Destiny's Way

As OVERrated as Traitor was, Destiny's Way is UNDERrated. Williams has a nice smooth flowing writing style that made it an easy read and, unlike Traitor, advanced the plot on a galatic scale. I'd like to address some of the statements made by previous reviewers. I'm not sure how Williams `ruined' Palleaon. Sure, he wasn't as cordial with Han & Leia as he'd been in the past nor should he have been. It was business. The Empire wanted something from the Republic for their aid as they should. And I'm not sure why reviewers made such a big deal about his garden either. Geez, it was in 2 or 3 paragraphs. I don't get their gripe about the election either. Luke & Mara did NOT sabatoge it. Lando & Karrde did - and RIGHTFULLY so. They needed a Jedi friendly leader & got one. The formation of The Jedi Council was one of the coolest scenes in the whole NJO. Jaina's title of `Sword Of The Jedi' was befitting in the context it was given. Vergere was FINALLY killed off so there won't be any more of her special brand of `help'. Her character could've been handled so much better. My only grip was the fight between Jaina & Tsavong Lah. It was over way too fast & should've been done better.

After volume 13 which focused on Jacen's struggle with the Yuuzhan Vong, Vergere and himself, the focus returns to the war at large, which hasn't been going well. However, there may now be some light. New Republic forces are learning more and more about not only Vong biotech, but also their culture, and are picking up some weaknesses along the way. However, the infighting and lack of confidence among the locals have been their greatest weakness. Politics has been the downfall of the New Republic thus far. Will Luke and Cal Omas be able to turn the political tide? Will the work of Ackbar and Jaina produce the tactics needed to win the war? Will Danni and other scientists produce the advances needed to outgun and disrupt the Vong? All of these questions are hanging through this volume. Some questions will be answered, but more than enough is kept lingering for future volumes. This read is one of the hardest in the series to put down. Williams does a masterful job of transitioning from one theater of the war to another (including the political and religious theaters of the Republic and Vong respectively) to keep you turning the pages. The jedi themselves are beginning to come to order, but will that order be on the old lines of the Old Republic of Vergere OR will there be a new Jedi order? If it is the later, what form will it take? Read on!

Looks like i have some re-rating to do. In this book, destiny's way, Jacen Solo has escaped the clutches of the Yuzzan Vong, with some help from the mysterious Jedi Vergere, who, in my opinion, is an awesome character. it is supposedly the turning point for the entire war. unfortunately, the new republic has developed a new weapon designed to wipe out the Yuzzan Vong...perhaps forever. now the Jedi must prevent the weapom, called Alpha Red, from being used. as I said in my previous review, this book is great. has nice cover art, too. and you adults think THIS is bad.

After so many so-so books in this series, I was beginning to wonder if I should just give it up and go for some good "Orson Scott Card" instead.Walter Jon Williams restored my faith in "The New Jedi Order" series like nobody but Matthew Woodring Stover (author of "Traiter") has been able to do.This is the author's first effort in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, so some of the dialogue may seem "our of character" to readers that have dedicated their lives to this franchise. Personally I didn't notice it much except for some of Han's lines, but I read a few reviews where people complained about it. I found the story to be terrific and extremely captivating! I mean, This guy knows how to write!It's far more interesting to read a book by a guy who knows how to capture your interest and create a great story (that makes you want to stay up reading it rather than get some much-needed sleep), than it is to read hundreds of minute detail-references to previous Star Wars novels to prove that the guy has been following along with the franchise. If I want an author to show off his Expanded Universe knowledge, I'll read more of the Sean Williams' & Shane Dix' books. They know their Star Wars Expanded Universe extremely well! But unfortunately, they don't know how to write!With "Destiny's Way" I was actually caring about the characters and what happens to them. I love the way Luke re-establishes the Jedi Counsel and how the new Government is formed.It was a nice refreshing addition to the franchise and I highly recommend it.It is unfortunate that so many Star Wars fans have been reading nothing else so long that they forget what good writing really is. The trilogy of books that follows this one in "The New Jedi Order" series is a perfect example of how NOT to write (a) Star Wars book(s).I look forward to the series that Walter Jon Williams has been contracted for that will follow the events of the "New Jedi Order" series. I know that I can expect a good read.

I really enjoyed this book. Pacing was great and all the major players from the earlier books in the series were present. Having said that, I know that there will be fans who are upset with the fact that the writer breaks new ground with some of the characters.If you are looking for a turning point in the series....well the book is a must read. There is a passing of the baton of sorts as tne young Jedi blossom into full Jedi Knights. If you are fan of the series you will not be disappointed. If you are dedicated fan of the series, you may or may not like the way the primary characters (Jaina, Kyp, Jacen etc.) have changed but this is a story on a grand scale and character development in some cases took a back seat to describing the turning point in the war between the New Republic and the Vong.I recommend the book and the stage it sets for the final chapters in this saga.