Old Friends: Admiral Pellaeon, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Luke Skywalker, R2D2, Leia Organa Solo, C3P0, Anakin Solo, Jaina Solo, Jacen Solo, Khabarakh Kihm'bar, Talon Kaarde, Mara Jade, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Councilor Borsk Fey'lya, Shada D'ukal, Mazzic, Wedge Antilles, Wes Jansen, Lando Calrissian, Tycho Celchu, President Gavrisom, Garm Bel Iblis, Nawara Ven, Booster Terrik, Mirax Terrik-Horn, Corran Horn, Karoly D'ulin Synopsis: This is the first of a 2 part "duology" that takes place from one end of the know galaxy to the other. Many characters from the past have significant roles, and new ones are introduced. Not everything is at it appears, and there are alot of surprises. Review: The story begins in space, aboard the Chimera, with Admiral Pellaeon still in charge. He commands the remains of the Imperial Fleet, and is conducting training runs with his new attack fighters, the Preybirds, and remembering the defeat at Mount Tantis 10 years ago. He has alot to think about and some serious decisions to make. Meantime, Han Solo and Chewbacca are off on a mission that is also not quite what it seems. We meet the Dimala, get caught in an other planetary conflict and Luke finds out, again, that not everyone likes the Jedi. As you can expect, where this group of characters go, trouble follows. A ship full of clones makes an appearance, so does Mara Jade and Talon Kaarde. Beleiving that all the cloning cylinders were destroyed at Mount Tantiss and the re-born Emperors last stand, this situation leads to specualtion that the Empire has returned. Then there is the problem of the data card discovered on Wayland, a really big problem for the Bothans, and a group of Moffs and generals still loyal to the Empire that have hatched a very clever plot to bring down the New Republic once and for all. Moff Disra and his pals have a friend that can help, and they are going to take advantage of the past to conquer the future. Fortunately, we have Rogue Squadron to help out, and a few spare smugglers and other friends, cause this is going to get really messy. There is alot of fighting, space battles, danger, politics and intrigue. Not only does a great villian return?, but this book also brings out something the reader never sees coming, but has wanted for years. If you want to know the inside story, you have to read it. Upon reading this book, and the follow-up, Vision of the Future, I have concluded that Timothy Zahn has done a masterful job of bringing all the evil back to where it left off so many years ago, thus earning a "4" rating. Read them both, and enjoy the ride.
Title: Specter of the Past |
