Mara Jade is sent to Poln on the edge of the Republic space and Unknown Region because the imperial governor is rumored to be negotiating with the Rebellion to offer them a safe haven – treason.
I very much enjoyed this read. Timothy Zahn’s Choices of One. He is an old pro at the Star Wars novels with so many under his belt already. He was the one who brought the EU to the attention of a broader universe with his best seller in 1992 Heir to the Empire introducing Grand Admiral Thrawn.
As is typical for an SW-EU novel, there are multiple points of view and the story constantly switches back and forth between them. Mara Jade is the young imperial agent, so serious about her role as Emperor’s Hand, dispensing justice. She acts as investigator, judge, jury and executioner. She is calculating and analytical trying to remain unemotional. This may be the first time Luke and Mara ever set eye on each other – though there is no conversation. Luke is young and naïve and trying to find his place. He is a pawn, a trophy for the upstart Rebel leader in charge of planetary negotiations. Han, hung up on Leia, must decide whether or not to commit himself to the Rebellion and assume a leadership role.
One thing that makes this novel more unique among the Star Wars cache is that the reader is cheering for the Empire – not just one rogue character but for a majority of very likeable and sympathetic ones: Mara Jade, Admiral Thrawn (on the outs with the rest of the fleet being an alien) La Rone (former stormtrooper), Pelleaon (who is just smarter than his superior). All seek truth and justice and set forth good virtues. They just happen to work for Emperor Palpatine. Of course the reader also cheers for the familiar Rebellion cast of Luke, Leia, Han, and Wedge.
The end segways nicely toward Episode 5, Empire Strikes Back and the Rebel base on Hoth.
My favorite snap shots from the novel was when the blaster Mara threw lands at Luke’s feet and, when he picks it up, he looks around for who threw it rather than firing it immediately to save his skin. Wide-eyed farm boy.
No comments:
Post a Comment