The New Jedi Order
Edge of victory II: Rebirth

By Greg Keyes

A review by Don J'Bar

The New Jedi Order series by Del Rey books has another edition. This is the second of a two part series by Greg Keyes. Again worthy reading by fans of the series. If not familiar with this series, before reading this one, get a copy of the first, otherwise you will be completely in the dark as to the mysterious aliens invading the galaxy far, far away, the Yuuzhan Vong. They are a formidable race, that use living technologies and abhor anything mechanical (watch out C3PO!)

This novel starts out about six months following the events that transpired in "Edge of Victory I: Conquest" (of which there happens to be a review by your faithful squire,) and begins with a disturbing view that the senate has taken towards the guardians of peace in the galaxy. Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker (who is near the end of her term of pregnancy) are fugitives along with the rest of the Jedi. They narrowly outrun a blockade set up for them outside Coruscant, and get away to the Maw Cluster, where Lando Calrissian has set up a base for the Jedi to hideout in.

Luke has finally had enough of his passive stance and sends his niece, Jaina to track down Kyp Durron and his Dozen of Rogue Jedi to bring them back into the fold. She meets up with Kyp and some interesting developments come into play. You will have to read them for yourself, however..............

Meanwhile, Han, Leia, and Jacen Solo, run into a little trouble of their own, but the family pulls together, and a reconciliation amongst the three comes into being. It is good to see our "Scoundrel" back! He has finally put the tragic death of his copilot behind him, and looks to his family for consoling. Leia, and Jacen, both are happy to help him out in this regard. Of course not everything is rosie while this family bonding occurs........

Anakin Solo, along with Tahiri, a close "friend" and Corran Horn get into a serious scrape of their own, but nothing our Jedi friends can't handle. Again, read for yourself to find out what happens to them, I can't tell you everything, can I?

Unlike the first novel by the author, which concentrated on just one protagonist, this one skips around to just about everyone left in the New Republic. I found this rather disappointing, it is too hard to keep track of so many people at once, (at least for me it is.) I was hoping Keyes would keep going along the plotline explored earlier. The novel, well at least the first hundred pages or so, seemed to lack cohesion, and could have probably been left out without hurting the novel. The latter two thirds, however, were alot more compelling and held my interest intently. There were some excellent plot twists and right at the end we are witness to the birth of a new Jedi, combining the genes of the two most powerful Jedi in the galaxy! That's right folks! Mara and Luke have a boy! This one may just be the one that brings balance to the Force at last! So much potential! I will not spoil the novel by giving out the name, but if you have to know, email me, and I can probably share it with you.

I can only give this 3 out of 4 rebel insignias, but I expect everyone will have very different opinions on this one. But that is what makes it interesting! Discuss this novel, as well as anything Star Wars related in the Jedi's Lounge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer

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Thanks to the greatest Jedi of all time, the mighty George Lucas and his vision for bringing us this epic tale. Again all items belonging to George Lucas and all of his associates are© of his companies, and I take no reponsibility for their use. Enjoy!!!