Force Heretic I: Remnant (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order) (Paperback)

This is a substantial book of over 400 pages, and it is not that length because of the font size. This is a sweeping story with at least 3 major plot lines and several other smaller issues that will likely develop as well. All involve the characters fans have come to enjoy and admire the most over the years. Sean Williams and Shane Dix wrote this installment and they should be commended for giving readers one tremendous ride. They have produced a book that is very balanced, it is not a book that is a completely introspective one about what the force is, nor is it another long battle plan that ends with one side winning or losing or merely great damage inflicted on one another. It includes a variety of issues; no one idea overwhelms the book.

What this writing pair has done so well is to bring all of Jacen's experiences and thought, his relationship with Vergere, Jaina's issues, and a new spin on the character of Tahiri together, as well as further developing other characters as well. A certain member of the Chiss continues to become a larger part of Jaina's life even when she is beating him silly while sparring together. Another familiar character may be on the path to becoming more than an acquaintance for Jacen as well. It appears that by the time this series ends, few of our heroes will be left alone and I hope that no more are lost as I feel enough damage has been done to the original players.

There are other names that are mentioned that may or may not become part of this story arc. Readers will have to reach back to several years ago, and dozens and dozens of previous books to remember the species of the Ssi-ruuk of Bakura. Refreshing your memory about what this race was about and how they operate will be beneficial prior to reading this book. The remnants of The Empire once again make an appearance but this one differs from any they have ever made in the past. And Grand Moff Palleon will play a role few will expect.

There are numerous mysteries that are only mentioned in passing and others that are placed before the reader as perhaps being part of the ultimate solution to this war that started some 15 books ago. The Galactic Alliance will not fight the Vong to the death, for to do so would make them as guilty of Genocide as the Vong are. A solution must be found, and may that answer be Zonama Sekot?

This is a phenomenal read and one of the better books that have been presented to Star Wars fans in quite some time.

The most satisfying thing about this book is the mention of many past story lines, the yvetha, bakura and the empire. Grand admiral pellon's return to the franchise is brilliant, it is surprising that he has become such a likeable character after his first appearance in Zhan's books.

This book is of course the begining of the end for the new jedi order books, and so the story does have an epic feel to it, the two main plot thread's are luke, mara and jacen's attempts to find Zonama Sekot the sentient planet feared by the Vong, it is Jacen's hope that this will provide him a peacefull alternative to ending to the war, something that he has been searching for since the vong war first started.

As well as this Han Leia and Tahiri are trying to restore intelligence networks through out the galactic alliance, it is Tahiri at the moment is the main focus of the plot thread, dealing witht he impact of the many traumatic events she has been through, mainly the death of Anakin which hit her hard.

From the evidence presented in this book fans are in for an unpredictable ride, and the obvious question is forming of just how they going to get rid of the vong, will it be through Jacen's desire for passive means, or a more decisive approach.

The idea of Bastion falling to a massive Yuuzahn Vong fleet shows the Remnant that they are not invincible and joining the Galactic Alliance may be the only way for survival. Another thing thats good is the complete destruction of the Yevethan who I believe symbolise the Vong in every way they use machines. I also like Luke and some of the Jedi leave on a dangerous mission to find a way to end the war.

This book is an excellent beginning of the end, and it makes the Galactic Alliance truly Galactic. Well worth the price.