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William Shakespeare's Star Wars #7
William Shakespeare's The Force Doth Awaken
Experience The Force Awakens as a Shakespeare play, complete with Elizabethan verse, Shakespearian monologues, and theatrical stage directions! As the noble Resistance clashes with the vile First Order, Rey, Finn, Poe Damaron, Kylo Ren, and BB-8 are pulled into a galaxy-wide drama—in iambic pentameter! Star Wars fans and Shakespeare enthusiasts alike will enjoy the authentic meter, reimagined movie scenes and dialogue, and hidden Easter eggs throughout. Chewbacca speaks! Leader Snoke gives a soliloquy! And the romance of Han Solo and Leia Organa takes a tragic turn that Shakespeare would approve of. All with woodcut-style illustrations that place Star Wars characters into an Elizabethan galaxy. The story may take place in a galaxy far, far away, but you’ll be convinced it was written by the Bard.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2017
43 people are currently reading
2230 people want to read
About the author
Ian Doescher
49 books726 followersIan is the author of the William Shakespeare Star Wars series and the Pop Shakespeare series, and other books. He's a Portland native, and lives in Portland with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
November 2, 2024
A very good book, I enjoyed it, but there were parts of the book that just seemed a bit slow to me. This book also inherits the faults of the other book in this series. As much as things are added to the dialogue and story, they cut the action and fight scenes (I hate that).
One thing is I did enjoy this book then that actual Force Awakens book. The Force Awakens book left out many of the lines from the movie. As the author says in the "Afterwords" watching the movie, he kept thinking about where to add an "aside" or more dialogue to add to the story. This I done incredibly well. I also like how some extra characters were mentioned in this book, one from the Aftermath series and one going back to the New Hope. There is a bit of an inside joke of how similar the Force Awakens and a New Hope actually are. I also like the illustrations in the book, I like the artwork but am not crazy about the costumes of the characters. Hat on droids, why?? I was glad that Chewie was given a translation in the notes. What I do not get is why not do this for BB 8 as well?
An all round good book. It does add to the movie for me, but I do wish the fight were not cut down so much. I also think this does add a great foundation to the Last Jedi version of this series.
One thing is I did enjoy this book then that actual Force Awakens book. The Force Awakens book left out many of the lines from the movie. As the author says in the "Afterwords" watching the movie, he kept thinking about where to add an "aside" or more dialogue to add to the story. This I done incredibly well. I also like how some extra characters were mentioned in this book, one from the Aftermath series and one going back to the New Hope. There is a bit of an inside joke of how similar the Force Awakens and a New Hope actually are. I also like the illustrations in the book, I like the artwork but am not crazy about the costumes of the characters. Hat on droids, why?? I was glad that Chewie was given a translation in the notes. What I do not get is why not do this for BB 8 as well?
An all round good book. It does add to the movie for me, but I do wish the fight were not cut down so much. I also think this does add a great foundation to the Last Jedi version of this series.
May 20, 2024
Brilliant as usual, but it doesn't matter how he speaks...not even Shakespeare can make Kylo Ren likable.
January 16, 2018
His mother and I both were thunderstruck,
In love with our dear child, in love with life,
In love with th'myst'ry of the galaxy
That brought such tender happiness to us.
How could I not love this? The Force Awakens was a special moment for all Star Wars fans, but for me it especially resonated. My mum was a teenager when she first joined the Rebel Alliance, and she got to witness the original trilogy coming out. Then my brother grew up to develop an equal love of Star Wars, which today manifests itself in a mind-blowing array of insanely obscure facts (I'm pretty sure R2-D2 would explode if he had to download them) mainly about the prequel trilogy and other content from that time period. The Force Awakens, the start of a new trilogy, came when I was just starting to become obsessed with Star Wars myself, and it felt like my era. These would be the characters that would become my legends. These would be the films I could tell my little Star Wars nerd children (the force is strong in my family) I went to see at the cinema when they'd just come out. These would be the stories I'd look back on in thirty years and relate to being a teenager who lived part-time in a galaxy far, far, away.
Couple all this with Ian Doescher's ever-glorious Shakespearean interpretations of this franchise? Well, I don't think I even need to write this review. Obviously, I was sold at page one, and hooked until the very end.
Every new instalment in this series has seen Doescher's skill develop and his creativity dare further, and here he once again utterly outdid himself. These books are so much more than Star Wars with a few 'thou's and 'doth's slipped in - they're intricately crafted collaborations of two of the coolest story creators on Earth, full to the brim with a love and admiration for both that just seeps out of every word. I can't even begin to imagine the dedication the author must put into writing these, but I commend him for it to the end of the galaxy. Here the speeches and dialogue were so ingeniously put together, and blossomed with a wonderful understanding of the characters. Leia's soliloquys in particular were outstanding for me - she's my favourite Star Wars character and Doescher clearly knows her personality inside out. Chewie, another well-loved character, was written expertly in here as well, getting his dialogue translated for the first time! (If you're planning on keeping this up, good luck for one particular moment in The Last Jedi, Ian!) And I cannot not mention the incredible justice paid to my favourite scene (Finn and Poe escaping the Star Destroyer) - just as exciting and fun as in the movie, and this is in VERSE, remember. Even that one-line stormtrooper in Rey's cell got a special part to play in here! Seriously, these books make me so happy, it's kind of sad.
Act Four was my favourite part of this play. All I can say is that it was sosososososososososo good, especially the extra scene with the stormtroopers making fun of the one opinion every fan had in common concerning this movie (you know what I'm talking about). Ian Doescher has this passion and love for the stories he's retelling that only a true Star Wars nerd can have. He says in the Afterword that he's just the same as any other fan - he doesn't get access to the official scripts or advance information on the plot or anything like that. And I can totally feel that, not in any deficiency of knowledge or anything; his inclusion of obscure details and trivia is impeccable - in his acknowledgement of fan theories, jokes and favourite moments. I can practically feel him geeking out over his ridiculous rewrites of classic lines as I read, and I'm doing it right along with him.
Do I have any complaints about this book? I felt Act 5 was perhaps a little too poem-y and trimmed around the edges in its language, and the thought crossed my mind when Rey said she'd "heard" about Jedi mind tricks that she wouldn't have heard about them (I mean, she grew up on Jakku, let's be serious), but would have felt the urge to perform one through instinct, or a calling from the Force, whatever you want to call it. However, this is such a minuscule detail, and I think it demonstrates how rarely I disagree with Doescher's interpretation of the characters and story. So, in answer to the question, no, this was everything I wanted it to be and more.
I'm guessing it's a rare thing as a reader to find a book you truly feel like was written just for you. But with its unapologetic love for Star Wars and Shakespeare - two sets of stories I obsess over on a daily basis - its ridiculously nerdy humour, its deep examination of human nature through the eyes of characters I hold deep in my heart, and through language I could read for the rest of my days... I think it's fair to say The Force Doth Awaken is my kind of book. Doescher ends his Afterword in this book by saying he's the crazy fan sitting in the movie theater wondering how Shakespeare would write a play out of this story. I'm the crazy fan sitting in the cinema wondering how Ian Doescher will write the next Shakespeare Star Wars book out of this story.
May 6, 2019
I already have the paper book, but today I listened to the audio version - another winner! :D Great narrators/actors and great fun... but definitely will not look at the rathtars the same way again after hearing them! :)
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January 7, 2021Fav Quotes
> “The phantom menace, which did shake each soul,
The vast clone army, which made bold attack,
The Sith’s revenge upon the Jedi true,
The small but bold new hope the rebels brought,
The way the vicious Empire did strike back,
The grand return the Jedi then did make.”
>POE: Say, what of Finn? How doth this title suit?
By that dear name I e’er shall call on thee,
Thou who art more than a brother unto me.
*FINNPOE IS CANON*
**This next quote I need to explain is funny because the conversation between two Stormtroopers is about their service under Darth Vader. This trooper talks about a Jedi (Obi-Wan) who told him that “These are not the droids you’re looking for,” which I think is such a funny reference.
>TROOPER 2: Nay, nay, this was near forty years ago,
When one old Jedi fool’d me mightily,
With Jedi mind trick nasty and unfair.
He said the droids wherewith he travel’d were
Not those same droids that I was looking for.
>HAN: I prithee, Bigness, stop thy mouth and look.
Talk less, smile more; throw not away thy shot.
> “The phantom menace, which did shake each soul,
The vast clone army, which made bold attack,
The Sith’s revenge upon the Jedi true,
The small but bold new hope the rebels brought,
The way the vicious Empire did strike back,
The grand return the Jedi then did make.”
>POE: Say, what of Finn? How doth this title suit?
By that dear name I e’er shall call on thee,
Thou who art more than a brother unto me.
*FINNPOE IS CANON*
**This next quote I need to explain is funny because the conversation between two Stormtroopers is about their service under Darth Vader. This trooper talks about a Jedi (Obi-Wan) who told him that “These are not the droids you’re looking for,” which I think is such a funny reference.
>TROOPER 2: Nay, nay, this was near forty years ago,
When one old Jedi fool’d me mightily,
With Jedi mind trick nasty and unfair.
He said the droids wherewith he travel’d were
Not those same droids that I was looking for.
>HAN: I prithee, Bigness, stop thy mouth and look.
Talk less, smile more; throw not away thy shot.
April 7, 2023
William Shakespeare's The Force Doth Awaken by Ian Doescher is delightful and I was grinning like an idiot while listening to this. I'm so glad I decided to listen to it on audiobook because the production is brilliant. I loved the introduction to the audiobook - that was a nice touch. The narrators are so talented and do a great job of sounding like their screen counterparts. The real highlights are what Doescher does with BB-8 and Chewbacca - that was perfection.
March 29, 2021
This is not Doescher's fault. He does the best he can, and in fact, there are some nice bits in here, such as a Hamilton reference.
It's just, and I am sorry, but the movie was not really that good. At times, it feels like Doscher is laboring to make it good. Doescher does a good job with the characters but it just feels like work.
It's just, and I am sorry, but the movie was not really that good. At times, it feels like Doscher is laboring to make it good. Doescher does a good job with the characters but it just feels like work.
September 21, 2020
I love this too much-- who can ask for more? Laughs, references, and Ben soliloquies... especially the Ben soliloquies, I can't wait for more of those...;)
February 6, 2019
4 stars even without an audiobook (would be 5 with one for sure if it were done as well as the audiobooks for 4-6 and they had the same person for Hans Solo--he was BRILLIANT on the other audiobooks--the actress for Leia is also very good)
Doescher always does a great job with making this like a Shakespearean play, but this Star Wars story is better than the early 21st century 1-3 ones, even if I was miffed with at least one think he did (no spoilers for anyone who has not seen the film or already been told).
And Chewbacca gets his due--in editor's notes we get to see wonderful translations of what he is saying (lots of literary license, but such fun and quite fitting). Just a lot of fun, is all this is. I'm glad I persevered after all, and only one more of these until I'm done (haven't seen that film, but then I've only seen 4, 6 & this one and then I forgot almost everything about them because I'm not a huge Star Wars fan).
Doescher always does a great job with making this like a Shakespearean play, but this Star Wars story is better than the early 21st century 1-3 ones, even if I was miffed with at least one think he did (no spoilers for anyone who has not seen the film or already been told).
And Chewbacca gets his due--in editor's notes we get to see wonderful translations of what he is saying (lots of literary license, but such fun and quite fitting). Just a lot of fun, is all this is. I'm glad I persevered after all, and only one more of these until I'm done (haven't seen that film, but then I've only seen 4, 6 & this one and then I forgot almost everything about them because I'm not a huge Star Wars fan).
August 30, 2018
Iambic pentameter and Star Wars have come together in this most interesting interpretation of the Force Awakens and the audio cast did just as splendid a job in the acting of it.
The dialogue is the basically the film in the written form except in iambic pentameter, which I've attempted and failed to write, so kudos to Doescher for not only doing so but doing it over and over again. The additional references to Shakespeare's other works as well as the editor's notes for Chewbacca were a nice touch, although I could have done without the BB8 narration as in the audio book, the beeps alone could have conveyed his character true to form.
The dialogue is the basically the film in the written form except in iambic pentameter, which I've attempted and failed to write, so kudos to Doescher for not only doing so but doing it over and over again. The additional references to Shakespeare's other works as well as the editor's notes for Chewbacca were a nice touch, although I could have done without the BB8 narration as in the audio book, the beeps alone could have conveyed his character true to form.
July 25, 2018
Well that was 100% amazing! I’m not a huge fan of the new trilogy, but I loved this book. All of the characters were great and there was so much wit and humor.
I think Finn was probably my favorite character. He was so funny, and his dialogue was very cleverly written. Rey was great too - especially the dickens reference!
Oh, and I love Chewie. I’m so glad his dialogue has been tweaked from other books.
Hilarious and wonderful. I can’t wait to read Jedi the Last!
I think Finn was probably my favorite character. He was so funny, and his dialogue was very cleverly written. Rey was great too - especially the dickens reference!
Oh, and I love Chewie. I’m so glad his dialogue has been tweaked from other books.
Hilarious and wonderful. I can’t wait to read Jedi the Last!
January 20, 2018
A great diversion this weekend, I’m glad I checked the physical book out of the library to go with my audiobook. It was a great way to make my nerdy heart happy today!
R2 and Chewbacca speak, Rathtars sing, and so much more in this newest edition.
R2 and Chewbacca speak, Rathtars sing, and so much more in this newest edition.
December 20, 2019
If you like Star Wars and Shakespeare, these books are fun and quick reads.
February 1, 2020
This is ridiculously funny. I love all the references to specific lines in Shakespeare plays as well as lyrics from popular musicals (Han is apparently a musical fanatic).
May 7, 2022
absolutely delightful
November 11, 2022
oh how I have missed these
April 6, 2022
Another brilliant Shakespeare retelling by Ian Doescher. He takes a great tale and just enhances his story with his clever choices and clear understanding of not only the original story but the mastery of the language. His choices for dialect and how to make speeches flow is, as always, explained in the back of the book and I'm so fascinated with his process. Enjoyable for sure, can't wait to see how he finishes the saga.
August 18, 2025
To Jedi or not to Jedi. Such a random read I just had to pick up.
February 4, 2018
Ian Doescher does a great job of melding two of my favorite things: Star Wars and Shakespeare. This book and it's counterparts are the straight up scripts of the movies except for everything being eloquently said in Shakespearian language. In this particular one, I was pleasantly surprised to find that in the footnotes you can read what Chewie is saying unlike the others.
My only complaint is that Doescher can "steal" a little bit too much from Shakespeare as becomes apparent in this one. I noticed throughout it that certain lines were almost copy-pasted from famous Shakespeare plays. I let it go until I came upon a speech that not only resembles, but is nearly word-for-word the St. Crispin's day speech. However, despite that, I enjoyed this easy read and would recommend it.
My only complaint is that Doescher can "steal" a little bit too much from Shakespeare as becomes apparent in this one. I noticed throughout it that certain lines were almost copy-pasted from famous Shakespeare plays. I let it go until I came upon a speech that not only resembles, but is nearly word-for-word the St. Crispin's day speech. However, despite that, I enjoyed this easy read and would recommend it.
October 11, 2017
The galaxy is on the brink of war as old and new heroes race to find the last Jedi against vile agents of the imperial First Order in William Shakespeare’s The Force Doth Awaken by Ian Doescher. The first film of the sequel trilogy returns us the Star Wars galaxy 30 years after the fall of the Empire as its successor strikes reclaim the galaxy while attempting to destroy those that could stop it but instead of screen or adaptation is translated wonderfully into fantastic Elizabethan prose by Doescher just like Shakespeare might have done.
Though the search for the lost Luke Skywalker is the focus and driving motivation of the entire book, the struggle for one’s own identity is the central theme. Doescher’s fantastic soliloquies by Finn, Rey, and Kylo Ren give depth to these new leading characters as they join long established characters of Han and Leia. One of the best surprises of the book is Chewbacca as Doescher “corrects” one of his oversights by “translating” the Wookie’s screams in the footnotes, which given the events during the battle of Starkiller Base is very poignant. The duel between Finn/Rey and Kylo Ren is very well-written with good balance of Chorus lines and character soliloquies that brings about a very complete and compelling scene. And additional nice touches were the humorous lines of the Rathtars and great use of using the small amount of dialog for Snoke to great use.
The Force Doth Awaken is a return by Doescher and all Star Wars fans to what made the franchise fun, but unlike some Doescher embraced the very homage to the first film and used the similarities to great effect in this book. As Doescher like every other Star Wars fan must await the next film, those that love his work will be eagerly awaiting each William Shakespeare adaptation from him.
Though the search for the lost Luke Skywalker is the focus and driving motivation of the entire book, the struggle for one’s own identity is the central theme. Doescher’s fantastic soliloquies by Finn, Rey, and Kylo Ren give depth to these new leading characters as they join long established characters of Han and Leia. One of the best surprises of the book is Chewbacca as Doescher “corrects” one of his oversights by “translating” the Wookie’s screams in the footnotes, which given the events during the battle of Starkiller Base is very poignant. The duel between Finn/Rey and Kylo Ren is very well-written with good balance of Chorus lines and character soliloquies that brings about a very complete and compelling scene. And additional nice touches were the humorous lines of the Rathtars and great use of using the small amount of dialog for Snoke to great use.
The Force Doth Awaken is a return by Doescher and all Star Wars fans to what made the franchise fun, but unlike some Doescher embraced the very homage to the first film and used the similarities to great effect in this book. As Doescher like every other Star Wars fan must await the next film, those that love his work will be eagerly awaiting each William Shakespeare adaptation from him.
October 21, 2017
"Mine entrance is the very knell of death,
Which doth come ringing for mine enemies.
Disciple of the dark side, Kylo Ren,
So am I now and evermore shall be."
Soooo how does one take the tepid "new" Star Wars and attempt to give it some class? Why turn the prose into a mimicry of Shakespeare of course. Yes you read that correctly. As if the Force Awakens weren't painful enough, Ian Doescher shows he has FAR too much time on his hands in this amusing, and relatively entertaining version of the movie.
The story is the same and the plot is the same (too bad) except the prose has been altered to a Shakespearean style. At best it could be called amusing and at worst-unnecessary. I thought the "translation' of the plot to be rather clever, but even the great "Bard of Avon" couldn't rescue the new version of Star Wars. If you are amused by "classic version" of mediocre modern stories then this is for you. For everyone else? May I humbly suggest read the original Shakespeare and stick to the original Star Wars Expanded Universe. The Force is barely with this one.
Which doth come ringing for mine enemies.
Disciple of the dark side, Kylo Ren,
So am I now and evermore shall be."
Soooo how does one take the tepid "new" Star Wars and attempt to give it some class? Why turn the prose into a mimicry of Shakespeare of course. Yes you read that correctly. As if the Force Awakens weren't painful enough, Ian Doescher shows he has FAR too much time on his hands in this amusing, and relatively entertaining version of the movie.
The story is the same and the plot is the same (too bad) except the prose has been altered to a Shakespearean style. At best it could be called amusing and at worst-unnecessary. I thought the "translation' of the plot to be rather clever, but even the great "Bard of Avon" couldn't rescue the new version of Star Wars. If you are amused by "classic version" of mediocre modern stories then this is for you. For everyone else? May I humbly suggest read the original Shakespeare and stick to the original Star Wars Expanded Universe. The Force is barely with this one.
December 23, 2017
This is not merely a translation of a Star Wars script into Shakespearean English. There are so many incredible hidden references in this play:
Lines from Mercutio's Queen Mab speech from Romeo and Juliet. Lines from Henry V's St. Crispin's Day speech. The Hamilton reference that I've already highlighted! Also, the editor's translations of Chewbacca.
The illustrations are also incredible. The best scene may be the conversation between the Stormtroopers at how different times are now than they were then. (When, in actuality, the plot lines and settings are quite similar between Episodes 4 and 7.)
Highly, highly recommended, if thou art a fan of Star Wars and of Shakespeare!
Lines from Mercutio's Queen Mab speech from Romeo and Juliet. Lines from Henry V's St. Crispin's Day speech. The Hamilton reference that I've already highlighted! Also, the editor's translations of Chewbacca.
The illustrations are also incredible. The best scene may be the conversation between the Stormtroopers at how different times are now than they were then. (When, in actuality, the plot lines and settings are quite similar between Episodes 4 and 7.)
Highly, highly recommended, if thou art a fan of Star Wars and of Shakespeare!
February 25, 2018
If you’re reading this, you’ll most probably know about the concept of the series and you’ll know to expect blank verse, stage directions, Shakespearean soliloquies, and some extra dialogue.
That is exactly what had drawn me to Ian Doescher's series of the Star Wars films adapted as Elizabethan plays in the first place. I fell in love with not just the writing style though, but also the depth and humour. Doescher always manages to surprise me in his adaptations. I loved bits like the merry song of the Rathtar monsters (in the audiobook complete with an accompanying lute, haha) and the often praised cheeky conversation between an older and a younger stormtrooper about how everything happening is completely different to the events of Episode IV (or is it?) – a nod to the criticism that J.J. Abrams' ‘The Force Awakens’ is more or less a copy of ‘A New Hope’.
Some of the additional dialogue and soliloquies are beautiful to read! For example, Doescher decided to finally give Chewbacca some lines in English translation, given the emotional scene that Chewbacca has in this instalment. I was happy with that decision, it brought jokes and poignancy.
One of my favourite scenes in the film is the interrogation scene between Kylo Ren and Rey (especially when comparing it to another interrogation scene seen earlier in the film you learn a lot already about Kylo and his connection to Rey). In the adaptation it goes as follows:
Also, throughout the whole play there are some etchings in a style showing what a Tudor stage production of the story could have looked like, showing the characters in pieces of typical theatre gear of that time or re-imagining them, for example with Maz Kanata as a pirate. It's genius!
In the afterword, the author describes what fun he had with the ‘translation’ and what he came up with for this episode:
As for the audiobook: It’s read by several narrators, and apart from a weird voice choice for Poe (I’m not sure what��s wrong about it - too old, too stiff? - he just sounds off) I enjoyed the production. Especially the narrators for Rey (young and hopeful), Han' (gruff), Kylo Ren (fast and passionate), and Hux (as disdainful as it gets) were well chosen. They come close to and feel “in character” with the on-screen characters we know. But having BB-8’s code read out sounded like unbearable gibberish and very much unlike the droid when you’re used to his usual cute bleeps. Also, someone breaks into song in Act V which took me right out of the moment because it didn’t really fit and was distracting. These are minor issues, though. I’d still recommend the audiobook, but I was still glad I had both that and the physical book, so I could get the best of both (a performance, and the illustrations and wonderful formatting).
This series just continues to be great fun and very well executed, so I’m eagerly awaiting Doescher’s take on ‘The Last Jedi’. Seeing that ‘The Force Doth Awaken’ came out almost 2 years after the film had been released, I’m willing to give him all the time he needs, if the result is THIS GOOD.
That is exactly what had drawn me to Ian Doescher's series of the Star Wars films adapted as Elizabethan plays in the first place. I fell in love with not just the writing style though, but also the depth and humour. Doescher always manages to surprise me in his adaptations. I loved bits like the merry song of the Rathtar monsters (in the audiobook complete with an accompanying lute, haha) and the often praised cheeky conversation between an older and a younger stormtrooper about how everything happening is completely different to the events of Episode IV (or is it?) – a nod to the criticism that J.J. Abrams' ‘The Force Awakens’ is more or less a copy of ‘A New Hope’.
Some of the additional dialogue and soliloquies are beautiful to read! For example, Doescher decided to finally give Chewbacca some lines in English translation, given the emotional scene that Chewbacca has in this instalment. I was happy with that decision, it brought jokes and poignancy.
One of my favourite scenes in the film is the interrogation scene between Kylo Ren and Rey (especially when comparing it to another interrogation scene seen earlier in the film you learn a lot already about Kylo and his connection to Rey). In the adaptation it goes as follows:
Also, throughout the whole play there are some etchings in a style showing what a Tudor stage production of the story could have looked like, showing the characters in pieces of typical theatre gear of that time or re-imagining them, for example with Maz Kanata as a pirate. It's genius!
In the afterword, the author describes what fun he had with the ‘translation’ and what he came up with for this episode:
“Of course, a new cast of characters means new opportunities to play with language. I won’t give everything away, but here are some hints to what I did: Rey’s longer soliloquies reference the many fan theories of her heritage; every line Finn speaks includes letters of his stormtrooper name; each of Poe’s lines includes a phrase from the verses of a famous Poe-t; and all of BB-8′s lines can be deciphered if you know the (skip) code.”I’ve only read his explanation after having read the play, so I went back to look at some of those extra layers. But I couldn’t crack BB-8’s code which is still in iambic pentameter and sounds like this: “Flip ffli zzwablic zilf blooblee zoom reej blee!” Thank God there are smarter people than me on the internet, so I found the answer: https://huntedbyacreature.tumblr.com/... The solution is .
As for the audiobook: It’s read by several narrators, and apart from a weird voice choice for Poe (I’m not sure what��s wrong about it - too old, too stiff? - he just sounds off) I enjoyed the production. Especially the narrators for Rey (young and hopeful), Han' (gruff), Kylo Ren (fast and passionate), and Hux (as disdainful as it gets) were well chosen. They come close to and feel “in character” with the on-screen characters we know. But having BB-8’s code read out sounded like unbearable gibberish and very much unlike the droid when you’re used to his usual cute bleeps. Also, someone breaks into song in Act V which took me right out of the moment because it didn’t really fit and was distracting. These are minor issues, though. I’d still recommend the audiobook, but I was still glad I had both that and the physical book, so I could get the best of both (a performance, and the illustrations and wonderful formatting).
This series just continues to be great fun and very well executed, so I’m eagerly awaiting Doescher’s take on ‘The Last Jedi’. Seeing that ‘The Force Doth Awaken’ came out almost 2 years after the film had been released, I’m willing to give him all the time he needs, if the result is THIS GOOD.
December 31, 2018
I've had this one sitting on my TBR shelf for ages, and I'm so glad I decided to finish out 2018 with it. I've loved every book in this series, and The Force Doth Awaken was no exception. I especially enjoyed the editor's note translations of all of Chewbacca's lines. Bro is deep. So excited to read the next one and see what they do with the porgs. I love me some space penguins.
December 22, 2017
The amount of Easter eggs in this book is just too awesome
June 15, 2023
I can't tell you how much I enjoy this series. I like each book better than the last and continue to be amazed at how well the author captures the story and even occasionally adds insights all while writing in a Shakespearean style. Even the illustrations are fun. This book has a picture of BB-8 with a Shakespearean period hat and a cape secured with a medallion. Another book featured Jabba dressed in appropriate period garb. The results are ridiculous and amuse me no end. I also love the Easter eggs from Shakespeare and pop culture. For instance, the lines that Finn speaks while lost on Jakku remind me of the Proclaimers song. Finn says, "Lo, I have walk'd five hundred miles at least, And I would walk five hundred more, forsooth." Later Han seems to reference a Sinatra song when he says, "O, luck, if thou were ever lady to begin, O, luck, be thou a lady in this base." Then there are the Shakespearean lines that have been repurposed for Star Wars such as "What fight through yonder window breaks" and this exchange also from Romeo and Juliet. "I dreamt a dream inside." "__And so did I." "Well, what was thine?" "--That dreamers often lie." "Upon the ground while they do dream things true." This was part of the exchange between Rey and Maz after Rey's visions that were prompted by touching Luke's lightsaber. One of my favorite exchanges was between two stormtroopers. One was discussing how different things with the First Order were compared to when the Empire was fighting the rebels. The exchange started like this:
Trooper 2 "--Indeed. When I began my job, I did report unto a dreadful man all garb'd in black, his face hid 'neath a mask, With vicious moods and lightsaber of red." Trooper 1 "Hath Kylo Ren been alive all this time?" "Nay, 'twas not Kylo Ren, but one Darth Vader." The trooper goes on to describe the Death Star but the other trooper thought he was describing Starkiller Base. "Nay, 'twas the Death Star. Wholly different." Then he described the enemies as "a group of young and naive ingenues" including one from a desert planet. The other trooper again mistook them for the enemies they were currently hunting but was answered with "Nay. nay, a group dissimilar completely, A set of naughty youngsters now grown old." The comparisons continue with a parallel of hunting them through a cantina filled with aliens and beasts and seeking a droid that was domed and spoke in squeaks. The conclusion? "Tis clear life long ago was different, And not at all the same as modern times." I thought it was hilarious to see the parallels in the plots and then the conclusion that they were totally different. I'm sure I could have read that book in one sitting, but I like to really savor these books and the humor in them.
Trooper 2 "--Indeed. When I began my job, I did report unto a dreadful man all garb'd in black, his face hid 'neath a mask, With vicious moods and lightsaber of red." Trooper 1 "Hath Kylo Ren been alive all this time?" "Nay, 'twas not Kylo Ren, but one Darth Vader." The trooper goes on to describe the Death Star but the other trooper thought he was describing Starkiller Base. "Nay, 'twas the Death Star. Wholly different." Then he described the enemies as "a group of young and naive ingenues" including one from a desert planet. The other trooper again mistook them for the enemies they were currently hunting but was answered with "Nay. nay, a group dissimilar completely, A set of naughty youngsters now grown old." The comparisons continue with a parallel of hunting them through a cantina filled with aliens and beasts and seeking a droid that was domed and spoke in squeaks. The conclusion? "Tis clear life long ago was different, And not at all the same as modern times." I thought it was hilarious to see the parallels in the plots and then the conclusion that they were totally different. I'm sure I could have read that book in one sitting, but I like to really savor these books and the humor in them.
April 11, 2023
I absolutely adored this book! As a longtime fan of both Star Wars and Shakespeare, I was thrilled to discover Ian Doescher's series of Star Wars adaptations in the style of Shakespearean plays. The Force Doth Awaken did not disappoint, and I found myself thoroughly entertained from start to finish.
Doescher's writing style perfectly captures the spirit of Shakespearean plays while also paying homage to the beloved characters and storylines of Star Wars. The dialogue is witty and clever, and the iambic pentameter flows seamlessly. Doescher also includes numerous nods and references to both Shakespeare's works and the Star Wars franchise, which makes for an enjoyable reading experience for fans of both.
One of the things I loved most about this book was how Doescher managed to capture the distinct personalities and quirks of the Star Wars characters in a way that felt true to their original portrayals while also fitting within the confines of a Shakespearean play. The scenes featuring Han Solo, in particular, were some of my favorites, as Doescher perfectly captured the essence of Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal while also adding his own unique spin.
Overall, The Force Doth Awaken is a delightful and charming book that will appeal to both fans of Star Wars and Shakespeare. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and entertaining read that combines the best of both worlds. Doescher's talent for writing Shakespearean adaptations is truly unparalleled, and I can't wait to read more of his work in the future. Five stars!
Doescher's writing style perfectly captures the spirit of Shakespearean plays while also paying homage to the beloved characters and storylines of Star Wars. The dialogue is witty and clever, and the iambic pentameter flows seamlessly. Doescher also includes numerous nods and references to both Shakespeare's works and the Star Wars franchise, which makes for an enjoyable reading experience for fans of both.
One of the things I loved most about this book was how Doescher managed to capture the distinct personalities and quirks of the Star Wars characters in a way that felt true to their original portrayals while also fitting within the confines of a Shakespearean play. The scenes featuring Han Solo, in particular, were some of my favorites, as Doescher perfectly captured the essence of Harrison Ford's iconic portrayal while also adding his own unique spin.
Overall, The Force Doth Awaken is a delightful and charming book that will appeal to both fans of Star Wars and Shakespeare. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and entertaining read that combines the best of both worlds. Doescher's talent for writing Shakespearean adaptations is truly unparalleled, and I can't wait to read more of his work in the future. Five stars!
August 11, 2021
If you're a teacher looking for new ways to introduce your 8th/9th grade students to iambic pentameter, this book is for you!
First, I highly recommend students use the book as the script. That means buying class copies, which I know is pricey, but they're available used now, so you can find some real bargains and you can teach previous or subsequent books in Doescher's Star Wars series year after year.
I also recommend you have a version of the corresponding movie ready for students to watch (iTunes, DVD, Disney +, whatever works for you and your classroom). You'll want to mark timecodes on the Reading Roles Sheets (which I provide on my blog, for free) as well, where each class stops after each reading / viewing session.
As always for this series, Doescher and the publisher, Quirk, offer an Educator's Guide in which Doescher explains the many references to different Shakespeare plays which you may choose to teach -- or not. I treated this as a fun introduction to the poetic form and play format, instead, but if you're teaching 9th grade, your students may be ready to make more connections to Shakespeare's plays.
If you haven't taught this unit with one of Doescher's books before, you should introduce iambic pentameter first. Use the supporting lesson materials, including the Two-Line Start Cards, Sonnet 18 and Akala's lyrics from his TedX talk (which is totally appropriate for your students, never fear).
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
First, I highly recommend students use the book as the script. That means buying class copies, which I know is pricey, but they're available used now, so you can find some real bargains and you can teach previous or subsequent books in Doescher's Star Wars series year after year.
I also recommend you have a version of the corresponding movie ready for students to watch (iTunes, DVD, Disney +, whatever works for you and your classroom). You'll want to mark timecodes on the Reading Roles Sheets (which I provide on my blog, for free) as well, where each class stops after each reading / viewing session.
As always for this series, Doescher and the publisher, Quirk, offer an Educator's Guide in which Doescher explains the many references to different Shakespeare plays which you may choose to teach -- or not. I treated this as a fun introduction to the poetic form and play format, instead, but if you're teaching 9th grade, your students may be ready to make more connections to Shakespeare's plays.
If you haven't taught this unit with one of Doescher's books before, you should introduce iambic pentameter first. Use the supporting lesson materials, including the Two-Line Start Cards, Sonnet 18 and Akala's lyrics from his TedX talk (which is totally appropriate for your students, never fear).
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
January 10, 2018
"Pray, Bigness, calm -- charge down thy batteries."
The wonderful folks at Random House Audio have once more done great justice to Ian Doescher's seventh volume of Star-Wars-in-iambic-pentameter. Would that they could give the same treatment to Episodes I, II, and III...
Again, a full cast of seasoned Star Wars audiobook readers have delivered an excellent performance from Doescher's text, which is marvelous in its own right. The movie is all there, but with several winks and nods to the original two trilogies. My favorite part was the Rosencrantz-and-Guildenstern-inspired exchange in Act IV, Scene 4. There's also a none-too-subtle Hamilton reference (Hanilton?).
My only criticism is BB-8, or at least the poor actor miserably tasked to go beep-bleep-bloop over and over and over again. Next time, just use the stock bleeps from the film.
Highest recommendation!
(Note: I put this review under the hardcover release because there's a typo in the title for the audiobook, and I can't abide, or fix, that.)
The wonderful folks at Random House Audio have once more done great justice to Ian Doescher's seventh volume of Star-Wars-in-iambic-pentameter. Would that they could give the same treatment to Episodes I, II, and III...
Again, a full cast of seasoned Star Wars audiobook readers have delivered an excellent performance from Doescher's text, which is marvelous in its own right. The movie is all there, but with several winks and nods to the original two trilogies. My favorite part was the Rosencrantz-and-Guildenstern-inspired exchange in Act IV, Scene 4. There's also a none-too-subtle Hamilton reference (Hanilton?).
My only criticism is BB-8, or at least the poor actor miserably tasked to go beep-bleep-bloop over and over and over again. Next time, just use the stock bleeps from the film.
Highest recommendation!
(Note: I put this review under the hardcover release because there's a typo in the title for the audiobook, and I can't abide, or fix, that.)
October 29, 2018
Ian Doescher has done it once again with his "conversion" novel, The Force Doth Awaken. Taking a story set -- and told -- in a galaxy far, far away and converting it to the language of the Bard may come rather naturally to the Shakespearean connoisseur. All I can say is I have a lot of fun reading Doescher's works! (This coming from one not so enchanted with Shakespeare's "Olde English" form of speaking/writing.)
In Doescher's Afterword, he mentions some of the fun he had writing TFDA -- Finn's alphabetic stormtrooper nomenclature (FN) is contained in each of his lines, references to a certain (macabre) poet's creations appear in Poe Dameron's lines, and that there is a code that must be broken in order to decipher what that feisty orange and white droid is saying (I had to go online to figure out that one!). There are more! (I can't tell you everything!) Codes and references aside, TFDA truly was a fun read. I look forward to picking up Jedi the Last very soon. It is on top of my "To Read" pile. :-)
Happy Reading! :-)
In Doescher's Afterword, he mentions some of the fun he had writing TFDA -- Finn's alphabetic stormtrooper nomenclature (FN) is contained in each of his lines, references to a certain (macabre) poet's creations appear in Poe Dameron's lines, and that there is a code that must be broken in order to decipher what that feisty orange and white droid is saying (I had to go online to figure out that one!). There are more! (I can't tell you everything!) Codes and references aside, TFDA truly was a fun read. I look forward to picking up Jedi the Last very soon. It is on top of my "To Read" pile. :-)
Happy Reading! :-)
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