Fiction Addict

Genre: Sci-Fi

Publisher: Del Rey

Publication Date: December 30^th, 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

It’s only been two years since Luke Skywalker watched his father, Anakin, give up his own life to destroy Emperor Palapatine, consequently crippling the Galactic Empire. However, the fight is far from over as remnants of the Empire have survived and ripples from the dark side remain. General Skywalker has just learned of an alarming situation on the planet Mindor that must be addressed. If the evil Lord Shadowspawn and his army of black Stormtroopers are not brought down it could lead to an early end to the New Republic. Luke has faced and conquered the dark side of the Force, but nothing can prepare him for the blackness that waits in the shadows of Mindor.

Matthew Stover is no stranger to the Star Wars universe, and this latest offering reveals why he deserves a lofty seat next to the best authors in the EU. Recently fans have been captivated and drawn in to the hubbub surrounding the Clone Wars show and novels, and rightly so. However, it is refreshing to get a good ole’ dose of original trilogy bliss delivered at such a high level. While this story takes place after Return of the Jedi, we’re still treated to the same characters we grew up idolizing. Stover nails each characterization perfectly, giving us the elements we love while also adding more depth where needed. Indeed, I have a whole new level of respect and adoration for Luke Skywalker thanks to Stover’s masterful depiction.

Stover’s attention to detail is impeccable to say the least, making the epic space battles that much more electrifying and intense. Throughout the story there are subtle nods to previous Star Wars novels and characters, including some cameos from Shatterpoint that will more than please Stover’s die hard fans. To top it all off, we continually find our beloved heroes facing insurmountable odds and gut wrenching decisions that bring even more depth and tension to an already addicting read. This is quite simply Star Wars storytelling at its highest level.