William Shakespeare's The Jedi Doth Return, by Ian Doescher

If you have even the most minor knowledge of iconic Sci-Fi and/or action movies, you're more than familiar with the original Star Wars Trilogy: Episodes IV-VI (forget the atrocity that was Episodes I-III...and the obnoxiousness that was Jar Jar Binks...and whatever Disney is doing to continue the story that should have been finished when the credits rolled for Return of the Jedi). It's a well-known tale: Young man from humble beginnings learns, by fate or by chance, that he is prophecized to save the world (or, in this case, the galaxy) from a terrible fate. There's action, romance, comedy, and enough serious family drama to keep daytime talkshows in business for years. 

When you think about it, the whole thing is really very Shakesperian. If you leave out the Lightsabers, androids, and starships, the tale would read just like one of the Bard's plays.

Author Ian Doescher, a fan of both Star Wars and Shakespeare, thought so too. So he combined his two great interests into one and came up with William Shakespeare's Star Wars. That is, the original three Star Wars movies translated into Shakespearian plays.

The Jedi Doth Return, the third book in this awesome trilogy, wraps things up nicely. I won't get into the plot in this review (because everyone already knows it). I'll just say this book--and the entire trilogy--is pure creative genius! 

While in school, I had to read my fair share of Shakespeare, and I was never a fan. Sure, I enjoyed the occasional performances when I had the chance to catch them (usually for class) at a free campus theater, but actually reading the plays...ugh! The language was all backward and old-school and I'd find myself re-reading the same line multiple times or zoning out entirely. 

And I admit I had some reservation when I first picked up Verily, A New Hope (Doescher's first book). But soon I was so caught up in the story of Luke and Co. that I forgot I was reading--and enjoying--something written in the style of Shakespeare. I eagerly finished the book and dove into The Empire Striketh Back. And by the time I finally--finally--got my hands on The Jedi Doth Return, I was a total fangirl.

Maybe I should try some actual Shakespeare again... --AJB

William Shakespeare's The Empire Striketh Back

Get the once more to a galaxy far, far away with William Shakespeare's The Empire Striketh Back!

Lo--many a fortnight hath passed since the destruction of the Death Star (as recounted in volume one--or IV--William Shakespeare's Verily A New Hope), and our young hero, Luke Skywalker, and his rebel friends have taken refuge on the ice planet of Hoth. But the vengeful Darth Vader is scouring the galaxy for them. It is only a matter of time before they are captured. But Luke has a plan! Guided by the spirit of his late teacher, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke and his faithful droid R2-D2 travel to Degobah to seek advice from the elusive, but wise Yoda. It is with this great Jedi master that Luke will complete his training and learn the skills he needs to rescue his friends and maybe even defeat Darth Vader. But the evil dark lord has a carefully-kept secret that, once revealed, could disarm (heh-heh) our young hero. What will happen? Will evil win? Or will good prevail? Methinks you shall have to read this book to find out!

The saga of the original Star Wars trilogy (the only good Star Wars movies worth watching), as told in the style of a Shakespeare play, continues with The Empire Striketh Back. Fans of the first book will be happy to know that this sequel is just as awesome as its predecessor. Read it...and get excited for the third and final volume, William Shakespeare's The Jedi Doth Return, due out this summer! --AJB