Customer Reviews

Star Wars: Hand of Thrawn Hb Vol 2

5 star:		(261)
4 star:		(38)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

Some of these reviews are great; they really are. Almost as good as reading the book itself. Its good to see that so many readers get so emotionally attached to the characters; emphasised particularly well with the war of words between Mara and Callista fans. And to think that the two women didn't even feature in the movies. People seem to either love or hate the outcome, and that is always a sign of a great novel. Personally, I loved the outcome!

As with any good SW novel, there is plenty of sci-fi action and plot enhancement here, but it does however take a back seat to character development. Yes, this is very much a character-driven novel; in particular with Jade and Skywalker (still can't get over how cool this name is!). OK, so the issue of the dynamic duo getting married is perhaps the worst kept secret on the Internet, but what makes this such compelling reading is down to the way in which Zahn executes this theme. There were so many barriers existing between the two, not to mention the emotional turmoil and personal demons which needed to be overcome before they could establish a relationship.

I also loved the way Zahn resolved the Lando/Mara issue without making Lando come across as the bad guy. For all his faults, Lando is a key figure in the SW universe and deserves positive attention, and it was nice to see him lead the Republic forces at the end against those nasty Imperial Star Destroyers.

It was also interesting to note that one or two readers felt too much of the novel was taken up by Luke and Mara. I wonder why they thought this; I for one would not have minded in the slightest had the entire book only consisted of these two characters. And lets face it people, we would have even willingly seen the Empire win if it meant Luke and Mara getting together in the process.

There is not much I can say to fault this novel, but there is one little aspect which affected me on a purely personal level and one which I felt we could have done without. I am referring to the smuggler's tale of the titanic battle between a dark Jedi and Yoda. I have always believed that Lucas depicted Yoda as the apotheosis of all that is Jedi with the exception of using the force to do battle. We did not see the little master fight in any movie and I firmly believe we will not do so in episodes 2 and 3, because to do so would degrade the single most unique character of the Star Wars universe. Therefore I felt Zahn could have easily omitted this part without detriment to the quality of the story. However this is just one minor flaw on a purely personal level.

On another personal level, as a huge Mara fan (who can never again watch "Return of the Jedi" in the same manner!), I thoroughly enjoyed the new insights we got to see in Mara. For example, other peoples' opinion of her matters greatly to her (such as Han's impression when seeing her wearing Lando's shirt). Moreover, the fact that (and why) she has never been in a relationship before was shrewdly fabricated and written. Its amazing how much a person can change in ten years. And she "highly respected and cared" for Luke during all those years (a fact which is also emphasised in Stackpole's "I, Jedi"). Needless to say, Zahn executed this character development flawlessly (I still think she is his best creation; better even than Thrawn - and that's saying something!). While on the subject, I'm very troubled by the comments referring to Mara's death in the future. It is blatantly obvious (from the word "forever" among other things) that Zahn intends both Mara and Luke to have a long, happy and prosperous future together and I hope other authors will respect his wishes when writing subsequent novels. Incidentally, there have been very few comments made about the picture of Mara on the cover art of this novel. There are so many disparate images of her around these days; however this is the one I like best and if this is how Zahn invisaged his enchantress turned Jedi Knight, then its good enough for me.

Apologies for using the term "Mara" 9 times (now 10!) in this review. What can I say? I'm just a humble fan!

Mr. Zahn has outdone himself. The conclusion of the exciting "hand of Thrawn" series is just about perfect. It reads quickly, has plenty of action, great dialogue, and even good romance. An additional bonus is just about every character related to Star Wars is in this book. From Corran Horn, Karrde, Mara, Wedge, Lando, the droids, Luke, Leia, Han, the Noghri, Pellaeon, etc... The only exception is that Chewbacca is away throughout the entire series, but you really don't miss him because there is too much going on. Everything from an emminent civil war, secret Imperial raids, secret fortresses, undercover espionage, and the usual space battle keeps you glued to the book until the last page is finished. Luckily, there aren't even any really slow or boring parts that unfortunately creep into most of the recent Star Wars novels. Welcome back, Timothy Zahn!

"Vision of the Future" is the final second novel in "The Hand of Thrawn" series approximately ten years following "The Thrawn Trilogy". It concludes the story in the tradition of creativity and intrigue from the prior novels.

Although the preceding novel has more political developments dominating the storyline, this book returns to creative battles and stunning revelations. The Mara Jade and Luke Skywalker duo along with Major Tierce and Admiral Pellaeon sections of the storyline are interesting. In addition, the use of High Councilor Leia Organa Solo's Jedi skill is exciting.

I was aggravated when I found New Republic characters heading in four different directions searching for the same thing without consulting each other. Considering the closeness of the group such behavior is peculiar. A couple loose ends are available for future stories whereas one piece of information regarding Grand Admiral Thrawn could have been left alone to leave a greater mystery.

I recommend this series to any fan of the Star Wars universe.

Thank you.

I've been waiting. And waiting. And waiting. I've read about Luke training new Jedi, about Han getting ambushed at Corrillea, and about countless other things that have never solved the one problem that haunted me...WHEN WOULD LUKE AND MARA FALL IN LOVE? It seemed from the first trilogy Zahn wrote that he created Mara Jade simply so she and Luke could fall in love. Of course, it's been hell reading these other novels and not having a relationship develop between the two. Callista and Gaeriel? Nah, Gaeriel was a bad idea, and Callita just wasn't Mara Jade. So anyway, I should probably say more about this book than just how wonderful it is that Luke and Mara finally fell in love (which of course is the best part of the book). The mystery behind the Hand of Thrawn was perfect. And since I happen to like Pelleon a lot, I loved how Zahn described Pelleon as a good guy working for the Empire, who really wanted peace. And finally, to top it off, the Empire has finally been defeated, and won't come suddenly sneaking back with endless fleets of ships and powerful warlords (basically every other book). This could definitely be a place to end the whole 'Luke, Han, Leia' series, and begin perhaps twenty years in the future with Luke and Mara's children, or Han and Leia's (but I like saying Luke and Mara's more). Anyway, congrats to Zahn, who has single-handedly proven himself to be the master of the Star Wars universe. Buy this book - unless you're some anti-Luke fanatic of death, I promise you'll love it.

Timothy Zahn finishes what he started in 1991 with 'Vision of the Future'. Here ends the greatest chapter in the history of the the Star Wars galaxy, and it ends well. Indeed, its all done in a way that's almost poetic, and one that will also be sorely missed. Kudos to Zahn, Bantham, and everybody else for one great history.

Onto the book, then, shall we? Zahn picks up right where 'Specter of the Past' left off. The real highlight here is the whole Luke-Mara relationship that goes on through the whole novel. While some would say the relationship wasn't romantic or anything, it wasn't really meant to be. It was meant to be deeper than that, a sort of symbionce bound by the Force. Indeed, they really do become one as time goes on and their experiences on Niruaun prove testament to that. I also get the impression that Zahn decided to do it all himself, finally. He sets up everything between Luke and Mara (look a the last scene of 'The Last Command', in the name of the Sith!) and Anderson and Hambly and the like screw everything up. What a waste. Can these people even take a hint? I mean, Callista? It's just mind-boggling. Indeed, so are a lot of the relationships in the SW universe. Anderson sets up ridiculous relationships like Winter-Ackbar(!?!) and Wedge-Qui Xux. I'm guessing Stackpole and Zahn formed a pact so that all of the relationships Stackpole made in his books and comics (like Tycho-Winter and Wedge-Iella) are how it ends up in the end. A very good thing, too. Tycho and Winter makes a lot more sense than Winter and Ackbar.

And Zahn also tips his cap to Stackpole by providing us with a look into Baron Fel and what he's been doing all these years. Once more, it just goes to show the power of good characters like Thrawn and Fel. And its also nice to see how much info we get into Thrawn and his people, who are finally named here. their culture is explained here and a bit more in Stackpole's 'Ruin'. And hey, who says a guy who's been dead for 10 years can't be the most important figure in the whole book? Great info for fans of Thrawn and Baron Fel such as myself.

And, of course, you get more Han, Leia, Wedge, Corran, ect. action. It's all good, and Zahn continues to depict the Republic and its situation very realistically. the same is said for the Empire and its logical progression as time goes on and its power wanes. Pellaeon is good here again, as are Disra, Tierce, and even Flim. The scene on the bridge of Dorja's vessel towards the end is classic.

And the war ends. I'd just point that out. The Empire and Republic come to terms, thus ending a chapter in the history of Star Wars. I wouldn't have had it end any other way and be ended by any other person. Sadly, Del Rey's New Jedi Order series is just a phantom of the magnificent Bantham novels and Dark Horse comics like the 'X-wing Rogue Squadron' series. The sense of history is now gone, and it is really a shame. People like Zahn, Stackpole, and Allston did magnificent jobs creating a historical sense behind the SW universe, one that is really being ripped apart by the NJO series. Still, they can only be applauded for their works.

Kudos to Zahn, Stackpole, Allston, and the other great authors who made the world of Star Wars so wonderful. It is something that will be very sorely missed in the future, but thanks for the ride whatever the case. May the Force be with you all.

man, luke finally got his head on, if you ask me. Callista was too fickle and , forgive me, old. The girl who started with a G, well, luke was a little not himself then. until i read this, i thought luke and callista should have gotten together. mara and luke make a great team. their little welding thing made it not at all mushy, something perfect for someone who loves Star Wars adn all it's action, and is not too keen on romance. that would be me. thank you, zahn! now, all the other stuff was okay, but you have to understand that those were delicate politics. i loved the look into coruscant and new republic and bothan (?) politics. the whole chiss thing was cool, too. i didn't sweat through it. it's really different from his first trilogy, but it still has zahn's fingerprints and signature and name and all whatnot all over it. i'm a fan of luke and i think he finally got his head on straight. all in all a good book, but you have to appreciate and understand a few politics to enjoy the 300 pages full of it. more a read for adults, but kids can love it, too!

Where do I begin? I have often thought that the first trilogy Mr. Zahn wrote was the best of any post "Return Of The Jedi" Star-Wars story written. His return here is spectacular. The usual political intrigue and fast paced battles abound, described as only Mr. Zahn could do it. I loved the fact that Jedi Master Luke Skywalker still had to be a "student" about some things was refreshing and made for a great read. The interplay between Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade is BEAUTIFULLY written and made me smile, cheer... and yes... even cry, and I am not ashamed of admitting this. (Yes, men can cry too. :) ))
If you liked Zahn's first Star Wars trilogy (Heir To The Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last Command), you OWE it to yourself to get this book. Enjoy another visit to a galaxy far, far away. Mr. Zahn is an excellent tour guide as this work proves.

This is my first review of a book, and having read nearly every STAR WARS book (from masterpieces like Zahn's original trilogy and the near-perfect Bacta War by Stackpole to the slightly less than thrilling Crystal Star), I thought that I would share my humble opinions about what I think might be overall the single best STAR WARS book ever written. In Vision, Zahn shows us not only his careful attention to details (by going back to little points from his original stories, i.e. the beckon call Luke found on Dagobah in Heir to the Empire), but his ability to mesh ALL of his characters flawlessly with a universe that has changed time and time again. While Zahn's original trilogy captured the scope of the movies, the two-part Hand of Thrawn series has captured the expanded STAR WARS universe in a way that no author has been able to replicate. I have thorougly enjoyed many of the STAR WARS books. Stackpole had a terrific run with his X-WING books (except for the weak return of an old foe in Isard's Revenge), and Allston wrote an exceptional addition to the expanded universe when he introduced Wraith Squadron to the readers. Starfighters of Adumar, for example, was a wonderful book (albeit too short) which I think can easily be considered one of the best of the X-Wing series. But none of these (in my opinion only), match up to what Zahn has accomplished with his books. Vision of the Future ties up loose ends with questions and characters from nearly every previous book (from Gaeriel to the Emperor Reborn to Baron Soontir Fel) and every favorite character is featured (Wedge and Corran Horn getting their own mission and Talon Karrde, Bel Iblis, Booster Terrik, and of course Mara Jade extremely present throughout the entire book). Finally, there is the resolution of not only the ever-lasting battle between the Republic/Rebellion and the Empire, but of Luke's solidarity for so many years (or should I call that a quest for the right one that maybe we all secretly hoped he'd end up with after the Last Command?)I have been reading the NJO books lately. They are pretty good. My favorite so far has been Onslaught (truthfully I wasn't too impressed with Ruin. I like Corran Horn a lot but he is featured way too much in this book and he seems to know everything....even Luke Skywalker isn't omniscient). I sincerely hope that Zahn writes an addition to one of them, because I'd like to see what he would do with the Yuuzhan Vong that the Republic now faces. Anyways, I think Vision of the Future was a perfect send-off for the "olden days" (I believe NJO is ushering in the new STAR WARS era). There are a million things going on at once, it brings back memories from all three of the movies AND Zahn's original trilogy, and resolves everything in a way that no other book I have read has matched thus far.

Vision of the Future is the second of the Hand of Thrawn Duology. Tim Zahn writes one of his best Star Wars novels to date. Filled with passion, adventure, intrigue and just plain fun, Vision of the Future concludes the excellent story begun by Spector of the Past. All our favorite characters return, with Mara Jade and Luke Skywalker off on a mysterious errand, while Han Solo and Lando Calrissian try to confirm the reports of a Reborn ADmiral Thrawn. Among the best parts of the story are those dealing with Admiral Pellaen as he strives to bring peace to the conflict torn galaxy. OVerall, a stand out effort by Zahn and clearly one of the best Star Wars books ever written.

A friend of mine encouraged me to read the Hand of Thrawn, and I did, and was not disappointed. Specter of the Past brought Zahn back to the top of the heap in Star Wars novels, putting to shame even the best by Stackpole and Anderson. This is a good conclusion to the duology, but it's quite drawn out and long. Specter moved fairly fast, and had Zahn's trademark political intigue heavily involved. In Vision, the loose ends of Luke and Mara, the Caamas document, and the Chiss are all tied to a nice, neat bow-tie, but Zahn takes his sweet time in tying them up. I mean, 700 pages? I don't mind a long book, but Zahn had chapters revolving around senate proceedings that seemed to go nowhere (or maybe it was that jerk Fey'lya. I hate that @SS.) If you don't mind a super-long read, or are drooling for the conclusion to an excellent Zahn storyline. However, if you are an action fan, this one isn't for you. Very good, though.