In Soldier for the Empire, writer William Dietz and painter Dean Williams have accomplished something rare among the numerous spinoffs of the Star Wars films: a story that captures the essence of Star Wars while charting new territory in terms of character development.

The story is a simple one. Like Luke Skywalker, Kyle Katarn is a young farm boy who dreams of the stars. But for Kyle, the way off his home world is through the Imperial Military Academy, not through a Jedi mentor. Just as Kyle reaches the end of his training in a vicious firefight on a Rebel-held asteroid, his father, Morgan, is killed in an Imperial attack. As he learns the truth behind his father's death, Kyle is awakened to a terrifying vision of the Empire that he has grown to respect, and he suddenly finds himself working for the Rebels to steal plans for the newly completed Death Star.

By integrating Kyle's tale into the actual plot of Star Wars, Deitz makes his novel especially relevant for Star Wars fans. But what really drives Soldier for the Empire are the grim details that bring the war to life. Dietz's vision of the Empire recounts the awesome discipline of Nazi Germany, and his descriptions of Dark Jedi Jerec are reminiscent of the twisted minds that must always stand behind organized evil. At the same time, by going inside the Empire (and into the psyches of Storm Troopers), Dietz reveals the seductive power of that evil. Dean Williams's award-winning paintings are a perfect complement to the story, creating a cinematic life for the text. Kyle's tale continues in Rebel Agent and Jedi Knight. --Patrick O'Kelley

From School Library Journal
YA-After Kyle's father is killed by an evil Jedi and Kyle has come over to the positive side of the Force, he discovers that his father has left behind the secret to the Valley of the Jedi. Kyle accepts the power of the Force and begins his initiation as a Jedi Knight even as he battles great odds to prevent misuse of the valley. Aided by his female superior officer, he completes his quest for the highly guarded information. As the story ends, they acknowledge their love for one another and as Luke Skywalker arrives, they begin plans for the next great adventure. Dietz moves the story along with plenty of battle scenes and odd space-alien life-forms. There is a seemingly never-ending supply of technological wonders and weapons. Blood flows freely, both humanoid and from the multitude of beings that inhabit that particular space environment. Droids appear frequently and carry the same importance as their humanoid counterparts. Action takes place inside of trees; along narrow passages; across the great expanse of space; and in, under, and through all sorts of buildings. For young adults who enjoy CD-ROM interactive games like Star Wars or reading space adventures, this second part of the trilogy will be of interest. A caveat: the book does differ from the LucasArts Dark Forces game.Pam Johnson, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Not every novel is based on personal inspiration; some, like the "Dark ForcesTM" trilogy, are based on multimillion-unit best-selling CD-ROM games. In this conclusion to the trilogy, Kyle Katarn must learn to use the force within him to battle theCopyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Another marvelous adaptation of a Star Wars tale, complete with special effects, gripping musical score and a cast perfectly chosen to mimic those in the four famous movies This is the third in a series; the others, SOLDIER FOR THE EMPIRE and REBEL AGENT, are also available from HighBridge. D.R.W. (c) AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Based on the #1 bestselling Star Wars: Dark Forces and Jedi Knight interactive games--and written by a national bestselling author--this beautifully illustrated novella will bring fans into the universe they love.

Kyle Katarn, Rebel agent and novice Jedi, has discovered the location of the legendary Valley of the Jedi. But Jerec, a dark Jedi seeking to dethrone the Emperor, orders an Imperial invasion against the world where the Valley is hidden. With the support of Luke Skywalker, Kyle volunteers to sneak onto the planet and stop the Empire before they can find the Valley, in his most dangerous--and important--mission yet...a mission which presents the opportunity, at long last, for Kyle to fulfill his destiny as a Jedi.

* Jedi Knight is the third illustrated novella in the Star Wars: Dark Forces trilogy following Soldier for the Empire and Rebel Agent
* Includes 25 illustrations by award-winning artist Dave Dorman
* Rebel Agent, the second of the Dark Forces trilogy, will also be released in May 1999, and Jedi Knight follows six months later

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Not every novel is based on personal inspiration; some, like the "Dark ForcesTM" trilogy, are based on multimillion-unit best-selling CD-ROM games. In this conclusion to the trilogy, Kyle Katarn must learn to use the force within him to battle the

AudioFile - Don Wismer