Comments

Here’s the deal.  I put off reading the NJO.  Many of the characters were not from the films, there didn't appear to be any Sith involved, or other noticeable enemies, or any other aspects I had enjoyed.  And from what little I had known about the Yuuzhan Vong, I wasn't sure if I wanted to tackle a huge series of books.

I guess I was mistaken.  The Yuuzhan Vong exceeded everything I had expected.  The initial descriptions of the Vong posing as humans and the brutality that they represent came across in such a stark contrast to so many other things in the Star Wars universe.  The human suits they are hidden inside and their use of living things as all forms of weaponry and defense caught my interest and really never let go.  As each bit of information rolled out, I was drawn further into the idea that these guys were more than a passing threat.

The plotting of the Vong conspiracy headlined by Nom Anor was handled well.  These are not just brute beings, they have devised a scheme by which to destroy our heroes and they have plans that are just beginning.

The space battles with the Vong were a nice change from the standard battles where you knew how things would end up.  Their technology added a sense of doom because you knew pretty much everyone who encountered them was in trouble.

The Vong characters were a bit confusing for me at first, but were no problem as the book went on.  Nom Anor’s has established himself as an able enemy.

The Solo children are coming into their own, and one can only imagine from reading this where their destinies will take them.  This book is their coming out party so to speak.
Jaina’s abilities, Jacen’s thoughtfulness, and Anakin’s brashness help each them establish their own exclusive identities that can developed throughout.  It isn't hard to see that the brotherly bickering of Jacen and Anakin will not bode well.

Luke didn't come across as a major force in this book.  He was certainly around for key moments, but he seemed to spend (and rightfully so) quite a bit of time with Mara and her illness. I could have done without Mara being knocked out the whole time.  The illness really took away that feistiness that she so proudly displays.

Kyp’s return was a welcome one and he played the part of heroic, noble, yet somewhat misguided, Jedi very well.  One to watch for sure.  Lando played his usually part by providing some necessary items for the big attack.

Han and Chewie - together for the last time.  Chewbacca’s death scene was all it should have been.  I can understand people being bitter over it, but it was such a glorious death.  The other characters would be lucky to meet such a noble end.  I even knew it was coming and it was still an emotional moment for me.  It basically threw a huge wrench, just as Han suggests, into the whole idea of who is at risk.  People, aliens, etc can’t live forever.

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