
1/2 c35
6Bob DeFrank
I’ve just finished reading. This is the finest piece of fan fiction I’ve read in years. It’s got a Winter Soldier feel to it at times, with moments between Luke and Mara reminiscent of Steve and Natasha in that movie. The characterizations were perfect and the story kept surprising me. As another reciewer said, its like stumbling across a novel from the EU I hadn’t heard about, and you kept surprising me through to the ending. Cheers for the achievement! The Force is with you.

I’ve just finished reading. This is the finest piece of fan fiction I’ve read in years. It’s got a Winter Soldier feel to it at times, with moments between Luke and Mara reminiscent of Steve and Natasha in that movie. The characterizations were perfect and the story kept surprising me. As another reciewer said, its like stumbling across a novel from the EU I hadn’t heard about, and you kept surprising me through to the ending. Cheers for the achievement! The Force is with you.
12/17/2023 c35 Guest
This is a truly amazing story, very much, professional quality, and much better than many of the published books. Thank you so much for writing it, and for posting it, so that the world can you share the fun that goes on inside your brain!
This is a truly amazing story, very much, professional quality, and much better than many of the published books. Thank you so much for writing it, and for posting it, so that the world can you share the fun that goes on inside your brain!
1/10/2023 c1 swfb
If you're a fan of the original EU then you will like this book! We need more Luke and Mara in our lives
If you're a fan of the original EU then you will like this book! We need more Luke and Mara in our lives
1/6/2023 c5 Atlasina7
I've finally gotten back to reading. So happy to have this story which is now 34 glorious chapters (and continuing)! I am looking forward to some binge reading (my favorite kind). I've really enjoyed the setup chapters and can't wait to get further in. Always love it when Luke and Mara have an adventure together.
I've finally gotten back to reading. So happy to have this story which is now 34 glorious chapters (and continuing)! I am looking forward to some binge reading (my favorite kind). I've really enjoyed the setup chapters and can't wait to get further in. Always love it when Luke and Mara have an adventure together.
10/14/2022 c35 klkp
This was a great read, thanks for publishing!
The plot is very well constructed, has great initial hooks, an intriguing setup and excellent pacing. I really liked the scientific tidbits here and there and in general the obvious care that went into ensuring that stuff makes sense. In this regard, in fact, I think it easily surpasses most of the official Star Wars content we're getting these days. The prose is is clear and on point. It was a very easy book to read. The characters are well done. Luke was great, with a believable development arc well tied into the plot, Mara was good, and I liked the rest too (except one, but more on that it a bit). I appreciate how the story fits into EU continuity, for me, that helps a lot with immersion.
Overall, it feels like I stumbled upon a good free Star Wars book.
There's two things I think could have been done better:
First, it would be great to more often get a glimpse at the world beyond what's immediately relevant to the plot, especially in the first half of the book. Not just what things look/sound/smell like, but what is their purpose or history. Like the passage about Ecsilan's economy: the unique atmosphere, exotic plant, primitive society with bits of modern technology all connected in a compelling and elegant way. It's not in any way important to understand the battle over the moon, but it tells us something about Ecsilan, the New Republic, and adds depth to the world in general. I'd love to see more of this kind of stuff, especially since you actually seem to be really good at it, just not doing it very often.
Second, Lasial. She feels sorry for her ex-Imperial soldiers, but has them executed in the most humiliating way possible; she thinks Luke is evil, but blackmails him counting on his righteousness (and gets upset when it doesn't work). I'm not saying that she can't have these contradictions in her character, but she shouldn't be presented as a calm, collected, rational person at the same time. While she does eventually lose her cool, to me it felt like too little too late. I think her descent into insanity should start earlier and have a greater emphasis.
This was a great read, thanks for publishing!
The plot is very well constructed, has great initial hooks, an intriguing setup and excellent pacing. I really liked the scientific tidbits here and there and in general the obvious care that went into ensuring that stuff makes sense. In this regard, in fact, I think it easily surpasses most of the official Star Wars content we're getting these days. The prose is is clear and on point. It was a very easy book to read. The characters are well done. Luke was great, with a believable development arc well tied into the plot, Mara was good, and I liked the rest too (except one, but more on that it a bit). I appreciate how the story fits into EU continuity, for me, that helps a lot with immersion.
Overall, it feels like I stumbled upon a good free Star Wars book.
There's two things I think could have been done better:
First, it would be great to more often get a glimpse at the world beyond what's immediately relevant to the plot, especially in the first half of the book. Not just what things look/sound/smell like, but what is their purpose or history. Like the passage about Ecsilan's economy: the unique atmosphere, exotic plant, primitive society with bits of modern technology all connected in a compelling and elegant way. It's not in any way important to understand the battle over the moon, but it tells us something about Ecsilan, the New Republic, and adds depth to the world in general. I'd love to see more of this kind of stuff, especially since you actually seem to be really good at it, just not doing it very often.
Second, Lasial. She feels sorry for her ex-Imperial soldiers, but has them executed in the most humiliating way possible; she thinks Luke is evil, but blackmails him counting on his righteousness (and gets upset when it doesn't work). I'm not saying that she can't have these contradictions in her character, but she shouldn't be presented as a calm, collected, rational person at the same time. While she does eventually lose her cool, to me it felt like too little too late. I think her descent into insanity should start earlier and have a greater emphasis.
9/23/2022 c35 heartalm
I really enjoyed this. You have a knack for writing all these characters and portraying their inner hearts and feelings with minimal effort. Thank you for sharing this and for bringing back my much-loved characters the way they were meant to be. The EU was an amazing place and I miss it. :)
I also appreciate you trying to explain the irritation between Luke and Mara when Zahn starts "Specter of the Past." I always felt he should have explained that or at least alluded to that a bit more instead of dropping it cold into our laps. But - your notes say that your book is AFTER "Specter" and also that your book explains the irritation at the beginning of that book. Did you mean to say that your book is directly BEFORE "Specter?" Just wanted to clarify.
Anyhow, I just loved it. And you write so well. Keep writing. I hope it's more EU stories, but if not just write something else. You're too good not to keep it up. Kudos!
I really enjoyed this. You have a knack for writing all these characters and portraying their inner hearts and feelings with minimal effort. Thank you for sharing this and for bringing back my much-loved characters the way they were meant to be. The EU was an amazing place and I miss it. :)
I also appreciate you trying to explain the irritation between Luke and Mara when Zahn starts "Specter of the Past." I always felt he should have explained that or at least alluded to that a bit more instead of dropping it cold into our laps. But - your notes say that your book is AFTER "Specter" and also that your book explains the irritation at the beginning of that book. Did you mean to say that your book is directly BEFORE "Specter?" Just wanted to clarify.
Anyhow, I just loved it. And you write so well. Keep writing. I hope it's more EU stories, but if not just write something else. You're too good not to keep it up. Kudos!
9/21/2022 c35 Radical Dreamer 57
From start to finish this was an incredible story, definitely better than a lot of actually published books from the Expanded Universe.
Words are failing me right now to properly articulate how I feel but just know you did a great job. The ending was a ten point landing! It's been a long time since I read the Hand of Thrawn books but I think this story fits in well with those. Things are bittersweet but we know things get better later.
...At least until the New Jedi Order but I've decided to ignore that series for my headcanon (it was still cool to see the references though; I enjoyed it for what it was at the time even if I dislike what it did and find it too depressing now).
From start to finish this was an incredible story, definitely better than a lot of actually published books from the Expanded Universe.
Words are failing me right now to properly articulate how I feel but just know you did a great job. The ending was a ten point landing! It's been a long time since I read the Hand of Thrawn books but I think this story fits in well with those. Things are bittersweet but we know things get better later.
...At least until the New Jedi Order but I've decided to ignore that series for my headcanon (it was still cool to see the references though; I enjoyed it for what it was at the time even if I dislike what it did and find it too depressing now).
9/21/2022 c35
13Tairona
Wow, what an amazing last chapter. You did such an incredible job of tying up all the loose ends. And the nuance in your writing is just exceptional. I love Leia telling Luke honestly that his decision not to surrender to Lasial wasn't the right decision - but only because there was no right decision in that moment. I LOVED the conversation with Gavrisom, and that he's not just another Machiavellian politician trying to cover his tail, but that he's genuinely just trying to do what's best to hold the New Republic together - and that Luke comes around to realizing that that's better than doing the morally pure thing.
Ahhhh, and the final conversation between Luke and Mara! Man, that hurt, but I love that you have this book fit seamlessly with their relationship in canon (and this book will definitely be part of my personal canon from now on). I am glad that Mara finally found out the truth about Arica. Aw man, and the moment when Luke asks what she wants from him and she's upset because he doesn't already know. Aghhh, Luke, she's in love with youuu *bangs head into the wall*. But this is definitely a great set up for them actually getting together in canon.
And the final moment with Tynen! It's very fitting that things with him didn't wrap up neatly/cleanly, but I love that there is that wonderful heart-healing moment between him and Luke at the end.
Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to write this phenomenal story and to share it with us. You are an amazingly talented writer (seriously, I wish Disney would hire you!). I am so sad that this is over, but it was such a joy to read. Thank you thank you thank you!

Wow, what an amazing last chapter. You did such an incredible job of tying up all the loose ends. And the nuance in your writing is just exceptional. I love Leia telling Luke honestly that his decision not to surrender to Lasial wasn't the right decision - but only because there was no right decision in that moment. I LOVED the conversation with Gavrisom, and that he's not just another Machiavellian politician trying to cover his tail, but that he's genuinely just trying to do what's best to hold the New Republic together - and that Luke comes around to realizing that that's better than doing the morally pure thing.
Ahhhh, and the final conversation between Luke and Mara! Man, that hurt, but I love that you have this book fit seamlessly with their relationship in canon (and this book will definitely be part of my personal canon from now on). I am glad that Mara finally found out the truth about Arica. Aw man, and the moment when Luke asks what she wants from him and she's upset because he doesn't already know. Aghhh, Luke, she's in love with youuu *bangs head into the wall*. But this is definitely a great set up for them actually getting together in canon.
And the final moment with Tynen! It's very fitting that things with him didn't wrap up neatly/cleanly, but I love that there is that wonderful heart-healing moment between him and Luke at the end.
Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to write this phenomenal story and to share it with us. You are an amazingly talented writer (seriously, I wish Disney would hire you!). I am so sad that this is over, but it was such a joy to read. Thank you thank you thank you!
9/19/2022 c34 Tairona
That last scene with Pellaeon was so bad ass. I don't know if I should be happy for what he did to Suralle - but I was, haha. Glad to see Pellaeon took a page from Vader's book in that instance. ;) And yayyy, our heroes escaped! Man, I can't believe the next chapter is going to be the last, though - it's so bittersweet to come to the end of this incredible novel!
That last scene with Pellaeon was so bad ass. I don't know if I should be happy for what he did to Suralle - but I was, haha. Glad to see Pellaeon took a page from Vader's book in that instance. ;) And yayyy, our heroes escaped! Man, I can't believe the next chapter is going to be the last, though - it's so bittersweet to come to the end of this incredible novel!
9/19/2022 c33 Tairona
Wow, what a climax! That was AMAZING. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And the big reveal about Tynen was incredible - my heart broke when Luke saw Tynen's memories and then it broke all over again a second time at the very end of the chapter. So incredible. And the callbacks to the Original Trilogy in the confrontation between Luke and Tynen were also amazing. I won't say too much else in order to avoid spoilers :), but every single bit of this chapter just blew me away and was everything I could've wanted.
Wow, what a climax! That was AMAZING. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And the big reveal about Tynen was incredible - my heart broke when Luke saw Tynen's memories and then it broke all over again a second time at the very end of the chapter. So incredible. And the callbacks to the Original Trilogy in the confrontation between Luke and Tynen were also amazing. I won't say too much else in order to avoid spoilers :), but every single bit of this chapter just blew me away and was everything I could've wanted.
9/16/2022 c18 Guest
Pellaeon is the greatest. That is all.
Great chapter!
Pellaeon is the greatest. That is all.
Great chapter!
9/12/2022 c33 Guest
Oh my goodness, this was amazing! Loved all of it, from Luke's persistence of reaching Tynen to Mara always coming to help her farmboy.
Can't wait for the next chapter!
Oh my goodness, this was amazing! Loved all of it, from Luke's persistence of reaching Tynen to Mara always coming to help her farmboy.
Can't wait for the next chapter!
9/14/2022 c33 Radical Dreamer 57
That's some heavy stuff. You really know how to write a climax, I've been on the edge of my seat.
That's some heavy stuff. You really know how to write a climax, I've been on the edge of my seat.
9/13/2022 c16
4Niralle
To Radical Dreamer...Ah, but how? Neither Luke nor Mara had their lightsabers during the chase with the assassin, and Luke was the one leading Mara through the whole pursuit, literally holding onto her. Mara is not a Jedi yet, so there's no indication that she was using the Force during the incident. Also, Shala trusted Luke, a Jedi, to tell the truth in that instance, giving him a...dubious advantage with his deception. ;)
But yes, it does beg the question on how hard should Jedi go in the pursuit for their duties; on one hand, Luke and gang need these things to persevere and a Jedi will even resort to mind tricks to obtain their goals. So where's the moral line?

To Radical Dreamer...Ah, but how? Neither Luke nor Mara had their lightsabers during the chase with the assassin, and Luke was the one leading Mara through the whole pursuit, literally holding onto her. Mara is not a Jedi yet, so there's no indication that she was using the Force during the incident. Also, Shala trusted Luke, a Jedi, to tell the truth in that instance, giving him a...dubious advantage with his deception. ;)
But yes, it does beg the question on how hard should Jedi go in the pursuit for their duties; on one hand, Luke and gang need these things to persevere and a Jedi will even resort to mind tricks to obtain their goals. So where's the moral line?
9/13/2022 c16 Radical Dreamer 57
Oh, man. That's going to come back to bite Luke (and possibly Han too), I'm sure of it. Especially since a lie like that is so EASILY proven false, all Shala has to do is watch the news to know who Mara Jade is and that she has powers. I imagine they're going to wish they had just payed her later.
One has to wonder how much of that sort of deceit by the Jedi actively played a role in their destruction to begin with.
Oh, man. That's going to come back to bite Luke (and possibly Han too), I'm sure of it. Especially since a lie like that is so EASILY proven false, all Shala has to do is watch the news to know who Mara Jade is and that she has powers. I imagine they're going to wish they had just payed her later.
One has to wonder how much of that sort of deceit by the Jedi actively played a role in their destruction to begin with.