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Star Wars Junior Novelizations #5
Star Wars Trilogy: The Empire Strikes Back
Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker. Father vs. son. An amazing all-new novelization that will tie in with the blockbuster classic Star Wars DVD release.
Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker. Father vs. son. An amazing all-new novelization that will tie in with the blockbuster classic Star Wars DVD release.
Darth Vader vs. Luke Skywalker. Father vs. son. An amazing all-new novelization that will tie in with the blockbuster classic Star Wars DVD release.
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2004
66 people are currently reading
513 people want to read
About the author
Ryder Windham
277 books171 followersRyder Windham is an American sci-fi author who has written over sixty Star Wars books, including novels, comics, reference books, and so on. He has also written junior novelizations for Indiana Jones movies. Since 1993, he has been working on Star Wars projects either by himself or with other authors. His reference book Star Wars: The Ultimate Visual Guide had been on the New York Times Best Seller list for three weeks in 2005. Although he has written lots of books, accepted interviews, and appeared at several fan-conventions, little is known about his personal life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 20, 2020
While A New Hope may have jumpstarted the franchise, The Empire Strikes Back is held by many to be the best flick in the Star Wars saga. However, any true fan knows that it isn't an entire story; the ending leaves you hanging for the conclusion shown in Return of the Jedi. Still, like the other films, Empire has earned its spot as a pop culture icon.
So, how was this novelization? Mr. Windham continues to do well here what he has excelled at previously: bringing the classic film to the page with plenty of extra detail. I still say an adult novelization would be even better, but, I'll probably always be biased by what R.A. Salvatore did with Attack of the Clones; still, for what it was, this book was great.
So, how was this novelization? Mr. Windham continues to do well here what he has excelled at previously: bringing the classic film to the page with plenty of extra detail. I still say an adult novelization would be even better, but, I'll probably always be biased by what R.A. Salvatore did with Attack of the Clones; still, for what it was, this book was great.
January 7, 2016
Mi primera lectura del año. Aquí seguimos la aventura de Luke junto a Leia y Han Solo, quienes son atacados en la base rebelde ubicada en el planeta Hoth, por tropas imperiales. Al igual que la parte anterior, la historia está basada en el guión de la película sólo que agregan oportunamente pensamientos de los personajes principales, para así entender ciertas acciones que tal vez en las películas no quedaron claras en su totalidad; al igual que las fotografías al final de los momentos más revelantes de la historia.
July 16, 2023
Even in this format, it remains the best story - the good guys struggling to hold their heads up, getting smashed at every turn.
August 16, 2025
shoutout ryder windham for taking writing classes and actually making this one a banger 🙏
March 9, 2018
When Luke Skywalker got his hand cut off by his father Darth Vader, he managed not to fall off of the ateni at the bottom of sky city, that shoe determination.
March 31, 2012
Recently, I read Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. Actually, I only read it again for the millionth time because there were no other Star Wars books available to me at the time, and I wanted to review what I already know about Star Wars. Overall, it was a good book, and it was amazing to see Windham’s style of writing in the book compared to his other books. This story is about the adventure of a group of rebels trying to bring a tyrannical empire down. They were trying to escape the empire and it's lure of the dark side of the Force, both physically and mentally.
The setting of the story varies greatly. Last movie it was on a desert planet of Tatooine, and now it's on the freezing planet of Hoth. Then, it moves on to space and a swampy planet of Dagobah. This gives me a sense of how greatly the climate of each places in Star Wars varies.
I am more of a prequel Star Wars kind of fan, so I do not know so much about the characters. However, I think it is amazing to see how Luke became who he is, starting from his birth on Poliss Massa to a farm boy on Tatooine, waiting for adventure and not knowing of his destiny- much like his father. I liked to see how his behavior was just like Anakin's, but he was able to resist the pull of the dark (though mostly because he didn't have much to lose then apart from his friends, which is the first reason why he confronted Vader and knew that they couldn't be saved if he went to the dark). His emotions gave the story a deeper meaning, not all awesome action and everything.
The thing that struck out to me most was how closely it followed the movie. Usually, movies and novelizations aren’t really exactly the same- with some scenes deleted and some added, and yet some others changed. This junior novelization only adds thoughts of characters when necessary, and I could not detect any changes in dialogue in the movie and the book. In the adult novelization, there were some changed, added, and subtracted scenes. To me, both types are good in different ways. I prefer seeing the story in a deeper way, but if it is to be kept short and sweet for kids then this junior novelization is best.
The way Windham shapes the words make the story as interesting as the movie. His sentence fluency is perfect, and his word choice is awesome and at the same time suitable for all ages. There were amusing parts in the movie that was enhanced in the book more or less, and I felt like I had my own personal TV that I can carry everywhere. It is that engrossing- as every Star Wars stuff is effortlessly engaging to me. I feel that it is just like every other Star Wars book- starting in the thick of the action and ending in a mild cliffhanger. I like it like that- but if you don’t follow the stories then you will have no idea where you are.
I especially love the ending. “Like his father, Anakin Skywalker, Luke has a future to think about.” It was a mild cliffhanger, as I’ve stated, and left me thinking and wanting for more (even though I know what happened next). As the cover said, the journey took a dark turn. It is one of the most important points in Star Wars history- but there are also other points not made a movie. That brings me to my next topic.
Another thing that struck out to me is that it could be like every other Star Wars adventures. Usually the movies are the most significant parts of Star Wars history, but this one could be just like any other parts of the story. There are some important parts that change the saga (Most notably the famous “I am your father” line) and it definitely make a good movie, but there are also other books that are equally important and take an equally dark turn. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to reading the next Star Wars book I find.
In conclusion, this book, like every other Star Wars books, is awesome. It has everything you can possibly want in a book- action, mysteries, etc. It also has only a brief scene of romance. It is effortlessly engaging, and it brings back memories when I first watched the movie so many years ago. As I said, since I already know the story inside out, it is something like a review to me. I recommend this for a review to all Star Wars fans, and as something to just try out for everyone.
The setting of the story varies greatly. Last movie it was on a desert planet of Tatooine, and now it's on the freezing planet of Hoth. Then, it moves on to space and a swampy planet of Dagobah. This gives me a sense of how greatly the climate of each places in Star Wars varies.
I am more of a prequel Star Wars kind of fan, so I do not know so much about the characters. However, I think it is amazing to see how Luke became who he is, starting from his birth on Poliss Massa to a farm boy on Tatooine, waiting for adventure and not knowing of his destiny- much like his father. I liked to see how his behavior was just like Anakin's, but he was able to resist the pull of the dark (though mostly because he didn't have much to lose then apart from his friends, which is the first reason why he confronted Vader and knew that they couldn't be saved if he went to the dark). His emotions gave the story a deeper meaning, not all awesome action and everything.
The thing that struck out to me most was how closely it followed the movie. Usually, movies and novelizations aren’t really exactly the same- with some scenes deleted and some added, and yet some others changed. This junior novelization only adds thoughts of characters when necessary, and I could not detect any changes in dialogue in the movie and the book. In the adult novelization, there were some changed, added, and subtracted scenes. To me, both types are good in different ways. I prefer seeing the story in a deeper way, but if it is to be kept short and sweet for kids then this junior novelization is best.
The way Windham shapes the words make the story as interesting as the movie. His sentence fluency is perfect, and his word choice is awesome and at the same time suitable for all ages. There were amusing parts in the movie that was enhanced in the book more or less, and I felt like I had my own personal TV that I can carry everywhere. It is that engrossing- as every Star Wars stuff is effortlessly engaging to me. I feel that it is just like every other Star Wars book- starting in the thick of the action and ending in a mild cliffhanger. I like it like that- but if you don’t follow the stories then you will have no idea where you are.
I especially love the ending. “Like his father, Anakin Skywalker, Luke has a future to think about.” It was a mild cliffhanger, as I’ve stated, and left me thinking and wanting for more (even though I know what happened next). As the cover said, the journey took a dark turn. It is one of the most important points in Star Wars history- but there are also other points not made a movie. That brings me to my next topic.
Another thing that struck out to me is that it could be like every other Star Wars adventures. Usually the movies are the most significant parts of Star Wars history, but this one could be just like any other parts of the story. There are some important parts that change the saga (Most notably the famous “I am your father” line) and it definitely make a good movie, but there are also other books that are equally important and take an equally dark turn. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it immensely and look forward to reading the next Star Wars book I find.
In conclusion, this book, like every other Star Wars books, is awesome. It has everything you can possibly want in a book- action, mysteries, etc. It also has only a brief scene of romance. It is effortlessly engaging, and it brings back memories when I first watched the movie so many years ago. As I said, since I already know the story inside out, it is something like a review to me. I recommend this for a review to all Star Wars fans, and as something to just try out for everyone.
October 1, 2014
I think this book was amazing lots of detail and it felt like I was watching the movie
October 29, 2019
Amo Star Wars es de mi sagas favoritas y leer este libro me encanto
January 13, 2025
Book: The Empire Strikes Back
Author: Ryder Windham
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
Star Wars novel tend to go either way for me. I will love one and not be able to get into the next one. I had a good feeling about this because The Empire Strikes Back is one of my favourite movies.
This one follows the iconic battle between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, father against son. Set against the backdrop of the Galactic Empire’s relentless pursuit of the Rebel Alliance, Luke seeks to continue his Jedi training while grappling with the shocking revelation of his parentage. As the Empire closes in, Luke faces Vader in a thrilling duel, culminating in the devastating moment where Vader reveals the truth: he is Luke’s father. This revelation challenges Luke’s understanding of his destiny and sets the stage for the conflict between them to escalate in the ongoing battle for the galaxy's future.
This is an exceptional adaptation of the beloved movie, capturing the essence of the film while offering readers a deeper understanding of its characters and themes. The author stays true to the events of the movie, faithfully recreating the dramatic action and dialogue, yet he goes beyond the surface, adding layers of nuance that enhance the story.
One of the standout aspects of this book is how it delves into the characters, particularly Darth Vader. In the film, Vader is already an iconic villain, but the author takes the opportunity to explore the complexities of his character in more detail. As the dark figure of the Empire, Vader’s motives, struggles, and inner turmoil are brought to the forefront, offering readers a richer perspective on his decisions and actions. His relationship with Luke is given extra depth, particularly as the tension builds toward their fateful confrontation. The author doesn’t simply portray Vader as a one-dimensional villain, but as a multifaceted character—one who is bound by his past and haunted by his choices.
This exploration of Vader’s character adds weight to the iconic father-son showdown, making his eventual revelation to Luke—that he is his father—more emotionally impactful. The moment is not just a plot twist but a culmination of Vader’s internal conflict, making the scene feel even more tragic and complex. The way the author handles this revelation adds an emotional depth to the narrative, further humanizing a character who might otherwise be viewed solely as a villain.
In addition to Vader, the author brings added layers to other key characters, like Luke, Leia, Han, and Yoda, giving readers more insight into their thoughts, motivations, and struggles. Luke’s journey, as he trains to become a Jedi while grappling with the truth of his heritage, is depicted with a sense of urgency and vulnerability that mirrors his on-screen performance. Leia and Han’s evolving relationship also shines in the text, and Yoda’s wisdom comes across as both mystical and practical.
Ultimately, this doesn’t just stay faithful to the movie—it enriches the experience. The author’s adaptation invites readers to look deeper into the characters they know and love, while also providing fresh perspectives that enhance the emotional resonance of the story. Fans of the film will appreciate how this book adds more layers to the classic tale, especially in the way it explores the complexities of Darth Vader, making his role in this chapter of the saga all the more compelling.
Overall, I did enjoy this one a lot. If you enjoyed the movie, then I think you will enjoy this one a lot.
Author: Ryder Windham
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
Star Wars novel tend to go either way for me. I will love one and not be able to get into the next one. I had a good feeling about this because The Empire Strikes Back is one of my favourite movies.
This one follows the iconic battle between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker, father against son. Set against the backdrop of the Galactic Empire’s relentless pursuit of the Rebel Alliance, Luke seeks to continue his Jedi training while grappling with the shocking revelation of his parentage. As the Empire closes in, Luke faces Vader in a thrilling duel, culminating in the devastating moment where Vader reveals the truth: he is Luke’s father. This revelation challenges Luke’s understanding of his destiny and sets the stage for the conflict between them to escalate in the ongoing battle for the galaxy's future.
This is an exceptional adaptation of the beloved movie, capturing the essence of the film while offering readers a deeper understanding of its characters and themes. The author stays true to the events of the movie, faithfully recreating the dramatic action and dialogue, yet he goes beyond the surface, adding layers of nuance that enhance the story.
One of the standout aspects of this book is how it delves into the characters, particularly Darth Vader. In the film, Vader is already an iconic villain, but the author takes the opportunity to explore the complexities of his character in more detail. As the dark figure of the Empire, Vader’s motives, struggles, and inner turmoil are brought to the forefront, offering readers a richer perspective on his decisions and actions. His relationship with Luke is given extra depth, particularly as the tension builds toward their fateful confrontation. The author doesn’t simply portray Vader as a one-dimensional villain, but as a multifaceted character—one who is bound by his past and haunted by his choices.
This exploration of Vader’s character adds weight to the iconic father-son showdown, making his eventual revelation to Luke—that he is his father—more emotionally impactful. The moment is not just a plot twist but a culmination of Vader’s internal conflict, making the scene feel even more tragic and complex. The way the author handles this revelation adds an emotional depth to the narrative, further humanizing a character who might otherwise be viewed solely as a villain.
In addition to Vader, the author brings added layers to other key characters, like Luke, Leia, Han, and Yoda, giving readers more insight into their thoughts, motivations, and struggles. Luke’s journey, as he trains to become a Jedi while grappling with the truth of his heritage, is depicted with a sense of urgency and vulnerability that mirrors his on-screen performance. Leia and Han’s evolving relationship also shines in the text, and Yoda’s wisdom comes across as both mystical and practical.
Ultimately, this doesn’t just stay faithful to the movie—it enriches the experience. The author’s adaptation invites readers to look deeper into the characters they know and love, while also providing fresh perspectives that enhance the emotional resonance of the story. Fans of the film will appreciate how this book adds more layers to the classic tale, especially in the way it explores the complexities of Darth Vader, making his role in this chapter of the saga all the more compelling.
Overall, I did enjoy this one a lot. If you enjoyed the movie, then I think you will enjoy this one a lot.
February 9, 2018
Esta novelización de Empire Strikes Back es la transcripción escena por escena de la película. Si bien agrega pensamientos y sensaciones de los personajes, sinceramente no le aporta mucho más a la cinta. Lo que repasé al leer este libro es como la comedia y el drama están muy bien balanceados. También no deja de sorprenderme lo sencilla y efectiva que es la historia.
Para quienes son fieles seguidores del canon, esta versión en específico está actualizada. El único error que encontré es que Vader se sorprende cuando el Emperador le dice que Luke es su hijo. Como sabemos, en los comics, se maneja que Vader ya sabía de Luke y lo estaba buscando.
Para quienes son fieles seguidores del canon, esta versión en específico está actualizada. El único error que encontré es que Vader se sorprende cuando el Emperador le dice que Luke es su hijo. Como sabemos, en los comics, se maneja que Vader ya sabía de Luke y lo estaba buscando.
October 10, 2017
It was a screen accurate to the movie. It was not written the way I would have liked it though. I feel like this book did not bring the excitement of the movie like it should have in my opinion. I feel like the writer did better on the new hope book. It still kept me reading because I am a star wars nut. I would recommend this book to people who want to get a better idea on what happened in the movie if they did not pay attention to it and want to know the movie better.
September 12, 2019
Another great and accurate novelization of the movie - the development of Han and Leia's love story was well-written, the duel between Luke and Vader was intense, and I especially enjoyed Luke's training sessions with Yoda; I have Yoda's wise sayings highlighted throughout my book.
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October 20, 2024
Una maravilla, con algunas variaciones con la original, como por ejemplo el entrenamiento de Luke en Dagobah con las luces; y otros añadidos como el extravío de Darth Vader luego de la destrucción de la Estrella de la Muerte, y sus pensamientos, o los de los otros protagonistas. Esencial para los fanáticos de la saga.
July 28, 2017
BOOK FOUR COMPLETED FOR THE BOOKTUBEATHON 2017 !!!!!! im loving this series of novels so freakin much ????? its like watching the movies i lov it. ive got return of the jedi and tfa to get through tomorrow hopefully and then i need 1 more book to complete all the challenges !!!!
September 4, 2019
Again, other amazing Star Wars Junior Novelization! I couldn't put it down! I loved how you got to read the thoughts of the characters, especially Leia's thoughts about Han! XD Great for any Star Wars fan! Awesome read but once again, more like a 6th grade on up book!
March 1, 2024
A solid novelization. If you are a fan of straightforward adaptations of the movie, I would recommend this one over the much more weird and out-there novelization of Episode V called "So You Want to be a Jedi?"
May 30, 2025
I thought the cringey inner dialogue was more tolerable than the previous book.
Since starting this book I have also started watching the Clone Wars which has made me sympathize for the stormtroopers in a way I've never before. It's really changed the perspective of these stories.
Since starting this book I have also started watching the Clone Wars which has made me sympathize for the stormtroopers in a way I've never before. It's really changed the perspective of these stories.
September 24, 2017
Another straight telling of the movie that adds nothing new with its mediocre writing.
June 7, 2018
Que se puede decir? es una excelente novelizacion de la mejor pelicula de Star Wars, que aporta ciertos datos que, si bien son puntuales, enriquecen la historia.
December 9, 2019
I AM YOUR FATHER. NOOOOOOoooooOOOOOOooooOOOOOOOOOOOOooo
I actually don't feel like I need to watch all the movies again after reading these because I see it play out in my head hehe.
I actually don't feel like I need to watch all the movies again after reading these because I see it play out in my head hehe.
April 18, 2020
Read this as apart of a 24hr Star Wars readathon I'm doing by myself.
4/5
4/5
May 4, 2022
La versione che io ho letto non è questa, ma una fan di questa saga. Non può non scrivere una recensione sui relativi libri.
December 20, 2022
For me what I think the book is about this boy called Luke that meets a Jedi master Yoda that trains Luke so he can face down Darth Vader
February 28, 2023
Han should’ve been the main character
July 22, 2024
3 3/4 stars given by 9-year old.
August 12, 2024
Terribly written. Feels like somebody in year 10 English literature is watching the film and describing in real time exactly what they are seeing. Short and easy tho so we move.
December 1, 2013
Star Wars, Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (Junior Novelization) written by Ryder Windham takes us on the continuation of what happened after the destruction of the Death Star. The Rebellion attacked the Death Star and succeeded. Now at the Hoth system, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Han Solo, C3PO, R2-D2, and of course Chewbacca are trying to make a plan to try to destroy the Empire once and for all. While investigating a meteorite, Luke is attacked by a Wampa. When he wakes up, he sees his old friend, Ben Kenobi (also known as Obi-wan Kenobi). Obi-wan tells Luke to go to the Dagobah system to train with the Jedi master Yoda. Who is Yoda? Well, read the book and you will find out.
The way Ryder Windham writes, it is as if the movie was happening in your mind. He also includes very good quotes. For example, while teaching Luke the nature of the Force by lifting his x-wing fighter, Luke states he will try to do it. In response, Yoda says"No. Do or Do not. There is no try." These quotes are incorporated in the movie, which signifies the importance of the part.
If you are looking for an ending where secrets are revealed, and there is a cliff-hanging ending, then go to the nearest book store and purchase it.
The way Ryder Windham writes, it is as if the movie was happening in your mind. He also includes very good quotes. For example, while teaching Luke the nature of the Force by lifting his x-wing fighter, Luke states he will try to do it. In response, Yoda says"No. Do or Do not. There is no try." These quotes are incorporated in the movie, which signifies the importance of the part.
If you are looking for an ending where secrets are revealed, and there is a cliff-hanging ending, then go to the nearest book store and purchase it.
October 30, 2011
On the freezing ice planet of Hoth, an Imperial Probe Droid finds the hidden rebel base, sending five AT-AT walkers to destroy the shield generator. Luke Skylwalker, as commander of the Snow Speeder Force, and the other rebels, take out two of the walkers, but must retreat to another planet. Luke Skywalker and R2-D2 leave to the planet of Dabuho to search for the Jedi Master, Yoda. While Hans Solo, Princess Leia, C3P0 and Chewbaka go to the plantet of Besbin in the city of Cloud City, Luke Skywalker is training with Master Yoda. Luke Skywalker senses a disturbance in the force that his friends are in danger. He leaves without completing his training to rescue his friends and ends up in a lightsaber duel with Darth Vader. He gets his hand cut off and it gets replaced with a mechanical one. Bobba Fett steals Hans Solo and takes him to Crime Lord Jabba the Hutt.
January 22, 2013
This book is the fifth in the series and one of the longer ones. I liked the movie of this better than the book because the book just dragged on a little bit, but that's probably because it is the longest of these I have read so far. Basically Luke gets trained by Yoda, which surprisingly did not take that long. Also Han, Leia, and the gang go to Bespin where they meet with Lando who betrays them but then helps them. What happens because of that is Luke loses a hand and Han is frozen in carbonite and on his way to Jabba's palace. I would recommend this book to those lovers of action and science fiction.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews