The New Rebellion
by Kristine Kathryn Rusch

Published by Bantam Publishing

Scott's Rating:   3.5 out of 4

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As the New Republic starts another session of the Senate, Princess Leia is worried because former Imperials are winning seats and thus political power. She does not like this one bit, but she must accept it anyway. That's when a terrorist's bomb destroys the Senate Chamber and kills most of the senior members. Were the former Imperials responsible? While Leia tries to find out, they take full advantage of the political opportunity, mainly by accusing Han of doing it. Yes, Han Solo.

Meanwhile, Luke, Leia, and the Solo kids feel a great disturbance in the Force. Millions have just been killed, but they don't know where or how. Turns out it is Brakiss (from the Young Jedi Knights Series) and his new boss, Kueller. Keuller is a lot like Vader in that he wears a mask, chokes people, and has bad breath, however, he hates Luke Skywalker with a passion. What's his plan to take over the universe?

Finally, Han Solo believes the bombing might be tied to his old smuggling buddies, so he follows up a lead. From that we get a small look into Han Solo's past.

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Scott:

    This was a really enjoyable book. It had some good action and humor. What I really liked were the new minor characters. What's even better, check out their names: Davis and Cole Fardreamer. What?! No apostrophes?! This can't be right! I can actually pronounce them! All sarcasm aside, these characters were interesting additions to the Star Wars Universe. It was also good to see some background on Brakiss. That was one of my main gripes about the Young Jedi Knights books because in them, this bad guy just appeared. Here, he is explained. Kueller was pretty cool too and he had a lot of potential. Unfortunately, he kind of fizzled out in the end. One of the best things about the story was that all of the main characters played a major role in the story in one way or another. Also good is Han's return to his former glory. He flies fast, jams blasters up people's noses, and generally acts tough till the end. I liked the subplot about the X-Wings and Kueller's plan to take over the New Republic. (To tell more would spoil it.) Overall, I really liked the story.

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Scott:

    Only a couple of things kept me from giving this book four Death Stars. One was that logic seems to be a secondary concern to the story. One part was where the Senate accuses Han Solo of conspiring with the terrorist. It was all based on rather flimsy evidence, no motive, etc, etc. It wouldn't even hold up in our court, much less against a hero of the Republic! OJ got off with more against him than they had! Also, that part had absolutely no bearing on the story. It could have been left out. Actually, all through the story, people jump to conclusions rather quickly. Also, as mentioned earlier, I thought that Kueller was defeated rather easily. I won't say how, but he could have put up more of a fight considering the build up for him. Other than these little details, the story was very enjoyable, fast paced, and fun.

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Scott:

    Luke Skywalker being used as a chew toy. Ugh.

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