Dark Force Rising

Is this the book you're looking for? Well, I guess that depends on what you are seeking. It's Star Wars, not high literature. In other words, you pretty much know what you are going to get. Does it succeed as a Star Wars novel? Yes, very much so. Like its predecessor, Heir to the Empire, this is entertaining space fantasy. What really makes it work for me is the characters. Spending time with Luke, Leia, Han and Lando as they continue their adventures in a galaxy far, far away is rewarding as well as fun. I'm happy to admit that I've become invested in the new characters, particularly Mara Jade and the villainous Thrawn. I wonder how their narratives will unfold. Bring on The Last Command.

I listened to the audiobook and was really impressed by narrator Marc Thompson's performance. He gives each character an individual voice and does it brilliantly. Additionally, there are an assortment of Star Wars sound effects which complement the story and add to the overall atmosphere. I'm fairly new to audiobooks and this is the best one I've heard so far. If only this had been filmed as Episode 8.

Dark Force Rising is a fine sequel to the first book in the Thrawn Trilogy, Heir to the Empire. If you enjoyed the previous book, then this offers more of the same.

Brief Plot Summary with SPOILERS
Luke Skywalker finds a new mentor in the powerful jedi Joruus C'baoth, but is he really all that he seems? Han Solo and Lando Calrissian are on the hunt for an Imperial spy in the New Republic. As their search drags on, they come into contact with a face from the past. Princess Leia travels to the hostile planet of Honoghr in an attempt to befriend the Empire-friendly Noghri and convince them to switch their allegiance. Smuggler Talon Karrde is hunted down and captured by Grand Admiral Thrawn, leading Mara Jade to seek help from the man she hates, Luke Skywalker. And while all this is taking place, there are rumours of the legendary Katana fleet of 200 Dreadnaughts surfacing somewhere in the galaxy. These ships could tip the balance of the conflict between the Empire and the New Republic.

(Full review can be found at the link below.)