Knight Errant: Star Wars Legends (Star Wars - Legends)

Kerra Holt is a young Padawan who attends a mission with her Master and several other Jedi into Sith space. The operation is disastrous, leaving all but her dead. With no way out, she seeks to do as much damage as she can.We first encounter her in Lord Daiman's space when she steals a stealth suit from a Bothan thief/spy/saboteur. Despite leaving him for Daiman's guards, she and the Bothan meet several more times.For teaching a young girl, Tam, to speak Basic, she's given room and board by an Tam's grandfather who's job is very similar to that of Winston Smith's in Orwell's 1984 in that he must add Lord Daiman's symbol to documents of all types that preceded Daiman (who's in his early twenties I think) because Daiman claims to be the creator of the universe.One day some people come and take Tam to a special school and the old man throws Kerra out. Hearing that Daiman is going to another planet to wage war with his brother Odion and his devout and suicidal followers, she hides aboard Daiman's capital ship. Her intention is to blow up Daiman using some charges she's managed to squirl away.When the fight comes, Kerra realizes that the special school that Tam was sent to is a ship that has landed on the planet and Daiman intends to use as bait for his brother. Kerra's plan changes and as the fighting breaks out, she chooses to save the kids and she finds a mercenary ship and convinces the Brigadeer to allow the kids to stay until they find a place to drop them off. While they search for a new home, it's clear that Kerra is barely older than the thousand plus refugees she's taken charge of.There's a lot going on in this book and it keeps you reading. The Bothan shows up all the time with some ulterior plan which keeps the head scratching going and there's more Sith and more in-fighting, until the ultimate truth is told.As far as the earlier books in the Star Wars universe are concerned this is one of my favorites.

Star Wars Knight Errant, a Star Wars Legends novel by John Jackson Miller, follows rouge Jedi Knight Kerra Holt during a lesser explored time in the in the Old Republic era of Star Wars Legends.In 1032 BBY, a generation before Darth Bane and the founding of the Rule of Two, Knight Errant takes place during a Old Republic era when the Sith and Jedi existed simultaneously, living in a constant state of war. Unlike Darth Bane’s era where the Sith unified under a single banner, the Sith in this era fight each other as much as the Republic. To slow them down the Republic cut off all contact with the regions fallen to the Sith space, allowing only small strike teams of Jedi to cross the border. Kerra Holt was part of a strike team that was destroyed. Stranded but determined, she sets out to give the Sith as good as she’s gotten.Miller’s “Knight Errant” was definitely a surprising Legends novel. It has fast flowing action, great characters, and layer upon layer of political mystery and intrigue. In essence, it contains almost everything I look for in a Star Wars book. The one thing that I don't believe it has is a strong plot. I expect that this is because, while it IS a standalone book, it follows the story-arc started in the Knight Errant comic series. However this didn't seem to be that much of a problem, since despite not knowing where the book was going, I couldn't put it down.The Knight Errant is made strong by the worldbuilding that Miller utilizes. This is a rare example of Expanded Universe Star Wars material that is not connected to the Skywalker storyline and feels fresh as a result. Though this series is technically no longer canon, it does feel “new” compared to many things in the new Disney canon.While it isn't the earliest book in the star wars timeline, it almost is, being set in the dark ages of the Old Republic. That means it's pretty different from the films (lots of Sith, one Jedi) and as such, it's probably not the best to read as an introduction to the expanded universe, butit IS a entertaining book, and one that should be read by every star wars reader.The Sith in this book are written particularly well. There is quite a few of them (Seven Sith Lords makean appearance, as well as their minions), and they are all unique. Each of them adds a new aspect to the book, and in some ways, each Sith Lord represents a different story. This is part of what helps it flow so well, the story is constantly changing, there isn't a dull moment. And that's just the bad guys.The book also has a lot of interesting settings, ranging from the dark police state of Darkknell, which is Lord Daiman’s capital, to the icy Syned, Arkadia’s headquarters. They’re all finely described, the author expertly transporting the reader’s mind to these imaginary places. In addition, the action is well plotted out, keeping you on the edge of your seat the whole time through. We have everything from speeder bike chases to pitched battles to the classic lightsaber duels. Then there’s the tone. This book can be serious when it needs to, but is overall a rather enjoyable and lighthearted read, a nice departure from more grim and serious Star Wars books like the Thrawn trilogy or even Fate of the Jedi. In addition, I also liked how the writer focused on details in the Star Wars lore, such as why the heroes can’t simply escape back to the Republic, the difficulties of a bunch of different alien species living crammed together in Rusher’s ship, Diligence, or fun little nods to the Kotor video games.The POV is handled primarily from the perspective of Jedi Kerra Holt, but you also have sections told from the perspective of Bothan spy Narsk Ka ‘hane and mercenary Rusher. Those two help to give alternate viewpoints of the conflict especially Rusher, a man whose simply trying to survive in a part of the galaxy where just about everyone is a slave in al but name. Their perspectives help to explain why their aren’t rebellions against the Sith and give a more neutral tone to what would otherwise be a purely good vs evil tale.What makes it work is the very strong cast of characters. Every character is well rounded and individualized, from Kerra Holt herself to the Bothan spy Narsk to bumbling mercenary recruit Beadle Lubboon. The most interesting character in the novel is undoubtedly Rusher, a military history buff and experienced commander. Rusher is a classic anti-hero in the same vein as Han Solo. What differentiates him from Solo, however, is his dedication to his men and his admirable sense of duty, though he doesn’t mind the money. Naturally, he and Kerra don’t get along well at first, but it’s a testament to Miller’s handling of the character development that they’re fire forged friends by the end of the book. They’re both selfless in their own way, with Rusher being the pragmatist and Kerra being the idealist, thus being perfect foils to each other.The main character herself is... Not the greatest. She feels a little under developed, but again I feel thatthis is due to the fact that half the story is in comic form, and we don't know a lot of what's happened to Kerra. The one thing we do see is that she's not the model Jedi, which is refreshing after many idealJedi in the Expanded Universe. But my favourite characters are the artillery captain, Rusher, and the Bothan spy, Narsk.These two characters are the two that really add depth to the book. They work for the Sith, but only because the Sith are the only people around. This idea is an interesting one, because it allows the author to show prejudice against them (working for bad guys), while also showing that there are just ordinary people in the star wars universe. Too often the main characters in the star wars books are all "professional heroes", or fighter pilots, or basically full-time good guys. It's nice to see more realistic people.I’m not sure if this series was cancelled due to poor sales or as a result of the Disney acquisition and the Star Wars comic line moving from Dark Horse to Marvel. I hope we see the continuing adventures of Kerra Holt, though this seems very unlikely at this point.On the whole, this book is worth reading, The plot and the cast are both excellently written, with superb action and an engaging writing style. It’s a fun, adventurous read which should be on the reading list of any Star Wars fan, or any fantasy or science fiction enthusiast for that matter. It's easy to read, while still being complex, and a great addition to the Star Wars Legends universe.

As someone who has read Star Wars books for over two decades (from the original movie adaption to today), I've seen good and bad. I've also become accustomed to most twists a plot can take and can see the end coming from a mile away, given the confines in which Star Wars EU has been written. This book blows all of that away, while still maintaining the fast-paced, nail-biting adventure that the original movies gave us. Just like the movies, this book leaves you wanting more and ready to jump in that galaxy far, far away with both feet. John Jackson Miller has a talent for imagery that I haven't seen in this fandom in a while. The period is not one that I'm familiar with, but oddly it fit right in with what I expected and with JJM's descriptions, I was able to be immersed immediately. I'd really love to see his fresh take on a beleaguered period in the fandom that takes place after Return of the Jedi, I think it could use his talents.As a woman, I was excited to hear that the protagonist was female. I was also glad that Del Rey and the author didn't fall in the trap of thinking female readers just want romance, and aren't adventure fans. I don't read Star Wars for romance and I think that works that try to wedge in a romance in this genre, just because there's a female character can really do disservice to female (and male) fans. I admit, I read this book expecting to have that at any moment just because there was a female protagonist interacting with males. I was truly surprised and glad that the book didn't take that route, and it made the story that much better.All in all, I'd say this book has renewed my interest in the Star Wars books, as I hadn't read much that kept my interest here lately. I can't wait for the next in this series!

If you're a fan of Star Wars, this is a good read.

I have read Knight Errant and have had the same feeling than when I read The lost tribe of Sith. The plot might be interesting but it is too much descriptive. It lacks rhythm. And the endings are always not well developed.

Perfecto para mi colección, debo decir que ninguna de las entregas anteriores me ha decepcionado, así que espero esté también sea un excelente libro.

Amazing work by J. J. Miller, with an intruiging plot and likeable characters. A wonderful read for any Star Wars fan that offers a different view into the Sith ways. Surely worth it!

Sehr spannendes Buch, in englisch und daher auch fördernd für den Sprachgebrauch. Man muss andere Bände auch lesen da es so unterhaltsam ist und man das Ende wissen will.