There are many things that set this book apart from others in the expanded Star Wars universe, but perhaps most importantly in a solid plot, carefully constructed characters and delightful penmanship on Tyers part. In fact the only glaring fault is that things need to be wrapped up a bit quickly with it being only a one-off rather than a trilogy but even this is a weak argument. Tyers introduces a maturity of writing lacking elsewhere in Star Wars paperbacks - concentrating more on the development of the characters and plot than action set pieces. Gaerial Captison represents a wonderful Love interest for Luke Skywalker as it isn't done blatently and heavy-handedly as would be tempting for others. The dilemma she faces between her emotions, religious beliefs and politics make the whole thing more believable. Also Pter Thanas contradicts the notion of the entire Empire being evil and demonstrates a more realistic notion that enemies are usually decided upon by leaders rather than individuals.

The Truce at Bakura is a perfect example of what can be done with a classic series if done correctly - and as a single standing book holds it's own against many of the trilogys. A triumph.

A good start
Review date: 2005-04-10 Rating: 8 out of 10

'The truce at Bakura' is an excellent start to the life after 'Return of the jedi'. With the galaxy under threat of invasion from an unknown speices, Luke, Han and Leia lead a rebel task force to Bakura an Imperial controlled world under seige from the invaders.

Once at a shakey truce with the Imperials Leia thinks this a chance to rally another planet to the Alliance, and they learn that the invaders have a force sensitve human with them. While the battle is at a halt the invaders beleive this a chance to captuer Luke and use him for their own evil devices, while Luke believes this a chance to get an apprentice.

This book although I belive it is a good start to a new series lacks depth like other Starwars books, but if you like Starwars it is an enjoyable read and builds the theory that the Alliance still has a lot of work to do. A good read and a welcome change to Imps.

Part of the bedrock of the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
Review date: 2004-10-19 Rating: 8 out of 10

THE STORY:
The day after the Rebel victory at Endor, a message arrives from the distant world of Bakura calling for Imperial aid. Seeing a chance to begin peaceful interaction between the Empire and the Rebellion, Mon Mothma sends Luke, Han, Leia, Rogue Squadron and a small flotilla of ships to answer Bakura's call. The Rebels soon discover that the Bakurans face an enemy unlike anything else they've encountered and, of course, there's still the threat of Imperial duplicity.

WHAT'S GOOD:
This book is one of the early Star Wars novels that form the foundations of the Star Wars novel franchise and, as such, is both and excellent stand-alone novel and choc-full of innovative ideas. There are several well-written battle scenes and ample time is given over to establishing the important elements of Ssi-ruuk and Bakuran culture. I liked Luke's reaction to Dev, suddenly feeling the import of Yoda's words "Pass on what you have learned". The other thing I enjoyed was the way that this book begins with the aftermath of the Battle of Endor; the Rebels, although victorious, were severely mauled, Han and Leia are just beginning to explore their love for one another and Luke is on death's door after being fried by Emperor Palpatine. Nice to see Obi-Wan showing his glowing beyond-the-grave face too.

WHAT'S BAD:
I simply didn't like the idea of the Ssi-ruuk and their technology. It seems like a rather poor Borg imitation if you ask me (this book may have come before the Borg, but either way Star Trek did it right, this book doesn't) and the anticlimatic way in which they're driven off really annoyed me. In summary, this book is essential Star Wars reading, but you should definitely read the other early books first (the 'Thrawn' and 'Jedi Academy' trilogies especially).