Reviews

Dark Force Rising by Timothy Zahn

Only show reviews with written explanations

maxsebastian's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

While definitely the middle book in a trilogy, Dark Force Rising is a solid addition to the Star Wars cannon. Reading Zahn's work is like eating carmel--it's a delicious treat that is worth savoring.

It's hard to describe the plot of a middle book without spoilers, but I will try. Lost to time and space, rumors circulate of a collection of 200 dreadnoughts comprising the Katana Fleet (also called The Dark Force). Finding this fleet would radically shift power in the galaxy, leading the New Republic and Empire to hunt for it. Will our heroes be able to avoid Thrawn's clutches as they search for the same object?

Dark Force Rising is an effective plot driven narrative because its cast is already so well established. There is not much more I can say about Han, Luke, Leia, Chewbacca, Lando, R2-D2, and C-3PO. However, Zahn's new additions to the roster of heroes and villains were so brilliantly written in Heir to the Empire that they're really starting to feel like part of what makes Star Wars Star Wars. I was surprised by how much anticipation I had to check in again with Mara Jane and Talon Kaarde when I started Dark Force Rising.

While most plot lines work well here, there are a couple that suffer due to the fact that this book is not the conclusion of The Thrawn Trilogy. There is a satisfying (partial) conclusion to the Leia-Noghri plot, but the path there was not that enjoyable.

While seeing Luke engage with Jorus C'baoth was interesting, the fact that he was both so easily taken in and escaped without too much trouble bothered me. I'm sure there will be more of a conclusion to their story in The Last Command.

While slightly less exciting than Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising continues to feel like the sequel trilogy I never had and always wanted. I wonder though, will the end of this trilogy bring the sense of catharsis of the original? How will Zahn balance closing the threads of this story with leaving room for future adventures in this universe?