way of continuing the original (a new hope) film storyline, in fact there is reference to the ending of the original film in the opening chapter.
However ironically it was not needed - with the success of the film a sequel was commissioned and the story though not going away suddenly was over shadowed and the rest as they say is history.
Ironically now the book is pretty much dropped from the acknowledged history but lives on in the memories of those who can remember the early days (in other words old like myself).
So there you have it - a little piece of star wars history and finally I can say I have read it. How long was that coming!
But not this time - I found it, I kept it and I finally read it - and what an interesting book I must say. Okay the book itself is pretty predictable and not really as "epic" as other stories (more on that in a second) but it was a great little adventure.
But why the epic comment - well GR community correct me if I am wrong but this story was originally published as way of continuing the original (a new hope) film storyline, in fact there is reference to the ending of the original film in the opening chapter.
However ironically it was not needed - with the success of the film a sequel was commissioned and the story though not going away suddenly was over shadowed and the rest as they say is history.
Ironically now the book is pretty much dropped from the acknowledged history but lives on in the memories of those who can remember the early days (in other words old like myself).
So there you have it - a little piece of star wars history and finally I can say I have read it. How long was that coming!
April 19, 2016
Luke & Leia, R2 & C3PO find themselves in the swamp lands of Mimban racing from stormtroopers to find a gem with enigmatic Force powers, the Kaiburr crystal. It can't fall into evil hands; the fate of the galaxy is in theirs!
OH MY GAWD! This was my favorite novel way back when I was but a geeky 12 year old book nerd. I must have read while it in my room while eating buttered toast snacks like, at least 20 times! I read a lot of A.D. Foster back then. I loved movies too, and he always did great novelizations of my favorites at that time.
OH MY GAWD! This was my favorite novel way back when I was but a geeky 12 year old book nerd. I must have read while it in my room while eating buttered toast snacks like, at least 20 times! I read a lot of A.D. Foster back then. I loved movies too, and he always did great novelizations of my favorites at that time.
April 17, 2020
There are ten Star Wars novels written before 1991 (in which year began the Expanded Universe publications). These ten novels are known as Classic Star Wars. Three of these were novelizations of the movies. Two are trilogies. And then there is this stand-alone book. Here are the ten in publication order, if you are interested:
1. Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker/Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1976), by Alan Dean Foster as George Lucas (0 BBY)
2. Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1978), by Alan Dean Foster (2 ABY)
3. Han Solo at Stars' End (1979), by Brian Daley (2 BBY)
4. Han Solo's Revenge (1979), by Brian Daley (2 BBY)
5. Han Solo and the Lost Legacy (1980), by Brian Daley (2 BBY)
6. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980), by Donald F. Glut (3 ABY)
7. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), by James Kahn (4 ABY)
8. Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu (1983), by L. Neil Smith (4 BBY)
9. Lando Calrissian and the Flamewind of Oseon (1983), by L. Neil Smith (4 BBY)
10. Lando Calrissian and the Starcave of ThonBoka (1983), by L. Neil Smith (3 BBY)
Alan Dean Foster won a commission from George Lucas to write the first two novels. The first was easy, a novelization of an early draft of the movie script. The second novel, which this review is about, is Foster's extrapolation of a story based solely on the events depicted in the earliest shown Star Wars movie. Foster apparently was not privy to any of Lucas's actual intentions for the series. Instead, Foster just wrote where he would take things.
Given this limitation, the novel is not bad as a sort of What If story that has nothing to do with the actual continuity of the rest of the series. It's also not that exceptional. The first half contained which was more entertaining than the second half. Had Foster been able to maintain the momentum he would easily have earned at least a fourth star.
The story continues shortly after the events of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, but with only two characters and the 'droids, which here were just props. Luke and Leia are heading to an Alliance meeting but crash land on a planet which turns out to be an Imperial stronghold. Their mission becomes to get themselves off the planet before they can be captured by Empire persons in the know about who they are.
The story of how they attempt to accomplish this was a fun meander, but the outcome was never truly in doubt. It's a fun romp with two favorite characters, a story of survival, and partnership that is entertaining enough to pass an afternoon or two.
1. Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker/Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1976), by Alan Dean Foster as George Lucas (0 BBY)
2. Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1978), by Alan Dean Foster (2 ABY)
3. Han Solo at Stars' End (1979), by Brian Daley (2 BBY)
4. Han Solo's Revenge (1979), by Brian Daley (2 BBY)
5. Han Solo and the Lost Legacy (1980), by Brian Daley (2 BBY)
6. Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980), by Donald F. Glut (3 ABY)
7. Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), by James Kahn (4 ABY)
8. Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu (1983), by L. Neil Smith (4 BBY)
9. Lando Calrissian and the Flamewind of Oseon (1983), by L. Neil Smith (4 BBY)
10. Lando Calrissian and the Starcave of ThonBoka (1983), by L. Neil Smith (3 BBY)
Alan Dean Foster won a commission from George Lucas to write the first two novels. The first was easy, a novelization of an early draft of the movie script. The second novel, which this review is about, is Foster's extrapolation of a story based solely on the events depicted in the earliest shown Star Wars movie. Foster apparently was not privy to any of Lucas's actual intentions for the series. Instead, Foster just wrote where he would take things.
Given this limitation, the novel is not bad as a sort of What If story that has nothing to do with the actual continuity of the rest of the series. It's also not that exceptional. The first half contained which was more entertaining than the second half. Had Foster been able to maintain the momentum he would easily have earned at least a fourth star.
The story continues shortly after the events of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, but with only two characters and the 'droids, which here were just props. Luke and Leia are heading to an Alliance meeting but crash land on a planet which turns out to be an Imperial stronghold. Their mission becomes to get themselves off the planet before they can be captured by Empire persons in the know about who they are.
The story of how they attempt to accomplish this was a fun meander, but the outcome was never truly in doubt. It's a fun romp with two favorite characters, a story of survival, and partnership that is entertaining enough to pass an afternoon or two.
July 16, 2025
2.5 stars
Nothing amazing but a fun little adventure story that takes place in between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.
It was actually written in between the making of the movies … so a little more crushing on Leia by Luke happens than I’m sure Lucas wanted. Maybe, Mr. Author, see where the story line is going before inserting a side story of your own? Ha ha.
Luke and Leia are sent on a mission but crash land on a planet. Leaving proves harder than they thought and the only way off the planet is to agree to help an old woman find a mysterious crystal powered by the Force.
The book is froth with fights, monsters, and an appearance from none other than… Darth Vader.
Ages: 10+
Content Considerations: the use of d*mn and h*ll several times. Darn is used. There is some violence, rolling head, chunks of body parts, severed limb - not too detailed but stated. Mentions of a man and woman in close proximity, falling from a height onto each other, holding each other after a close shave from death etc.
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Nothing amazing but a fun little adventure story that takes place in between Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back.
It was actually written in between the making of the movies … so a little more crushing on Leia by Luke happens than I’m sure Lucas wanted. Maybe, Mr. Author, see where the story line is going before inserting a side story of your own? Ha ha.
Luke and Leia are sent on a mission but crash land on a planet. Leaving proves harder than they thought and the only way off the planet is to agree to help an old woman find a mysterious crystal powered by the Force.
The book is froth with fights, monsters, and an appearance from none other than… Darth Vader.
Ages: 10+
Content Considerations: the use of d*mn and h*ll several times. Darn is used. There is some violence, rolling head, chunks of body parts, severed limb - not too detailed but stated. Mentions of a man and woman in close proximity, falling from a height onto each other, holding each other after a close shave from death etc.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide Content Considerations, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
If you’re considering a book or looking for a new title to read, check out my highly categorized shelves, read my reviews and Friend or Follow me to spiff up your feed with clean, wholesome, living books.
I have an Instagram account that’s pretty bookishly unique too!
June 23, 2018
Holy crap this was bad! This was a script made into a story. Made for a cheap sequel to Star Wars. That was written before the first Star Wars (IV) was finished. It was commissioned by George Lucas in case Star Wars was not a hit and he couldn't get a more expensive sequel made. It is at best a novelty. The writing is bad and the characters act nothing like they are supposed to.
The only fun thing is seeing glimpses of what was to become Empire Strikes back. The Swamp, The old Jedi Master, etc..
This is only for completest Star Wars fans. This is Star Wars Christmas Special bad and just as painful to read as the former was to watch.
The only fun thing is seeing glimpses of what was to become Empire Strikes back. The Swamp, The old Jedi Master, etc..
This is only for completest Star Wars fans. This is Star Wars Christmas Special bad and just as painful to read as the former was to watch.
June 6, 2019
A fascinating artefact for the Star Wars fan, the follow-up novel written before Empire was made. But it's not a great novel.
It's okay, action, adventure, battles, sure. But a simplistic plot, a hunt for a mcguffin, and some dubious, dry characterisation don't help it.
But hey, there's plenty of Luke/Leia sexual tension to make fans uncomfortable, the droids may as well not be there, and the Yuzzums, obvious Chewie substitutes, are no Chewie.
All a bit weird, but for fans, worth seeking out.
It's okay, action, adventure, battles, sure. But a simplistic plot, a hunt for a mcguffin, and some dubious, dry characterisation don't help it.
But hey, there's plenty of Luke/Leia sexual tension to make fans uncomfortable, the droids may as well not be there, and the Yuzzums, obvious Chewie substitutes, are no Chewie.
All a bit weird, but for fans, worth seeking out.
February 3, 2024
This is a quintessential 70s or 80s sci-fi book, however, it is challenging to read. It is shocking that we had 200+ Star Wars books after this initial read - I wish I could’ve read it before Empire came out in its initial publishing. Even just considering Empire and Jedi, this whole book just feels like a fever dream.
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