Mike's Bookshelf

• Lead the Way by Ace Landers Book Review

  

  Lead the Way by Ace Landers

  Reviewed by Mike Kenny

  Inspired by Disney/Pixar’s upcoming high-speed installment of the popular Cars franchise, Lead the Way takes young readers along for an inspirational ride with Lightning McQueen as your guide as he makes pitstops on cherished moments gone by.  Sharing wonderful life lessons acquired from mentor Doc Hudson about the true meaning of winning, working hard and appreciation for those who helped you along the way, Lead the Way encourages all to believe in the impossible.  Introducing Cars 3’s Cruz Ramirez as McQueen’s latest protégé, skilled Pixar artist Garrett Taylor provides colorful illustrations of Radiator Springs’ favorite talking cars as they take to the open track of their adventure-filled lives.  Ultimately learning that the friends and memories made along the way in any situation are the greatest rewards, Lead the Way is a charming storybook urging passengers to put their pedal to the metal in following their dreams.

  Available now from Disney Press, Lead the Way can be purchased via Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other fine retailers.  

• Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - The Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume Three by Gary Gerani Book Review

  

  Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - The Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume Three by  Gary Gerani

  Reviewed by Mike Kenny

  Concluding the galactic adventures of George Lucas’ original trilogy, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - The Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume Three by Gary Gerani continues the comprehensive cataloging of the pocket-sized collectibles celebrating the epic finale between both sides of the Force.  Introduced by and offering additional commentary throughout, former Topps Company wiz Gerani recounts the excitement of reading the film’s screenplay far ahead of release and the incredible transformation of working hand in hand with small upstart company Lucasfilm during the original film to the awe-inspiring enterprise it became by the franchise’s third chapter.  In just several short pages, Gerani’s vivid memories and contagious excitement are expressed in such detail that allows readers to fully appreciate the creative thought process behind Topps’ followup to their successful Empire Strikes Back line.

  Presenting the complete set of both series consisting of a whopping 220 cards and 55 stickers, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - The Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume Three once again displays the storytelling snapshots of action and adventure in crisp color with additional photos of unopened trading card wraps, vintage display boxes and nostalgic advertisement sheets also included.  As bittersweet as its cinematic counterpart, Topps’ final two series capped off several years of exciting collecting for fans with Gerani’s latest work standing as a fitting farewell and warm companion piece for those yearning to have their commonly bent and damaged vintage cards beautifully honored in one lavish hardcover.  Sending readers off with four limited-edition trading cards exclusively created by Abrams ComicArts, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - The Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume Three is another must-have for rebels across the galaxy.

  Available now from Abrams ComicArts, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi - The Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume Three can be purchased via AbramsBooks.com, Amazon.com and other fine retailers.

• Star Wars: Moving Target - A Princess Leia Adventure by Cecil Castellucci and Jason Fry Book Review

  

  Star Wars: Moving Target - A Princess Leia Adventure by Cecil Castellucci and Jason Fry

  Reviewed by Mike Kenny

  Set between the events of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, this newly conceived adventure centers on freedom fighter Princess Leia as she leads a rebel crew on a risky decoy mission to combat the ruthless Galactic Empire.  With the Empire actively building their second Death Star, Leia initiates Operation Yellow Moon to attract Imperial attention in order for the Alliance to gain defensive momentum in the war.  Aided by ace pilot Nien Nunb, communications specialist Kidi Aleri, tech specialist Antrot and veteran resistance fighter Major Lokmarcha, Leia travels aboard the Mellcrawler to distant planets such as Basteel and Sesid, encountering supporters of their cause and familiar threats.  Still reeling from the carbonite-freezing and capture of Han Solo, Star Wars: Moving Target expands on Leia’s determined personality and her commitment to the Alliance against oftentimes impossible odds.  Hunted by the novels evil female antagonist Captain Khone and her surge of stormtroopers, Leia’s mission comes with great sacrifice and nonstop action.  Complimented by illustrations by Phil Noto and intriguing links to Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Castellucci and Fry’s Leia based saga excellently delivers the excitement of the films’ original trilogy while, solidifying the Alderaanian as one of science-fictions strongest female characters.

  Available now from Disney-Lucasfilm Press, Star Wars: Moving Target - A Princess Leia Adventure can be purchased via Amazon.com and other fine retailers.