A long time ago (the early 90s) in a galaxy far far way (Conyers), I read this book. I really couldn’t tell you anything about it, but I remember the cover and remember owning it. When I left for college, my mom gave most of my old books to my cousins and I lost track of which Star Wars books I read, though I know they were all prior to 1999. So I went into reading this with pretty fresh eyes.
Honestly? This was probably my favorite Star Wars book I’ve read in the last two years. I definitely like the post ROTJ period and seeing what has become of our intrepid heroes. I know these books are hugely popular, but I always assumed it was because they were the first EU books, but clearly it’s also because they’re awesome. Tim Zahn is such a fantastic writer.
Going into this reading, I already know a decent amount about the EU, so some things already spoiled for me, but I still really enjoyed getting to know the new characters and seeing the continuation of the OT characters. I loved the way Han, Luke, Leia, and Lando are portrayed. They seem like themselves. I like Mara Jade and Talon Karrde, though I kind of wonder if that is because I know other people like them. Like did I like them the first time I read it? Would I like them if I hadn’t know they are popular? I don’t know. I think I would have liked Karrde, but I am not sure I would have liked Mara based solely on this book. I probably would have been mad at her for wanting to kill my beloved Luke. But knowing what I know about her, I liked getting to know her and looking forward to seeing how she evolves.
I read this along with the Thrawncast, though I decided to finish it a couple weeks before they did. I’m looking forward to reading the next book along with them.