David's Review of The Black Fleet Crisis Book 1: Before the Storm

4/5 Rancors - Before the Storm is the first book in The Black Fleet Crisis, a trilogy by Michael P. Kube-McDowell. Now the book had a couple of things going for it before I even opened it up. First, I always like the idea of a trilogy. Second, I think The Black Fleet Crisis has a nice ring to it, slightly ominous. Then I discovered that Luke, Lando, Leia, Han, and our two favorite droids were major players in the story. That made everything look good, and I am pleased to say that the book met my expectations. Fun stories to read for the most part.

The series takes place in a time of relative peace for the New Republic. The Empire is in tatters. The Jedi Knights are emerging once again as a force to be reckoned with. However, as one would expect, everything is not just good times and happiness. Leia is Chief of State and spends her time administering the Republic while resolving a multitude of problems and trying to raise a family. Her current focus in this book is a period of negotiations with the ruthless leader of the Duskhan League. Everything is not as it seems with the Yevetha who opposes her.

Luke is off in a wilderness area of Coruscant acting as a hermit and trying to get in touch with the Force or something. He does not seem to need clothes, food, water, or contact with other people. Leia has begged him to help her raise her kids and teach them the ways of the Force, but Luke is not going for it. Then suddenly one day a woman named Akanah appeared in his house without warning and asked Luke to go with her on a quest to find the Fallanassi and possibly to find news of his mother. Just like that, Luke agreed to go with her. Needless to say, Leia was not pleased. This section of the book requires an adjustment for readers who have seen the prequels and are comfortable with the story of Padme. Keep in mind that the book was written in 1996.

My favorite storyline in the book so far is Lando's quest as part of a military team to investigate a mysterious spacecraft that seems to have extremely destructive weapons and a mysterious mission. The craft is unapproachable and either jumps to hyperspace when approached or destroys any ship getting near to it. I love the mystery of this unknown vessel just traveling through space with an unknown purpose.

Before the Storm is a good effort by Mr. Kube-McDowell. I look forward to the next two books in the trilogy.