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Inferno (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 6) by Troy Denning
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Troy Denning Edition: Mass Market Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 2007-08-28 ISBN: 0345477553 Number of pages: 336 Publisher: LucasBooks Product features: - ISBN13: 9780345477552
- Condition: New
- Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Tracking provided on most orders. Buy with Confidence! Millions of books sold!
Book Reviews of Inferno (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 6)Book Review: Luke is Back in what is Probably the Best LOTF Novel So Far Summary: 5 Stars
It seems to be a trend in the Star Wars universe that greatly significant books are followed up by not-so-great books (Star by Star being followed by Dark Journey, for example). I was afraid that would be the case with Inferno, but the opposite ended up being true. With its fast paced plot, tight story, and the comeback of one character in particular, Inferno ended up being the best in the series, in my opinion. Spoilers follow.
There is never a dull moment in this book. The novel practically opens with action with Han and Leia, still considered traitors to the Galactic Alliance, being attacked at Mara's funeral. Jacen plans to launch an attack against the Confederation that is greatly dependent on the disgruntled Jedi Order. From there, the fast pace continues with Jacen taking control of the Jedi Academy for "protection" purposes, Alema Rar visiting Korriban, Jacen attacking Kashyyyk, and an epic lightsaber battle between Jacen and Luke and Ben.
While the plot of the book is great and simply doesn't leave space for a boring moment, there was also a lot of character development (possibly moreso than in any previous book). Luke was the most satisfying of these characters. He was finally brought back to his full glory. Until now, he has been playing merely on the sidelines, being present but never really stepping up to the plate to assume the role he should. However, Denning brings him back to his full potential. Yes, Luke is distraught by the death of his wife, but he comes back full force, perhaps brought back to awareness by the death of one loved one (Mara) and the pain of another (Ben). It was great to see Luke back to playing the role of Grand Jedi Master and taking on the bad guys just like he used to. Hell, it was great to see him actually DO something.
Another character that made a good comeback was Jaina. Pretty much since the New Jedi Order began to wrap up, Jaina has been written into obscurity with a few occasional comebacks with this whole "Sword of the Jedi" thing (which I'm still not convinced was a great idea) followed by falling into obscurity, once again. She actually played a rather significant role in Inferno, specifically her actions at the Jedi Academy. Now that she isn't really stuck in this Zekk/Jag love triangle (please, let that stay dead), she's actually enjoyable to read about. I only hope she will continue to play a bigger role than she has been.
Ben continues to be a joy to read about. The authors, so far, are characterizing him nicely and are doing a fine job in keeping his actions and reactions consistent and realistic. I like that he isn't a perfect, can-do-no-evil Jedi kid. Like everyone else, he is susceptible to the Dark Side, he isn't always taken seriously because of his age, and he clearly struggles internally with the events that unfold around him. I found his desire for revenge on Jacen to be very realistic, given the situation, and almost wish he had finished the deed.
The only character problem I saw was with Jacen. He just seemed to have changed greatly from the last book to this one. In Inferno, he came off as being a great deal more...evil. He threatens children, destroys planets, and tortures family members. While he has been steadily traveling farther down the path to evil, I felt that this jump was a bit extreme, considering that up until this point, he hasn't been quite so open or blunt with his actions.
Honestly, I think the series could have ended here and I would have been more or less satisfied. Unfortunately, Luke stops Ben from making the final blow with the old "this isn't the right time" line in order to save Ben from the Dark Side. That was almost a bit disappointing. After everything Ben has been through, I think it would have been justified for him to deliver the killing blow now.
Inferno is definitely worth the read, as it is probably the best book in the series so far. I can only hope that the next three books maintain the standard that this novel set.
Summary of Inferno (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force, Book 6)Luke Skywalker wanted to unify the Jedi order and bring peace to the universe. Instead his wife Mara lies dead at the hands of an unknown assassin, his wayward nephew Jacen has seized control of the Galactic Alliance, and the galaxy has exploded in all-out civil war.
With Luke consumed by grief, Jacen Solo works quickly to consolidate his power and jumpstart his plan to take over the Jedi. Convinced he?s the only one who can save the galaxy, Jacen will do whatever it takes, even ambush his own parents.
With the Rebel confederacy driving deep into the Core to attack Coruscant and the Jedi under siege, Luke must reassert his position. Only he can lead the Jedi through this crisis, but it means solving the toughest problem Luke?s ever faced. Does he fight alongside his nephew Jacen, a tyrant who?s illegally taken over the GA, or does he join the rebels to smash the Galactic Alliance he helped create?
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