Secret Weapon

i disagree with that other reviewer who said timothy zahn is the best with jude watson.i hate the timothy zahn books.and that was when us star wars fans were starving for something new to read about star wars and heir to the empire came out,i bought it like many others wanting something new to read.and i was greatly dissapointed and his 2nd and 3rd book of that trilogy didnt get any better so i stopped buying his books.i guess i been spoiled by the star wars books i read growing up by writers like the great brian daley may he rest in peace,and the great alan dean foster.and i have been dissapointed by most of the new books and the different new authors to star wars books that have come out.finally a writer that is worthy of star wars has come along.a great writer and im happy that jude gets to write more books for star wars.i also enjoyed jude's first book star wars journal princess leia's diary of episode 4.captive to evil.

Ferus is still working as a double agent struggling the thin line of going along with Palpatine to keep from being killed and trying to he's position to help out his resistance friends. This becomes very difficult in this book when the Empire wants Ferus to return to his homeplanet as a poster boy for former resistance leader turned Empire. The Empire taking control of the factories which looks as if their helping the planet by providing jobs. This naturally will make it appear to the resistance that Ferus is completely with the Empire. Naturally the Empire's plans are not that nice with Vader on his tail Ferus finds it even more difficult to contact his friends to convince them their still on his side and attempting to undo the Empire's plan without Vader or the Empire finding out. The way this turns out was surprises as was then when Palpatine has yet another offer for Ferus. With Palpatine...its so hard to say no.

One always questions the validity and entertainment value in a spin-off of a spin-off series, but The Last of the Jedi is shaping up to be exciting. Ferus Olin's in full blown double agent mode and that's got him and his friends worried. Friendship and loyalty are certainly tested when it comes down to the question of "who do you serve?" or "How much hurt can one inflict while doing something necessary?" Jude Watson's got a nice narrative style and a good sense for where to stick in humor. I can't wait until the next one comes out. (Yes, I'm an adult; yes, I know this is a kid's book; yes, this book is totally worth the $6.00)

I've been a reader from day one and by far this is the most intense part of the series. I loved that there was a list of characters. I almost forgot some of the ones from the beginning and it was good to get familiar with them again. As I was reading, I felt the momentum of the story pick up towards the middle and then it just sky rocketed!! So much so, I left imprints of my fingers on the front and back cover! I don't want to give any of the storyline away but, I'll just say that I had to read some parts over again because of their emotional intensity and depth (I know, I know....I take these stories too seriously) It's such a great story. You'll definitely love it. Without saying too much here's a little outline.... Ferus is still with the Empire working as a double agent. He gets sent on a mission back to his homeworld of Bellassa to "help" settle any resistance from the people. He is seen by his people as a traitor but his closest friends of course know the truth. Vader keeps Ferus out of "the know" and it's hard for him to find out the real reasons for the Empire's stay on his home planet. As soon as Ferus gets close to the truth, Vader tears into his soul with hatred from the dark side. In the end, Ferus's will to go on is waning and he finds an offer from Emperor Palpatine extremely appealing. Ok, now go and buy the book! :)

Aside from Timothy Zahn I don't know if there is a better Star Wars author out today. Secret Weapon is yet another fantastic addition to the LOTJ series. However since it is a short book I don't want to talk much about the plot and give anything away. I will just say if there is any way for you to buy and read this book do it and do it now. This series when completed should be released as an anthology in my humble opinion.