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Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights #11
The Emperor's Plague
Bornan Thul's secret is he's protecting a deadly plague that could devastate the galaxy if released. And the evil Nolaa Tarkona--leader of the Diversity Alliance--knows where it is hidden. Now Jacen, Jaina and their allies must race against time. As a massive battle rages between New Republic soldiers and the forces of the Diversity Alliance, the young Jedi Knights must find and destroy the plague before it can be released.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
6 people are currently reading
1120 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 3, 2023
An absolutely superb finale to the "Diversity Alliance" arc of books from Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta.
I believe that the first 6 book arc, the "Shadow Academy" arc, is a better arc overall. However, I do believe this is a much better finale to this arc than "Jedi Under Siege" was for its arc.
There is a sequence in the New Republic senate that does a great job of explaining why the NR is unwilling to take the Diversity Alliance threat seriously, and there is also a great sequence on Ryloth that also demonstrates why the Jedi children shouldn't be taken seriously. Anderson and Moesta do an excellent job of providing opposing perspectives well.
The action in this book is great, and the consequences of the main characters actions is particularly good. This series could also be called "Where in the Universe is Bornan Thul", and this book finally gives some good closure to that arc.
I was not a fan of Zekk as a Bounty Hunter, and always thought he should have been a Jedi instead, as it pays off his arc from "The Lost Ones" really well. This book finally puts him on the path that I liked.
There is a lot of great internal logic that I appreciated. Sometimes, these Middle Grade books can feel slapped together, but this one feels like Anderson and Moesta really thought through the writing process.
Overall, I loved this book! Its so well written, and it provides such a satisfying conclusion to the story. I have 3 books left to read that form a final trilogy, but this could have been an excellent ending to the YJK series. 9.8 out of 10! Way to go Anderson and Moesta!
I believe that the first 6 book arc, the "Shadow Academy" arc, is a better arc overall. However, I do believe this is a much better finale to this arc than "Jedi Under Siege" was for its arc.
There is a sequence in the New Republic senate that does a great job of explaining why the NR is unwilling to take the Diversity Alliance threat seriously, and there is also a great sequence on Ryloth that also demonstrates why the Jedi children shouldn't be taken seriously. Anderson and Moesta do an excellent job of providing opposing perspectives well.
The action in this book is great, and the consequences of the main characters actions is particularly good. This series could also be called "Where in the Universe is Bornan Thul", and this book finally gives some good closure to that arc.
I was not a fan of Zekk as a Bounty Hunter, and always thought he should have been a Jedi instead, as it pays off his arc from "The Lost Ones" really well. This book finally puts him on the path that I liked.
There is a lot of great internal logic that I appreciated. Sometimes, these Middle Grade books can feel slapped together, but this one feels like Anderson and Moesta really thought through the writing process.
Overall, I loved this book! Its so well written, and it provides such a satisfying conclusion to the story. I have 3 books left to read that form a final trilogy, but this could have been an excellent ending to the YJK series. 9.8 out of 10! Way to go Anderson and Moesta!
July 10, 2025
Things are finally coming to a head. Zekk and Raynar Thul find Bornan Thul but not before Boba Fett is able to steal Thul's navicomputer data. It's now a race to the home of the Plague - a hidden Imperial outpost hidden on an asteroid. Meanwhile, a delegation from the New Republic is sent to see if everything on Ryloth is on the up and up.
When I started this journey 3+ years ago, I mostly wanted to reread these books from my teenaged years before I passed them on to new readers. I didn't really have much hopes they would be any good at all - in fact, I was sure they were pretty bad. This first arc really blew me away with the complexity of the topics - and although this arc started off a bit rocky, at the end, it came together quite well.
As a child/teen, I loved the adventures, seeing kids my age going out and doing things. As an adult, I appreciate more the growth and the challenging subjects these books manage to tackle in what I find to be a rather age-appropriate way. This series has seen Zekk going through a journey of self-discovery - after the evil he has done, where does he belong? He tries to "go home" but that world isn't for him. He attempts to become a bounty hunter, but he realizes he cannot live like Boba Fett and others, living neutrally, only for the next paycheck, no matter who is the one cutting the check. (I also love how this book shows how Boba Fett cannot fathom these people with this unwavering Morals - it's a nice touch that books meant for a much older audience couldn't manage to do.) He has values and beliefs, he has a feeling of right and wrong.
Raynar has incredible growth, going from a whiny, spoiled rich kid, to a humble, compassionate person. No longer is he demanding a lightsaber; he now worries he may not be worthy of it. I can think of another far more popular children's/teen's series that really never tapped into the bad kid turned good motif - which is a GREAT way to expand and develop your characters to be more complex.
Lowbacca also gets some much needed attention - as the resident alien of our teen group, I'm sure it's awkward and weird to be so different (the token minority after all). But wanting equality and equity doesn't mean that the only way is violence.
Which is the big lesson Raaba learns. Her story may well be the best of this group (and I do hope she returns - I think she does? I can't remember anymore). She learns the ultimate lesson of sacrifice - and how Nolaa was willing to use plagues or the threat of plagues against any species to exert her control.
Sure, our main characters, Jaina and Jacen, don't get a huge amount of development, but honestly, that's okay. We get a nice little treat for those Jacen/Tenel Ka shippers, and Jaina has her Han Solo moment as well.
I have only 3 books left, and I definitely do not plan to take 3 more years to finish them. I am a bit worried, with only 3 books, will this series fizzle? Or will it manage to find new ways to challenge our characters and develop them into the people we will shortly see in the New Jedi Order?
Time will tell...
When I started this journey 3+ years ago, I mostly wanted to reread these books from my teenaged years before I passed them on to new readers. I didn't really have much hopes they would be any good at all - in fact, I was sure they were pretty bad. This first arc really blew me away with the complexity of the topics - and although this arc started off a bit rocky, at the end, it came together quite well.
As a child/teen, I loved the adventures, seeing kids my age going out and doing things. As an adult, I appreciate more the growth and the challenging subjects these books manage to tackle in what I find to be a rather age-appropriate way. This series has seen Zekk going through a journey of self-discovery - after the evil he has done, where does he belong? He tries to "go home" but that world isn't for him. He attempts to become a bounty hunter, but he realizes he cannot live like Boba Fett and others, living neutrally, only for the next paycheck, no matter who is the one cutting the check. (I also love how this book shows how Boba Fett cannot fathom these people with this unwavering Morals - it's a nice touch that books meant for a much older audience couldn't manage to do.) He has values and beliefs, he has a feeling of right and wrong.
Raynar has incredible growth, going from a whiny, spoiled rich kid, to a humble, compassionate person. No longer is he demanding a lightsaber; he now worries he may not be worthy of it. I can think of another far more popular children's/teen's series that really never tapped into the bad kid turned good motif - which is a GREAT way to expand and develop your characters to be more complex.
Lowbacca also gets some much needed attention - as the resident alien of our teen group, I'm sure it's awkward and weird to be so different (the token minority after all). But wanting equality and equity doesn't mean that the only way is violence.
Which is the big lesson Raaba learns. Her story may well be the best of this group (and I do hope she returns - I think she does? I can't remember anymore). She learns the ultimate lesson of sacrifice - and how Nolaa was willing to use plagues or the threat of plagues against any species to exert her control.
Sure, our main characters, Jaina and Jacen, don't get a huge amount of development, but honestly, that's okay. We get a nice little treat for those Jacen/Tenel Ka shippers, and Jaina has her Han Solo moment as well.
I have only 3 books left, and I definitely do not plan to take 3 more years to finish them. I am a bit worried, with only 3 books, will this series fizzle? Or will it manage to find new ways to challenge our characters and develop them into the people we will shortly see in the New Jedi Order?
Time will tell...
October 20, 2024
Once again this series concludes a long story arc with an unsatisfying ending. There was good and bad. All the buildup and character development was better than this ending, for various reasons. It was a bit goofy and the ending itself wasn't very enticing. It had long boring stretches and too many events were predictable because of previous entries.
September 25, 2017
Oh man, forget Harry Potter, I really wanted to attend the Jedi Academy when I was a kid.
August 8, 2023
The Emperor's Plague by Kevin J. Anderson. This is #11 in the Star Wars-Young Jedi Knights series.
This book is another great installment in the series.
The pacing was very good; chapters short and keeps the story moving. Also, I enjoyed the friendship arcs between the main characters.
I would highly recommend this; I gave this 5 stars.
This book is another great installment in the series.
The pacing was very good; chapters short and keeps the story moving. Also, I enjoyed the friendship arcs between the main characters.
I would highly recommend this; I gave this 5 stars.
April 12, 2017
Perfect for ages 8-12, an easier read for adults. As you'd expect, everything moves along (and wraps up) with the help of handy plot helpers and being in the right place at the right time. If you enjoy books about teenagers saving the world (or in this case, the galaxy), then this series is for you.
I do enjoy getting to know these characters, particularly Zekk and Tenel Ka - and the reprogrammed IGG-88.
But found myself speeding through the book in an effort to get done the series quickly so that I can read more complicated novels.
I do enjoy getting to know these characters, particularly Zekk and Tenel Ka - and the reprogrammed IGG-88.
But found myself speeding through the book in an effort to get done the series quickly so that I can read more complicated novels.
February 8, 2018
Ok so.... it ended with so much cuteness!!
June 20, 2024
This was a pretty exciting end and there were some really great moments. So much so that I wanted to give this 4 stars. I really enjoyed some of the emotional beats
However so much of the plot depended on characters acting like idiots. (Seriously a NR inspection team visit and the diversity alliance don't even bother to hide their shipment of guns. Also what government inspection team doesn't just ask to, you know, inspect what they're supplying???)
Also Tarkona here just becomes full evil and willing to use plague on other aliens which is super lame to break her one motivation just to remove any moral complexity.
And there's a certain romantic moment that really didn't live up to what it should have been. It just happens as an afterthought.
Overall a solid climax until you think about it for too long. Also Rabaa sucks her being very high ranked came out of nowhere.
However so much of the plot depended on characters acting like idiots. (Seriously a NR inspection team visit and the diversity alliance don't even bother to hide their shipment of guns. Also what government inspection team doesn't just ask to, you know, inspect what they're supplying???)
Also Tarkona here just becomes full evil and willing to use plague on other aliens which is super lame to break her one motivation just to remove any moral complexity.
And there's a certain romantic moment that really didn't live up to what it should have been. It just happens as an afterthought.
Overall a solid climax until you think about it for too long. Also Rabaa sucks her being very high ranked came out of nowhere.
June 16, 2021
And there we go finally an end to the racist depiction of the diversity alliance. Hopefully something just as bad doesn't pop up in the next story arc.
I'm not sure how romance works. So is the increased development on that aspect of it to help us feel like the characters are growing up and getting older, maturing? Or is it just another indicator of time progression in the books themselves? Maybe for a sense of stability? Or maybe for none of these reasons. I just find myself pondering on that in this book.
This book is one of the darker books in the series, but still I enjoyed it. The writing is good, and the characters and plot interesting.
I'm not sure how romance works. So is the increased development on that aspect of it to help us feel like the characters are growing up and getting older, maturing? Or is it just another indicator of time progression in the books themselves? Maybe for a sense of stability? Or maybe for none of these reasons. I just find myself pondering on that in this book.
This book is one of the darker books in the series, but still I enjoyed it. The writing is good, and the characters and plot interesting.
November 19, 2021
This book doesn't have the same kind of show-stopping ending as the conclusion of the first arc of the series, but it does bring a lot of things to a close. It's a bit too treacly at the end to not smack a little of melodrama and forced situations, but it's also just believable enough not to be completely saccharin.
August 11, 2024
It's definitely a better conclusion to the arc than Jedi Under Siege was, at least.
Some great development - Zekk abandons his foolish bounty hunter arc, Lowbacca has a fitting showdown against a Trandoshan adversary, and Bornan Thul finally shows up properly. Feel like they didn't really know what to do with the twins and Tenel Ka for the second half of the book though, they're kind of just shuttling between space and the plague storehouse repeatedly. But honestly, not a bad read for YA standards. One more arc until NJO!
Some great development - Zekk abandons his foolish bounty hunter arc, Lowbacca has a fitting showdown against a Trandoshan adversary, and Bornan Thul finally shows up properly. Feel like they didn't really know what to do with the twins and Tenel Ka for the second half of the book though, they're kind of just shuttling between space and the plague storehouse repeatedly. But honestly, not a bad read for YA standards. One more arc until NJO!
April 2, 2020
Didn't finish this series back in middle school because reasons. All I can say now is that this one is . . . interesting . . . to read right now in the spring of 2020. Topical. Relevant. Too bad "be like Raba" is too niche of a rallying cry.
June 23, 2024
I think this may be the peak of the young Jedi knights series. Yes, it is very YA, but Anderson and Moesta still manage to wrestle with some good ethical and philosophical questions amidst all the action.
July 8, 2018
Finalen.
May 7, 2019
This was very enjoyable. It felt like a movie.
September 13, 2020
A much more entertaining finale than Jedi Under Siege - both in brevity and character - Emperor's Plague brings the Diversity Alliance arc so a sound, satisfying close.
November 2, 2021
THEY FINALLY KISSED https://media.tenor.com/images/269095...
May 26, 2022
This book is a wild ride. If nothing else, in this series, Kevin Anderson write some WILD conclusions to the kids adventures. The various perspectives eventually collide in this with explosive results (haha!). As always, we must remember that Palpatine is absolute worst. I feel like the kids really seem their ages here and can be relatable in moments. Relationships are starting to develop and they seem to be making more adult choices. I love the character development throughout and have a great time reading these.
August 15, 2017
The twins, Tenel Ka, and Raynar are finally healed, days later after being rescued from Ryloth. From the start, it was very weird to read that the "bacta smelled healthy," given that all I've read any other time is how bad it smells and tastes and makes people feel.
It's awesome though to read of Anakin offering advice on enhancing the bacta tanks.
Cilghal is written very well. Her character is represented perfectly. Anderson and Moesta preserve her ability to attend to both sides of an argument rationally and fairly. And, she makes a lot of sense and tamps down a lot of heated emotions. I'll bet she used the Force in her scene.
Zekk's goodbye is emotion both with his words and the possible romance between him and Jaina. I loved it, and that I'm watching the teens grow up. Jacen making faces is truly him being a brother, but it's annoying given him and Tenel Ka in the last book. but I have to laugh and not be irritated at it. Again - siblings.
Lusa "embracing" Raynar is beautiful given her history.
And Raynar's growth is done well too. He helps heal his family, especially with showing affection.
Oh look, computer slicing again. Ridiculous.
What's also ridiculous is Corrsk saying "kill humans." Okay, it's stale now. Shut up.
It is fascinating how the Thuls communicate through musical and colored code. Bornan really comes around.
Derricote's viruses and the possible implications are terrifying.
I LOVE THE END!
It's awesome though to read of Anakin offering advice on enhancing the bacta tanks.
Cilghal is written very well. Her character is represented perfectly. Anderson and Moesta preserve her ability to attend to both sides of an argument rationally and fairly. And, she makes a lot of sense and tamps down a lot of heated emotions. I'll bet she used the Force in her scene.
Zekk's goodbye is emotion both with his words and the possible romance between him and Jaina. I loved it, and that I'm watching the teens grow up. Jacen making faces is truly him being a brother, but it's annoying given him and Tenel Ka in the last book. but I have to laugh and not be irritated at it. Again - siblings.
Lusa "embracing" Raynar is beautiful given her history.
And Raynar's growth is done well too. He helps heal his family, especially with showing affection.
Oh look, computer slicing again. Ridiculous.
What's also ridiculous is Corrsk saying "kill humans." Okay, it's stale now. Shut up.
It is fascinating how the Thuls communicate through musical and colored code. Bornan really comes around.
Derricote's viruses and the possible implications are terrifying.
I LOVE THE END!
September 12, 2017
3.5 Stars.
I will admit in all fairness, I view this series with nostalgic fondness. It was one of my favorites growing up, and I still enjoy it as an adult. Have my tastes matured, and my critiques of the writing grown more strict; absolutely. But these books are still a lot of fun and there are still many poignant and thought provoking moments and themes to consider.
I dearly wish these stories could have been portrayed as movies or a miniseries, because they would be brilliant in a visual format. Ah well, they are in my imagination! If you are an old time Star Wars fan or have some young readers looking for something to read, give the Young Jedi a go.
Happy reading!
I will admit in all fairness, I view this series with nostalgic fondness. It was one of my favorites growing up, and I still enjoy it as an adult. Have my tastes matured, and my critiques of the writing grown more strict; absolutely. But these books are still a lot of fun and there are still many poignant and thought provoking moments and themes to consider.
I dearly wish these stories could have been portrayed as movies or a miniseries, because they would be brilliant in a visual format. Ah well, they are in my imagination! If you are an old time Star Wars fan or have some young readers looking for something to read, give the Young Jedi a go.
Happy reading!
March 19, 2009
I read this whole series several times when I was a kid. These were a lot of fun and easy to read. They really helped me along my way to enjoy reading and becoming obessed with Star Wars. We meet alot of charaters that became close frinds to the reader. I feel Anderson was able to identify what a young adult would be lookig for in characters and hit it bullseye. Kudos for a great series.
May 12, 2016
I wish I could give it a 4, but since it can't seem to move past the 3.5 mark no matter how satisfyingly it was wrapped up, 3 it will have to be. While the following trilogy has some interesting bits of development, I think this was mostly the ending that the series should've had: climatic last fight, bittersweet resolutions, hope for the future, and strengthened bonds.
January 24, 2013
Another fun read by Andersen and his wife. I must read the other books i this series. I love the importance of friendship and family in the novel. Both are great themes for young readers to read about. The characters were great especially Tenel Ka and Lowie.
July 24, 2007
I'm totally in love with the Young Jedi Knights books. They're so silly, but they were a big part of my childhood, from about age 10-13. I wanted to be Jaina Solo so badly. XD
November 27, 2008
I really like the imagery in this book. The way it's written is quite descriptive and I especially like the plague chamber.
September 29, 2023
Good end to this arc of the series.
February 25, 2015
3.75/5
August 10, 2015
This wasn't the best book of the storyline, but it wrapped things up nicely while still leaving room for more adventures.
October 16, 2024
The twists in this novel, the adventure! I loved everything about this novel within this series. I love all the characters too. Can't wait to continue.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews