SW: Allegiance by Timothy Zahn

[Luvinna]

From sw.com:
In 2007, popular Star Wars scribe Timothy Zahn returns to the far away galaxy with a February hardcover release set in the era of the original trilogy, sometime between Episodes IV and V.
The Hardcover Horizon: Future Authors for Star Wars (http://www.starwars.com/eu/news/2004/09/news20040901.html)

I'm burning with curiosity about who's going to be in it... :w00t:

[Ripley the Warmaster]

Originally posted by Luvinna@Sep 2 2004, 05:09 PM

From sw.com:
In 2007, popular Star Wars scribe Timothy Zahn returns to the far away galaxy with a February hardcover release set in the era of the original trilogy, sometime between Episodes IV and V.
The Hardcover Horizon: Future Authors for Star Wars (http://www.starwars.com/eu/news/2004/09/news20040901.html)

I'm burning with curiosity about who's going to be in it... :w00t:

( is :sleeping: ) No interest what so ever in this new novel, and Outbound Flight is the only prequel novel I have no interest in. I might get around to read it, but this is at the very bottom of the list of EU novels I'm interested in.(Sith Era duo and Corsucant Nights own this in an iron grip)

[Soontir Solo]

It will either be Mara's past or Thrawn serving under Palpatine or in the Unknown Regions.

[Luvinna]

I guess it could be Mara's past, or Thrawn in the UR, but it probably won't be Thrawn serving under Palpatine because it's set between ANH and ESB and Thrawn was kicked out of Palptine's court long before that.

[Soontir Solo]

It could be focused on Garm Bel Iblis and what he was doing at that time, like his split up with Mon Mothma because Bail Organa had been killed, and his own fight against the Empire.

[Durnar]

Youre all missing the most important new book announcement:
Also that year is the Star Wars novel debut of author Drew Karpyshyn. As a writer for BioWare, Karpyshyn worked on such rich games as Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, Throne of Bhaal and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He will write a tale set in the Old Republic era, scheduled for hardcover release in October 2006.
We all know KOTOR ruled, but if anyone has played Bg2 or ToB, You'll know that KOTOR didnt come anywhere near it on terms of storyline. IMO, Baldurs Gate 2 was the greatest game ever made, and TOB was the perfect ending to the story. If this guy is getting involved, this book could well be on Stover levels of godliness.

[Luvinna]

Originally posted by Durnar@Sep 3 2004, 10:33 AM
Youre all missing the most important new book announcement:
Also that year is the Star Wars novel debut of author Drew Karpyshyn. As a writer for BioWare, Karpyshyn worked on such rich games as Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn, Throne of Bhaal and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. He will write a tale set in the Old Republic era, scheduled for hardcover release in October 2006.
We all know KOTOR ruled, but if anyone has played Bg2 or ToB, You'll know that KOTOR didnt come anywhere near it on terms of storyline. IMO, Baldurs Gate 2 was the greatest game ever made, and TOB was the perfect ending to the story. If this guy is getting involved, this book could well be on Stover levels of godliness.
I didn't mention it because this thread is about Tim Zahn's book. :wink:

[Durnar]

I didn't mention it because this thread is about Tim Zahn's book. :wink:
I know, but this deserves to be in every thread ever. :D

[Luvinna]

How's about you start a new thread for it so we can keep the discussion on topic? :wink:

[Durnar]

Done. Back on topic, Im not sure about this book. I was never really a Mara fan until she got with Luke in HoT, and if this book has no Thrawn, Ill be even less interested. SO Im undecided on how much to celebrate yet. Depends on how much I enjoy SQ when the paperback comes out.

[Luvinna]

I haven't read a book by TZ that I haven't liked (not just talkin' SW here). Even his short stories for the Insider have been really good. That's why I'm excited about this book.

[Lord Ulic]

I've only read Duel and Judge's Call. The last one was a bit too short to judge, but I really liked Duel. I'm more into Prequel era right now, so maybe I'll pick up Outbond Flight when it's released.

[Soontir Solo]

I think my Garm Bel Iblis idea has merit, and I think the book would be very interesting.

[Sam Kenobi]

When does his next OTFP book come out for the prequel era?

[Lord Ulic]

November 2005

[Sam Kenobi]

Bummer.

[DarthSolo]

YES! I found the thead! Well, Luvinna provided me with information about this book from TZ's C3 panel! Ask me to clear up questions with my notes or ask Luv when she gets back!

2007 book
Start writing in August. Set after ANH. Mara a main character, at height of her power as Emperor’s Hand.
Novel focuses on three groups trying to find where their allegiances are. Working title “Allegiance.” Han and Luke will be in it, as well as Vader (minor), some Vader/Mara confrontation. Probably no Thrawn. Mara will be a good character.
He has no plans on a Mara’s Past book, but it not closed to the idea. Won’t be in 2007 book.

[Sam Kenobi]

Great!

[Suzanne (ex CoS Leia)]

Thanks yet again Luvinna and DS.

I hope you don't mind, but I've reported all of this stuff over at the TOS boards - with credit to galacticsenate.com of course. :)

[DarthSolo]

as long as the GS gets the credit!

[DarthAnakin]

I'll read anything by Timothy Zahn.

[Luvinna]

Originally posted by DarthSolo@Apr 24 2005, 05:54 PM
Mara a main character, at height of her power as Emperor’s Hand.

You should have heard the cheer from the audience when he said that. :happydance:

[Suzanne (ex CoS Leia)]

Originally posted by DarthSolo@Apr 26 2005, 01:44 AM
as long as the GS gets the credit!

yep - in each post I stated that it came from galacticsente.com: I would have provided specific links except that you have to be member for them to work.

[empire21]

Mara a main character, at height of her power as Emperor’s Hand.
You should have heard the cheer from the audience when he said that. :happydance:
I can imagine, thats going to be an amazing read.

[Luvinna]

First Look: Allegiance (http://starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/news20060614.html)

Most we already knew, but there is an interesting tid-bit thrown in at the end there. A rogue stormtrooper squad? :scratchchin:

[bluemilk]

good thing LeiaFan isn't around anymore to see this thread. We'd have to suffer another "MaraJade is the devil incarnate" and "poor Leia is marginalized in favour of MaraJade" rant. :lol:

[Marko Ragnos]

I have to say, this book looks great!
Especially the cover since I'm kinda' into stormtrooper armours right now beacuse of my fan fic. :lol:

[RedMirax]

A book between 4 and 5... cool! I can't wait to read this one. :)

[Whuffa]

good thing LeiaFan isn't around anymore to see this thread. We'd have to suffer another "MaraJade is the devil incarnate" and "poor Leia is marginalized in favour of MaraJade" rant. :lol:


I miss her... :(

[Master Magnus]

A book between 4 and 5... cool! I can't wait to read this one. :)
Yes, that time period has been largely neglected. I'm glad that Zahn is back again.

[Vesper]

Yes, that time period has been largely neglected.

Indeed. Especially considering its vast potential, no real hard rules about what you can do with Vader, Luke, Leia etc, two years of empty space to cover.

[Ripley]

Indeed. Especially considering its vast potential, no real hard rules about what you can do with Vader, Luke, Leia etc, two years of empty space to cover.
That's not true. A large chunk of the Marvel series, Empire, Rebellion, Dark Forces, Splinter of the Mind's Eye, the Rogue Squadron game, most of Rebel Strike, and a number of other stories. The time between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back is quite filled.

[Master Magnus]

^Yes, but many people doesn't read comics and the games are past their expiration dates.

[JackBauer24]

Wonder if this will tie in with OF and SQ.

Or rather, how much this will tie in with OF and SQ

[Luvinna]

I doubt it will. Zahn might hint at "future" events, but I wouldn't expect there to be any direct links.

And I'll eat those words in six months if I have to. :wink:

[Ripley]

^Yes, but many people doesn't read comics and the games are past their expiration dates.
They're still canon unless they are deemed non-canon.

[Master Magnus]

^Yes, but that wasn't the point, Ripley. Besides, it's a three year gap between the movies and it hasn't all been explored. It's possible that some of the old Marvel comics will be retconned or expanded upon.

[Darth Massacrus]

Because in a few months a new Zahn novel will arrive, one entitled Allegance, I thought there ought to be a speculation thread about it...

what is known is that Mara Jade and Thrawn will appear in it...

[DarthSolo]

Sources on those? I remember from the C3 panel (or was it the comicon panel?) that Mara Jade and Luke would be featured in this book, but I never heard anything about Thrawn. Wouldn't surprise me at all, of course, being that Zahn only features characters he has created.

[Cydon]

Specultation at the OSW Forums say it'll probably be about Thrawns alliegance to Palpatine and Mara's to Palpatine and Leia and Lukes to the Alliance.

[Darth Massacrus]

perhaps Voss Parrck will appear too...

[Cydon]

I doubt it.

[Luvinna]

Guys, do the moderator's a favor and do a forum search before starting a new thread, mmm-k? Thanks!

You also might want to read the two pages of the thread I merged this one with for more speculation.

And you might be interested in the notes I took about this book at C3 (a bit more detailed than what DS posted after the event):

Allegiance Information:
* Was to start writing in August of 2005
* Set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back
* Covers 3 different groups struggling with allegiance
* Mara is a main character and is at the height of her powers as the Emperor's Hand (the crowd really cheered at that one ^_^ )
* There might be bits and pieces of Mara's past explained, but nothing very detailed.
* Vader will have a minor part; likely in the form of conversations between him and Mara
* Probably no Thrawn
* No Rogue Squadron
* Was still tweaking the outline at the time

[Cydon]

I just put my copy on hold...

[Cydon]

This was posted on TFN a few days ago: (I got it from the OSW Forums, thanks Jeff)

From Publishers Weekly
Five idealistic but fed-up Imperial storm troopers led by Daric LaRone share the stage with young Rebel Alliance crusaders Han Solo, Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca in this politically fraught but still rollicking early years Star Wars adventure from Hugo-winner Zahn (Star Wars: Outbound Flight). Emperor Palpatine's favorite Sith, Darth Vader, has a new rival, the 18-year-old Countess Mara Jade Claria, whom Palpatine has schooled in the Force to assume the special agent role of "Emperor's Hand." Zahn depicts the intrepid Rebel quartet and the turbulent development of the Alliance while revealing the human faces behind the storm trooper armor of Daric and company, who become unexpected allies of Han and friends once the troopers are on the run after killing a superior officer.
http://forums.starwars.com/images/clear.gif
The author also underscores Mara Jade's tough-girl charm and blossoming Imperial clout against the background of Palpatine's dedication to Imperial domination and his insidious influence on his minions. This episode will please fans wondering about events between the first and second movies in the original Star Wars trilogy.

[DarthSolo]

Intriguing. Didn't know Zahn won a Hugo. For Outbound Flight?

[Luvinna]

No, he won the Hugo for his Cobra series, I think.

Mara... Jade... Claria?? :um: :eh: :what:

[bendu]

I had heard the book was supposed to cover a few stories of different characters in that time period. Essentially explore their allegiances to their associated organizations. Such as Mara's relationship with the Empire.

This theme would fit well with other Zahn characters. Garm's relationship with the Rebellion, Thrawn's relationship with the Empire, that sort of thing. But who knows? A number of stories only related in theme might be a little too different for Star Wars books.

[Cydon]

I have been assured by everyone at the OSWF. Thrawn will not be in this book. I truly hope they and I are wrong.

[DarthSolo]

i'd love to see Garm bel Iblis taken off the dusty shelves. Haven't really heard much from him since Star by Star if I recall correnctly.

[Cydon]

That would be great!!! Same with Karrde. I love him.

[Darth Massacrus]

what about Sate Pestage, or Kinman Doriana?

[Cydon]

Doriana would be nice. Perhaps Cydon Prax's grand son. :rofl:

[Luvinna]

There's an excerpt from Allegiance up at sw.com. (http://www.starwars.com/eu/lit/novel/f20070129/indexp3.html)

Now the question: Do I go buy it during lunch, or wait until after work? :scratchchin:

[Cydon]

During lunch! :wink: And thanks for the excerpt!

[empire21]

Thanks for that link, Luvinna.

This book sounds pretty interesting, I think i'll pick it up considering how long it's been since I last read a SW novel.

[Cydon]

*GASP!* Long?!??! You mean you haven't read a SW novel in a long time?!??!!??! :wink:

[Ripley]

*GASP!* Long?!??! You mean you haven't read a SW novel in a long time?!??!!??! :wink:
He's been in EU rehab with me (along with testing out a new Levitra knock off drug).

[Cydon]

:lol:

[empire21]

*GASP!* Long?!??! You mean you haven't read a SW novel in a long time?!??!!??! :wink:

I think the last SW novel I read was the Jedi Trial novel when it was released in paperback.

He's been in EU rehab with me (along with testing out a new Levitra knock off drug).

Thats right, dude, but I got that need for some more Star Wars but i'm still burnt out from The New Jedi Order so i'm not ready for those Characters yet. I went to get Allegiance after work today but I didn't know it was a Hardcover (I should have) and i'm not about to spend that on a SW novel, so I had to pass. I guess i'll read my LOE paperback since I haven't read that story yet.

As for the Levitra knock off drugs, you only asked me if I knew of anything that could help you with your problem. :nahnah:

[Master Magnus]

People, remember not to post any spoilers.

[Cydon]

Don't worry Kommandant...

[Luvinna]

Um... How are we supposed to talk about the book if we can't post spoilers?

[Cydon]

We wait for a month or two and post spoilers, or we simply use this thread for only spoilers or create a new one for speculation on it or vice versa.

[Luvinna]

And in a month or two, everyone will have moved on to Exile and no one will be talking about Allegiance any more.

In the 5 years I've been here, we've never had two threads for newly released books and I don't see the need to start now. I say if people don't want to see spoilers, they should stay out of the thread after a book's published until they've had the chance to read it. That's what I do.

Incidentally, Allegiance is pretty good. I saw a lot of similarities to Zahn's Night Train to Rigel, though, in that throughout the book, all the characters are trying to figure out exactly what's going on, and all of them continuoulsy come to the wrong conclusions. All the way to the end of the book when they finally figure it out.

It was also interesting to see Luke and Mara switch roles in regards to their Force abilities. Mara is the one who can do pretty much anything with the Force with just a thought while Luke struggles with it because he's just learning. Of course, when you think about what she could do, and then remember she lost it all when the Emperor died, you can see why she's so bitter in Heir to the Empire. She wasn't kidding when she said she had "prestige, power and respect."

[Cydon]

In the 5 years I've been here, we've never had two threads for newly released books and I don't see the need to start now. I say if people don't want to see spoilers, they should stay out of the thread after a book's published until they've had the chance to read it. That's what I do.

Just an idea. If nothing else worked out, I mean.

[Master Magnus]

Let me put it this way... It's perfectly alright to discuss the book (which of course is the whole point of the thread in the first place) and to post mild spoilers which doesn't give away any surprises, the ending, major plot stuff etc.

[DarthSolo]

I actually want to see spoilers of the book so I don't have to read it. What we did in the days before the spoiler tags that are now gone is just said "SPOILERS BELOW" and spaced down a bunch of lines. Ah well.

[Master Magnus]

I actually want to see spoilers of the book so I don't have to read it. What we did in the days before the spoiler tags that are now gone is just said "SPOILERS BELOW" and spaced down a bunch of lines. Ah well.
You must have read my mind... I was about to edit my post yesterday, but something came in between. This is how it should look:

***SPOILERS BELOW***

Bla, bla, bla....

***END OF SPOILERS***

[empire21]

I actually want to see spoilers of the book so I don't have to read it.

Same here, because even if I do read it it's going to be when the paperback comes out and by that time I will have forgotten about all spoilers discussed.

[DarthSolo]

Exactly!

Oh, and MM, I used the Force. :P

[Master Magnus]

Exactly!

Oh, and MM, I used the Force. :P
The Force is strong with you, young Padawan, but you're not a Swede... hrm, Jedi yet... :D

Seriously, I ordered Allegiance today.

[Luvinna]

Now that we have that issue solved, maybe we can get back to discussing Allegiance now.

Am I the only one who's read the book? :eh:

[DarthSolo]

I read a review of the book saying it was a pretty big let down...

[empire21]

I read a review of the book saying it was a pretty big let down...

Thats good to hear. :P

[Luvinna]

Well, I don't know what that reviewer was expecting, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[DarthSolo]

I dunno. Something about too many pirates.

[Darth Massacrus]

Okay, I just got my copy. Guess which character from the Hand of Thrawn makes a lot of appearances?

[Master Magnus]

Okay, I just got my copy. Guess which character from the Hand of Thrawn makes a lot of appearances?
I guess we do know... Darn, the book hasn't been delivered yet. I'm starting to become annoyed...

[Darth Massacrus]

I am NOT referring to Mara Jade...

[Master Magnus]

I am NOT referring to Mara Jade...
Oh? *Excited*

[DarthSolo]

Luke, then? :P

[Master Magnus]

Allegiance arrived today...:read:

[Soontir Solo]

Its Disra who makes alot of appearances


I read the book a few days ago, it was a good read but nothing special I thought. Certainly not a classic. The storyline was interesting though I did have a few problems with it, namely how Mara Jade seemed so ignorant of what Palpatine and the Empire was really like and how idealistic the stormtroopers were when going after the pirates. Besides that I really had no big problems. The Han-Luke-Leia stuff was done well.

If only Thrawn had made an appearance............

[Jedi Master 2k5]

I agree^^^^

[Soontir Solo]

Not much discussion about this book I see.

[Master Magnus]

Not much discussion about this book I see.
I started to write a review, but I don't know whether to finish it or not.

[Jedi Master 2k5]

Why not, I for one would love to hear your thoughts on the book.

[DarthSolo]

Write one! I want to read it!

[empire21]

I started to write a review, but I don't know whether to finish it or not.

Your on the spot now, Magnus. :nahnah:

[TuskenRaider1]

Im about 1/2 way thru it. Not bad so far. Like the stormtroopers, and Luke/Liea/Han are done well. Esp Han. So far, its ok, though a little slow...BUT you have to give it up to Zahn for certain aspects of his writing style.

[Jedi Master 2k5]

That you do ^^^^^^^^^

[Darth Massacrus]

Its Disra who makes alot of appearances


I read the book a few days ago, it was a good read but nothing special I thought. Certainly not a classic. The storyline was interesting though I did have a few problems with it, namely how Mara Jade seemed so ignorant of what Palpatine and the Empire was really like and how idealistic the stormtroopers were when going after the pirates. Besides that I really had no big problems. The Han-Luke-Leia stuff was done well.

If only Thrawn had made an appearance............


yup, the future Grand Moff of Bastion, Vilim Disra, makes an appearance...

and instead of Thrawn, howabout Makati? And instead of Captain Ozzel, how about Piett, or Lorth Needa? and possible General Veers and more of the 501st? But it still was an excellent book!

[Jedi Master 2k5]

True^^^^^

[Sam Kenobi]

Its Disra who makes alot of appearances


I read the book a few days ago, it was a good read but nothing special I thought. Certainly not a classic. The storyline was interesting though I did have a few problems with it, namely how Mara Jade seemed so ignorant of what Palpatine and the Empire was really like and how idealistic the stormtroopers were when going after the pirates. Besides that I really had no big problems. The Han-Luke-Leia stuff was done well.

If only Thrawn had made an appearance............

I kinda agree about Mara. Throughout the novel, it seems like she was decieved, too. The impression that I'd always gotten was that she was evil back in her day. Not decieved into doing the wrong thing. Too nice.

[Soontir Solo]

^I never got the impression that she was "evil back in the day," but she has always been too smart for me to believe that she would be so ignorant of the atrocities of the Palpatine. When the stormtroopers told her what happened, about civilians being massacred, she defended the Empire and said things like that didn't happen under Palpatine's rule. She was obviously completely brainwashed by Palpatine at this time. Her interactions with Vader were interesting. Vader's jealousy of her was very apparent, as was his distrust of her. But at the same time you could so a certain amount of respect from her.

[Sam Kenobi]

But we didn't really see her doing anything bad. Everything she did was justified and moral. I always imagined that there would be more malicious acts on her part.

[Jedi Master 2k5]

That is a very well written statement, and I also thought she would be more malicious.

[Sam Kenobi]

Still, that's only a minor complaint. I enjoyed the story very well.

When we were first introduced to "the Commodore," I would've bet money that it was Car'das. But then he died. :w00t:

[Sam Kenobi]

Oh, and I forgot to mention my favorite part.

Stacy. The rebel pilot who gets like, two paragraphs of ink, comes from the fan film Pink Five. (You all know that though, huh)

It's little nuances like that that make me just love certain authors. :happydance:

[P-Ray]

Any thoughts on how this book is overall? I have it coming in the mail from Amazon.com.

[empire21]

That's still on my to read list and that list is getting quite big.

[P-Ray]

That's still on my to read list and that list is getting quite big.
Oh I can imagine! I have a stack of 'to read books' you wouldn't believe!

[Master Magnus]

Any thoughts on how this book is overall? I have it coming in the mail from Amazon.com.
So and so. It's enjoyable, but it has its weak spots. It wasn't a very good novel from a main character perspective (i.e. Luke) as there were too many coincidences, the beginning of the novel was not very convincing and Vader felt slightly out of character in the short scene in which he was present. In my personal opinion, novels by Zahn have a special "feel", but that was absent from this novel. But that's very abstract and how I perceive things of course. Then there's plenty which is good about the novel, especially the excellent characterizations of Han, Luke and Leia and the stormtroopers' story was (after the initial minus I hint at above) quite immersing.

[P-Ray]

So and so. It's enjoyable, but it has its weak spots. It wasn't a very good novel from a main character perspective (i.e. Luke) as there were too many coincidences, the beginning of the novel was not very convincing and Vader felt slightly out of character in the short scene in which he was present. In my personal opinion, novels by Zahn have a special "feel", but that was absent from this novel. But that's very abstract and how I perceive things of course. Then there's plenty which is good about the novel, especially the excellent characterizations of Han, Luke and Leia and the stormtroopers' story was (after the initial minus I hint at above) quite immersing.
Sounds at least interesting...Thanx!

[Master Magnus]

You're welcome! :)

[Master_Kinnon]

Timothy Zahn is probably my favourite SW author, and Alleigance reinforced that for me.

The characterizations are great, especially that of a young Mara and Leia, and I enjoyed the stormtrooper side plot. It's a good book when you take in context of the rest of the timeline, and I could have done with this book probably about a decade ago when I started reading EU books.

However, for any new reader in particular, this is a great book to pick up, especially if you read it before any of the later books. No doubt I'll read this again, but for anyone who hasn't read it - get your hands on a copy!

[Reco]

......, for any new reader in particular, this is a great book to pick up, especially if you read it before any of the later books. No doubt I'll read this again, but for anyone who hasn't read it - get your hands on a copy!


Well, I have not read this book yet, but one thing I learned from past experience reading a Star Wars books, is that you should avoid reading them out of production order, even if chronologicaly it is set before.
For instance reading about Mara and some other character will certainly spoil a bit the Thrawn trigoly where she is introduced with a bit of mistery. Not to mention that the writers are so familiar with these characters that they do not proper introduce them on later novell, they instinctively expect you to know who they are, but if you didnt read the previous novells you are ou of luck.

Regards

[Luvinna]

IMO, this book is a better introduction to Mara than Heir to the Empire is. But I do understand your point. I never really thought about it that way because I have been reading the books since they started coming out.

:welcome:

[TuskenRaider1]

I try to read the books in pub order myself. I agree with Reco that the mystery of Mara is what drove that storyline along, and getting the backstory later is fulfilling because the character has done things already to make you care. If Allegiance was the first read of Mara I had, I dont know that I would have liked her as much.

[sharyntyre]

Allegiance by Timothy Zahn :bow:

What else can I say? The story about my Fav EU lady in her early days. Zhan spins another very interesting tale, I read half of the book in the first sitting.

I agree Vader seemed a tab OOC, and as with Dark Lord, I felt the story focused a bit to much on the heroes, not enough on the young Mara. Maybe it's a preceptions fault with me, and not the story telling. On the other hand, I think Zahn did a good job of depicting the heroes.



..... Not to mention that the writers are so familiar with these characters that they do not proper introduce them on later novell, they instinctively expect you to know who they are, but if you didnt read the previous novells you are ou of luck.


I used to argue this point with my fellow writers at the WoT site I RPed at. People would post characters doing this or that, interacting with new characters (new writers), and people would not describe their characters. Of course one expects such lasps from amature writers such as myself, but we expect better from published writers.

I respectfully dissagree with P-Ray. I think Allegiance is right up there with Outbound Flight and the Heir Series. To me Zahn is a Master story teller, and the best SW writer out there (not counting GL, of course)

Next book for me is Survior's Quest, another dose of Mara!

[Darth Nameless]

i agree...Zahn is the best EU writer out there...nice storyline and i love that we got to see Mara at her best

[Ripley]

Through his continuing massive luck streak Zahn produced a somewhat compotent novel.


Alliegance does not have as many blatant editorial errors like Outbound Flight. Thankfull an entire fourth of the novel did not need an immediate cut.
The stormtroopers were interesting enough despite their uber armor. Good to see more active protagonists.
Luke and Leia characterizations were all right, but Zahn dropped the ball on Han with the overabundance of mocking Leia titles. Another film point that is blown out-of-proportion. To Zahn's credit almost none of the writers get Han.
Mara was tolerable until Zahn blew all pretense that Mara is not a Mary Sue.
Zahn's Vader was terrible. He continues to show Vader as incompotent instead of a Sith Lord. His version of Vader grew tiring nine years ago.
Despite those faults this is better than most of the recent EU outings.

[Braden Dar]

I guess I can stop by and post some of my thoughts about this one.

I heard a lot of the hype before this book ever came out, and why not hype a Zahn novel? He wrote an amazing trilogy and could have easily turned his duology into another. Their were many expectations with his book (and Survivor's Quest as well), but I found the book a little flat.

BEWARE OF SPOILAGE

We knew that Luke and Mara woudln't meet for some time to come, so his "near misses" a couple of times were kind of dull and seemed laborous to me.

Stormtroopers no longer under Imperial control...and fighting a good fight to boot? Huh? "Hand Of Judgement"? The ISB having just the right gear for these guys on board? Too easy, Timothy. Too easy.

Pirates and Disra...didn't see that one coming.

One thing I liked was that he used a Z-10 Seeker and A Suwantek. I already had those ideas. But he is a professional and I'm just a fanboy.

Well, that's my two cents.

[sharyntyre]

A thought on the ISB ship and it's toybox (so to speak) The ISB handled the covert dirty work, so it seems plausable that those items were stashed on the Suwantek.

Though I will grant that there being a suite of scout trooper armor along with the regular armor was a bit of a stretch, but then again the ship had two speeder bikes in the hold. Right tools for the job, and ISB had deep pockets.