Conquest: Star Wars Legends: Edge of Victory, Book I

Well, I'll admit that when I started this book, I wasn't expecting much. Mostly because I liked Balance Point a whole lot, and suspected that anything coming immediately after it would be eclipsed by it from birth. Man, was I wrong! While this book didn't have as large and diverse a cast of main characters, or anywhere near as complex a plot, the overall writing and style was definitely on a par with anything that came before it! The scene descriptions were breathtaking, the death of a certain character heartbreaking (at least if you've read Junior Jedi Knights), and the battle scenes nerve-bending, without being overly bloodthirsty (unlike some others I could mention). I am actually quite mystified at why some would say this book is no more than a glorified Young Jedi Knights novel. To me that's partly what made it so enjoyable, since it followed up on characters and events that were left hanging in that series, yet continuing the flow of this series without too many confusing things being thrown in at once. The main focus of this book was Anakin Solo, which was cool, since he has always (from the day of his birth) been shunted aside and practically ignored at times in favor of his dynamic and outgoing brother and sister, and one can see how he's maturing. Anyway, the Vong Warmaster has called for the heads of all the Jedi, (particularly Jacen's) saying that if all of the remaining Jedi are turned over to them, they will stop their viscous pummeling of New Republic forces. Unfortunately, many citizens of the New Republic, having been terrified into a frenzy, are dumb enough to believe the ultimatum, and so eagerly begin to hunt Jedi, while the fractitious New Republic government simply looks the other way. While they are treated like criminals and hunted like animals by those the Jedi Code says they are to protect, the Jedi are slowly coming apart at the seams. Kyp Durron insists that the only way to fight the Vong and the Peace brigade is to return aggression with aggression, but Luke, realizing that Kyp's real motive is his own grief and lust for revenge (most of the jedi that have been killed so far have been his close friends, including his own personal apprentice) maintains that that is of the Dark side, and that they must remain strong and peaceful, fighting only because they have no alternative and to defend themselves and their children. Unfortunately however, a depressing number of Jedi are more than willing to listen to Kyp... By this time however, the Vong have managed to get far enough into the galaxy that they are becoming a threat to Yavin 4, so Luke, realizing that the young students at the Jedi academy are in danger, sends Talon Kardde to go and get the children off the planet, fast, while he remains at the side of his own newly pregnant wife. He gives direct orders to the Solo children (having learned their disappearing tricks by now) NOT to go there into the line of fire, but Anakin slips by him and races to the academy an

Wow, finally a return to the Star Wars Universe with a truelly good novel. I loved it. Up till now the Yuuzhan Vong have seemed an invincible foe with a perfect society. But as the book develops you see how imperfect they really are. You can see how the New Republic still has a chance in this war. My congrats to Greg Keyes for adding a superb addition to the New Jedi Order that, up until now, seemed to be dying. I haven't read a Star Wars book this good since Visions of the Future. Don't give up on Star Wars literature before you take a look at this book...I can't wait to read the sequal!May the Force be with you!

Keyes is a fabulous author. I think his handling of the New Jedi Order is the best yet. The story centers on Anakin Solo and on very little else. There are no boring subplots or tangents that get in the way. It is refreshing to read a straightforward adventure again. Anakin's development as an young adult and Jedi is suberb,as is his budding relationship with Tahiri. I agree with other reviewers that said that there finally is hope for the galaxy. It's been a little bleak for quite a few novels now. This is a must read. Keyes belongs in the ranks of Tim Zahn and Mike Stackpole with this offering. I cannot wait to read more of his Star Wars work.

Though 'Conquest' by it's moniker looks like it's part one of a two novel series by Mr. Keyes, it is indeed a stand alone self contained novel with events taking place shortly after 'Balance Point'.Our novel starts with a great prologue which takes the reader bouncing about the galaxy and peering in on the fate of certain Jedi characters we have become familiar with over the last few years in print media...and the outcome is pretty dim. This sets the tone and back story for events that are being discussed within the government of the New Republic, more specifically between Luke Skywalker and the Bothan, Fey'la. Tensions arise and fissures deepen within the Jedi ranks as Kyp Durron's (and his followers) see events and Jedi responses different from what appears to be a passive Luke. It seems the Vong want Jacen Solo and all Jedi in return for no more aggression. While both sides of the Jedi know this is a hollow promise from the alien invaders, the choice to bring the war to them or to defend the galaxy in a hotly debated subject. But as these events are taking place, the Vong have their sights set on Yavin 4 and the Jedi academy there...and their targets: the unprotected Jedi children.Here is where the book really begins. Anakin, in secret and against the wishes of Uncle Luke races to Yavin to help evacuate and protect the children. Upon entering Yavin's system, Anakin makes a startling discovery that involves the Peace Brigade and is forced to land. Shortly thereafter the Vong show up, and Anakin and a hand full of children are on the run through the jungles of Yavin 4. Here, Anakin's best friend Tahiri (and Jedi in training) is captured and brought to the 'Shapers' for experimentation. Now Anakin must rescue Tahiri from her captures in a soul searching adventure that helps him discover more about his own Jedi heritage and beliefs. But he is not alone....It seems a fallen from grace Vong warrior with his own agenda must also get into the complex. So human Jedi and alien Vong, must learn to put their differences aside and help each other out. Together, this unlikely pair must battle the opposition, and their selves to get to the end. They have many conversations that are told from totally polar opposite points of view, but soon come to understand each other and their cultures. This is where the book shines. The majority of the novel is an Ankin adventure, however, the reader benefits by learning so much more about the Vong than any previous novel in the New Jedi Order series. We learn about the Vong caste system, the hierarchy of their people, more background about their gods and beliefs, and that not everything or everybody within the Vong race agree with the invasion. You see, in like any culture their are those that are oppressed, or have a different belief system, and for the first time we see division amongst the Vong. Some might consider them heretics, but it is revealed that all Vong don't share the same mindset.What is s

The Yuuzhan Vong invaders have devastated many planets and slaughtered countless innocents. Now Warmaster Tsavong Lah has demanded the heads of all the Jedi. So desperate for survival that they are willing to believe anything, the people of the galaxy are ready to deliver into Yuuzhan Vong hands the Jedi, who have become scapegoats. None are more willing to hand over the Jedi than the Peace Brigade. Sixteen-year-old Anakin Solo is strong in the Force, strong enough to be a powerful Jedi. But he is also headstrong and impatient. When he and his older brother and sister come to the conclusion that the Jedi Academy may be a target of the Peace Brigade, he defies orders and leaves for Yavin IV. He especially fears for Tahiri, his best friend from childhood, who is currently at the Academy. He lands on Yavin IV to find a Peace Brigade fleet in the system and Yuuzhan Vong ships on the way. Anakin helps to hide the students and then plans to create a diversion and flee, but his plan is hindered by Tahiri and two other students, who stay behind against Anakin's orders. When Tahiri is captured and handed over to the Vong, Anakin fears for her life. But it's not Tahiri's life that's at risk, for the Yuuzhan Vong have a horrifying plan for her - to make her one of their own. This was a thrilling addition to the New Jedi Order series that I reccomend to all Star Wars fans.