July 1, 2010
When smuggler Jet Nebula discovers a mysterious "treasure" in an unfrequented part of space, Hutt criminal overlord Tassaa Bareesh holds an auction that attracts bidders from both the Empire and the Republic. Sith apprentice Eldon Ax, convinced that the treasure holds clues to the fate of her mother, and Jedi Padawan Shigar Konshi, seeking to prove his worthiness to become a Jedi Knight, are drawn into a complex web of intrigue and danger that brings Empire, Republic, and independent agents together against a threat to the entire galaxy. The author of mainstream sf ("Metal Fatigue" as well as several Star Wars® novels ("Star Wars® The Force Unleashed" launches a prequel that serves as a tie-in to "Star Wars® The Old Republic™" the multiplayer online PC game forthcoming from LucasArts and BioWare. Primarily focusing on the action and political intrigue of space opera, Williams introduces a cast of characters representing different factions in the Star Wars® universe. VERDICTStar Wars® fans will look forward to the latest addition to the literature of Lucas's beloved galactic classic. Libraries should expect demand.
Copyright 2010 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
May 15, 2010
Well back in the days of the old republic, smuggler Jet Nebula discovers a treasure whose present and ultimate value he cannot even begin to estimate. He soon learns that it is valuable to enough different, well-armed parties to threaten not only the peace of the galaxy but also his own life expectancy. The Hutts want it to sell to the highest bidderwhether the crumbling republic or the rising empire, they dont care. The Sith, all two of them, have their own plans. So does the Jedi high council, with more scruples but greater numbers behind them. A Mandalorian seems to see in the find a clue to a long-unsolved and quite dire crime, while a spy of indeterminate loyalties plays all sides at once, which hints strongly of knowledge of what the mystery object really is. This novel is tied in to the Star Wars universe at a stage in its history that is still being explored in print fiction, and it is also the prequel to what promises to be the largest, most ambitious electronic role-playing game yet to be spun off of that universe. With so much riding on its shoulders, the book demands an unusual gift for cracking good space opera, and that Williams possesses in full measure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)