Twenty-one years have passed since the Rebel Alliance took down the Death Star at Endor, and a new era is about to unfold as we once again join Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa Solo and Mara Jade with new generation Jedi Jaina, Jacen and Anakin Solo in a never before seen era of Jedi: The New Jedi Order. The launch of this new chapter in the Star Wars saga is written by R.A Salvatore (The Demon Wars).
In the time since the destruction of the second Death Star, our Rebel heroes have struggled to restore order and peace throughout the galaxy after Palpatine’s terrifying reign. A new threat, however, is about to grip the galaxy, one stronger than Palpatine himself. One that the Jedi themselves may not be able to defeat. even with the power of the Force on their side.
This threat takes the shape of the Yuuzhan Warriors, led by Nom Anor. Hoping to negotiate with this Dark Leader, Mara Jade, Leia Organa Solo and her daughter, Jaina travel to Rhommamool to meet him.
Meanwhile, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker and Jacen Solo are in Coruscant trying to convince the New Republic Advisory Council to re-establish the Jedi Council. Unable to succeed, Luke and Jacen return back to the Millennium Falcon to Han, Chewie and the youngest Solo child, Anakin. Leia, Mara and Jaina have problems too and they soon work their way back to the others and the Falcon and leave for Kerane Folly, to meet with our lovable rogue, Lando. While the party stops off at Lando’s, Nom Anor, slowly begins the first phases in his master plan to take over the galaxy.
Yes, it’s another “bad guys tries to take over the world” books, as it always is with Star Wars, but this is totally different from any other Star Wars book. There are no storm troopers and the Empire is long dead. This is a new era.
I found that I missed the Empire. After growing up in the Star Wars universe and knowing only The Rebels vs. The Imperials, it’s a little difficult to adjust to this new style. However, Salvatore has done a truly remarkable job of starting us on a new adventure. Sadly I must say George Lucas did give him permission to write off one of our Star Wars characters that have been with us for more than 25 years: if you want to know who it is you’re just going to have to read it now, aren’t you?
May the Force be with you…always!