4/5 Rancors - Street of Shadows is the second book in the excellent Coruscant Nights trilogy by Michael Reaves. We are still in the lower levels of Coruscant. Jax Pavan, one of the few remaining Jedi after Order 66, is managing to survive by avoiding Darth Vader’s attempts to capture him and by spending his time helping people escape Imperial Center through Whiplash, a system of routes and safe places established by the remnants of the Rebellion.
Jax has an unusual band of individuals to help him in his efforts. Den Dhur, the Sullustan ex-reporter, is still around as is the unique droid I-5YQ, one of my favorite characters in the entire Expanded Universe. Haninum Tyk Rhinann was once an aide to Vader and is now part of Jax’s group. Laranth Tarak is a female Twi’lek and a Gray Paladin, basically a Jedi who prefers to use blasters instead of a lightsaber. She still uses the Force and is an invaluable member of the team. An important new introduction is Dejah Duare, a female Zeltron who comes to Jax asking for help. Two main stories wind through the book. Dejah is a partner of the famed light sculptor Ves Volette, and things get complicated for everybody when Volette meets with an untimely demise. Jax and his crew are involved with finding the murderer. We also get to welcome back an old friend, Captain Typho of Naboo. He is determined to find out the truth about Padme Amidala’s death and avenge her if at all possible. His efforts lead him into a confrontation with the famed bounty hunter and Jedi killer Aurra Sing. She is on Coruscant on assignment from Vader to bring in Jax Pavan.
Mr. Reaves ties all of this together very nicely and leaves us wanting more. Bring on Coruscant Nights III: Patterns of Force.
0 comments:
Post a Comment