Review: Maze Run by David J. Williams and Mark S. Williams

Star Wars Insider: Issue 131 features an all new piece of short fiction entitled, Maze Run by authors David J. Williams and Mark S. Williams.

Maze Run is a story featuring Han Solo, Chewbacca, and the Millennium Falcon set before the events of Episode IV: A New Hope.  It is set in the area of space known as the Rishi Maze, which was first mentioned by Dexter Jettster in his conversation with Obi-Wan Kenobi as a point of reference when looking for the planet Kamino in Episode II: Attack of the Clones.

Fans will be interesting to note that while she doesn't appear in the story, a deleted scene character is mentioned.  Han's would be love interest at the beginning of Star Wars, Jenny makes a brief appearance in Han Solo's internal monologue in the story.

The one that got away...

The story is written as a tie-in of sorts with the Haynes Star Wars: Millennium Falcon Owner's Workshop Manual being released Tuesday January 31st by Del Rey.  It is a little different in that the recent short stories have been tie-ins to novels, whereas this one is a tie-in to what is in essence an Essential Guide to the Millennium Falcon.   As such the two Williams had more a free hand in crafting their little tale in a narrative sense.

The story does go into some of the Falcon's technical aspects like the auxiliary flight controls in the engineering section, the 3D Navcom display and the ships shielding.   The story is interesting in the how it may effect Han's view of the Rebellion and just why it may be a bad idea to associate with that cause.  On the whole however it is a fairly underwhelming tale that doesn't do a lot to impact continuity or allow us to learn more about Han and Chewie.

Of course I am a sucker for Han and Chewie adventures so I still enjoyed it, though it feels like a bit of a missed opportunity.

SOURCE: Star Wars Insider # 131 Page 45-51.