Comments

Our heroes must now come to grips with the Yuuzhan Vong, but others in power are not so quick to join the fight. It's this premise that sets the main characters we've known out on their own again to face this threat.

After Vector Prime I was concerned about how this series would continue. The first book was an amazing set up, and knowing that his would be spread over so many novels I wasn't sure how it could possibly work out without dragging on. This story begins to paint the picture of how things will be handled.

There are a few main storylines that are followed in this first of two books in the Dark Tide duology. Some more interesting that others, but all equally important.

The divide among the Jedi is an intriguing one. It makes perfect sense that certain Jedi with their new powers would want to act as Kyp is suggesting. In fact, Luke's side to some could surely be seen as weak were it not for his actions. Even though he doesn't wish to attack the Vong outright, he plans to gather information that will be useful later on when attack is necessary. The relationship between Luke and Jacen is intriguing and Jacen's introspective thoughts may come back to trouble him very a long time.

Leia's story here is uninteresting to me, but one that must be told. How do you wake up the rest of the galaxy that disaster is coming and everyone needs to jump on board to save themselves from being wiped out? This is Leia's role in life to this point. Always the diplomat.

Ganner and Corran's story was my favorite of the book. Seeing two Jedi out their investigating and fighting when necessary is what I always envisioned the Jedi to do. The fact that they sit on opposite sides of the Luke/Kyp divide made it all the better.

Anakin and Mara are seemingly sent off to do nothing and end up in the middle of everything (as is known to happen in this Universe). Her instructions on how, when, and why to use the Force were powerful and perhaps the best scene in the book. It was good to see Mara and Anakin in action working together. Mara's illness has cut her grit from her, but she begins her steps back nicely.

Overall, this was a good read, although not nearly as enjoyable as it's predecessor. The second half of this duology is a tad better, but it has the luxury of being able to tie things back up.

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