Rating: 
Summary: What can I say? it was a wonderful book!
Review: I must admit that i dont like books that last for more than one part...especially when they are hardcover and spread out over the course of an entire year (because then i have to wait). But this one will be worth it. Zahn's greatest strength is that he seems to be as interested in documenting another "Great romp through the Star Wars universe" as he is in doing something that so many other authors neglect in modern books: character development. Zahn's portrayl of all the characters is true to the framework he set out in the Heir to the Empire trilogy...and i for one am very relieved at that! I also happen to like the fact that he is spending more time looking at the imperial perspective as well as the "ground pounder" perspective...not just the people who have the galaxy in the palm of their hand.
Rating:
Summary: Zahn's return to excellence
Review: Once again the Star Wars novels are graced with the presence of Timothy Zahn. Some of the books coming out lately have been of poor quality or hard to follow. Zahn's articulated and concise writing style makes reading this book a pleasure. It was joked on the internet that the first chapter of the book should have been written saying how everything after "The Last Command" should've been a dream Luke was having. Again, an excellent novel and I can't wait for the sequel.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent effort, though not quite as good as the first 3
Review: I personally think that Tim Zahn is the best writer of Star Wars fiction there is, and the only author even coming close is Michael Stackpole. (And it's no coincidence that they are good friends) Zahn takes his time with his writing, coming up with compelling storylines and intriguing characters to drive the story, rather than flash-and-dash action without much plot. The idea of Bothan involvement in a past atrocity, the reactions to it and its aftermath, show a deep grasp of human nature. Because Zahn is extremely accurate in his portrayal of what such a revelation of old wounds will do. While it is true that some aspects of the story are borrowed from his prior trilogy, one kind of has to expect that. Also, I liked the way Zahn includes characters and references to other author's novels in the SW series, few others do that well, in my opinion.</p>
The simple greatest proof that this is an excellent book is that, like Zahn's prior efforts, this book kept me awake and reading until the end, just to find out what was going to happen. I was not intending to do that when I started, but found the story and writing so interesting that I could not put the book down. Not many of the novels in the SW series have grabbed me that way, and for that, this book is deserving of a high mark. It only misses a ten by virtue of the high standard Zahn set with his first three books.</p>
Now, if only the 2nd half was available...</p>
Rating: 
Summary: excellent book
Review: I agree with the reviewer from Ohio in that Specter of the Past is a whole book. In fact, for a while I forgot the book has a sequel and when I read the last page it took me a minute to get over the shock of having to wait to read the rest. Zahn thinks of things in ways no other Star Wars author does. And he gives nothing away as to what will happen in the next book. Many stories can be so predictable but not Zahn's. It's exciting and refreshing to read a book that keeps me guessing.
Rating:
Summary: Another winner from Timothy Zahn
Review: Timothy Zahn has done it again. As ussual he has fed our hunger and wet our apitet for more information on what will happen next, to the New Repubic. The return of the clones, tell me it isn't so, and you will never believe how Timothy brings Grand Admiral Thrawn back to life. The twists and turns of politcal intrigue and galatic manuvering never ceases to amaze this reader. The author has also introduced us to a new caracter near the end of this book as she shows up to offer her services to the New Repubic. A mysterious individual that will no doubt be developed further in future books and reminds this reader of the Jade caracter that has become a staple of Star Wars novels. This being even got past the loyal body gaurds that now surround the Solo family. I believe you will find this book lacking in only one way. It leaves to many unanswered questions at the end. This is of cource just what you would expect of a Zahn book. Always leave them craving for answers. I certainly will be waiting impatiently to see what pops out of the authors head next.
Rating:
Summary: good overall
Review: just a quick comment... while i thoroughly ejoyed the book and read in less than a week.. i was left feeling unsatisfied with nothing resolved in the story. i know the knew book should be out soon... i hope.. i feel the author would be better served in finishing up rather than to leave us all in suspense till he finishes the second half. he's a wonderful indepth writer with tons of talent... Good enough to be movie if only the cast would return... Thanks for keeping us updated on the old character/while bringing in new ones that add so much more to the stories.... sincerely...karen
Rating:
Summary: Thank Goodness the Magic is BACK!
Review: Although not as compelling as Zahn's first trilogy, he writes most excellently. Few authors can capture the imagination and place you within the SW universe. Thankfully, Zahn is one of them. Without giving too much away, he ties in some of the questions left behind with the first series. Wholeheartedly recommended...
Rating:
Summary: Bravo!
Review: Thankfully, this book once again blesses readers with Zahn's excellence. We were reintroduced to the world of Star Wars with his Heir to the Empire Trilogy -- an excellent beginning, and the works that followed his were simply of lesser quality. It's quite refreshing to read a Star Wars tale worthy of the name, the "myth", and the original stories.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Character Development with a great story to boot!
Review: This is an excellent book. Finally we get to see Mara again, the way Zahn intended her to be and the way only he can write her. Thank heavens he nulled the bit about her going off in her own, putting her back into Karrde's organization like she should have always stayed, and he did an good job of explaning how that situation came to pass. A pleasant surprise was Shada. All I can say is wow. This is a character that has now become one of my favorites. I really enjoy how Zahn tied Shada into the Tanika sisters. I was very happy to see her developed in this story. To further this, I applaud Zahn for not going with the obvious 'Thrawn Clone' or 'Thrawn's still alive' bit and instead using this method, giving it more of a realistic touch. Excellent job and I hope Zahn puts out a heck of a lot more books for Starwars after the conclusion to this one.
Rating:
Summary: Thrawn's return and a Bothan secret threaten the Republic.
Review: Grand Admiral Thrawn should come back as a clone or he surrived somehow. Certain doom awaits the Empire if the fraud is found out. Admiral Pellaeon seems to have new life when lured into the trap suggesting he learned well from the Grand Admiral. Luke goes through the struggle that he may be using the force too much. Mara Jade return's good as ever. The Bothan's are suspected in a genocide of almost an entire race. This information threatens the New Republic and its very foundation. The return of the Noghri is also a welcome site. Also ironic they have move to the area around Mt. Tantiss ruins. Overall a very good book. I am in suspense waiting for the next installment.
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