Dark Force Rising (Spectra)

The scenario with the Katana Fleet seems a little contrived at times, with Lando and Karrde both making assumptions with little or no evidence. However, it seems that Thrawn has gained an adversary worthy of his own majestic genius: I won't give anything away to the uninitiated.

All hail T. Zahn!
Review date: 1999-11-10 Rating: 10 out of 10

The best star wars novel yet! Zahn is trully the best star wars author next to George Lucas himself. The story has exactly the same atmosphere as the films, and never, at no point at all, becomes boring. Next to that, Zahn adds new characters worlds and creatures that fit in as if they were from the original movies. Okay Thrawn is no Lord Vader, but he will do just fine (very, very fine). Keep up the good work Tim!

The second in the series, but definetely not second best.
Review date: 1999-10-08 Rating: 10 out of 10

Dark Force Rising is the second instalment of Timothy Zahn's Heir To The Empire trilogy. The story follows on immediately from where the previous book finished - with the New Republic in serious trouble. Most of the action centres on Han and Lando's efforts to unmask a traitor inside the Republic Council. As if this wasn't difficult enough their investigation leads to the discovery of a ghostly fleet of ships that could spell the end of the New Republic. Meanwhile, Princess Leia attempts to negotiate a peace settlement with the Noghri, a race of dangerous creatures employed by the Empire as assassins. But perhaps the most difficult task belongs to Luke Skywalker. The young Jedi must repel the advances of the mad Jedi Master Joruus C'boath. His goal? Turn Luke to the Dark Side. Once again, Zahn's story moves at a frightening pace. Dark Force Rising is perhaps the best of the three books, just as in most people's opinion the Empire Strikes Back was the best of the original three films. However, as was the case with the Empire Strikes Back you are left with a sense of unfinished business. Still, this should not detract from your enjoyment, especially if you have the final instalment on hand. Well worth the money and required reading for any Star Wars fans.

A must for any Star Wars fan or 'wanting-to-be' fan.
Review date: 1999-09-03 Rating: 8 out of 10

Dark force takes the gauntlet from 'Heir to the Empire' with the usual slick action and excitement of any Zahn novel. Characters develop (Borsk Fey'la escpecially - you'll wnat to strangle him soon enough!), and the story unfolds further and deeper, with a spectacular (and superbly executed) ending (as per 'Heir'). If you've read 'Heir' you'll want it anyway. If not, you should start the whole trilogy, and be amazed at how well Zahn writes for the Star Wars universe.