Allegiance
Author: Timothy Zahn
Copyright: 2007 (Del Rey); pgs. 400
Series: Star Wars Expanded Universe
Sensuality: N/A
ERA: Empire – Shortly after the Battle of Yavin (Star Wars: A New Hope)
Summary: The destruction of the Death Star by the Rebel Alliance was a decisive blow against the Empire, but Palpatine and his monstrous enforcer, Darth Vader, are no less of a threat. Among those standing against them are Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa. The three have been sent to mediate a dispute between Rebel Alliance factions in Shelsha Sector. At the time, Mara Jade — all of eighteen and years away from her fateful meeting with her future husband, Luke — is serving her evil master, Palpatine, tracking suspected treachery in the Empire. And then a once-loyal Imperial stormtrooper, Daric LaRone, commits a sudden and violent act of defiance. Each of these actions, whether sanctioned or secret, will expose brutality and corruption, spur upheavals destined to shake the Empire to its core, and shape momentous events yet to come.
Comments: Like with Outbound Flight, I never thought I’d be rooting for characters that are normally viewed as the bad guys in the Star Wars universe. The five stormtroopers, ordinary young men who joined the Empire because they wanted to keep the peace and protect the citizenry, get a rude awakening when they are ordered to kill innocent, and unarmed, civilians. One, Daric LaRone, kills an Imperial officer in self-defense and he is forced to flee. His four friends choose to go with him. Before the reluctant deserters can make any long-term plans, they prevent a pirate gang from stealing equipment from an unarmed farmer. They continue to get involved wherever they go and can’t seem to let go of their sense of duty, even to save their own lives.
Meanwhile, we get to see a different side of Mara Jade: young, somewhat idealistic, compassionate. Her mission is to investigate a moff who is suspected of embezzling from the Empire. The trail leads to Shelsha Sector. She crosses paths with Captain Ozzle, who thinks she’s hunting his missing stormtroopers, and Darth Vader, who thinks she’s hunting for Princess Leia. It’s ironic that Ozzle, who shouldn’t be afraid of her if he’s loyal to the Emperor and up front about the deserters, tries to kill her; yet the stormtroopers come to her aid even when it was in their best interest not to help her. I liked this Mara, and I wish we could see more of her.
I had no problem following the multiple story lines. The blurb implies that Luke, Han, and Leia are all on the same mission. They are not. Leia’s mission, though in the same sector, is separate from Han and Luke’s. Eventually, the lines converge, and Mara just misses meeting Luke and the others.
I enjoyed this book, even with all the wincing and grimacing going on. Oh, and the total lack of R2-D2 and C-3PO. Not one R2/C-3PO or Han/C-3PO quip in the whole book. Thank goodness for Han and Leia. 
Favorite Quotes:
“Is this before or after I take you to this Grand Royal Elite Privileged Ball”
– Han to Leia
“What? You mean I had the Falcon fumigated for nothing?”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure it needed it.”
“I ordered new carpets, too.”
– Han, Leia
Started: 6 July 2008
Finished: 21 July 2008
LOVED IT !!
Rating:
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As combat escalates across the galaxy, the stage is set for an explosive endgame: Obi-Wan undertakes a perilous mission to destroy the dreaded Separatist military leader, General Grievous. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine continues to strip away constitutional liberties in the name of security while influencing public opinion to turn against the Jedi. And a conflicted Anakin fears that his secret love, Senator Padmé Amidala, will die. Tormented by unspeakable visions, Anakin edges closer to the brink of a galaxy-shaping decision.
On the planet Neimoida, Jed Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker set out to capture a treacherous ally of the Sith. Though they come up empty, their daring efforts yield an unexpected prize: intelligence capable of leading the Republic forces to their ultimate quarry, the ever-elusive Darth Sidious, whom they suspect has been manipulating every aspect of the Separatist rebellion. In the escalating galaxy-wide chess game of sabotage and retaliation, Sidious stays one move ahead. Then the trail takes a shocking turn. For Sidious and his minions have set in motion a ruthlessly orchestrated campaign to divide and overwhelm the Jedi forces — and bring the Republic to its knees.
As the Clone Wars rage, Jedi Master Yoda must once again face one of his greatest adversaries — Count Dooku. The Clone Wars have forced the Republic to the edge of collapse. During the height of battle, one Jedi Knight escapes the carnage to deliver a message to Yoda on Coruscant. It appears that Dooku wants peace and demands a rendezvous. Chances are slim that the treacherous Count is sincere, but with a million lives a stake, Yoda has no choice. The meeting will take place on Vjun, a planet steeped in evil. The challenge could not be more difficult. Can Yoda win back his once promising pupil from the dark side, or will Count Dooku unleash his sinister forces against his former mentor?
