One of the recurring themes in the Star Wars universe is the constant tug-of-war between good and evil. Over and over, we are presented with likable characters who embrace their dark sides. I suppose some might find it repetitive; I personally find it rather allegorical—and it makes for some great stories.

This time it's Jacen Solo's turn to travel to the dark side.

It is chilling to see how easily and how quickly he embraces malevolence—all the while trying desperately to convince himself that he isn't following in his grandfather's footsteps.

But it's 13-year-old Ben Skywalker who emerges as the book's most compelling character. Torn between his admiration for Jacen and the tenets of his Jedi heritage, he begins to discover that one rarely has to choose between black and white; rather one is faced with varying shades of gray.

And then there is Boba Fett. Faced with his own mortality, filled with regrets for what might have been, and still the galaxy's best bounty hunter.

I really enjoyed Karen Traviss' Republic Commando books and I had high hopes for this, the second book in the Legacy of the Jedi series. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed.