The Hand of Thrawn Duology Book 2

Vision of the Future

 

"The Force isn't about power, like most non- Jedi think. It's also about guidance: everything from those impressive future visions to the more subtle real time warnings I think of as a danger sense. Trouble is the more you tap into it for raw power, the less you are able to hear its guidance over the noise of your own activity." -Mara Jade

By Timothy Zahn

A review by Don J'Bar

Things continue to be difficult with the now 10 year old New Republic. I guess sentient beings in a galaxy far, far away are like us and don't get along either. The Empire is not much of a threat anymore, controlling only 10 systems, and so many of the ancient conflicts are beginning to erupt once more. One in particular, has the New Republic in a state near civil war. The destruction of the planet Caamas, fifty years prior, has every species on edge, after the revelation that a group of Bothans was responsible for taking down the planetary shields.

The Galaxy is divided on the issue of how to deal with retribution for the Caamasi, with some intent on taking out the entire Bothan race, while other, more rational species, wish to find out which clans were involved and deal with them specifically. The Empire, uses this conflict to its advantage and stirs the pot a little more.

Meanwhile, Mara Jade has been lost on the edge of the Unknown Regions, and Luke Skywalker sees in a Jedi vision that it is his responsibility to rescue her. While doing so, the two discover that Grand Admiral Thrawn, dead the past ten years along with his race, the Chiss, has set up a base on the planet, and attempt to infiltrate. They are successful and discover a new dark secret...........as well as some very personal thoughts about each other............

Well that sets up the plot, folks. this is the second of a two part duology, and you must read "Heir to the Empire" first, or things will not make sense to you. It is not a small novel, coming in at 694 pages (paperback) so get ready for an extended sitting session. Let me say, though that it is well worth it. Zahn, gives us a lot of information on the true purpose of the Jedi, and Luke learns it from some unlikely sources, but that makes the lesson learned that much stronger. We get an understanding of how tenuous the New Republic government actually is, and how the diverse cultures comprising it, pose many unique challenges.

Timothy Zahn (again) brings the Star Wars Universe to life, and I sat up three evenings, totally engrossed, in a galaxy far, far away. I must give the novel four of four Rebel Insignias. Damn fine reading, so get ON your posteriors and read it!!

Have Fun, Don

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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