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This is the third book in the Force Heretic trilogy and concludes the story of Luke Skywalker's search for the living planet Zonama Sekot. Thought to have repelled an attack by the vicious Yuuzhan Vong, Zonama Sekot would be a valuable ally of the Galatic Alliance if only Luke can persuade it to join its neighboring planets in battle. The planet's magistrate is willing to listen to Luke's pleas, but the final answer lies with Zonama Sekot itself, a sentient being that reveals itself to Luke through images of Jedi Knight Vergere (killed off in Force Heretic I) and the also dead Anakin Skywalker. The human inhabitants of Zonama Sekot want nothing to do with Luke and his companions from the Jade Shadow. They believe it is the Jedi who have brought their planet to the notice of the Yuuzhan Vong. They blame the Vong attacks on previous Jedi visitors. A second story line follows a mental struggle between young Jedi Tahiri and her alter ego, Raheena of the Yuuzhan Vong. Rescued in Force Heretic II, Tahiri lies in a coma attended by Danni. Danni's mind meld eventually saves Tahiri from destroying both herself and Raheena. Accepting her dual personality, Tahiri awakes as a combination of Jedi and Yuuzhan Vong. She uses the powers of both personalities when called upon for a dangerous mission at the end of the book. Meanwhile, Han and Leia join forces with Admiral Pelleon to repulse a Vong attack in the North Secter while also searching for an elusive communications center. Accompanied by Jaina and Jag, they trick the Vong and accomplish their primary mission. The Han and Leia story line includes an impressive battle scene with tricky maneuvering by the Jedi forces that surprises not only Admiral Pelleon but also the reader. Tahiri's battle with Raheena showcases the book. Due to her acceptance of her Yuuzhan Vong personality and the blending of it with her Jedi background, Tahiri promises to be a most interesting character if she's given a leading role in future books. As for Luke, his decision in the end of the book to turn down Zonama Sekot's offer to join the Galactic Alliance is both surprising and disappointing. Luke suddenly turns holier-than-thou as he considers the probable deaths in battle of the inhabitants of the planet. Weighed against the millions that will die without the help of Zonama Sekot, Luke's decision seems weak and unreasonable. But Luke speaks of making peace, not war, with the Vong, apparently forgetting that the Vong are way too nasty to consider anything but the total surrender of the galaxy. The Vong are the bad guys, the barbarians of the universe who kill and maim without hesitation. Compare them to Cambodia's Kymer Rouge and you'll get an accurate idea of what the Yuuzhan Vong are like. Why the authors chose to sissify Luke and end the story in this way is a mystery to this reviewer, especially after they wrote Force Heretic II, a book that concentrated on Luke's determination to find and ally with Zonama Sekot. A disappointing ending to an otherwise interesting audio abridgment.
Reviewed by Mary V. Welk, September 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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