Lisa N. reviewed on 11/9/2005 + 6 more book reviews

The author of the popular Star Wars X-Wing series breaks into hardcover with this lavish novel, which takes place when Han and Leia's twins are about three years old. Corran Horn, a former Corellian police officer turned Rogue Squadron pilot, learns that he has a Jedi inheritance and Force abilities. He also learns that his wife has been kidnapped while trying to infiltrate the operations of the piratical ex-Imperial Admiral Tavira. So it is not without inner conflicts that he goes to the newly established Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, where he encounters both his own limitations and the ghost of the Dark Jedi Exar Kun. At last he decides to return to use his Force powers in his original profession, to rescue his wife and dissolve Admiral Tavira's piratical band. By telling two stories between one set of covers, Stackpole has come up with one of the longest Star Wars novels yet, and also one of the best. Corran Horn is a more complex protagonist than many, formidably competent but with believable limitations. He also provides us with a minor player's perspective on superstars like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo (whom this ex-policeman still thinks of as an ex-criminal). Stackpole adds many engaging details and minor characters of his own to the Star Wars universe and puts his skill at telling a fluid action story on full display here. This novel will play well among the loyal fans and can be enjoyed even by non-fans with a taste for star-faring swashbucklers.

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