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Star Wars: Galaxy of Fear #7
The Brain Spiders
Accompanying Hoole on his study of the B'omarr monks at the palace of the nefarious Jabba the Hutt, Zak and Tash are astonished to learn that the monks are spidery, disembodied brains, one of whom wants to learn about the Force. Original.
144 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 21, 2025
Star Wars: Legends: Galaxy of Fear 07 The Brain Spiders by John Whitman
adventurous sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5 Stars
Just not into the story (Brain Spiders). I could see this plot from a mile away. Ugh. So predictable.
The idea of moving a person from body to body via brain transplant isn't new, but the idea of who (and what powers the original person has...and whether that ability is tranferrable was the most interesting part of this story.
The fear within the story...is can any of this be reversed? Do the monks know how to reverse this? and will the people who had their brains removed and then replaced, will they recover? Not just being back in their own body, but did EVERYTHING return. Are they/will they ever be themselves again? Big question, right?
Okay, on to Galaxy of Fear 08 The Swarm. I'm just trying to get through these Middle Grade (Junior) novels...so that I can get to the X-Wing series (that I've heard SO much about). I need THAT in my life at the moment. Just twenty-five more novels until the X-Wing series. It's coming soon.
adventurous sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5 Stars
Just not into the story (Brain Spiders). I could see this plot from a mile away. Ugh. So predictable.
The idea of moving a person from body to body via brain transplant isn't new, but the idea of who (and what powers the original person has...and whether that ability is tranferrable was the most interesting part of this story.
The fear within the story...is can any of this be reversed? Do the monks know how to reverse this? and will the people who had their brains removed and then replaced, will they recover? Not just being back in their own body, but did EVERYTHING return. Are they/will they ever be themselves again? Big question, right?
Okay, on to Galaxy of Fear 08 The Swarm. I'm just trying to get through these Middle Grade (Junior) novels...so that I can get to the X-Wing series (that I've heard SO much about). I need THAT in my life at the moment. Just twenty-five more novels until the X-Wing series. It's coming soon.
January 3, 2018
Remember at the beginning of Return of the Jedi, when Luke is walking down the hallways of Jabba's palace, and he sees that spider droid with the brain underneath? Well, The Brain Spiders is about those very droids. Whitman takes that one throw-away scene and creates a whole mythology around him. I dig the idea, because these are the kinds of stories I most want to hear in the Expanded Universe -- the ones that broaden what we already know.
Of course, this also means that we get cameos from existing characters -- Jabba -- but it makes sense with this story. Whitman includes another theme here, which is nice since the stories feel more throwaway without them. Here, Zak and Tash are finding barriers between them as they each grow up in different directions, and the story helps them better understand and resolve the conflict that's growing between them. It's been a common theme with some of the other books, but the brain spiders bring that conflict to the front, and make that conflict more obvious.
This is another solid, if simplified, read, which is standard for this series. The ending here isn't as strong as, say, The Nightmare Machine (it has way too much hand-waving in the sudden ending to suspend my disbelief), but it keeps your attention and keeps you reading. For these books, that's about the best you can get.
Of course, this also means that we get cameos from existing characters -- Jabba -- but it makes sense with this story. Whitman includes another theme here, which is nice since the stories feel more throwaway without them. Here, Zak and Tash are finding barriers between them as they each grow up in different directions, and the story helps them better understand and resolve the conflict that's growing between them. It's been a common theme with some of the other books, but the brain spiders bring that conflict to the front, and make that conflict more obvious.
This is another solid, if simplified, read, which is standard for this series. The ending here isn't as strong as, say, The Nightmare Machine (it has way too much hand-waving in the sudden ending to suspend my disbelief), but it keeps your attention and keeps you reading. For these books, that's about the best you can get.
January 22, 2021
Star Wars Legends Project #260
Background: The Brain Spiders was written by John Whitman and published in November of 1997. It is the seventh in the Galaxy of Fear series, all written by Whitman.
The Brain Spiders takes place 9 months after the Battle of Yavin, shortly after Army of Terror (my review). The main characters are Tash and Zak Arranda and their adoptive Uncle Hoole. Jabba the Hutt is also a major presence in the story, and several members of his usual circle float through. Most of the story takes place on Tatooine.
Summary: Project Starscream, and the evil scientist behind it, are no more, but now Hoole and the Arrandas are on Darth Vader's radar. Anxious to find somewhere in the galaxy safe from the Empire, Hoole turns once again to Jabba the Hutt, who offers him a deal: Translate a scroll Jabba has "acquired" from B'omarr monks who live in the depths of his palace, and Jabba will provide the three of them with new identities. But the B'omarr monks aren't pleased at the prospect of outsiders learning their secrets . . . and there is something else going on, as well; something involving fugitive murderers and the creepy "brain spiders." Trusting a Hutt may prove an even graver mistake than Hoole and his wards had feared.
Review: This is just about exactly the sort of thing I was hoping for after the conclusion of the major arc that was the focus of the first 6 books. It's a standalone story that doesn't seem to be trying to build any new, big saga, and it delves into one of the creepier existing possibilities from already established lore. There is loads of potential in the brain-transferring monks that hang around the fringes of Jabba's palace, and for the most part I'd say this book realizes that potential.
Probably my biggest complaint is that the way the story unfolds leans pretty heavily on the characters not listening to or trusting each other . . . again. In particular, there's a rift between Zak and Tash that, while it's reasonably well explained within the story, just doesn't feel like a natural progression from what they've been through to this point. Is it really not possible to get through one of these without the main characters disregarding or disbelieving each other at critical points in the narrative?
Aside from that, this was a lot of fun. I didn't expect where the story was going, but it really worked. Despite my complaint above, I appreciated the theme of Tash starting to grow up more and Zak struggling with feeling left behind, and with how that was worked into the story. It feels like the series is still on the right track.
B
Background: The Brain Spiders was written by John Whitman and published in November of 1997. It is the seventh in the Galaxy of Fear series, all written by Whitman.
The Brain Spiders takes place 9 months after the Battle of Yavin, shortly after Army of Terror (my review). The main characters are Tash and Zak Arranda and their adoptive Uncle Hoole. Jabba the Hutt is also a major presence in the story, and several members of his usual circle float through. Most of the story takes place on Tatooine.
Summary: Project Starscream, and the evil scientist behind it, are no more, but now Hoole and the Arrandas are on Darth Vader's radar. Anxious to find somewhere in the galaxy safe from the Empire, Hoole turns once again to Jabba the Hutt, who offers him a deal: Translate a scroll Jabba has "acquired" from B'omarr monks who live in the depths of his palace, and Jabba will provide the three of them with new identities. But the B'omarr monks aren't pleased at the prospect of outsiders learning their secrets . . . and there is something else going on, as well; something involving fugitive murderers and the creepy "brain spiders." Trusting a Hutt may prove an even graver mistake than Hoole and his wards had feared.
Review: This is just about exactly the sort of thing I was hoping for after the conclusion of the major arc that was the focus of the first 6 books. It's a standalone story that doesn't seem to be trying to build any new, big saga, and it delves into one of the creepier existing possibilities from already established lore. There is loads of potential in the brain-transferring monks that hang around the fringes of Jabba's palace, and for the most part I'd say this book realizes that potential.
Probably my biggest complaint is that the way the story unfolds leans pretty heavily on the characters not listening to or trusting each other . . . again. In particular, there's a rift between Zak and Tash that, while it's reasonably well explained within the story, just doesn't feel like a natural progression from what they've been through to this point. Is it really not possible to get through one of these without the main characters disregarding or disbelieving each other at critical points in the narrative?
Aside from that, this was a lot of fun. I didn't expect where the story was going, but it really worked. Despite my complaint above, I appreciated the theme of Tash starting to grow up more and Zak struggling with feeling left behind, and with how that was worked into the story. It feels like the series is still on the right track.
B
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July 12, 2019I wanted a quick read and grabbed it off my kid's Star Wars shelf.
Mark of a good book is it is a fun read, makes us think, allows for a healthy discussion and teaches us something. This one is an passes muster for early middle school/ YA readers on all these point. It does bring points on hubris, false role models and sibling relationship.
Science fiction books are long blamed for propogating pseudoscience. Brain Spiders is one of them. One may think branin transfer (read the book) will require a period of rest or downtime. Not according to Whitman. Hmmm! Is it because "advances in medicine in future"? Need to keep pace for young reader?
Read it when you are looking for a popcor read. Definitely enjoy it if you live in Star Wars universe.
Mark of a good book is it is a fun read, makes us think, allows for a healthy discussion and teaches us something. This one is an passes muster for early middle school/ YA readers on all these point. It does bring points on hubris, false role models and sibling relationship.
Science fiction books are long blamed for propogating pseudoscience. Brain Spiders is one of them. One may think branin transfer (read the book) will require a period of rest or downtime. Not according to Whitman. Hmmm! Is it because "advances in medicine in future"? Need to keep pace for young reader?
Read it when you are looking for a popcor read. Definitely enjoy it if you live in Star Wars universe.
June 10, 2025
I think this has been the best constructed book so far. I like the kids evolving, moving past their babysitter droid, and starting new phases of life. I love the idea of Hoole freeing their droid. It was nice not having the same villain pop up again. The book is what my dad calls a "true mystery". The clues for what's happening are there if you're paying attention.
My nitpick is Jabba's palace should not be walking distance from the Great Pit of Carkoon. It should be much, much further away.
Boba Fett's only here for one page but it's perfect. I enjoying them exploring the B'omarr monks. That's the kind of small detail from the films I enjoy seeing fleshed out far more than major character cameos.
My nitpick is Jabba's palace should not be walking distance from the Great Pit of Carkoon. It should be much, much further away.
Boba Fett's only here for one page but it's perfect. I enjoying them exploring the B'omarr monks. That's the kind of small detail from the films I enjoy seeing fleshed out far more than major character cameos.
December 29, 2021
This novel was a bit more entertaining than the previous books in the Galaxy of Fear trilogy. And it was refreshing to have somewhat of a new villain instead of a 'traditional' one seen in the former novels. However, the plot in 'The Brain Spiders' was quite predictable: already in the middle of the novel one could already guess the main 'mystery' of the book.
May 17, 2024
So the main arc is over and it's time for standalone stories, but they're just as good - because this series' strength is not in its plots but in how it handles Tash and Zak growing up. Obviously, brains and bodies being swapped is not a new concept (sometimes I think it's overdone). And yet, it was still a fun read.
August 15, 2017
why is holographic rainbow jabba on the cover.
anyway this is like. the least scary one?? oh no tash got her brain put in a spider. karkat stole her body. ok
anyway this is like. the least scary one?? oh no tash got her brain put in a spider. karkat stole her body. ok
November 30, 2020
Unfortunately, we're back on Tatooine. Fortunately, we're exploring something different in the B'omarr monks.
Arachnophobia and sci-fi kiddie horror work pretty well together.
Arachnophobia and sci-fi kiddie horror work pretty well together.
May 11, 2021
Forgot to log this lol
REVIEW: https://spongey444.wordpress.com/2021...
REVIEW: https://spongey444.wordpress.com/2021...
June 13, 2022
Fun story but a little predictable. Not much happens towards the bigger plot whatever that might be
July 24, 2024
Earns four stars just for the incredibly fucked up "I have no mouth and I must scream" ending.
September 19, 2016
Tash is almost 14 and is acting like an egotistical know-it-all. I understand that young teens tend to be like that, particularly with younger siblings, but her behavior gates on me, particularly because it's not fuly like Tash. Still, I'm glad that Hoole is able to help Zak and he in turn can help Tash see how immature she's being. After all, the more she tries to be mature, the less she actually is.
She even goes as far as to listen to a stranger and leave Jabba's palace, even though her uncle told her not to. That is not at all like her...even before the crazy exchange!
They go see Jabba to get help erasing records from the Imperial database. Tash learns more about the B'omarr monks and wants to learn from them. She learns she's in over her head. There's an insane monk who wants brains for the spider droids and anyone - not just enlightened monks - is fair game.
I'm also tired of having every chapter end in something extreme. It seemed like Whitman had stopped this 2 books ago, but no, it's back. I think there are maybe two chapters that end without something completely jarring.
She even goes as far as to listen to a stranger and leave Jabba's palace, even though her uncle told her not to. That is not at all like her...even before the crazy exchange!
They go see Jabba to get help erasing records from the Imperial database. Tash learns more about the B'omarr monks and wants to learn from them. She learns she's in over her head. There's an insane monk who wants brains for the spider droids and anyone - not just enlightened monks - is fair game.
I'm also tired of having every chapter end in something extreme. It seemed like Whitman had stopped this 2 books ago, but no, it's back. I think there are maybe two chapters that end without something completely jarring.
March 5, 2009
it was a alsome book
February 11, 2015
Good story, but a bit dark for a junior novel.
June 3, 2011
Not amused.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews