TEMPEST by Troy Denning

"Do I know you?"

"Not yet. But we hope you will let us serve you. What you are doing with Jacen is so delicious - and so right for the Balance...."

~ Lumiya and Alema Rar

Jacen Solo continues his descent into the dark side, prodded by his master, Lumiya. Han and Leia Solo have joined Corellia's side in the planet's fight for independence, angering the jedi and the Galactic Alliance. But when they are caught up in a plan to assassinate the Queen Mother of Hapes, Tenel Ka and her daughter, all evidence points to the fact that they are terrorists. Jacen puts a capture and detain warrant on them, and they are set on the run. Is Ben following Jacen on his path to the dark side? Can Luke Skywalker maintain order?

Oh, wow! This is a great continuity of the LEGACY OF THE FORCE series! We are introduced to a bloodthirsty character from previous books called Alema Rar, who has a bone to pick with Leia, and hopes to "maintain Balance" (get her revenge) by helping Lumiya turn him to the dark side. An ancient jedi bane named Aurra Sing seen in THE PHANTOM MENACE is also brought in. The writing is skillful, not like some of the others I have seen, and ever Troy Denning book I have ever read omits unnecessary cussing, which I very much respect.

On the bad side, there is the usual Star Wars violence with all the fire-fights and lightsaber duels. It is dark, as Jacen is thinking about his ultimate sacrifice in order to become a sith and becoming stronger, but not harmfully dark... yet. I also wouldn't recommend this book for first time Star Wars reader, but for those who thrilled in the prequels, this book is no exception!!!