Old Friends: Yoda, Padme Amidala, Jedi Master Jai Maruk, Master Ilena Xan, Master Mace Windu, Obi Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, Asajj Ventress, Count Dooku, Darth Sidious New Faces: Jedi Padawan Whei, Jedi Master Maks Leem, Scout, Solis, Fidelis Places: Coruscant, Vjun Synopsis: Count Dooku decides he should really have a meeting with Yoda, his old Master. Why? To forge an alliance, kill Yoda, betray Sidious? Review: Dark Rendezvous tells the story of Yoda and Dooku, their past and present. It also introduces the reader to new Jedi Masters and Padawans who are fighting the battle against the Separtists. Master Jai Maruk has escaped a fight carrying a message to Yoda - Dooku wants a meeting. Even the combined insight of the members of the Council can't quite figure out what Dooku wants. Meanwhile, the reader meets Padawan Whei, who is a rather troubled young man with bad dreams and serious doubts. Also living at the Jedi Temple is Scout, not very strong in the Force, but impressive in spirit, strength of will and character. And she is smart and tricky. The training fight that she participates in to gain her place as a Padawan was one of my favorite parts of this book as it really exemplifies "Do, or do not - there is no try". While the Council debates and discusses Dooku's request, on the planet Vjun, Dooku and Asajj Ventress plot together to create more trouble for the Republic. Sidious, of course, has his own agenda and when these three players put their heads together, it is always bad news for the Jedi. In another part of Coruscant, 2 very unique droids, Solis and Fidelis, play dejarik and talk. Very unusual, these 2 droids, and an important part they will play down the road. In reality, Padme, Obi Wan and Anakin don't really have much of a part in this one. The story focuses on Yoda and his past with Dooku, and Dooku's thoughts and regrets (are they really?) about the turns his life has taken as he left the order and joined Sidious. There are many flashbacks, rememberences, and even visions of Jedi come back to haunt both of them. The old lady and the fox in the Chateaux on Vjun are an interesting addition and you really don't know why they are there till the end. I'll leave that up to you to figure out. In the meantime, the final get-together between Dooku and Yoda is worth the price so, buy the book!
Title: Yoda: Dark Rendezvous |
3/9/05
