So, seeing as I only reviewed the first 200 pages the first time, I guess I'll have to complete this review at some point. I finished the book about a week ago, and have since began reading "Dark Force Rising" which is, of course, the second book of Zahn's amazing trilogy.
This will be a shorter post because the first 200 pages (and my incredible review) really got to the core of what made this book incredible. The characters, the writing, the descriptions. Everything is spot on, most importantly, the feel is what is authentic. There is never a let-down in the pace, and even the most trivial things become far more significant(usually with the help of our good friend Mr. Thrawn, who is able to extra sublime meaning out of every hand wave).
There are a few problems I noticed however, but they're issues that don't detract from the story. At times, it feels a lot like certain scenes are forced in order to move the plot along. Obviously, that's the plots objective, to be pushed forward, but some of the ideas used are just odd. For instance, when Leia suggests going to Kashyyyk, there is a huge debate about "finding a slicer," and though it's important to split Leia and Han (Leia needs to find out about the Norghi), but does Han really need to land on Myrkr? His and Lando's presence there does nothing for the plot except give Luke an opportunity to flee, which he would have done anyways if Karrde had moved him when the Imperials were arriving. In general, it's a small frustration, but still present. Especially when Leia just ends up leaving Kashyyyk anyways. I guess we'll have to see whether the Han-Lando-Karrde interaction was essential, and I'm sure it is, but I wanted to make sure I posted it first.
The only other complaint I have is not so much technical as an observation of Thrawn's character. So adept at analyzing every species, every mind for that matter, he is able to exploit every weakness an individual reveals, and as though he can read minds, anticipates every action. Why is it then that he treats the Norghi so badly? Thrawn is cold, to be sure, but he is calculating in every other instance except when dealing with the Norghi, in which case he is simply haughty. "She and her guardians will eventually run out of tricks," he says about Leia's escape from capture on Kashyyyk. "Certainly long before we run out of Norghi." (344). How will this mistreatment of the Norghi turn out? (SPOILER ALERT: _________RHUK KILLS THRAWN.)
But, even in the midst of defeat, Thrawn shows his brilliance. The Battle for Sluis Van ended badly for the Grand Admiral; though his plan was executed perfectly, and nearly all the of ships were captured before Lando set off the mole-miners, he calmly orders Pellaeon to withdraw from the battle. Pellaeon shows some shock at this order; this was the major offensive that had been built up to the entire book, why was he abandoning now? "We haven't been defeated, Captain," he intones after the battle's unsettling result. "Sluis Van was to be merely a preliminary to the campaign, no the campaign itself. As long as we have Mount Tantiss, our ultimate victory is assured." (399). What is so important about Mount Tantiss? How Will Thrawn utilize all those technologies he uncovered? Is there any reason Thrawn is looking for new ships, aside from rebuilding his fleet? These questions are all incredibly important, but Pellaeon has a moment of contemplation that highlights the caliber of an enemy the New Republic faces in Grand Admiral Thrawn; "[He] wondered, once again, what the Battle of Endor would have been like if Thrawn had been in Command." (399).
So, that's my review. Aside from those questions about the Imperials, what about the New Republic? How will they face this internal struggle between Fey'la and Ackbar, who has been imprisoned on counts of treason? How are the Imperials getting this information out of the Capital? What will happen with the Norghi now that they know Leia is Darth Vader's daughter? What is with the mysterious calling cylinder that Luke found on Dagobah, and how does it relate to Yoda? Joruus C'baoth; what will be his impact, and will he get control over Luke, Leia, and the twins? These are just a few of the big questions that will be answered in the next two books, and I cannot wait to report them.
MTFBWY.
-DK
PS: I posted a picture of the normal cover with the last post. This is what my copy looks like. Most of the book is falling apart at the seam, hence the nifty paper-clip holding it all together.
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