Steve Perry's MasterStroke - Rated 
this book is not only Steve Perrys finest work but is also the finest STARWARS book i have read ( and i have read a fair few )
Beautifully elegantly written. Steve perry uses a (literary segue device) switching between description of the environment to narration of the characters minds and vice-versa. Just superb.
A Book That You'll Want To Read If You're A Star Wars Fan - Rated
Finally, someone had the brains to bridge the gap between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Shadows of the Empire tells of the struggle of Lando, Luke, Chewie, Leia and the droids to rescue Han Solo.
The powerful leader of the Black Sun, Prince Xizor, is trying to kick Vader out of power in order to be more powerful in the Empire. While Vader fights him and the Rebels, our heroes make several attemps to rescue Han, but fail. A new good guy, hot-headed Dash, also appears, much to Luke's annoyance. Prince Xizor also poses a problem as he almost seduces Leia... but I won't give that away.
It's a good book and I recommend it for any Star Wars fan.
One of the best Star Wars novels. - Rated
THE STORY:
Set between 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Return Of The Jedi', Prince Xizor, head of the Black Sun criminal empire, is seeking to discredit his hated nemesis Darth Vader by assassinating Luke Skywalker, whom Vader has promised to turn to the dark side. Unable to recover Han Solo's carbon-frozen body, Princess Leia is further disturbed when Luke is almost killed and she seeks to root out the assassins with Xizor's help. WHAT'S GOOD:
This book is the perfect bridge between the two movies, being both an interesting and original stand-alone story, but also linking into the films with such things as Xizor being with the Emperor when Vader speaks to him in 'Empire', Luke building his replacement lightsaber, and the story of "many Bothans died to bring us this information" revealed. The new characters are all of high quality; Xizor's cold patience being a good counterpoint to Vader's harsh temper and Dash Rendar bringing that element of cocky, honourable pirate that would otherwise have been Han. One of my favourite elements of the book, however, is that for the first time we get to read what Vader's thinking and understand what his motivations are. WHAT'S BAD:
There's not much to complain about with this book, except perhaps the underuse of Boba Fett and the fact that Vader and Xizor never got to beat the hell out of each other (although I reckon Vader would've done most of the beating).
Super read right to the end - Rated 
A nice story which explains black sun and also fills in a nice void between ESB and ROTJ. Brings in the new bad guys well. Great read right to the end, you wont put the book down until the story is finished.
The Force is strong with this one - Rated
Okay, Shadows of the Empire isn't going to win the Booker Prize, but it is a fantastic addition to the (now) vast array of novels in the Star Wars universe. What makes it stand out is its setting, between ESB and ROTJ. Unilke a lot of other authors writing in the Expanded Universe, Perry is restricted by the already known events of these films. As such, he weaves a truly excellent tale involving the attempt to rescue Han, which although forms the premise of the story for our heroes, is soon caught up in more sinister plots and twists, such as the nature of how the Bothan spies got hold of the information regarding the second Death Star.
Perry does an excellent job of getting into the heads of all the characters, especially Luke as he grows sronger in his use and control of the Force; and Vader, as we see his thirst for capturing Luke, and the links he still has to his former self, Anakin, and the conflict within that becomes pivotal in ROTJ. Also interesting is the depth given to the delicate relationship between Vader and Sidious.
However, Prince Xizor is Perry's most significant addition. Cold and ruthless, his manipulations are superbly calculated as he bargains for the Emperor's favour with Vader, and we get to see an evil side to the Star Wars universe beyond machinations of the Empire.
Those lamenting the loss of the sharp wit of Han Solo, no need to worry. Light relief is provided by Lando and the (perhaps somewhat convenient and all-too familiar) new character Dash Rendar. However, given that this story starts with the search for Han, those wishing to see a bit more of Bobo Fett will be disappointed.
My only problem with Shadows of the Empire is the love angle, involving the triangle between Leia, Han and Luke, and the seduction scene with Leia and Xizor is truly awful. However, Lucas' own writing of the love stories in the films is pretty poor, so there's little room to grumble.
This is a fun, action-packed and worthy addition to the Star Wars book line.
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