Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, #5)

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Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force #5)

by Karen Traviss

3.96 · rating details · 1,533 ratings · 70 reviews

Civil war rages as the Galactic Alliance–led by Cal Omas and the Jedi forces of Luke Skywalker–battles a confederation of breakaway planets that rally to the side of rebellious Corellia. Suspected of involvement in an assassination plot against Queen Mother Tenel Ka of the Hapes Consortium, Han and Leia Solo are on the run, hunted by none other than their own son, Jace...moreCivil war rages as the Galactic Alliance–led by Cal Omas and the Jedi forces of Luke Skywalker–battles a confederation of breakaway planets that rally to the side of rebellious Corellia. Suspected of involvement in an assassination plot against Queen Mother Tenel Ka of the Hapes Consortium, Han and Leia Solo are on the run, hunted by none other than their own son, Jacen, whose increasingly authoritarian tactics as head of GA security have led Luke and Mara Skywalker to fear that their nephew may be treading perilously close to the dark side.

But as his family sees in Jacen the chilling legacy of his Sith grandfather, Darth Vader, many of the frontline troops adore him, and countless citizens see him as a savior. The galaxy has been torn apart by too many wars. All Jacen wants is safety and stability for all–and he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal.

To end the bloodshed and suffering, what sacrifice would be too great? That is the question tormenting Jacen. Already he has sacrificed much, embracing the pitiless teachings of Lumiya, the Dark Lady of the Sith, who has taught him that a strong will and noble purpose can hold the evil excesses of the dark side at bay, bringing peace and order to the galaxy–but at a price.

For there is one final test that Jacen must pass before he can gain the awesome power of a true Sith Lord: He must bring about the death of someone he values dearly. What troubles Jacen isn’t whether he has the strength to commit murder. He has steeled himself for that, and worse if necessary. No, the question that troubles Jacen is who the sacrifice should be.

As the strands of destiny draw ever more tightly together in a galaxy-spanning web, the shocking answer will shatter two families . . . and cast a grim shadow over the future.

Features a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!(less)

Mass Market Paperback, 512 pages

Published April 29th 2008 by Del Rey (first published 2007)

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Dec 01, 2010

Alexis B. rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: delrey-killed-the-eu, utter-shite, travissty

The Star Wars extended universe officially jumps the shark in this book. As if The New Jedi Order series hadn't done enough dreary damage to once long-beloved characters, the Legacy of the Force series turns them stupid, willfully blind and just plain moronic. Featuring one of the most pathetic villains in the EU to date (and considering the books written by Kevin J. Anderson, that's saying something) and the complete character assassination of the leading cast, Sacrifice is unreadable. Which, c...more

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Jul 18, 2008

Scott rated it

· review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like 1 like

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Jul 27, 2011

Toby Andersen added it · review of another edition

quite a bit better than exile - which felt very filler ish.

the last third or so - is really quite good stuff. and there are some pivotal and exciting things happening.

but the first half ish feels stilted and unneccesary - there is no real war going on in this one - just lots of conjecture about mandalorian metal and the politics for it - yawn!

i really get irked by karen traviss and her obsession with mandalore and boba fett. - the other two authors don't touch either - they know how dull boba fe...more

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Jul 05, 2011

Bookworm Amir rated it

· review of another edition

Well this is the first Legacy of the Force book I am reading. Let me begin that this is not the first book in that series, this is more half way through. The Galaxy is very much different than what I last read (which would be the Republic Commandos).

I mean Boba Fett the bounty hunter is old, there is the Galactic Alliance, Han/Leia Solo's child is Jacen Solo (and Anakin Solo had died before that), Luke and Mara's son 14 year old Ben Skywalker is on GAG missions (he might be the next Si...more

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May 17, 2011

Zekkaina (LadyDragonKeeper) rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Star Wars Fans

Shelves: my-books, star-wars

*Not a review, just some brief thoughts* When I first started reading Star Wars novels, the "New Jedi Order" series had ended and the "Dark Nest Trilogy" was about to be or was being published, so I was spoiled in the fact that I didn't have to wait for the books (and I had a vague idea of some of the "NJO" plot was since I had read "The Star Wars New Essential Guide to Characters" (naive as I was about spoilers).

Sentimentally speaking, this...more

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Jan 05, 2011

Den rated it

· review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jul 24, 2011

Kiersten added it · review of another edition

Oh, they did a beautiful job on character development with this book. (*This next bit is a spoiler.*) Despite knowing exactly what was coming long before reading this book, I bawled over Mara's death, and have never wanted to throttle a fictional character quite as badly as I did Jacen through most of this book.

For me, character development pretty much makes or breaks a book regardless of the storyline—but this book had a solid, engaging plot to match the fabulous characters! (And, as a sideno...more

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Jun 20, 2010

Jen rated it

Shelves: 2010, sci-fi

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jun 27, 2010

Lindsey rated it

Shelves: star-wars

**LONG & SPOILERS INCLUDED**
I've been impressed with this series, especially as compared to the last few years of SW writing. A few books have stood out, but not many. Thus far, this series has managed to convey action and character and a serious threat without too many snafus.

Now that there are enough books to form a pattern for the rest of the series, a decent review can be compiled. Overall, Jacen doesn't seem too evil in this book. Yes, he orders Ben to assassinate a head...more**LONG & SPOILERS INCLUDED**
I've been impressed with this series, especially as compared to the last few years of SW writing. A few books have stood out, but not many. Thus far, this series has managed to convey action and character and a serious threat without too many snafus.

Now that there are enough books to form a pattern for the rest of the series, a decent review can be compiled. Overall, Jacen doesn't seem too evil in this book. Yes, he orders Ben to assassinate a head of state, but the tactic could be written off as military excess; cruel and violent, yes, but hardly Sith-level evil. Killing Tenel Ka as his "sacrifice" would have been utterly plausible, emotionally shocking, and added a lot more to the "Sith" story than Mara's death. While Mara's death does set up a Ben/Luke dark side plot, I'm getting tired of SW authors writing the next guy's book and throwing in oblique references to tertiary characters and events. Concentrate on the one you're writing and let the next author do the same! Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy is loved because it was internally consistent and could be enjoyed on its own merit, without needing to reference the previous works every two pages.

That being said, Traviss is a solid writer. Her Republic Commando books have been excellent, her action writing is solid, and she has a good take on her characters. I will be eternally grateful for two character points:

1 - Mara as an action-oriented, thinking, principled character. Too many authors have side-lined her post-wedding and child. A HUGE thank you to Ms. Traviss for remembering that she's still a fighter, just with a different focus.

2- I actually cared about Ben Skywalker for the first time. Let's face it: before this book, all we knew was that he was born during the Vong war, shut down his Force reception, and magically appears working with Jacen 10 years later. By the time Jacen and Jaina were this age in the SW universe, they had a 14 book series and we knew loads more. In Sacrifice, we finally get a brief but strong look at what forces have shaped him and what he believes in.

The best plot aspect was the scenes between Ben and Mara. That character development was individual and priceless to the series.

On the downside: Jacen "deciphering" the Sith prophecy after Mara's death was a let down. If he'd had an epiphany during the fight, that would have been much more climatic (and meaningful). Also, bring back Jaina and Tenel Ka. They are fighters, too, give them their due. I think the idea of a twin mirroring/clash has literary potential... too bad the authors had Jaina sit this one out (and at age 32, Jaina is no longer an indecisive teenager. Give the Jag/Zekk plot a quick death and let's move on). Unless Jaina shows up much more strongly in Inferno, her eventual entry into this plot line is going to be contrived and shallow.

The Fett plot is good, if a little overplayed.

I have to give Sacrifice 3 stars because I did enjoy it and it is a solid setup. But Mara Jade's death has already left a gaping hole in the character scheme of the SW EU. We only hope and pray that Zahn will step up to write a Mara-centric novel from an earlier time (please?). Or maybe someone will write a good novel on Ben's childhood.

One final note: Qui Gon left his body but still communicated with Yoda and Obi-Wan from the Jedi netherworld. Why can't Mara? (less)

· see review

Jun 21, 2010

Lindsey rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: star-wars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. **LONG & SPOILERS INCLUDED**
I've been impressed with this series, especially as compared to the last few years of SW writing. A few books have stood out, but not many. Thus far, this series has managed to convey action and character and a serious threat without too many snafus.

Now that there are enough books to form a pattern for the rest of the series, a decent review can be compiled. Overall, Jacen doesn't seem too evil in this book. Yes, he orders Ben to assassinate a head...more**LONG & SPOILERS INCLUDED**
I've been impressed with this series, especially as compared to the last few years of SW writing. A few books have stood out, but not many. Thus far, this series has managed to convey action and character and a serious threat without too many snafus.

Now that there are enough books to form a pattern for the rest of the series, a decent review can be compiled. Overall, Jacen doesn't seem too evil in this book. Yes, he orders Ben to assassinate a head of state, but the tactic could be written off as military excess; cruel and violent, yes, but hardly Sith-level evil. Killing Tenel Ka as his "sacrifice" would have been utterly plausible, emotionally shocking, and added a lot more to the "Sith" story than Mara's death. While Mara's death does set up a Ben/Luke dark side plot, I'm getting tired of SW authors writing the next guy's book and throwing in oblique references to tertiary characters and events. Concentrate on the one you're writing and let the next author do the same! Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy is loved because it was internally consistent and could be enjoyed on its own merit, without needing to reference the previous works every two pages.

That being said, Traviss is a solid writer. Her Republic Commando books have been excellent, her action writing is solid, and she has a good take on her characters. I will be eternally grateful for two character points:

1 - Mara as an action-oriented, thinking, principled character. Too many authors have side-lined her post-wedding and child. A HUGE thank you to Ms. Traviss for remembering that she's still a fighter, just with a different focus.

2- I actually cared about Ben Skywalker for the first time. Let's face it: before this book, all we knew was that he was born during the Vong war, shut down his Force reception, and magically appears working with Jacen 10 years later. By the time Jacen and Jaina were this age in the SW universe, they had a 14 book series and we knew loads more. In Sacrifice, we finally get a brief but strong look at what forces have shaped him and what he believes in.

The best plot aspect was the scenes between Ben and Mara. That character development was individual and priceless to the series.

On the downside: Jacen "deciphering" the Sith prophecy after Mara's death was a let down. If he'd had an epiphany during the fight, that would have been much more climatic (and meaningful). Also, bring back Jaina and Tenel Ka. They are fighters, too, give them their due. I think the idea of a twin mirroring/clash has literary potential... too bad the authors had Jaina sit this one out (and at age 32, Jaina is no longer an indecisive teenager. Give the Jag/Zekk plot a quick death and let's move on). Unless Jaina shows up much more strongly in Inferno, her eventual entry into this plot line is going to be contrived and shallow.

The Fett plot is good, if a little overplayed.

I have to give Sacrifice 3 stars because I did enjoy it and it is a solid setup. But Mara Jade's death has already left a gaping hole in the character scheme of the SW EU. We only hope and pray that Zahn will step up to write a Mara-centric novel from an earlier time (please?). Or maybe someone will write a good novel on Ben's childhood.

One final note: Qui Gon left his body but still communicated with Yoda and Obi-Wan from the Jedi netherworld. Why can't Mara?
(less)

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Mar 06, 2011

Kim rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: star-wars, science-fiction

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

· see review

Jul 23, 2007

Chris Leon rated it

· review of another edition

Well, that was unexpected.

like 3 likes

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Nov 17, 2011

Mike Smith rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: star-wars

This is the middle book in the nine-book Legacy of the Force series, set about 40 years after the original Star Wars movies. As such, this is the book where the key event of the series takes place. A major character turns to the Dark side of the Force, becoming a Sith Lord, and killing another major character in the process.

The backdrop for this is the war between the Galactic Alliance and the Corellian-led Confederation. There's also a sub-plot involving Boba Fett and the Mandalor...more

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Oct 02, 2007

Kk rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: star-wars, sci-fi

Was hooked with the first book in this series and this book, though it tears at the heart strings, has been the high point thus far for me.
The series is trying hard to show how natural the journey to the dark/sith side can be. It's a journey that started with Vergere's comment during the New Jedi Order (NJO) series--paraphrasing, there is no dark or light side just one force.

The fine line that the authors have been walking trying to show how a bright, talented and good hearted...more

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Aug 29, 2011

Derrick rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2007, star-wars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 29, 2010

Pete Kelly rated it

· review of another edition

I had read star wars books for a while but stopped. I picked them up again and was so taken in by the storyline. Sacrifice reminded me so much of the first time I saw empire strikes back. It so perfectly showed how easy it was for a good man to turn from everything he knew since childhood. It reminded me of an old expression "The path to hell is paved with good intentions" Jacen chosing to take the role of sith for his reasons so perfectly suits this saying.

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Feb 14, 2009

Jesse rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: sci-fi, starwars

This series took the New Jedi Order cast to an all to familiar level. I felt that the story was engaging, the characters well developed and the story line quick, but it fell into the same Starwars trap. While a New Jedi Order challenged the status quo and soared to new heights, this story failed to live up to the gigantic bar that its predecessor set.

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Sep 10, 2007

Wade rated it

· review of another edition

I always look forward to Traviss' contributions to this series. Unsurprisingly given her background, she writes about military life in a convincing way, and her depiction of Jacen Solo's gradual moral corruption and descent into the Dark Side is believable.

I never feel as if the lengthy sections devoted to Boba Fett and the Mandalorians are written for me. I'm positive that they're written for some Star Wars fan subculture that, like the Klingon subculture in Star Trek fandom, is de...more

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Jul 27, 2011

Adam rated it

· review of another edition

Another great book in the series; the strongest so far for me. Jacen's continued fall and self-justification is still shocking as everything escalates to the point of no return. I like how well the characters are being developed, and the Boba Fett/Mandalore plot is great too, nice to read something more substantial with Boba Fett for a change.

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Oct 18, 2010

Christina rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: adultbooks, read-in-2010, science_fiction

Wow. I am really enjoying this series; each book has more great intrigue and stuff happening to our favorite characters. I wish I had been able to read this when it first came out, before I'd heard a spoiler of the major plot point ;-( but even knowing ahead of time what was going to happen, didn't entirely spoil my enjoyment of seeing how it was going to happen. I wanted a little more Han and Leia than we got, but that's a minor quibble. On to the next book!

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Apr 07, 2008

Priya rated it

· review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like 2 likes

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Feb 19, 2009

Walt rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: star-wars

I thought this one was the zenith of the series. The plot and action seem to go in random directions after this book.

The writing was very good, especially with regard to the central plot in the series. Unfortunately, the storyline was interrupted by Traviss' awkward analysis of Bobba Fett.

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Jan 01, 2009

Lyndi rated it

· review of another edition

SPOILER!!!!!
I loved and love Mara Jade, so this was sad, but a great book. Sorry if I blew it for anyone wanting to read it, but the cover makes it pretty obvious who Jacen is going to take out. At least Mara kickd his butt and if he wouldn't have played dirty, she may have just taken him out.

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Apr 14, 2011

Joanna rated it

· review of another edition

This book, in my opinion, is when this particular series reached a tipping point and jumped the shark in terms of quality. Mara deserved better, I despise Mopey!Luke, and the name Darth Caedus is more meh than menacing.

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Mar 06, 2009

Matt Hartzell rated it

· review of another edition

Recommends it for: Star Wars Fans

Shelves: star-wars

The next big series after the New Jedi Order was a great read. It really delves into the consequences of the Yuuzhan Vong war. I could have done without the not-so-vague commentary on American politics, though.

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Jul 27, 2011

Mary Eccard rated it

· review of another edition

Not really happy with this one it took me longer to read it cause Mara jade gets killed in it and it made me sad but it had good father son moments in it and it really shows what Mara is capable of

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Aug 20, 2011

Dale rated it

· review of another edition

It's always satisfying to me when authors kill off a major character. Especially when it's done well and done to propel the plot forward. So this was a satisfying installment for me.

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Jan 15, 2009

Jess Boynton rated it

· review of another edition

This was a pretty good continuation of the Skywalker/Solo legacy as they age and their children get older. However I am less interested in Boba Fett as a character and there were whole chapters dedicated to his current circumstances etc. The reason I continue to read the Star Wars novels is to continue to read about my favorite characters and Boba Fett isn't necessarily one of them.

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Jan 23, 2010

Blake rated it

· review of another edition

Karen Traviss's books stand out from all the rest. She weaves a tale that keeps us guessing till the end. The person Jacen chooses as the sacrifice will shock you.

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Oct 10, 2010

Kayla rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: star-wars, favorites, star-wars-books-i-ve-read, books-i-own, star-wars-books-i-own

This book was really good and really sad at the same time because Jacen, now Darth Caedus, makes his sacrifice by killing someone close to him. This sacrifice tears apart the Skywalker/Solo family, especially because it shows that Jacen has turned to the dark side and is not coming back.

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About Karen Traviss

Karen Traviss is a science fiction author and full-time novelist from Wiltshire, England. Originally from the Portsmouth area, Traviss worked as both a journalist and defence correspondent before turning her attention to writing fiction. She also served in both the Territorial Army and the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service. Traviss is a graduate of the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy workshop.

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Books by Karen Traviss

Bloodlines (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, #2)

Hard Contact (Star Wars: Republic Commando, #1)

Revelation (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, #8)

Triple Zero (Star Wars: Republic Commando, #2)

True Colors (Star Wars: Republic Commando, #3)

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Sacrifice (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force #5)

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