Rating: 
Summary: Rebound for the NJO
Review: After the mediocre Force Heretic trilogy, the New Jedi Order story arc was in serious need of a novel to turn things around. Greg Keyes was up to the task with 'The Final Prophecy.' Keyes' novel shifts the focus of the story away from the most familiar characters in the Star Wars universe and places it in the hands of some lesser knowns. The result makes for an excellent read.
The story features Tahiri and Corran Horn. Tahiri is still integrating her two personalities: her old self, the Jedi student, and a Yuuzhan Vong personality engrafted into her by the shapers of the invading Yuuzhan Vong race. Tahiri has become one of the most interesting, if not the most interesting, characters of the NJO. She is not a cliched Jedi character. Many revelations into her character are made over the course of the novel.
Corran Horn is familiar to most readers of Star Wars novels. He has played a part in many of the best novels to date. He agrees to lead a mission to Coruscant to retrieve the shaper Nem Yin and the Prophet of the Shamed Ones of the Yuuzhan Vong, and to take them to the planet of prophecy--Zenoma Sekot. Tahiri joins him primarily because she made a promise to a dying shamed one that she would find the planet, and because her Vong abilities and knowledge would be of particular use on the mission.
The relationship between Tahiri and Corran Horn is classic Star Wars. There is a sense of mistrust at the beginning of the novel, but the two characters settle into a mentor/student relationship nicely. Keyes' ability to write a novel that feels like Star Wars without relying heavily on the classic characters of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, or Princess Leia speaks well of his abilities.
The interaction between the Jedi is one of the great strengths of the novel. Another strength is the action sequecnes. Keyes does a superb job with both the hand-to-hand, or light saber to amphistaff, combat as well as the detailing the fight between General Antilles' fleet and that of the Vong in space.
The only weakness of the novel is that once again, a NJO series novel relies heavily on Zenoma Sekot, the sentient planet. Sekot still seems like it should be in the Star Trek universe, not in the Star Wars universe. Fortunately, clues laid in previous novels about the origins and mystery of Sekot start to unfold in this novel in a way that makes the series and the tie in to 'Rogue Planet,' a prequel era novel, make sense. Still, I would rather have seen the authors of the NJO work out a solution to the Vong in a different way.
I highly recommend this novel. Star Wars fans will enjoy it. Those that prefer reading about the classic characters would be better off reading a different novel. I'd still recommend reading the NJO from the beginning, which is R.A. Salvatore's 'Vector Prime,' and I'd recommend reading 'Rogue Planet' in order to understand the prequel era tie-in. However, this novel could be read without leaving a new reader too confused.
Rating: 
Summary: Conclusion in sight?
Review: After the mediocre reception and drawn out plotlines of books 15, 16, 17, finally author Greg Keyes puts some sparks back into the The New Jedi Order and builds a well paced and action packed story that genuinely keeps the readers attention.With Sekot finally found and Tahiri finally becoming whole again, Keyes brings back the idea that a war is actually going on, and certain characters actions play defining moments in the setting of the future of the Star Wars Universe. There are two main plotlines here in The Final Prophecy and they play out very well: 1) Master Shaper Nen Yim, Priest Harrar and Prophet Nom Anor devise a plan to secret themselves off Yuuzhan'tar (formerly Coruscant) with the aid of Jedi's Corran Horn and Tahiri Vella in a stolen Sekotian ship. However, everyone of them has their own motives and the three Vong clearly do not trust each other leaving Horn and Vella to constantly watch their own backs and form alliances with their foes if they are to survive. Once they all set foot upon Sekot, the Vong show their true colors and the reader will be surprised by revelation by Harrar and Nen Yim, who also suprise themselves. Nen Yim also takes it a step further by yet again revealing something new to Tahiri which makes her question her own being once again. Not to be outdone in crafty plots, Nom Anor makes his move who proves fatal for one character and jeopardizes the well being of Sekot itself. The other main thrust of the novel see the Vong develop a new weapon which has taken out the communications network of the Galactic Alliance as General Wedge Antilles develops a strategy to retake the planet Bilbringi. What Antilles has in mind with the aide of the Imperial Remnant and General Garm Bel Iblis quickly falls apart as communication blackouts sweep the galaxy. As sitting ducks, Antilles must fight a decisive battle and get reinforcements as soon as possible. Enter Jaina Solo who discovers a once hidden battle station being abducted by pirates, and Jag Fel who must also find reinforcements. With Han & Leia Solo piloting the Falcon, the reader can once again enjoy a fast paced and easy to follow action page turner as events around the galaxy come to a forefront on both Sekot and the battle of Bilbringi. Yes, there are many characters missing, but unlike other novels in this long series, they aren't missed too much because of the action and logical forward movement of the big picture. Great job overall.
Rating:
Summary: It;s too short! But at least it is a good read.
Review: After the prior three atrocities in the NJO series, I was so gratified to read this next contribution to the series by Greg Keyes. Unlike those previous three books, this one is neither plodding nor asinine, but is in fact a great read that moves very fast. Despite being of decent length, I had finished in less than two hours. After starting I simply could not put it down! Getting away from the lack of focus in the recent books, Keyes keeps the reader on a much smaller cast of characters. The Zonama Sekot storyline involving Luke and company plays basically no part. This book deals primarily with Tahiri, though Nom Anor and Corran Horn play significant roles. Han and Leia make some necessary rescues as per their standard, while the Happenings on the former Coruscant only appear early on and are not switched back to (which is good since that would distract the reader from the real story here). Tahiri and Corran undertake a covert raid to extract some Vong from their new capital. Their goal is to locate Zonama Sekot and prove its existence. Supreme Overlord Shimrra has eliminated evidence of the planet, perhaps out of fear. The reader is given some clues to the origin of that fear. It really is the point of this book, and the justification for the other recent works, or so it would seem. The Ryn network that such a big deal was made about does play a minor part, and serves to get Han and Leia involved in this story, thought they are really an extraneous story arc. There is some good space combat at a classic location from the Thrawn series. Some of the losses there play a part in the next book, though that is for a later review. There is some of the typical combat innovation in that battle, on both sides of the fight, making it somewhat gripping, though the end can be anticipated. Overall, while there were no real surprises, there were some very nice suggestions and ticklers, which increase the desire to read the succeeding and final volume in this series. I highly recommend this book for any reader of the NJO series. The good thing is that if you stopped because of the previous three books, Keyes does an excellent job of summing everything up (which was better than reading those three books) and moving the story along. This book really took away the bad taste of the last books, and I bought it only for completion. I was very surprised and the result was a truly rewarding read.
Rating:
Summary: It;s too short! But at least it is a good read.
Review: After the prior three atrocities in the NJO series, I was so gratified to read this next contribution to the series by Greg Keyes. Unlike those previous three books, this one is neither plodding nor asinine, but is in fact a great read that moves very fast. Despite being of decent length, I had finished in less than two hours. After starting I simply could not put it down! Getting away from the lack of focus in the recent books, Keyes keeps the reader on a much smaller cast of characters. The Zonama Sekot storyline involving Luke and company plays basically no part. This book deals primarily with Tahiri, though Nom Anor and Corran Horn play significant roles. Han and Leia make some necessary rescues as per their standard, while the Happenings on the former Coruscant only appear early on and are not switched back to (which is good since that would distract the reader from the real story here). Tahiri and Corran undertake a covert raid to extract some Vong from their new capital. Their goal is to locate Zonama Sekot and prove its existence. Supreme Overlord Shimrra has eliminated evidence of the planet, perhaps out of fear. The reader is given some clues to the origin of that fear. It really is the point of this book, and the justification for the other recent works, or so it would seem. The Ryn network that such a big deal was made about does play a minor part, and serves to get Han and Leia involved in this story, thought they are really an extraneous story arc. There is some good space combat at a classic location from the Thrawn series. Some of the losses there play a part in the next book, though that is for a later review. There is some of the typical combat innovation in that battle, on both sides of the fight, making it somewhat gripping, though the end can be anticipated. Overall, while there were no real surprises, there were some very nice suggestions and ticklers, which increase the desire to read the succeeding and final volume in this series. I highly recommend this book for any reader of the NJO series. The good thing is that if you stopped because of the previous three books, Keyes does an excellent job of summing everything up (which was better than reading those three books) and moving the story along. This book really took away the bad taste of the last books, and I bought it only for completion. I was very surprised and the result was a truly rewarding read.
Rating:
Summary: Good, but could have been better.
Review: As a long time reader of the New Jedi Order and indeed, of Star Wars in general, i was a little disappointed by the focus of Greg Keyes' novel, the Final Prophecy. The book focuses mainly on the young adult, Tahiri Veila, and her struggle to come to grips with the soul shattering change in her soul and personality. Tahiri is an important character, and will indeed play an important role in the final book, the Unifying Force. But I've usually been frustrated with the books that focus on individuals. The Agent's of Chaos series focused on Han Solo and his coming to grips with the loss of Chewbacca. Balance Point focused on Leia and exemplified the terror of the Yuuzhan Vong. The Edge of Victory series (also written by Greg Keyes) focused almost exclusively on Anakin Solo and only served to make the young jedi look fantastic. Elaine Cunningham's Dark Journey focused on Jaina Solo and her deep depression and struggle to stay away from the dark side. Finally, Traitor focused on Jacen, who, until that book never really got all too much attention.
Tahiri is an interesting character in the Star Wars universe. While it is said that the Vong do not exist in the Force, Tahiri is a Jedi/Vong mix. She sets the groundwork for where the series will probably end (I havent read the Unifying Force yet, as she is two opposites combined... Tahiri is without doubt the main focus of the Final Prophecy. The Han/Leia/Wedge and Jaina story plays a minor role and the Skywalker/Jacen/Zonama Sekot story disappears until the very end. Indeed, Luke Skywalker is only in the book on the last 5 pages or so. So what is the Final Prophecy about? Well, Yuuzhan Vong shaper, Nen Yim decides that she must reach Zonama Sekot, for it is the future of the Vong race, for good or for bad. With the pressure of Harrar, a priest, she seeks the aid of the Prophet Yu'Shaa (Nom Anor), who is the underground resistance leader of the Shamed Ones. The Prophet convinces the Jedi that they must come to Yuuzhan'tar and remove himself and Nen Yim and take them to Zonama Sekot. Tahiri and Corran Horn sign on and take Nen Yim, the Prophet and, suprisingly, Harrar, to Zonama Sekot. At this point, Keyes makes the point that Tahiri is being exposed to every part of Yuuzhan Vong society, the Priesthood, the heretic shapers, and the shamed ones. Tahiri interacts with each one, building a strong relationship with Nen Yim (the one who helped Mezhan Kwaad shape Tahiri) when the two find out that they share the same childhood memories. All in all, Greg Keyes wrote what he needed to write, a bridge. This book was meant to lead straight into the New Jedi Order finale, and that's what he did. Keyes picks up on the few storylines that need development and fine tuning, and develops and tunes them as needed, but this book is not an innovative book. As a book, the Final Prophecy gets a 3/5 but as bridge book, it gets a 5/5, so I give it, overall a 4/5. It's a definite must read, for any New Jedi Order follower, but I would not recommend it for someone unfamiliar with the story. Read the rest of the New Jedi Order series first, or you will be lost.
Rating:
Summary: Well Written
Review: Book was well written, however many hole are left in the story line that i don't think we will ever have the answers to even after the The Unifying Force is released. I am a big fan of the Novels. Just felt this won't be what we were all looking foward to.
Rating:
Summary: Great characters
Review: Definitely one of the best paperbacks in the series. Keyes takes a rarely-seen villain, Harrar, and transforms him into a very likable character. One of the best parts of the book was his conversation with Corran Horn (my favorite) over Ithor. We see that some Yuuzhan Vong seriously disagreed with that decision. It was also nice seeing that Corran is overcoming memories of that defeat. Nom anor returns to his role as a conniving villain and does so masterfully. Be forwarned, what he does to Nen Yim is very brutal and should not be read before, during, or after a meal.
Rating:
Summary: screw off gastondeveux or whatever it is
Review: First I would like to thank Chuck Hull for his amazing review. I am not 12. I am 15. The adult review writer was too confusing. Anyway, if you don't get this book, you have no business reading in the star wars universe. You ain't smart enough. The concept was simple, yet well thought out. It is an awsome warm-up for the final book. I want to know what happens to Tahiri and even Nom Anor. This is a great book and I hope all star wars fans out there get this message and read it, because otherwise youll be missing out.
Rating: 
Summary: Back on track
Review: For starters, three stars are all I am going to give to lite books like the Star Wars series. I love 'em, but it's not exactly gourmet reading, right? So I'm giving this top rating, right up with Vector Prime, Traitor, and the original Thrawn series. Unlike the recent trilogy, which I slogged through just to be sure I knew what was going on, this book actually kept me interested from start to finish. The characters had motivations and made that fuzzy kind of sense and nonsense that real people do. Nom Anor was back to being the worthiest adversary since Thrawn, a man of almost admirable resourcefulness rooted in his absolute devotion to selfishness. Tahiri, long simply just the enigma of the series, starts to make real sense. And you have to admire the courage that Keyes shows in making so little use of the same old heroes - great characters, true, but how many times can you really read "I have a bad feeling about this"? Most impressively, the fight scenes are never gratuitous, never seeming tossed in just for cheap thrills or just to show technical command of the Star Wars fighting lexicon. As with everything else in the book, people fight when and where they do for reasons. And in the fights, the solutions don't come easily or without cost, and they make sense in the circumstances. It's actually possible to feel again as if the main characters might really be at risk, as if the action is more than just a puppet show. That is, this book, more than most in the series, and certainly more than the Force Heretic bumblers, is more akin to genuine literature, stuff with story tension and character craft. As a further bonus, it also picks up and moves along some long-buried threads (What is the deal with Shimrra's mind powers, anyway? Where does something like Zonoma Sekot come from, anyway? When are the Vong, like the Alliance, going to show any kind of learning curve?) For the first time in a few books, I finally felt as if I got my money's worth from this one.
Rating:
Summary: cool
Review: I am new to the New Jedi Order series and this is the first one I've read. By looking at info for other books, {aka starwars.com}, I thought the series was REALLY STINKY. But I tried this book and it changed my opinion of NJO almost permanently. I thought it would be a bunch of stereotypes from novice authors who are stupid, but I really liked this book. Although it did have a few flaws. Like for instance, Nom Anor put some disease in Zonama Sekot and when Luke and Jacen were there the whole time and didn't have a clue. I thought that Keyes focused too much on Tahiri and Corran Horn on Zonama Sekot. I thought he could elaborate on almost everything actually, it would be nice to hear a little more about the battle with Wedge Antilles and Jaina Solo. I swear that the back of the book was a little untruthful, and said that, "long lost secrets" of the Yuuzhan Vong. But it doesn't really reveal much. It hints at things but it doesn't give you solid things to chew. Instead it gives you some goo from a Dr. Suess book that's mushy. It could easily be stretched into at least one more book. That plus be more elaborate and I would give it six stars. I am personnally looking forward to "The Unifying Force" when it comes out. Then I will probably read the whole NJO series from the first book. Overall it was a pretty good book, and I recommend it.
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