Allegiance

January 1, 2007
Five idealistic but fed-up Imperial storm troopers led by Daric LaRone share the stage with young Rebel Alliance crusaders Han Solo, Princess Leia Organa, Luke Skywalker and Chewbacca in this politically fraught but still rollicking early years Star Wars adventure from Hugo-winner Zahn (Star Wars: Outbound Flight). Emperor Palpatine's favorite Sith, Darth Vader, has a new rival, the 18-year-old Countess Mara Jade Claria, whom Palpatine has schooled in the Force to assume the special agent role of "Emperor's Hand." Zahn depicts the intrepid Rebel quartet and the turbulent development of the Alliance while revealing the human faces behind the storm trooper armor of Daric and company, who become unexpected allies of Han and friends once the troopers are on the run after killing a superior officer. The author also underscores Mara Jade's tough-girl charm and blossoming Imperial clout against the background of Palpatine's dedication to Imperial domination and his insidious influence on his minions. This episode will please fans wondering about events between the first and second movies in the original Star Wars trilogy.

October 1, 2013
As the Rebellion gains momentum after the destruction of the Death Star, characters on both sides must decide where their loyalties lie. Stormtrooper Daric LaRone and his unit are forced to desert following a massacre of civilians by the Empire but try to continue honoring their oaths of service even while on the run. Han Solo is torn between his desire to avoid entanglement in the politics of the Rebellion and his loyalty to his friends Luke and Leia during a rescue mission. Emperor's Hand Mara Jade tries to untangle a web of piracy and corruption to serve her Imperial master while avoiding her dangerous and powerful rival Darth Vader. As always, reader Marc Thompson gives the large human and alien cast distinctive and lively voices, including authentic interpretations of many of the movie favorites. VERDICT Fans of the "Star Wars" universe will enjoy this story depicting adventures that occur between the first two original films.--Jason Puckett, Georgia State Univ., Atlanta

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