This is a great book about human nature disguised in the trappings of a sci-fi setting. How many times do we let our own concerns get in the way of what is best for a bigger group. I liked also the exploration of how much a government should be responsible for - it is timely today in the United States. I've been reading newer Star Wars releases, so it's been fun to go back and see Luke, Han, and Leia when they are younger and know less. ( )

While Star Wars novels are hardly literary masterpieces, this one was particularly lame. ( )

Zahn is author of the Thrawn Trilogy a series of books that could be the basis of the 7th, 8th, & 9th films in the Star Wars saga. I enjoyed the books as Thrawn made for a worthy villain attempting to hold together the crumbling Empire following the death of the Emperor (I never quite get how it's still and Empire without an Emperor, but I digress). Zahn gives himself to much credit as his characters are quaking over the specter of a resurrected Thrawn ten years later, not giving much credit to the more powerful and frightening Emperor who preceded him being much more threatening. Also, Zahn enjoys introducing more and more new characters. Talon Kaarde and Mara Jade are interesting carry-overs from the previous trilogy, but with dizzying rapidity new characters are inserted left and right into these two books. At least Zahn can make them interesting, unlike the characters from the film are portrayed as dull and lifeless as if he was not even interested in them. It doesn't help that they all talk alike. I think every character in these five books at one time says "Point!" Good mind candy, better than watching Revenge of the Sith, but not much else. ( )

This is a review of the entire Duology which contains Spoilers if you haven't read Vision of the Future. http://yodamarie.blogspot.com/2008/01... ( )

Timothy Zahn returns to finish what he started in the Thrawn Trilogy. While a separate story in its own right, you really have to read the first set of books to follow some of the happenings in this series. While I don't recommend this series as strongly as Zahn's first one, it was definitely a good continuation. ( )