Rating: 
Summary: Amazing!
Review: This book changed the NJO for the better and made Greg Keyes become my favourite SW author.
There really is not much to add to what has already been written about it...
Rating:
Summary: ONE OF THE BETTER NEW JEDI ORDER BOOKS
Review: This story takes place approximately 25 years after the events of the film Star Wars, Episode IV: A New Hope, which was released in 1977. This is the 7'th book in the New Jedi Order series. The "Star Wars galaxy" is currently in the heart of an invasion by the ruthless Yuuzhan Vong, an unknown species of intelligent life from a distant galaxy. The Yuuzhan Vong possess completely organic and advanced technology, and cannot be felt through the Force. This makes them extra difficult for the new order of Jedi Knights resurrected by Luke Skywalker, to fight. The Yuuzhan Vong consider machines abominations, and they destroy them at will, they also consider any species not belonging to their galaxy as an infidel, so they have taken many worlds and have killed millions of innocent beings in the galaxy. To make matters worse they have offered peace if all of the Jedi in the galaxy are delivered to them. So many of the Jedi are being hunted down. But the Yuuzhan Vong have broken promises before and any senseless being in the galaxy knows that they would not keep the peace.
After having a vision through the force, Han Solo and Princess Leia's youngest son, Anakin Solo, rushes off to the moon Yavin 4 to save the Jedi Academy, which he senses is in great danger by either the Yuuzhan Vong or the Peace Brigade, which is an organization consisting of cowardly people buying into the Yuuzhan Vong's demands. He knows that Luke has already asked for the smuggler Talon Karrde to rescue the Jedi for him, but he feels he cannot wait for him to arrive. He goes alone against his Uncle Luke Skywalker's orders because the squabbling senate of the New Republic is too tied up in petty political games to take any action. When he arrives he finds the Peace Brigade in the Yavin System, so after a few laser fights in his X-wing star-fighter he flies down to the moon and warns the Jedi teachers and their young students of the threat. During the battle that quickly ensues on the moon, Anakin Skywalker's best friend Tahiri, is captured by the Yuuzhan Vong, who plan to shape her into a sort of evil Dark Side Vong/Jedi by using their organic technology. But Anakin is separated from the Yuuzhan Vong and his friend by miles when he becomes stranded on a crashed star ship deep in the wilderness of the jungle moon. Now 16-year old Anakin must go through miles of jungle while being pursued by Yuuzhan Vong from above, to rescue his friend Tahiri.
I thought this was a very good book. It was a good addition to the series and was filled with a lot of action. I especially like the parts where Anakin battles with his lightsaber. I thought it was interesting to see Anakin's character develop. This was first book in the series to mainly focus on him. I know I will have to keep reading this series to find out how our heroes will defeat the Yuuzhan Vong.
Rating: 
Summary: Lessons of the Vong Caste Society
Review: In the seventh novel of the New Jedi Order series, "Edge of Victory I, Conquest" by Greg Keyes, the series finally takes on a somewhat lighter tone. Many of the past sevaral novels have been decidedl dark in tone as the villains of the series, the Yuuzhan Vong, conquer or destroy planet after planet in the New Republic. There haven't been many victories for the good guys."Conquest" finally offers a somewhat lighter tale. For one, Han Solo isn't around to grieve over the loss of Chewbaca or fight with his wife, Princess Leia. Its a nice change, as much as like those characters, they dominated most of the original six novels, and it was getting a bit tiresome for the series. The dark elements of this novel come from the Vong's attempt to "shape" a Jedi. Check out the novel to learn more without giving away the story. Instead, "Conquest" centers on the story of Anakin Solo as he ventures to the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4 to protect his friend Tahiri and the rest of the Jedi students there from the Peace Brigade and a Yuuzhan Vong invasion. The notorious Talon Karrde also takes part, to a lesser degree, in the action. One of the best things about this book was some of the details of the Yuuzhan Vong society it reveals. The Caste system, the Vong gods, and the Shamed Ones are some of the aspects of the Vong society that are fleshed out by Keyes. There is even some conversation between Anakin and some Vong that give great insight into the alien culture. One of my complaints about this novel and others in the New Jedi Order series is the constant bickering about the proper use of the Force against the Vong. In past novels, Jacen Solo quit using it. The Jedi are divided on taking the fight to the Vong or sitting back. On top of that, the writers have started to let the Jedi's reputation get tarnished. Although this does add some political realism to the Star Wars galaxy, it sometimes detracts from the fun. I hope they come to some conclusion in this series soon. I'd prefer to give this novel three and half stars, but its closer to four than three, so I went that way. Its a fun read, and an improvement on some of the earlier novels in the series. I'd recommend it to Star Wars fans, particularly those interested in the Jedi and the Yuuzhan Vong.
Rating:
Summary: Almost, but not quite, 5 stars
Review: Many of those who have disliked Conquest appear to have concluded that because characters from the Young Jedi Knight and Junior Jedi Knight series are in it, this book, too, must be for "young readers." Not so! Keyes has presented us with an epic tale of a young hero who must confront his own inner demons as well as monstrous foes in a quest to redeem himself. Conquest is, as another reviewer has observed, a classic "hero quest," and as such is a welcome return to the mythological underpinning of the entire Star Wars saga. Keyes' style is both fluid and engrossing. The characters imported from Junior Jedi Knights are fully fleshed out and much more enjoyable than in their original venue. We are caught up in Anakin Solo's adventure, truly experiencing what he experiences and caring deeply about those things that matter to him. The story has its twists and turns, always leaving us on the edge of the seat. Even the Yuuzhan Vong are made interesting, as we see sides to their culture only hinted at in other works; we are finally given, as Anakin himself observes, Yuuzhan Vong who are not *enemies* but *people.* Keyes brings a new perspective to the New Jedi Order series, a much welcome one. What prevents Conquest from receiving a five star rating is that its ending is too pat. Anakin's friend Tahiri undergoes an experience that cries out for an in-depth treatment (an experience that Jack Chalker's characters inevitably go through), but the potential is not followed up on. I cannot say more without completely spoiling the end, unfortunately. Fans of adventure stories, as well as fans of Star Wars, should enjoy this one, even those who have not been following along with the rest of the series.
Rating:
Summary: More like 3, but...
Review: This book does show promise, no longer are the jedi just indiscriminatly getting their butts kicked. The Yanmon Vog are starting to show there weak spots and it is now plain that they can be beaten. I intend to keep up with this serise.
Rating:
Summary: what will you risk for a friend
Review: the yuhazan vong has demanded the heads of all jedi. there next
target is yavin 4, home of the jedi training academy. with strict
orders not to go there and pull off any heroics, anakin skywalker
goes anyway and figures that if he is successful he will be forgiven and if he fails he won't be around to hear the rebukes.
my kind of guy. anyway while he is rescuing the students, his best friend tahiri gets seperated from the group and is captured
by the vong. her trial by fire makes this book the best one to date and anakin's rescue attempt makes this book a must for who
have been following this series.
Rating: 
Summary: A little lacking
Review: Conquest is the 7th book in the New Jedi Order series, and it pictures the adventure from Anakin Solo's eyes. The book uses a lot of characters from the Young Jedi Knights series, which many have probably never read. These characters can often be confusing to those unfamiliar with them. The story of the Yuuzhan Vong slave is very interesting, as is the story of the Shapers. Both of these side stories offer new insight into the Yuuzhan Vong mindset, and how they view the universe.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: Finally, a return to the adventure and pace found in the original series. This story is the perfect example of a hero quest, something that has been lacking in the Star Wars pantheon since the classic trilogy. Anakin must save his friend Tahiri who is being tortured by the Yuuzhan Vong.
But Keyes' attention to detail is what brings it all together. When Anakin thinks to himself how he has heard his parents "how we met on the Death Star" story far too many times, when Vua Rapuung compares Luke Skywalker's metal hand to the Vong process of replacing limbs for rank, etc. all show that Keyes has a great imagination.
I was pleasantly surprised, after reading far too many "weapon of mass destruction/kidnapping the Solo children" stories.
One of the best books I have read in some time.
Rating:
Summary: THE best NJO book thus far in the series, no doubt
Review: Edge of Victory I: Conquest was personally my favorite book in the New Jedi Order series so far. Finally you really get to understand why the Yuuzhan Vong are invading the galaxy, as well as other great tidbits. And the great thing is it's put into perfect text, not just blabbing information at random. Like the Agents of Chaos duology, this book focuses on mainly one person: Anakin Solo. Fearing that the children of the Jedi academy on Yavin 4 are in danger, and figuring that forgiveness is easier to get than permission, he sets off for Yavin 4 in his XJ X-wing. But when he finally arrives he finds he is not the only one in system, for the Peace Brigade is there as well, and the Yuuzhan Vong are not far behind. When one Jedi in particular is captured, Anakin sets off to rescue her. With the help of the most unlikely ally, he penetrates deep into Yuuzhan Vong culture, to find that they have other plans for the captured Jedi.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent follow-up to Balance Point...
Review: Well, I'll admit that when I started this book, I wasn't expecting much. Mostly because I liked Balance Point a whole lot, and suspected that anything coming immediately after it would be eclipsed by it from birth. Man, was I wrong! While this book didn't have as large and diverse a cast of main characters, or anywhere near as complex a plot, the overall writing and style was definitely on a par with anything that came before it! The scene descriptions were breathtaking, the death of a certain character heartbreaking (at least if you've read Junior Jedi Knights), and the battle scenes nerve-bending, without being overly bloodthirsty (unlike some others I could mention). I am actually quite mystified at why some would say this book is no more than a glorified Young Jedi Knights novel. To me that's partly what made it so enjoyable, since it followed up on characters and events that were left hanging in that series, yet continuing the flow of this series without too many confusing things being thrown in at once. The main focus of this book was Anakin Solo, which was cool, since he has always (from the day of his birth) been shunted aside and practically ignored at times in favor of his dynamic and outgoing brother and sister, and one can see how he's maturing. Anyway, the Vong Warmaster has called for the heads of all the Jedi, (particularly Jacen's) saying that if all of the remaining Jedi are turned over to them, they will stop their viscous pummeling of New Republic forces. Unfortunately, many citizens of the New Republic, having been terrified into a frenzy, are dumb enough to believe the ultimatum, and so eagerly begin to hunt Jedi, while the fractitious New Republic government simply looks the other way. While they are treated like criminals and hunted like animals by those the Jedi Code says they are to protect, the Jedi are slowly coming apart at the seams. Kyp Durron insists that the only way to fight the Vong and the Peace brigade is to return aggression with aggression, but Luke, realizing that Kyp's real motive is his own grief and lust for revenge (most of the jedi that have been killed so far have been his close friends, including his own personal apprentice) maintains that that is of the Dark side, and that they must remain strong and peaceful, fighting only because they have no alternative and to defend themselves and their children. Unfortunately however, a depressing number of Jedi are more than willing to listen to Kyp... By this time however, the Vong have managed to get far enough into the galaxy that they are becoming a threat to Yavin 4, so Luke, realizing that the young students at the Jedi academy are in danger, sends Talon Kardde to go and get the children off the planet, fast, while he remains at the side of his own newly pregnant wife. He gives direct orders to the Solo children (having learned their disappearing tricks by now) NOT to go there into the line of fire, but Anakin slips by him and races to the academy anyway, prompted by a disturbing vision of his best friend, Tahiri, in serious danger. He gets there in time to warn them, and they quickly rescue almost all the kids, except Anakin, Tahiri, Sannah ( also from Junior Jedi Knights), and Valin (Corran Horn's twelve year old son). Tahiri is soon captured, and despite this Anakin manages to get Valin and Sannah rescued, while he presses on alone to save his friend, all the while uncomfortably aware (through their force bond) of the things the Vong are doing to Tahiri... Anyway, this was a great book, especially good for those of you who, (like me) were fans of the Junior Jedi Knights series. I was quite pleased to see the return of Tahiri, especially since she was not a character I expected to see again, being that, while the nine and ten year olds who read and enjoyed Junior Jedi Knights (myself included) would now be old enough to read and understand this series, I doubt that the averedge adult reading this book would have any idea whatsoever who she is, but the author handled this generation block well, bringing her easily into the story, without throwing in too many confusing events and complications associated with her that would make some of us feel left out. I also enjoyed the way he portrayed her character (remmember, she's five years older now), bringing out and emphasizing what was cool about her in the first place, and leaving out the annoying childlike giddiness she had in the other series, which, all in all, made her a better and deeper character. So, in general, I liked this book a lot, and thought that it expanded well on the series, and brought out the characters well. This book (and the rest of the series) would be great for anyone thirteen or so, all the way up to adults.
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