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Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights #6
Oblężenie Akademii Jedi
Siły imperialne atakują Yavin Cztery. Ich celem jest akademia Luke`a Skywalkera, gdzie uczą się Jacen i Jaina. Młodzi rycerze Jedi stają do decydującej walki. Porażka może oznaczać dla galaktyki nastanie nowej ery zła i ciemności - panowanie Drugiego Imperium...
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
17 people are currently reading
1229 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Anderson
1,037 books3,102 followersYes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 9, 2021
Bullet Review:
A good wrap up of the previous plot lines (some obvious twists, but done well). Zekk’s story is most noteworthy. It’s weird to see them all laugh at the end, mostly unscathed (despite head injuries), but all in all, a more than decent book, much better than I expected.
I cannot wait to find the child to give these to, to read and enjoy as much as I did back in the late 90’s.
Full Review:
The time is approaching; the Shadow Academy marches towards attack on the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. Lives will be lost; people will be irrevocably changed. Can Luke, Jaina, Jacen, Tenel Ka and Lowbacca survive against the power of the Second Imperium? Will they be tempted to dip into the Dark Side?
Now that we are here, at the book the series has been meandering to, it's time to ask ourselves: did this accomplish what we expected? Was it as we expected or is this just yet another half-hearted attempt at recreating a plot line with the only way that authors think they can inject any drama into Star Wars, with a resurrected Emperor at the helm of the Empire? Would you believe me if I said it did a little of both?
Even though this series is nearly 30 years old at this point and completely non-canon, I will do my best to restrain from spoiling. I do think these 6 books have been a fun adventure, I'll even go so far as to say, they are better than some of the adult books of the time. So if you still want to seek these out and read for yourselves, I do recommend and want to keep the surprise for yourself. (For the most part - I think Tenel Ka's accident is just going to be spoiled, I'm sorry in advance.)
I wouldn't call this the pinnacle of the series; that title stays with "Lightsabers". There is just a bit too much silly for my liking - the ineptitude of the Empire (who thought that having untrained soldiers attack the Jedi Academy as their first real target would be a good idea?!), how unprepared the Jedi Academy was, despite having a notion of the incoming attacks, how easily nearly every Jedi Knight (may I remind you, our protagonists are FOURTEEN years old - in our world, they cannot drive, work more than so many hours a day, drink, smoke, get married, etc.) can attack and kill another sapient being, some of the more granular details all suggest a more simple, "child-like" book (you know the kind - where you just sit back and don't think too hard), and the writing will never win awards for being elevated or anything more than plain and perfunctory.
And yet...I can't be too upset. Zekk proves himself to be a fantastic character, one that really would have been lovely to explore on the big screen (unless you want to headcanon that he is Kylo Ren...). Jaina, Jacen, Tenel Ka, Lowbacca...they get moments to shine in their own special ways. (Jaina even gets a chance to fly a TIE fighter which was really cool for this girl.) There were scenes showing different non-Solo Jedis in the fight - the one with the tree was absolutely mind-blowing in its creativity! Luke Skywalker stands his ground at one point to Brakiss, denouncing Brakiss' battle and adhering to the tenets of peace and diplomacy that he's been espousing since the inception of the series. And the final reveal of the Second Imperium and the Emperor is absolutely grand and clever, and I personally would have loved something like this revealed in Disney's "Rise of Skywalker" more than the reheated TV dinner of a plot that we got.
So this book was a bit of both: a bit silly but also a bit clever. This nearly 30 year old kid's book did something that an adult movie couldn't do. It teased one outcome but did something clever instead of something boring and repetitive. It allowed characters to grow and change, to stretch beyond themselves and even make mistakes - and sometimes live to find redemption.
I believe the initial run was supposed to stop with this book; this series ended up continuing for a good 8 more books. I am plugging along with the rest of the series, which will probably bleed into next year (oh the plans of January!), and we'll have to see how that fares. Does it continue to be a good solid series for kids (and adults) or does it fade? Time will tell; however, I think that this first arc definitely holds up to the test of time.
A good wrap up of the previous plot lines (some obvious twists, but done well). Zekk’s story is most noteworthy. It’s weird to see them all laugh at the end, mostly unscathed (despite head injuries), but all in all, a more than decent book, much better than I expected.
I cannot wait to find the child to give these to, to read and enjoy as much as I did back in the late 90’s.
Full Review:
The time is approaching; the Shadow Academy marches towards attack on the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. Lives will be lost; people will be irrevocably changed. Can Luke, Jaina, Jacen, Tenel Ka and Lowbacca survive against the power of the Second Imperium? Will they be tempted to dip into the Dark Side?
Now that we are here, at the book the series has been meandering to, it's time to ask ourselves: did this accomplish what we expected? Was it as we expected or is this just yet another half-hearted attempt at recreating a plot line with the only way that authors think they can inject any drama into Star Wars, with a resurrected Emperor at the helm of the Empire? Would you believe me if I said it did a little of both?
Even though this series is nearly 30 years old at this point and completely non-canon, I will do my best to restrain from spoiling. I do think these 6 books have been a fun adventure, I'll even go so far as to say, they are better than some of the adult books of the time. So if you still want to seek these out and read for yourselves, I do recommend and want to keep the surprise for yourself. (For the most part - I think Tenel Ka's accident is just going to be spoiled, I'm sorry in advance.)
I wouldn't call this the pinnacle of the series; that title stays with "Lightsabers". There is just a bit too much silly for my liking - the ineptitude of the Empire (who thought that having untrained soldiers attack the Jedi Academy as their first real target would be a good idea?!), how unprepared the Jedi Academy was, despite having a notion of the incoming attacks, how easily nearly every Jedi Knight (may I remind you, our protagonists are FOURTEEN years old - in our world, they cannot drive, work more than so many hours a day, drink, smoke, get married, etc.) can attack and kill another sapient being, some of the more granular details all suggest a more simple, "child-like" book (you know the kind - where you just sit back and don't think too hard), and the writing will never win awards for being elevated or anything more than plain and perfunctory.
And yet...I can't be too upset. Zekk proves himself to be a fantastic character, one that really would have been lovely to explore on the big screen (unless you want to headcanon that he is Kylo Ren...). Jaina, Jacen, Tenel Ka, Lowbacca...they get moments to shine in their own special ways. (Jaina even gets a chance to fly a TIE fighter which was really cool for this girl.) There were scenes showing different non-Solo Jedis in the fight - the one with the tree was absolutely mind-blowing in its creativity! Luke Skywalker stands his ground at one point to Brakiss, denouncing Brakiss' battle and adhering to the tenets of peace and diplomacy that he's been espousing since the inception of the series. And the final reveal of the Second Imperium and the Emperor is absolutely grand and clever, and I personally would have loved something like this revealed in Disney's "Rise of Skywalker" more than the reheated TV dinner of a plot that we got.
So this book was a bit of both: a bit silly but also a bit clever. This nearly 30 year old kid's book did something that an adult movie couldn't do. It teased one outcome but did something clever instead of something boring and repetitive. It allowed characters to grow and change, to stretch beyond themselves and even make mistakes - and sometimes live to find redemption.
I believe the initial run was supposed to stop with this book; this series ended up continuing for a good 8 more books. I am plugging along with the rest of the series, which will probably bleed into next year (oh the plans of January!), and we'll have to see how that fares. Does it continue to be a good solid series for kids (and adults) or does it fade? Time will tell; however, I think that this first arc definitely holds up to the test of time.
November 5, 2024
This book is a million times better than The Last Jedi.
This book could have been made into a film with no explanation of characters and it would still would have been better than The Last Jedi.
The Luke Skywalker I know and love is not a wimp.
What the fuck is "Force-Skyping"?
Finn should have died; Rose is a terrible character (and her action figure didn't sell at all during Christmas). Lando should have been the code breaker. Maz serves no purpose.
Star Wars is Science FICTION.
This book could have been made into a film with no explanation of characters and it would still would have been better than The Last Jedi.
The Luke Skywalker I know and love is not a wimp.
What the fuck is "Force-Skyping"?
Finn should have died; Rose is a terrible character (and her action figure didn't sell at all during Christmas). Lando should have been the code breaker. Maz serves no purpose.
Star Wars is Science FICTION.
June 30, 2023
Excellent finish to this first series arc. I love how it is just one big giant battle and I’m pretty sure Zekk is why I love the Boy Falls First trope.
October 29, 2021
This is really more like 3.5 stars, but I liked what the authors did here to round it up. Besides, it needs to be recognized for being better than some of the other books in the series.
The story seems to wrap up here, which makes me think that the authors only ever intended to write six books in the series. The character arcs come to conclusion, the major threat is eliminated, and the authors pull everything together well. Where it goes from here will be interesting to see, considering all that, but then again, A New Hope ended with a lot resolved, and still went on to keep telling a good story.
The story seems to wrap up here, which makes me think that the authors only ever intended to write six books in the series. The character arcs come to conclusion, the major threat is eliminated, and the authors pull everything together well. Where it goes from here will be interesting to see, considering all that, but then again, A New Hope ended with a lot resolved, and still went on to keep telling a good story.
June 27, 2024
A little dissapointing for what was the finale of this arc and what was originally supposed to be the end of the series. For the first quarter of the book nothing really happened. A lot of the side stories conclusions didn't really hit on the level they should have either. That said it was fine. The ending, while not as intense or interesting as it should have been, was still enjoyable.
April 17, 2025
Four guards in a Palpatine suit
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 20, 2023okay, this was by far the weakest book in the series--no shade intended, it just had so much going on and felt a little bit fragmented as a result. Too many showdowns, too many revelations, too many characters to keep track of, and not enough time to really dig deep into any of it.
But coming back to these books was absolutely still a delight, and I look forward to tackling the next set soon!!!
But coming back to these books was absolutely still a delight, and I look forward to tackling the next set soon!!!
October 4, 2011
In the whole book the setting was out side in different planets. First starts in naboo. Then goes to other planets.
The characters are Luke laya chubaca and haun solo and his daughter and son. They are trying to find master yoda and obi one conobe. But anakin aka earth vader tries to stop them.
What the author did best was discribing the characters and what they had to do the author was alwase through the whole book setting goals for the characters. during the goals they alwase had problems.
my connections to the book are all the goals they set I alwase set goals but then I alwase run into problems.
The characters are Luke laya chubaca and haun solo and his daughter and son. They are trying to find master yoda and obi one conobe. But anakin aka earth vader tries to stop them.
What the author did best was discribing the characters and what they had to do the author was alwase through the whole book setting goals for the characters. during the goals they alwase had problems.
my connections to the book are all the goals they set I alwase set goals but then I alwase run into problems.
January 18, 2025
A fitting conclusion to the Shadow Academy arc, Jedi Under Siege wraps up the major conflicts introduced in the previous five books. The whole of the arc should be understood within its context, as the series was intended for young readers and at the time didn't embrace a lot of the more profound and complex themes of loss and grief that might appear in more recent literature for children and teens.
What I love about this book is actually the way in which Anderson and Moesta work to establish a throughline of sympathy and empathy, which feature throughout Star Wars as radical emotion capable of creating dramatic change. This book presents tragedy, but that tragedy is always grounded in feelings of empathy. There's no mistaking the book's simplistic morality, but simplistic morality plays have always been the bread and butter of Star Wars, and since this is a book for children it also gets much more leniency in how it handles the major theme.
The destruction of the Shadow Academy is an interesting development, I think, with the dramatic reveal of the Emperor's return be particularly satisfying in light of the '90s proclivity to keep trying to resurrect Palpatine. While I wish there were more space given to developing this storyline (the story is strong enough to have been a mainline saga or trilogy instead of relegated to children's lit that few but the most hardcore adult fans may have read), I thoroughly enjoyed this saga and consider it among the very best in '90s Star Wars.
What I love about this book is actually the way in which Anderson and Moesta work to establish a throughline of sympathy and empathy, which feature throughout Star Wars as radical emotion capable of creating dramatic change. This book presents tragedy, but that tragedy is always grounded in feelings of empathy. There's no mistaking the book's simplistic morality, but simplistic morality plays have always been the bread and butter of Star Wars, and since this is a book for children it also gets much more leniency in how it handles the major theme.
The destruction of the Shadow Academy is an interesting development, I think, with the dramatic reveal of the Emperor's return be particularly satisfying in light of the '90s proclivity to keep trying to resurrect Palpatine. While I wish there were more space given to developing this storyline (the story is strong enough to have been a mainline saga or trilogy instead of relegated to children's lit that few but the most hardcore adult fans may have read), I thoroughly enjoyed this saga and consider it among the very best in '90s Star Wars.
May 28, 2019
And here we are at the end of the original YJK run of 6 books.
Jedi Under Siege wraps up the arc that was started back in Shadow Academy and while I’ve voiced my dislike of this whole idea, I’ll give Anderson and Moesta some credit for being able to tie it all together and finish it off with a moderately entertaining and enjoyable conclusion, even if many of the themes were “borrowed” from previous books and authors. Also, Under Siege does excel in the sense that it’s definitely more action packed than any of the previous entries. And, of course, this, along with the rest of the YJK series, has the requisite Star Wars feel to it. Written by a fan, for fans. Unlike more modern “canon” that has to contain modern PC elements and other BS that has no place in a Star Wars novel.
As a whole, I don’t have a ton of complaints in regards to the series. The time frame is was written in (mid 90’s) does hamper its overall tone and theme (this was in that weird in between era where Star Wars only lived in through comics and novels that were basically fan fiction) so expecting new and deep revelations is not to be expected. Plus, it’s intended audience is pretty obvious, since it lacks a lot of the politics and other more “mature” themes found in the more adult oriented stories.
It’s pretty clear that fans were left clamoring for more, as there are another 8 of these left to get through.
Jedi Under Siege wraps up the arc that was started back in Shadow Academy and while I’ve voiced my dislike of this whole idea, I’ll give Anderson and Moesta some credit for being able to tie it all together and finish it off with a moderately entertaining and enjoyable conclusion, even if many of the themes were “borrowed” from previous books and authors. Also, Under Siege does excel in the sense that it’s definitely more action packed than any of the previous entries. And, of course, this, along with the rest of the YJK series, has the requisite Star Wars feel to it. Written by a fan, for fans. Unlike more modern “canon” that has to contain modern PC elements and other BS that has no place in a Star Wars novel.
As a whole, I don’t have a ton of complaints in regards to the series. The time frame is was written in (mid 90’s) does hamper its overall tone and theme (this was in that weird in between era where Star Wars only lived in through comics and novels that were basically fan fiction) so expecting new and deep revelations is not to be expected. Plus, it’s intended audience is pretty obvious, since it lacks a lot of the politics and other more “mature” themes found in the more adult oriented stories.
It’s pretty clear that fans were left clamoring for more, as there are another 8 of these left to get through.
April 28, 2020
An exciting conclusion to a fun and thought proboking series.
This book is all payoff. Several books in this series have been building to this moment. Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta did a fine job of tying up all the loose ends of the series while leaving the door open for more adventures. This book was almost all an epic battle, but that wasn't the entirety of it.
What this series, particularly this book did well was redemption. Luke is always trying to redeem fallen characters in the Expanded Universe, and its one of his endearing qualities. In this book, while he failed to redeem Brakiss, his pupil Jaina did a good job of redeeming Zekk. Jaina and Zekk's relationship, as well as Jacen and Tenel Ka's relationship is probably the best part of the entire series. They play off each other well and portray unique and interesting perspectives that the reader wouldn't ordinarily think of.
As a whole, its a very fun and enjoyable book. It's not as tightly written or as deep as Lightsabers, but its still probably tied with The Shadow Academy for second place. 7.2 out of 10. Nice work. I'm looking forward to revisiting the "Diversity Alliance" books next.
This book is all payoff. Several books in this series have been building to this moment. Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta did a fine job of tying up all the loose ends of the series while leaving the door open for more adventures. This book was almost all an epic battle, but that wasn't the entirety of it.
What this series, particularly this book did well was redemption. Luke is always trying to redeem fallen characters in the Expanded Universe, and its one of his endearing qualities. In this book, while he failed to redeem Brakiss, his pupil Jaina did a good job of redeeming Zekk. Jaina and Zekk's relationship, as well as Jacen and Tenel Ka's relationship is probably the best part of the entire series. They play off each other well and portray unique and interesting perspectives that the reader wouldn't ordinarily think of.
As a whole, its a very fun and enjoyable book. It's not as tightly written or as deep as Lightsabers, but its still probably tied with The Shadow Academy for second place. 7.2 out of 10. Nice work. I'm looking forward to revisiting the "Diversity Alliance" books next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
4 Stars! That was a ton of fun. This book wraps up the first 6 book arc of the series and it ends with a bang. Pretty well the entire book is one big action scene. I enjoyed the character moments we weee able to see with all of our young Jedi knights. Of course it continues to be written for juvenile audiences but the character connection is there and I really enjoy them.
The dark jedi version of the “iron rain” is about the coolest thing I can visualize from the series. I loved that little scene of dark Jedi raining from the sky with ignited lightsabers. Qorl is a respectably compelling character and I thought his arc was really good. Really quite poetic. Overall I’m pretty interested to see where the series goes. I plan to jump into NJO following this but I hope to return to these stories in the future and finish up YJK. Very well done.
The dark jedi version of the “iron rain” is about the coolest thing I can visualize from the series. I loved that little scene of dark Jedi raining from the sky with ignited lightsabers. Qorl is a respectably compelling character and I thought his arc was really good. Really quite poetic. Overall I’m pretty interested to see where the series goes. I plan to jump into NJO following this but I hope to return to these stories in the future and finish up YJK. Very well done.
March 6, 2022
This book is the final one in this story arc (but not in the series!). It is non-stop action throughout. I think the action is very well done, and we flash between a lot of perspectives to get the full scope of the battle. It's super fun to see some other students from the Jedi Academy featured and I hope we get some more of that as we go on. Each character is given the change to shine and there are some seriously tense moments in here! The villain story arc was a little lackluster for me, in regards to one certain point, but otherwise this wrapped up well. I hope in the next story line we see some more character development and some different environments. This felt a little formulaic and I hope to see the authors break that up in the next few.
March 16, 2021
Honestly I felt this book was a disappointment. Brakiss gives up so easily it’s not believable, and the confrontation with Zekk was disappointing too. I just expected more . Plus there is some Wizard of Oz trickery that I dont really understand. So why come to The Shadow Academy then. Keep the secret away from minions . Just using a hologram was just enough for people to believe. By bringing “him” to the shadow academy U made at least Brakiss suspicious and this in turn gets u caught. All in all not one of the best in the series in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2019
This book was essentially one big battle. Overall it was sufficiently thrilling, with some good parts. Zekk's ending was rather underwhelming, but I liked Brakiss' especially. Jaina was really cool as well. One of my favorite parts of all was when Brakiss realizes the deception of the "Emperor". So cool! Yep, I read this whole series (in omnibus form) to Raven, and it took almost a year. Of course, we read a ton of other things in between books. He definitely liked the series. Hooray!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2023
Jedi Under Siege by Kevin J Anderson and Rebecca Moesta. This is #6 in the Young Jedi Knights middle grade series.
The day has come for the young Jedi Knights to deal with the Shadow Academy and its army of Dark Jedi. Luke must lead Jacen, Jaina and their friends against the Dark Jedi Zekk. The future of the entire galaxy depends on them winning this battle.
Another good story in this series; I would highly recommend it. I gave it 4 stars.
The day has come for the young Jedi Knights to deal with the Shadow Academy and its army of Dark Jedi. Luke must lead Jacen, Jaina and their friends against the Dark Jedi Zekk. The future of the entire galaxy depends on them winning this battle.
Another good story in this series; I would highly recommend it. I gave it 4 stars.
August 3, 2024
Ties up the arc, although perhaps a little too neatly, with no lasting consequences for any of our heroes. But we do get some good pieces of development, it ties into Brakiss' appearance in The New Rebellion (even if only for a line), and there are some really great moments surrounding Luke's other Jedi trainees.
Not as good as some of the adult novels I've given a 4-star rating to, but context matters.
Not as good as some of the adult novels I've given a 4-star rating to, but context matters.
June 15, 2025
an epic conclusio to the first arc of the series.
i wanted a longer duel between zekk and jaina but it was a cool moment, though.
i did feel like jacen didn't do much. he really felt sidelined, so i did not enjoy that.
tenel ka is such a badass.
really liked qorl's character development. he really said "screw this, im out"
saw the plot twist coming from a mile away, but I think it's good that they didn't resort to the overused trope (palpatine)
ZEKK MY BABY YOU ARE SO PRECIOUS
i wanted a longer duel between zekk and jaina but it was a cool moment, though.
i did feel like jacen didn't do much. he really felt sidelined, so i did not enjoy that.
tenel ka is such a badass.
really liked qorl's character development. he really said "screw this, im out"
saw the plot twist coming from a mile away, but I think it's good that they didn't resort to the overused trope (palpatine)
ZEKK MY BABY YOU ARE SO PRECIOUS
December 19, 2024
The conclusion to the first six-book arc of the series kicks off at the start. The previous 5 books were the build-up so this just jumps straight into the action. Lots going on here, many threads to follow and some fun twists and turns. Exciting stuff and a strong conclusion to a strong series.
June 24, 2018
Slutet på den historian. De olika händelserna från de första 5 böckerna knyt ihop på ett bra sätt.
October 23, 2019
It was pretty neat. You'd need to know some stuff about the series and Star Wars to get many references and words.
August 17, 2020
Hacky action, hacky writing, hacky characters, Jedi Under Siege mercifully brings the first arc of the YJK series to a hollow close.
October 24, 2023
This was a really good read! A love the whole battle. The ending was wonderful. 5 out of 5 stars from me.
December 28, 2023
One of the better of the Young Jedi Knights series so far, despite the cover being 1/3 composed of lies.
May 22, 2024
A decent enough action packed ending. A little cheesier than the others and the decision to add a rando unnamed antagonist at the last second was pretty bad.
July 11, 2025
A reasonably satisfactory conclusion to the first arc of this series. There are some fun twists, and I appreciate the fact that it’s effectively one long battle start to finish without being exhausting. It’s nothing crazy but I’m glad to have read this series to really grow acquainted both with the Solo children and with the Legends timeline as a whole. I’m excited to give New Jedi Order another go with a much larger well of context to pull from.
March 15, 2017
This one was the best of the six in the series so far because it was nearly cover-to-cover describing a battle between the Shadow Academy and the Jedi school. Because it's a lengthy battle scene, it gave less opportunity for plot simplification (for young adult novellas) and the holes that ensue. That is, if you overlook the lack of planning that went into such an important invasion and the fact that a brilliant Jedi Knight and leader like Luke Skywalker didn't have the foresight to have some security on hand.
This was a quick read, thanks to all the action. And the resolution of the existence of the "Emperor" was satisfactory (if a little obvious).
This was a quick read, thanks to all the action. And the resolution of the existence of the "Emperor" was satisfactory (if a little obvious).
August 8, 2016
The last book ended with Zekk, the titular 'darkest knight', not killing Jaina and instead warning her that the Second Imperium and the Shadow Academy will shortly be attacking the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. He's not doing a terribly good job of being evil, but that's to be expected - he seems to have joined the Shadow Academy simply because they were the first ones to realise he could use the Force. I've been expecting him to realise that he just hasn't got it in him to be a dark Jedi, as his actions thus far have made him more a convenient spy for the Jedi rather than an actual enemy. As this is the last book in this particular arc in the series, Zekk will have to decide what he wants to do either way.
The action starts almost immediately. The twins and their friends get dropped off on Yavin 4, apparently by the Falcon, because Han Solo seems to think it's a great idea to leave his kids behind on a planet that will shortly be under attack. Thanks to Zekk's warning to Jaina, they've got a little bit of time to prepare, but that goes by in less than a chapter before the Second Imperium is there, taking down the academy's protective shields and starting their attack.
Jacen, Jaina, Tenel Ka, and Lowbacca end up splitting up to take on some of the greatest threats, giving each of them the opportunity to show off just how much they've grown and improved their skills, and not just in the Force. Jaina ends up commandeering a TIE fighter while Jacen weaponises his pets and Lowie and Tenel Ka team up to take on a floating battle station. Even Raynar Thul, the rather pompous victim of Jacen's crystal snake in book one, does what he can.
My only real complaint is that the 'dramatic' standoff at the end between Jaina and Zekk made no real sense. Zekk's made his choice at this point in the story and there's no sensible reason to keep it from Jaina or anyone else, except to drag out the tension for the reader a little bit and keep us in the dark a little bit longer. Overall, though, a rather exciting finish to this particular story arc - my questions about the Emperor were answered and everything was wrapped up cleanly, leaving the next book to start something entirely new.
The action starts almost immediately. The twins and their friends get dropped off on Yavin 4, apparently by the Falcon, because Han Solo seems to think it's a great idea to leave his kids behind on a planet that will shortly be under attack. Thanks to Zekk's warning to Jaina, they've got a little bit of time to prepare, but that goes by in less than a chapter before the Second Imperium is there, taking down the academy's protective shields and starting their attack.
Jacen, Jaina, Tenel Ka, and Lowbacca end up splitting up to take on some of the greatest threats, giving each of them the opportunity to show off just how much they've grown and improved their skills, and not just in the Force. Jaina ends up commandeering a TIE fighter while Jacen weaponises his pets and Lowie and Tenel Ka team up to take on a floating battle station. Even Raynar Thul, the rather pompous victim of Jacen's crystal snake in book one, does what he can.
My only real complaint is that the 'dramatic' standoff at the end between Jaina and Zekk made no real sense. Zekk's made his choice at this point in the story and there's no sensible reason to keep it from Jaina or anyone else, except to drag out the tension for the reader a little bit and keep us in the dark a little bit longer. Overall, though, a rather exciting finish to this particular story arc - my questions about the Emperor were answered and everything was wrapped up cleanly, leaving the next book to start something entirely new.
August 3, 2017
There are too many quotes from the OT at the start of this, and even woven throughout. Lando even mentions Tanaab. *sigh*
As a random aside, I was about 2/3 in when I realized Mara hasn't been in this series at all. Nor in the Junior Jedi Knights!
Everyone knows the Second Imperium/Shadow Academy is on its way to Yavin. The reader knows that Zekk will make a very important choice.
Despite my issues with some of the writing, KJA and Moesta don't throw punches with regards to the plot. It's intense from the start and the segueing between battles is done well.
We really get a stronger sense of Raynar's arrogance.
Norys becomes even worse.
Qorl's point of view is great. It's interesting to see that even though Palpatine was evil, he didn't display it the way Tamith Kai and Brakiss have. Qorl felt there was order under the old Empire and that the Second Imperium has much to be desired.
I like the idea of a tree-like Jedi, though a species name would be nice.
Zekk's heart is in the right place. He obviously has issues, particularly with anger and feeling left out, but he has loyalty and morals. He won't kill a child simply because they're on the "other" side. He can't bring himself to destroy his friends. Shoot, he's pained at the broken friendship. Nor will he shoot down a parent figure.
His redemption is obvious to the reader, but Anderson and Moesta drag it out well. Actually, it's a little like the current Kylo Ren - I think he'll be redeemed and I can see it happening, but a lot will have to happen.
No, Zekk =/= Kylo; Kylo doesn't have the same moral reluctance that Zekk does.
I libe seeing the change in Raynar.
The end is painful because of how raw and true it is. We sometimes don't think we deserve forgiveness. Can recieve it. Can wipe the darkness within.
But we xan. With help and love and friendship, we can.
As a random aside, I was about 2/3 in when I realized Mara hasn't been in this series at all. Nor in the Junior Jedi Knights!
Everyone knows the Second Imperium/Shadow Academy is on its way to Yavin. The reader knows that Zekk will make a very important choice.
Despite my issues with some of the writing, KJA and Moesta don't throw punches with regards to the plot. It's intense from the start and the segueing between battles is done well.
We really get a stronger sense of Raynar's arrogance.
Norys becomes even worse.
Qorl's point of view is great. It's interesting to see that even though Palpatine was evil, he didn't display it the way Tamith Kai and Brakiss have. Qorl felt there was order under the old Empire and that the Second Imperium has much to be desired.
I like the idea of a tree-like Jedi, though a species name would be nice.
Zekk's heart is in the right place. He obviously has issues, particularly with anger and feeling left out, but he has loyalty and morals. He won't kill a child simply because they're on the "other" side. He can't bring himself to destroy his friends. Shoot, he's pained at the broken friendship. Nor will he shoot down a parent figure.
His redemption is obvious to the reader, but Anderson and Moesta drag it out well. Actually, it's a little like the current Kylo Ren - I think he'll be redeemed and I can see it happening, but a lot will have to happen.
No, Zekk =/= Kylo; Kylo doesn't have the same moral reluctance that Zekk does.
I libe seeing the change in Raynar.
The end is painful because of how raw and true it is. We sometimes don't think we deserve forgiveness. Can recieve it. Can wipe the darkness within.
But we xan. With help and love and friendship, we can.
May 14, 2024
Great ending to this arc of the series. Tied up all those loose ends. Killed off some villains. Left plenty of openings for more to happen with the characters.
I do question including a Fake Emperor plot... Which I cannot remember if I mentioned before, but a couple books back, it is revealed that Palpatine is still alive. Supposedly. And when he goes to the Shadow Academy he refuses to see anyone. And then Brakiss discovers it was all a lie. I mean, it works in the books. The bad guys think the ultimate bad guy is still alive and they're gonna be back in power in no time at all. But, even as a kid I remember thinking it was a bit suspicious when no one was allowed to see him aside from his personal guards. Eh, I guess the bad guys were just looking for any bit of hope or whatever.
I do question including a Fake Emperor plot... Which I cannot remember if I mentioned before, but a couple books back, it is revealed that Palpatine is still alive. Supposedly. And when he goes to the Shadow Academy he refuses to see anyone. And then Brakiss discovers it was all a lie. I mean, it works in the books. The bad guys think the ultimate bad guy is still alive and they're gonna be back in power in no time at all. But, even as a kid I remember thinking it was a bit suspicious when no one was allowed to see him aside from his personal guards. Eh, I guess the bad guys were just looking for any bit of hope or whatever.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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