From AudioFile
Walter Jon Williams is one of a growing list of top-notch science fiction and fantasy authors providing volumes to the Star Wars: New Jedi Order series, all of which have been produced as abridged audiobooks. This volume continues the story of Luke Skywalker as he attempts to rebuild the Jedi Council in the face of a difficult enemy, the Yuuzhan Vong. Han, Leia, and their children, now teen Jedi, play pivotal roles. Jonathan Davis's skilled narration; the superior production quality, with its familiar sound effects and music; and the vivid story make this Star Wars entry wonderful entertainment, appropriate for the whole family. S.D. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The time of reckoning is close at hand. Events in the New York Times bestselling Star Wars The New Jedi Order series take a decisive turn, as the heroes of the New Republic prepare for their most volatile clash yet with the enemy—from without and within.

In the war against the ruthless Yuuzhan Vong, the fall of Coruscant leaves the New Republic divided by internal strife, and on the verge of bowing to conquest. But those who steadfastly refuse to consider surrender—Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Leia Organa Solo, and their children and comrades-in-arms—are determined to seize victory against overwhelming odds. And now, finally, there are signs that the tide may be turning in the New Republic's favor.

After capturing crucial Yuuzhan Vong intelligence, Jedi fighter-pilot Jaina Solo prepares to lead a daring surprise strike against an enemy flagship. Meanwhile, Jaina's brother Jacen—liberated from the hands of the enemy and newly schooled in an even greater mastery of the Force by the Jedi Knight Vergere—is eagerly poised to bring his unique skills to bear against the invaders. And on Mon Calamari, the New Republic's provisional capital, the retired, ailing hero Admiral Ackbar has conceived a major tactical plan that could spell the beginning of a swift end for the Yuuzhan Vong.

Yet even as opposing squadrons face off in the depths of space, intrigue runs rampant: in the heated political race for Chief of State . . . in the shadows where Yuuzhan Vong spies plot assassinations . . . and in the inscrutable creature Vergere, a Jedi Knight whose allegiance is impossible to predict. And as Luke Skywalker sets aboutreestablishing the Jedi Council, the growing faction opposed to the ways of the Force unveil a terrifying weapon designed to annihilate the Yuuzhan Vong species. But in doing so, they may be dooming the New Republic to becoming the very thing it has sworn to fight against—and unleashing the power of the dark side.

Author Biography: Nebula Award-winner Walter Jon Williams is the author of twenty-two volumes of fiction, as well as screenplays for film and television. A fourth degree black belt from the American Kenpo Academy, he lives in rural New Mexico with his wife, Kathy. He is currently working on The Praxis, a novel of adventure in the near future.

FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA - Rayna Patton

Fans of the Star Wars(tm) adventures have a treat in store. The New Jedi Order series continues with this novel in which all of their favorite characters return. Now the New Republic is torn by political discord, and the brutal Yuuzhan Vong seem poised to complete their takeover of the galaxy. Although many in the New Republic distrust the Jedi and their numbers are sadly diminished, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, their children, and their Jedi comrades are determined to battle on. Politics rule as Luke helps gain the election of a New Republic president sympathetic to the Jedi. When, unexpectedly, New Republic scientists discover a biological weapon capable of exterminating the entire Vong race, a conflicted Luke must choose between his Jedi-based respect for all life and his own aversion to the enemy. Eventually he concludes that only a major and rapid military victory over the Vong will restrain the New Republic from unleashing a morally indefensible genocide. Thanks to a cunning strategy, the outnumbered New Republic forces triumph in a major battle. The characters in this complex, action-packed story are sympathetic and believable, the Star Wars(tm) universe is well realized, and young student fans will be caught up in a well-written story that moves the saga along in a really satisfying way. Happily, the book also is able to stand on its own, with only a little stretch by the reader. VOYA Codes: 4Q 4P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). 2002, Del Rey, 464p,

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