Conviction

June 15, 2011

The exiled Luke Skywalker, his Jedi son, Ben, and Sith apprentice Vestara Khai continue their precarious alliance as they track down the Force-wielding entity known as Abeloth, convinced it is responsible for the attacks of madness affecting Jedi throughout the galaxy. On the planet Coruscant, Leia and Han Solo concentrate on the political and tactical problems affecting the discredited Jedi Order, following paths that lead them to the seat of the Republic's power. The seventh installment in the nine-volume "Fate of the Jedi" series (and the first in a "mini-trilogy" that rounds out the series) takes the action into the heart of the Republic as a Jedi knight is tried for murder and expands the story to the hostile planet Klatooine as it becomes the staging ground for a long-awaited confrontation that could decide the fate of those whose destinies rely on the Force. VERDICT One of three authors (along with Christie Golden and Troy Denning) contributing to the latest series in the popular and growing opus of Star Wars(R) novels, Allston (Outcast; Backlash) remains true to the spirit of the characters, combining wry humor and passionate conviction with splendidly depicted action scenes. [Library marketing.]

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2011
This latest entry in the projected nine-book Fate of the Jedi series is rather dark in tone, reflecting that the universe is not exactly awash with gratitude toward the Jedi Knights. Luke Skywalker is investigating the mysteries of the world of Abeloth, a leading Jedi Knight is facing trial in a galaxy-wide blaze of publicity, and from exile the Grand Master is trying to fight an outbreak of madness among the Jedi. If any of them fail, the New Republic will turn against the Jedi as thoroughly as the Empire did. And Luke and all his friends and relatives will be, if they are lucky, hunted fugitives. This demanding plot is exceedingly well handled by the accomplished author, a Star Wars veteran, and the worst to be said about this book is that it is not the place to start Star Wars fiction. A sure treat for veteran fans, though.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)