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Choices of One (Star Wars)

by Timothy Zahn (Goodreads Author)

3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 · rating details · 1,119 ratings · 141 reviews

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Timothy Zahn comes a brand-new Star Wars adventure, set in the time between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back and featuring the young Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia Organa, and the beloved Mara Jade.

The fate of the Rebellion rests on Luke Skywalker’s next move.
But have the rebels entered a safe harbor or a death tra...more

Hardcover, 357 pages

Published July 19th 2011 by Del Rey (first published January 1st 2011)

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Apr 23, 2013 Marcus Faulkner rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Around halfway into the book I found myself asking what the point of this story was, but because this is a Timothy Zahn novel I persevered expecting that there must be some twist or redeeming element at the end. And there sort of is, but it has little to do with the actual story. The story is flat, not very well constructed and rather obvious. The main plot though is rather incidental to the point of the novel. Having read it you will forget it. The story however gives Zahn the possibility to ad...more

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Feb 20, 2013 L. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed Choices of One more than Allegiance, it's predecessor. In fact I enjoyed it more than the past couple of FOTJ books. Perhaps all of them. Yes Zahn contradicted and kind of embellished some of Mara's abilities with the lightsaber but I could brush it off. I'm not married to the exactitude of the finer details of canon at the expense of a good story. Especially when it's Zahn. And this was a good story that was well executed. Sure, Mara could have used the lightaber less and I'd have bee...more

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Dec 01, 2012 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Of all the writers of Star Wars books Timothy Zahn is my favorite. He has a consistent style which runs from book to book. He fleshes out the characters so that you feel you actually know them, particulary since you feel you should know them after all the movies and books written about them. This is particularly important when you are reading books which sketch in some of the unknown Star Wars history not previously covered. "Choices of One" may be the first encounter between the "Emperor's Hand...more

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Oct 09, 2012 David rated it 4 of 5 stars

It is my opinion that nobody writes a Star Wars novel on the same level as Timothy Zahn. I'm not a real fan of the extended universe of the Star Wars canon. I think the later novels about Han and Leia's children are pretty lame.

However, Zahn does the classic Star War stuff right. In this particular offering, the Emperor's hand, Mara Jade, is the primary character. She's off on a secret mission and she recruits the squad of stormtroopers from Zahn's earlier novel "Allegiance" to provide her with...more

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Sep 23, 2012 Samuel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-wars

An awesome tie-in between New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. It presents sub-plot after sub-plot, deception after deception with little, unexpected twists and turns.
Mara Jade returns with the five renegade stormtroopers along with the main characters from the original trilogy in a mission that brings in recognizable characters from the EU, one of the most prominent is by Zahn himself: Thrawn. Now a Senior Captain, Thrawn brings in a sudden jolt of excitement to hard fans because you know that he...more

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Jul 23, 2012 Kaylin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: owned

A solid addition to the Star Wars universe that also has a killer cliff-hanger ending that makes me want to somehow get a hold of a copy of the next book in the series, Scoundrels, right now. But that's the fan-girl in me talking. For a minute here, let me talk about the things that could have been better. Yes, even the great Timothy Zahn has faults.

First of all, the time period that this book is very, very fleshed out, not leaving Zahn much room to maneuver his plot around in really creative w

...more

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Jun 19, 2012 Patrick rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-wars

I love the Star Wars universe. You have to enjoy the action and setting of that universe to enjoy this I think.

It takes place between Episodes IV and V and doesn't take away anything from those two stories. I think it adds a lot, especially with Luke both growing and realizing his need for further training, and the very creative end connection to Empire Strikes Back. I also like military operations and battle stuff, so I enjoyed those aspects of the story. The premise that the Rebels are shoppi...more

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May 10, 2012 Jean-Luc rated it 4 of 5 stars

If you read Star Wars: Allegiance (also by Mr. Zahn), then you know who the Hand of Justice are. If not, think of them as the A-Team. Except they did commit the crime they're accused of. And they're not soldiers of fortune. But they're on the run. But they solve problems by shooting stuff, so it's pretty damn awesome.

Mara Jade is here to pass judgement on the Emperor's enemies. Grand Admiral Thrawn is here to pacify the Unknown Regions. Commander Pellaeon is here because fans wanted to know when...more

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Jan 31, 2012 Stephen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Timothy Zahn's Allegiance (2006) introduced us to the Hand of Judgment, a band of "rogue stormtroopers" -- deserters turned do-good vigilantes. In Choices of One, these four hook up with Emperor Palpatine's favored agent, Mara Jade, to 'correct' a governor in the hinterlands who is rumored to be meeting with the leaders of the rebellion. Though the Death Star has been destroyed, the Empire is far from finished, and the rebels badly need a new base of operations. Luke and Han -- the latter strugg...more

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Aug 03, 2011 Sylvied rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-wars, timothy-zahn, mara-mara-like

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book. I really enjoy Timothy Zahn, particularly when he's playing in the Star Wars universe, and I developed an unhealthy attachment to Mara Jade at a relatively young age so I'm possessive enough of her character that I get grumpy if anyone messes with it. (Most of the NJO books got thrown across the room when I tried to read them. I gave up on them long ago and live in the past now Star Wars wise.)

This book avoids some of the flaws I found in its precu...more

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Jul 26, 2011 Dromeda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction-fantasy

When an Outer Rim governor offers the Rebel Alliance a full-fledged base in return for help defending against an alien warlord the Rebels are left wondering if this is a genuine offer or an elaborate trap. Meanwhile, Mara Jade – the Emperor's Hand – is sent to the same sector to deal with its traitor governor.

I haven't truly enjoyed a Star Wars novel since the New Jedi Order series began and the only thought I had after reading the latest Fate of the Jedi book was "OK, I'm ready for a reboot" so...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Ron rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction, star-wars

The usual Star Wars Expanded Universe silliness as only Timothy Zahn seems able to tell it. This rating is relative to other SW EU books.

Choices of One inserts a new tale, not at the end of the expanding galaxy of SW stories, but in the middle: eight months after the climax of A New Hope (the original SW movie). Zahn manages to weave his "usual suspects"--Mara Jade, Daric LaRone plus four, and Thrawn--into a story consistent with who they--and the SW regulars, Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie, et al.--we...more

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Nov 26, 2012 Bradley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, science-fiction, star-wars

Timothy Zahn returns to Star Wars literature with Choices of One , which stars all the usual characters, and then some. Zahn's books usually have revolved somehow around Thrawn, and his military genius, and Choices of One continues that tradition.

Set just eight months after the events in Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, Han, Chewbacca, Leia, and Luke are all reunited on a mission to evaluate an offer of alliance from an Imperial Governor in an outlying region of the Empire, near the Unknown Re...more Timothy Zahn returns to Star Wars literature with Choices of One , which stars all the usual characters, and then some. Zahn's books usually have revolved somehow around Thrawn, and his military genius, and Choices of One continues that tradition.

Set just eight months after the events in Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope, Han, Chewbacca, Leia, and Luke are all reunited on a mission to evaluate an offer of alliance from an Imperial Governor in an outlying region of the Empire, near the Unknown Regions. The plot thickens as each character somehow gets drawn toward the same location, for seemingly different reasons.

What's refreshing about this novel is the leap backward in time--relative to the more recently-released Fate of the Jedi series, in which Luke is an exile, and his son, Ben, is a Jedi Knight growing into his own. Readers are provided with a look at Luke, before he had any confidence in his skills with the Force; before Leia blurted that infamous "I love you," to Han, and of course before Han could retort, "I know." Chewbacca is still alive, though really doesn't appear nearly as much as he should have. Mara Jade is still the Emperor's Hand (though now being referred to as the Emperor's Justice), and both Darth Vader and the Emperor make brief appearances. The Hand of Judgment, the group of AWOL Stormtroopers also return, and play a pivotal role in the book; in fact, it could be said this book is mostly theirs.

There are some really good scenes with Luke, struggling with his lack of training in the Force, and overcoming--or failing to overcome--those challenges with which he's faced. Leia and Han are still struggling to not only come to terms with how they feel about each other, but also with their places in the Rebel Alliance. It's yet another unique look inside events that readers have never truly had the veil pulled back on before. Unfortunately, that promise isn't fully fulfilled, as we see little from Han's point of view, and even less from Leia's.

Mara Jade certainly remains impressive, especially with her improvisational capabilities, though she seems awfully powerful in the Force for someone who's not a true Jedi or Sith. In contrast to Luke's aptitude in the Force at this point in time, it's a good thing they never had to square off, as Luke wouldn't stand a chance.

Thrawn makes his appearance once again, though at a much lower level in the hierarchy as only a Senior Captain. His military prowess is displayed, though it's clear that he's not as ruthless as he will be later in the saga. In fact, he's portrayed very nearly as a good guy. Overall, it's an interesting plot thread, but falls a little flat.

Unfortunately, the novel is nearly ruined by a confusing story arc involving a character named Lord Odo. At one point, it seems quite clear that Lord Odo is in fact Thrawn, but is later revealed to be otherwise. (This won't spoil the book, and might actually help make things more clear, in the end). When the revelation came, it unbalanced a lot of the story, and confuses the ultimate outcome.

Near the end of the novel, the story starts coalescing nicely into what would appear to be an epic battle, but ends much less interestingly. After the Thrawn Trilogy, where the space battles are huge and interesting, the finale doesn't achieve the same levels of intrigue.

Still, the unique timeframe, and character development in this book still make Choices of One a worthwhile read.(less)

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Jul 27, 2011 Bjoern rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads, hardcover, military-sf, science-fiction, star_wars

An interesting project to go back to a time between the movies (the first and second of the original three) and recount some new adventures yet unknown. Even more interesting as it is the same main cast as in "Allegiance" where they were simply brillant from the start to the end.

Now this book... takes a little bit to come to its paces but when after not quite half of the pages it finally arrives it does not shame its prequel. There are a lot of story threads simultaneously unravelling and most o...more

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Aug 01, 2011 Janet Sketchley rated it 5 of 5 stars

Masterful storytelling, complete with multiple plot lines and one of Timothy Zahn’s signature plot twists… and a spectacular climax that had me cheering out loud.

Choices of One has a cast that includes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Mara Jade and Thrawn, and it takes place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.

It can’t be easy to write about established characters whose future has already been mapped in other novels (the Star Wars series now extends for...more Masterful storytelling, complete with multiple plot lines and one of Timothy Zahn’s signature plot twists… and a spectacular climax that had me cheering out loud.

Choices of One has a cast that includes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Darth Vader, Mara Jade and Thrawn, and it takes place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back.

It can’t be easy to write about established characters whose future has already been mapped in other novels (the Star Wars series now extends forty-plus years past A New Hope). The writer has to be true to who the characters are at that point in the timeline, and not do anything that will rewrite their future. To add to the challenge, Timothy Zahn brings characters who can’t meet yet into very close proximity – and pulls it off in style.

Only Thrawn can make me cheer for the Empire (well, for his section anyway) and that’s because Timothy Zahn knows how to create good characters working in their own corners of a bad structure. Thrawn knows the Empire is corrupted, but from his perspective, it’s still the best option out there for galactic stability. Instead of sweating what he can’t control, Thrawn handles his own sphere of influence with justice and fairness.

Hugo-Award-winning Timothy Zahn is my favourite author. The Random House site says he’s “one of science fiction’s most popular voices, known for pitting realistic human characters against a well-researched background of future science and technology.“ This may be the best of the Star Wars books he’s written to date, and I’ve enjoyed them all.

Along with his Star Wars and Terminator novels, he’s written somewhere around 30 other satisfying science-fiction novels. For me, it’s been worth hunting down the out of print ones from his early days. Recent titles include the Cobra Wars and Quadrail series.

Choices of One is a sequel to his novel Allegiance, and although you don’t have to read them in order there will otherwise be spoilers. Here’s an interesting recent interview with Timothy Zahn. If you need more convincing, here’s an excerpt from Choices of One.

[Review copy from my personal library, and worth every penny of the hardcover price.](less)

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Jul 29, 2011 Cameron Harris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-wars

Reading a Star Wars novel is a bit like playing the lottery. Sometimes you hit the jackpot (Revenge of the Sith) but more often than not you end up wasting your time (Planet of Twilight). The most consistently good Star Wars author has been Timothy Zahn and this novel is no exception.

The Choices of one takes place in between a New Hope and the Empire Strikes Back. The Rebel Alliance is in need of a new base after the Empire’s siege on their base on Yavin 4. To alleviate this situation, Luke Sk...more Reading a Star Wars novel is a bit like playing the lottery. Sometimes you hit the jackpot (Revenge of the Sith) but more often than not you end up wasting your time (Planet of Twilight). The most consistently good Star Wars author has been Timothy Zahn and this novel is no exception.

The Choices of one takes place in between a New Hope and the Empire Strikes Back. The Rebel Alliance is in need of a new base after the Empire’s siege on their base on Yavin 4. To alleviate this situation, Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Axlon, a Rebel Alliance ambassador, are sent to a small planet known as Poln Major to negotiate a deal for a new base. Of course the Empire has taken notice of the Rebel’s recent activities and sends in the assassin, Mara Jade. Mara Jade understands that she cannot complete this mission alone so she enlists the help of the renegade storm troopers, the Hand of Judgement. In the shadows, the alien warlord Nuso Esva pulls the strings of both the empire and the republic

To truly appreciate the story, it would be best for somebody to have read some of Zahn’s other work. The Choices of One is truly a fan novel because it contains some of the most loved Star War characters (Mara Jade, Thrawn, Pellion). Of course those who have not read Zahn’s other work will still be intrigued by the technology and action that occurs in the book. I urge everyone to stick with the book too the end because the last 100 or so pages greatly expand the plot.

Like most of Zahn’s work, the characters are the true star novel. Since this takes place prior to the Empire Strikes Back, Luke Skywalker is still very much the shy farm boy which is quite a relief because in later novels, he is a lightsaber wielding god. Zahn does a great job with Han Solo’s characterization because he shows why Han wants to be an official part of the Rebel Alliance. The most interesting character throughout the novel is the alien Thrawn who, despite imperial prejudices, enlists with the empire and is a superb tactician.

Sadly there are quite a few issues with this novel. The first is that Zahn uses the same phrase a bit too often. For example, you would think that Han Solo was raised by wolves because he growls almost every other sentence he says. The second issue is that some of the characters do not act in accordance with their profession. Mara Jade is the best example of this because all though she is technically an assassin, she tends to do her job in a very loud way and relies on her lightsaber a bit to much. The granddaddy problem with this book is the fact that some of the characters meet to often. Most of the characters in this book are not suppose to meet for ten more years but there are quite a few scenes that are to close for comfort.

Overall the Choices of One is not a good place for a person to get into Star Wars novels, but fans of Zahn’s previous works will eat it up. So I end this review with 2 different ratings

As a novel-3.5/5
As a Star Wars novel 4/5
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Oct 10, 2012 Brian rated it 4 of 5 stars

Choices of One takes place between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. That's vitally important because if you miss that, the whole thing might feel off. Luckily, Zahn (per usual) pulls off this interesting point in the Star Wars canon with his usual style and creativity.

It's nice to go back to a time when Han and Leia were somewhat subtly flirting with one another and Luke wasn't the epitome of Jedi power that he is in the current stories. Instead, he's the fumbling farmboy who still doesn'...more

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Sep 09, 2011 Brian rated it 4 of 5 stars

A continuation of story from Timothy Zahn's "Allegiance" novel from a few years ago and the 5 "deserter" Stormtroopers and their meeting with Mara Jade as well as their acquantance meetings with the more familiar characters in the Star Wars universe.

This time Zahn brings out his other more familiar character of Grand Admiral Thrawn from the "Heir to the Empire" trilogy. Though now he is merely a brilliant "Senior Captain."

Star Wars novels are very hit or miss for fans like me. I love reading f...more

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Oct 07, 2011 Mike rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: science-fiction-fantasy

I had high hopes for this book, as I really enjoyed Timothy Zahn's first Star Wars books, but it didn't meet expectations. It felt like the plot of the book was sacrificed to make a fan service book, mashing together a bunch of existing Star Wars characters (Han, Chewbacca, Leia, Luke, Mara Jade, Thrawn, and the Hand of Judgment stormtroopers) simply because they're fan favourites. On top of which, since the book is early in the Star Wars timeline, it felt like the author was constantly juggling...more

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Mar 28, 2012 Shon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 0-reviewed, star-wars

I don't usually buy Star Wars books during the hard cover phase, but this is Timothy Zahn we're talking about. Fortunately, he didn't disappoint me. I enjoy exploring the novelizations of the back stories that Zahn puts in his other books. In this case, we get a better glimpse at the character of Mara Jade and her rise to stardom. But Zahn is a generous man, so we also get a taste of Thrawn and the mysteries and twists and turns that come along with one of the Star Wars Expanded Universe's most...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Crystal Starr Light rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-wars, simply-the-best, signed-by-author, so-good-it-s-awesome

I haven't had this much fun in the Star Wars EU for far too long!

A new villain at the edges of Unknown Space is rising: Nuso Esva. He is gathering alien races together with the intent of toppling Thrawn and the Empire. Meanwhile, Han, Luke, and Leia have a mission: the world of Candoras, on the edge of Known Space, ruled by Governor Ferrouz, is extending an offer to join the Rebel Alliance. But can they seal the deal before the Emperor's Hand, Mara Jade, and the Hand of Judgement get to him firs...more I haven't had this much fun in the Star Wars EU for far too long!

A new villain at the edges of Unknown Space is rising: Nuso Esva. He is gathering alien races together with the intent of toppling Thrawn and the Empire. Meanwhile, Han, Luke, and Leia have a mission: the world of Candoras, on the edge of Known Space, ruled by Governor Ferrouz, is extending an offer to join the Rebel Alliance. But can they seal the deal before the Emperor's Hand, Mara Jade, and the Hand of Judgement get to him first?

Timothy Zahn is my absolute favorite author, and this book just showcases all the reasons why I will buy pretty much anything he produces in hardcover.

In Zahn's hands, the characters flourish. This time around, I felt Mara Jade was better (not so "super-powered" as I found in "Allegiance"). Sure, she is still really powerful and highly competent, but she makes mistakes and is duped like anyone else. Thrawn also appears and is great. I only have two complaints about him: 1) he was not in the book enough and 2) it was slightly confusing WHERE he was (though that might have been done on purpose, and if that is the case, then it was well done). Luke Skywalker is so well-done in this book! He is just a dorky, naive kid! Zahn perfectly captures his awkward "not yet a Jedi" stage, his innocence, his idealism--basically, all the attributes we saw in "A New Hope". Han is back with a flourish and I loved how he chaffed at not being informed of all of Rieekan's plans. Leia is likewise great, nice and snappy, but never treading into b!tchy territory. And the sparks these two have...WOWSER! The stormtrooper deserters of Hand of Judgement are superb and are really beginning to become their own. I felt like Zahn is doing for the stormtroopers what Traviss did for the clonetroopers, and I am loving it. Each character is really blossoming--I adored how Brightwater had a lucky gold coin, how trigger happy Grave was, etc.

As for newcomers, Axlon and Ferrouz COMPLETELY stunned me. Both of these men refuse to be put into Star Wars EU stereotypes. I can't really say a whole lot more than that as it would completely blow the surprise and spoil the hell out of the novel, but when I got to the big revelation, I wanted to cry tears of joy. Just when I thought that new ideas, that unstereotypical characters were never going to appear in EU, Zahn comes in.

I happen to be a huge Empire Junkie, and I really loved how Zahn refused to make the Empire the Bad GuysTM. Sure, they oppose our heroes, but never once does Zahn make his Imperials goofy villains, chuckling about how powerful they are only to fail when faced against overpowered Luke, having Imperials undermine each other at every cost only for the power, and having the Imperials have little regard for human life. It's something I've said time and again: While I can 100% buy that SOME Imperials are trigger-happy, power-hungry mongrels, you can't have an Empire last for any length of time when all of its citizens are biting at each other to get on top. If there is NOTHING good about the Empire, how come it wasn't overthrown Day Two after "Revenge of the Sith"?

The plot this time was much more cohesive and interesting. I loved how Zahn pulled in all the characters on something seemingly unrelated, only to have it tie together in the end. Now, I will admit there were tons of times where I was wondering what was happening, and even at the end, I asked myself, "So...why did X happen?" Fortunately, Zahn had a little "Summary of What the Enemy Did", which normally I didn't like, but this time I appreciated.

One minor quibble I had was on the words, or should I say, the overusage of words. Zahn very much relies on "Point", "winced", "grimaced", and more in his writing, and I'd be lying if I said that it didn't bug me or at least jump out at me. All these diverse characters, and they all "wince" and "grimace" when something bad happens? Another somewhat closely related complaint I have is how pretty much everyone makes the "right", "intelligent" choice that leads to a perfect outcome in the end. For example, if Mara makes a plan, she hopes that Bad Guy A will move left, so she can do X, which will do Y. And whaddya know? Bad Guy A moves left. After a while, it was a bit crazy.

I came down a bit hard on "Allegiance" (maybe it didn't seem that way, but I am a Zahn fan girl, and I didn't give it a glowing review, as I have with his other works), and I wasn't sure if I would really want to read more of Mara Jade, the Hand of Judgement, and our Big Three (Han, Luke, Leia). But Zahn has restored my faith in him; this book is a joy to read, reminiscent of "A New Hope" and all the things I adore about Star Wars. Definitely recommended!(less)

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Oct 30, 2011 Bradley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-wars

Can’t believe its been 15 years since I first picked up Heir to the Empire…. starting down the long Star Wars road of EU.

This one is a sequel to Timothy Zahn’s previous book Allegiance, which I decided to re-read in preparation because I couldn’t remember a damn thing about what happened. In this a lot of Zahn’s old favourites make an appearance including Thrawn, Mara Jade, Pelleaon, etc, and once again the big three Han, Luke and Leia.

The good stuff: Zahn still knows how to weave a plot, crea...more Can’t believe its been 15 years since I first picked up Heir to the Empire…. starting down the long Star Wars road of EU.

This one is a sequel to Timothy Zahn’s previous book Allegiance, which I decided to re-read in preparation because I couldn’t remember a damn thing about what happened. In this a lot of Zahn’s old favourites make an appearance including Thrawn, Mara Jade, Pelleaon, etc, and once again the big three Han, Luke and Leia.

The good stuff: Zahn still knows how to weave a plot, creating a number of separate events that inevitably come together into a coherent gel. I did find the 5 stormtroopers from the previous book to be interesting so they were welcome return for this one. I love how fast paced Zahn’s stories are, never getting too bogged down on descriptive detail or story lulls, like many Star Wars writers have done in the past. Zahn knows his Star Wars characters, his Han Solo and pre-Jedi Knight Luke Skywalker are bang on. It’s amazing how Zahn can do that yet many authors never seem to ‘get’ Han, and Luke’s change was obvious between A New Hope and Return of the Jedi… yet some authors appear not to know that.

The not so good stuff: The plot has some very distinct echos from Allegiance which is surprising because Zahn’s plots in the past have never felt re-hashed. The characterisation of Hand of Judgement didn’t feel advanced much from the previous story. At the beginning it felt like there might be a focus on them a bit more from the previous book but alas not to be. They are also supposed to be stormtroopers... you know, the guys who would get blastered in almost every scene they appear in the movies.... yet they seem to have more luck dodging fire than John Matrix. There are certain events, particularly between Luke and Mara that really stretch creditability as they were not supposed to have met and Luke no clue that Mara even exists.

Overall, I’d say its okay, not great.... but then not many have been of late. Perhaps I'm finally 'outgrowing' these books...? It’s a shame the Star Wars universe has been screwed over so much with the New Jedi Order onwards. I would have loved to see what Zahn and Stakepole could have done after peace with the Empire was achieved. As it is, other authors have taken their characters and done horrible things to them, so Zahn has gone back to the films setting and the restrictions that come with writing in that era. Ah well…
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Mar 19, 2012 Zach rated it 3 of 5 stars

I wish I could give this book 3.5 stars. Zahn is legendary in the Star Wars EU and this book is no different. He can craft an incredibly technical universe like no other. The interweaving of the story lines are seamless and intriguing as usual.

What bothered me about the book was the lack of character development. There is plenty of room between Episodes IV and V to build upon the characters that just isn't taken advantage of. Granted, Zahn may be handcuffed by Lucas himself. And there are some...more

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Sep 25, 2011 Jenny McD. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-wars

As with all Star Wars books my disclaimer: I rate this book in the compass of comparing it to only other Star Wars books I've read. Star Wars is just Star Wars. Either you love them or you don't. A 5 star review is not the same as my Victor Hugo 5 star review.

The Choices of One can be a stand alone but it really follows are the characters set up in Allegiance. I strongly suggest reading that first if you haven't. It just makes more sense and you will better understand the situation of the awol...more

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May 27, 2012 waltzy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: sci-fi

3.5 stars.
I'm a huge fan of both Mara Jade and Thrawn (and Pellaeon too, who also gets a cameo), so I was excited to see more of them. Zahn is one of my favorite Star Wars authors, and Choices of One is another solid Star Wars novel.

Given the time period of the novel, I went in expecting that certain characters wouldn't be able to meet at all, and I was pleasantly surprised by their interaction. I was especially amused by Luke in his dorky farmboy stage and seeing Mara as the deadly efficient -b...more

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Mar 27, 2012 Daniel rated it 5 of 5 stars

i enjoyed this book there were several points of view that all at the end effected the total outcome of the book
some of the points of views i liked more then others my favorit was the point of veiw of larone and the other stormtroopers my least favorite would have to be lukes i found it tedious and boreing at sometimes but overall i really liked the book and it offers a good story i got this at my local liebrary i didnt read the first one yet but it was still easy to understand but you should re...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Phillip Nguyen rated it 3 of 5 stars

I didn't realize when I first picked up this book that it was a sequel to Allegiance. It was good to read up on LaRone and the Hand of Judgement again as well as throwing back in Mara Jade and the usual Rebels (Han, Leia, and Luke). Its interesting to see how Luke develops on his road to becoming a full fledged Jedi but I personally am not fond of the Luke that can hardly use the Force and doesn't really know how to use his lightsaber. I also find it odd that Mara does not realize that the Skywa...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Joel Jackson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-wars, science-fiction

Choices of One is one of the best Star Wars adventures I have read in a while. Gone are the mythological creatures. Present are the good fleet battles and unstoppable ground action that always made up Star Wars. The characters are in character. Zahn nicely ducked through the necessary hoops to remain consistent with future stories concerning particular characters and the need to keep them apart and unaware of one another. I imagine that Mara and Luke discussed this near meeting sometime in the f...more

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Aug 27, 2011 David rated it 5 of 5 stars

Once upon a time I used to be gang-busters about reading Star Wars novels. Then there got to be so many and some weren't all that good and I stopped being gang-busters and instead focused on the authors I enjoyed. Michael Stackpole is one. Tim Zahn is the other. I like his style so much that I pre-order his books and rarely touch the others.

Choices of One is no exception. Although it helps to have read Allegiance first (so you know who the rogue stormtroopers are), Zahn's books are generally ver...more

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Dec 05, 2011 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: star-wars, science-fiction

Taking place right where Zahn's book Allegiance left off, this fits in between "A New Hope" and "Empire Strikes Back," and not only follows my favorite characters (Han, Leia, and Luke), but Mara Jade - the Emperor's Hand. The rebels, desperate to find a new base, have made a deal with an Imperial govenor, only to find out that it may not be all it seemed. And soon, both sides discover that an outside party is pulling all of their strings.

I really enjoyed this, and I loved the way you got to see...more

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About Timothy Zahn

Timothy Zahn attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1973. He then moved to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and achieved an M.S. degree in physics in 1975. While he was pursuing a doctorate in physics, his adviser became ill and died. Zahn never completed the doctorate. In 1975 he had begun writing science fiction as a hobby, and he bec...more

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Books by Timothy Zahn

Heir to the Empire (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, #1)

Dark Force Rising (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, #2)

The Last Command (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, #3)

Specter of the Past (Star Wars: The Hand of Thrawn, #1)

Vision of the Future (Star Wars: The Hand of Thrawn, #2)

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Quotes from Choices of One

“Multiple species, with multiple viewpoints and racial philosophies, simply cannot hold power together for long. The dominant voice must certainly be wise enough to adopt ideas and methods from its allies and member peoples. But there must be a dominant voice, or there is only chaos. In this part of the galaxy, that voice is the Empire."

-Thrawn” — 8 people liked it

“My point is that true leaders...understand the possible consequences of their decisions, and are willing to bear that weight. The question is whether that's a step you're willing to take."

-Carlist Rieekan” — 5 people liked it

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