"Force Heretic I: Remnant," by Shane Dix and Sean Williams [Del Ray, 2003]

<b><i><font color=red>Force Heretic I: Remnant</b></i></font> by Shane Dix and Sean Williams

<img src=http://www.theforce.net/books/images/remnant.jpg>



<b><font color=green>Synoposis</b></font>

<i>As the bloodied and weary galaxy faces battle once more, the Jedi take on the formidable task of bringing the last of the Empire into the light. . . .

From the ashes of the New Republic?torn to shreds by the savage Yuuzhan Vong forces?the newly formed Galactic Alliance has risen, determined to bring peace to the entire galaxy. But first the Yuuzhan Vong must be contained once and for all. And so Luke Skywalker seeks a world long lost to legend: Zonama Sekot, a sentient planet believed to have repelled an invasion by the Yuuzhan Vong decades ago. Deciphering the enigmatic secrets of Zonama Sekot just might turn the tides of a relentless war.

Aboard the Jade Shadow, Luke, his wife Mara, Jacen Solo, and other Jedi head off into the Unknown Regions, where rumors and clues suggest Zonama Sekot might be found. Yet the mission has barely begun when the searchers stumble into a horrific battle. The Imperial Remnant, in retreat from the mighty Yuuzhan Vong, is about to be destroyed. It would seem those aboard the Jade Shadow have little choice but to leave the Empire to its fate. But these are no ordinary space travelers, they are Jedi. . . .</i>

 

I gave it an 8. I'm a big Imperial nut so having most of a book devoted to the Remmant was a big treat! Pelleaon only cemented himself further as the true leader of the Empire, particularly the way he handled Flenic pointing a blaster at him

 

Ya know, I usually burn myself on theforce.net boards by reading spoilers and reviews for the books im about to read. But this time I think the boards helped me out here. The Force Heretic Trilogy seems to be known around here as the worst books of the entire NJO, possibly all around. But in my humble opinion, so far so good!
I enjoyed Remnant the way I feel most of the EU books should be enjoyed:light mindless fun! Dix and Williams have a great way about their writing. They tie into the prievious books smoothly and have some great movie references (Palleon saying "The Em[pire will ALWAYS STRIKE BACK!!!" just f$##ing awesome!!!) Saba's Prologue was horrifying, and her self-redemption at the end brings her back on top of her game. Jag Fel, a charector Ive HATED up to this point, finally got on my good side in this one, with this detective work, awesome piloting and suspisions of Tahiri. Im just rambling cause Im tired, but man, why the hate for these guys?
One thing that will never stop driving my crazy about any Star Wars book are the misleading covers. Luke and Mara fighting for their lives on a seemingly brutal and savage planet? Uumm, did I miss a chapter?
6/10

 

I thought Remnant was the best of the FH series - 8.

 

8, I really liked this book, even if it did seem like ti was kinda detour to the resolution of the NJO. Loved the Remnant in it though, if only they would take over the Galaxy...it would be the best of both worlds. Freedom and rights AND order and less craziness...maybe a few Jedi too

 

Upped by request.

 

Merci, dp!

Ever since I learned that the Empire would be making it back in this one, I've been looking forward to it in a big way. I'm happy to say that I was not disappointed. The return of the Empire, the trip to Yevetha, one to Bakura coming up, and EU references galore brought back a lot of memories. As many have pointed out, Williams and Dix did their homework and it's appreciated.

Story-wise, things flowed pretty well, especially for the longer than average paperback (as far as NJO has been, anyway). Maybe it was the lack of chapter breaks, but I actually got through it pretty well, even though there were times I felt that the story appeared to be slowing. As the first book of any trilogy tends to do, there's plenty of setup as our heroes head off on their various adventures, but beyond that it's pretty interesting. Tahiri's issues are rather intriguing (and I like how she refers to the Solos as "Anakin's parents". Poor girl). Jag gets to do something other than fly his ship and be Jaina's beau, Saba gets more focus and development and continues her teamwork with Dani, and Jacen gets a good working relationship with, of all people, Pellaeon. I like the stories with character development, so this is all fun to read.

And just getting to read the Empire again, imagining the giant ships and the roars of the TIE fighters, is a treat as well. I must be a major fan because just picturing stormtroopers coming into a room and opening up on Vong spies felt cool. And, of course, Pellaeon's very popular line. Something else I was looking forward to.

Also of interest was Nom Anor's storyline. As many have pointed out, there was that continuity gaff of learning the Jedi heresy that he should already know about, and he did seem somewhat out of character to me. Not quite the detached cynic of the previous novels, maybe a bit closer to the average Vong, but for the most part he seemed true to himself. Either way, I found his story to be interesting as well and can't wait to see where this Prophet story goes.

Overall, pretty good read, even better than the point turning Destiny's Way. And that ending, with the two ships jumping off into hyperspace into the Unknown Regions is, IMO, the perfect way to end Book 1.

8.25/10