Outcast


Book Data
Type	Novel
Series	Fate of the Jedi Series
Era	Legacy
	43 ABY
Publishing Data
Author(s)	Aaron Allston
Del Rey	24-Mar-09
Arrow	29-Apr-10

Synopsis

The Galactic Alliance is in crisis. Worse still, the very survival of the Jedi Order is under threat. In a shocking move, Chief of State, Natasi Daala, orders the arrest of Luke Skywalker for failing to prevent Jacen Solo's turn to the dark side. But it's only the first blow in an anti-Jedi backlash fueled by a hostile government and a media-driven witch hunt. Facing conviction, Luke must strike a bargain with the calculating Daala - his freedom in exchange for his exile from Coruscant and from the Jedi Order. Though forbidden to intervene in Jedi affairs, Luke is determined to keep history from being repeated. With his son, Ben, at his side, Luke sets out to unravel the shocking truth behind Jacen Solo's corruption and downfall. But the secrets he uncovers among the enigmatic Force mystics of the distant world Dorin may bring his quest - and life as he knows it - to a sudden end. And all the while, another Jedi Knight, consumed by a mysterious madness, is headed for Coruscant on a fearsome mission that could doom the Jedi Order ...and devastate the entire galaxy.

Lord Depravus Says

In a Nanny State far, far away - 27-Sep-10

We all know stories of noble Knights on horseback who fought valiantly for King and Country in days of old. They are stuff of legends. We also know that if they existed today they would have lawsuits coming out of their ears from thieves and vagabonds whose arms they had severed and whose human rights they had violated. They would be phoning Claims Direct when they get injured in the battlefield and then sell their story to Hello Magazine. Their demise would ultimately come after being hounded by the paparazzi and chased into a tunnel in Paris...

That is the picture I got when reading this book. We see Star Wars enter the nanny state where they have sanctions imposed on them and are monitored by incompetent and toffee-nosed bureaucrats, while the public are swayed by the tabloid media. It was so true to modern day life that it actually made me angry; so much so that I almost couldn't read it. Perversely this is not a criticism; it is a compliment.

To write a book that instils this kind of emotion from a reader is a testament to how well it is written. The plots involving Luke's exile from the Jedi Order and his personal quest to uncover the mystery surrounding Jacen's turn to the dark side while Jaina, Jag and the rest of the order attempt to discover this weird Force Psychosis, are very compelling stories.

However, I felt the climax to the story involving Luke got a bit far-fetched. I also felt that the plot involving Han and Leia's attempts to save Kessel from destruction was unnecessary and a little silly. It didn't seem to have any bearing on the rest of the story or indeed the overall plot of the series. It seemed like blatant page filler material.

That aside, this really was a good start to what could prove to be an exciting new series. I'd certainly recommend it, especially if you like books involving original cast. Familiar Allston/Stackpole characters obviously make an appearance.