"You two are better than the sum of your parts"

Jedi are being hunted across the galaxy, by Yuuzhan Vong, by Peace Brigaders, and by those believing the Yuuzhan Vong when they say they will stop the invasion if they have the Jedi. Those most at risk are the young Jedi students on Yavin 4.

When Luke Skywalker is unable to provide any assistance, Anakin leaves on his own, where he meets back up with childhood friend, Tahiri, now 14. Events quickly get out of hand and Tahiri is captured by Yuuzhan Vong shaper, Mezhan Kwad, and her adept, Nen Yim. Anakin then teams up with Vua Rapuung, a former Yuuzhan Vong warrior.

NOTE 1: Based on audiobook and novel.

NOTE 2: The following is going to be gushy and obnoxious, like those female characters in young adult novels who goop and googly-eye the object of their lust. You know, like Bella to Edward in Twilight. You've been warned.

10 Reasons Why I Love This Book:

1. Anakin Solo. This book is truly his showpiece (well, at least, thus far). In the previous NJO books, I felt that Anakin was a very difficult character to peg. He was a brilliant pilot, which felt a bit much like Jaina, and he was supposed to be this miniature great Jedi at the whopping age of 15 (or whatever age he was). But I never really bought the "great Jedi" thing. Mostly, he seemed to argue continuously with his overly pacifistic brother, Jacen. Until now. Here, Anakin makes a tough choice to go to Yavin 4 against his uncle's wishes and save his friends--specifically Tahiri. Time and again, he shows his skills at tactics, fighting, and fierce loyalty. He operates the guns that allow the Jedi students to run. He makes sure they are all safe on Karrde's ship before going back for Tahiri. He befriends Vua Rapuung, even though they are enemies, and honors his promises to Vua Rapuung. THIS is a great Jedi in the making. THIS is what the Jedi should be doing. THIS is the young man who should head the New Jedi Order.
2. Vua Rapuung. This guy has to be my most favorite Yuuzhan Vong character. He is strong, brave, but willing to listen. He has pride in his former occupation and will stop at nothing for real answers. He will befriend an enemy to find out the truth. And in the end...well, he definitely pays Anakin back for Anakin's help. This guy is proof-positive of something I wish I saw more in Star Wars EU: one of the "enemy" who is a REAL character, with REAL feelings and who is NOT tied down to species stereotypes (which I hate almost as much as I hate Mary Sues!).
3. Tahiri. Up to this point, it seemed that much of the material written for children (Junior Jedi Knights and Young Jedi Knights series) wasn't going to be used or acknowledged in adult books. But in true Star Wars EU fashion, which will dredge up stuff from even the atrocious (apparently--too young to see it and too smart to watch it all the way through) Holiday Special, Greg Keyes shows his stuff by bringing her back and giving her a FANTASTIC storyline. Tahiri is a brilliant character, funny, smart, and definitely unique (another bare-foot girl at heart!). She doesn't sound like any of the other women in Star Wars. Her character arc is interesting and stunning. Even though I knew, from prior readings (and from hearing Legacy talks), that she would survive, I still feared for her life. And having her shaped into a Yuuzhan Vong gave her a real trauma to overcome (instead of hokey, made-up wangst that we see all too often)...and an end to the series...
4. The Shapers. So, the Yuuzhan Vong is composed of warriors and priests. Now, we can add another group to the mix: the Shapers, i.e. the scientists. These are the ones capable of producing weapons to counter what the New Republic has. They are truly intimidating, and their creations are eye-popping. Nen Yim and her master, Mezhan Kwad, are brilliant characters. I'm usually not fond of a bright, young newbie, but Nen Yim was great. Mezhan Kwad, however, was far more interesting and enigmatic and love, love, LOVE how she had a relationship with Vua Rapuung. I adore their testing with "heresy, I love their personalities, and I love Mezhan and Vua's history together. Basically, if Vua Rapuung wasn't my favorite character already, these ladies would tie for first.
5. The Shamed Ones. These are the Unmentionables, the ones who can't be mutilated or tattooed as befitted the Yuuzhan Vong culture. This simple addition REALLY makes the culture more diverse and interesting (yay for not having the Yuuzhan Vong be yet another all-warrior race!). Plus, again, nice little branch with the Jedi heresy and another hint to the ending of the series...
6. Side Characters: Ikrit, Kam Solusar, Talon Karrde, and more. Greg Keyes may be new to Star Wars, but he did his homework. He brought back the sweet Ikrit (*SNIFF SNIFF* at his outcome), Tionne and Kam Solusar (who are *OMG I can't believe it* married!), Talon Karrde (and he does a brilliant job with him, I think Zahn would be proud), and more. It's nice to see all these subtleties, especially from a brand-spanking new Star Wars author.
7. Intriguing plot. I like the choice to make Anakin the only one of the "major" characters to be involved in this mission. I like how we basically hear nothing of Luke, Leia, and Han. The focus on him gives us more time to see his character evolve (LOVE how he learns that all the Yuuzhan Vong aren't bad guys) and to explore the Yuuhzan Vong Shapers. I liked how it was tied into the previous books, but not in a way that was too dependent. I thought it wonderful that the Jedi Academy was remembered, that the initial plot segues into Tahiri's rescue and Vua Rapuung's quest for answers. Oh, yeah, and in between kick @ss action scenes, we get AMAZING philosophical debates about Yuuzhan Vong, evil and the Dark Side.
8. Real suspense. You know, not that, "OMG, he fell off the cliff, but there is no body, IS HE DEAD?!" kind (sorry, Stackpole). REAL suspense, as in "OMG, I HONESTLY don't know if these guys are gonna make it GO TEAM!" As I said above, I knew Tahiri would be okay, but while listening to this book, I was on the edge of my seat. I kept feeling that I needed to look over my shoulder, check to see if a Yuuzhan Vong warrior had seen me.
9. Excellent action. Good lightsaber battles, an awesome kick @ss scene for Tahiri (you go girl!), a great battle for Vua Rapuung...really, everything you ever wanted in a Star Wars novel.
10. Great writing. Keyes' writing is amazing. It's clean and easy to go through, packs a lot of emotional punch in the right areas, and is perfect (at the same time) for action.

Basically, I pretty much loved everything about this book and can't think of anything that I disliked (without having to basically make stuff up). This is the best NJO book yet and that includes Vector Prime and Stackpole's books.