Destiny's Way

After my last review, I had some accusations from a few people that maybe reading the books as fast as I have been might've spoiled it for me.

I've had that happen before, but was certain I didn't need a break to enjoy these books properly.

I was right, as I fucking loved this book. Williams' writing is addictive, like many of my other favourite authors of the series, and he brought the series into a new ‘era' for me regarding the current state of the characters, the New Republic, and the Jedi Order.

All of which I love.

The book opened with a really engaging ship battle with Han and Leia, Jaina and the various squadrons she works with. Intercutting between these, we got a really good interaction between Han, Leia, and an Imperial, where Han made me burst out laughing, making fun of the Empire's superweapons, as he made one up called, “The Nostril of Palpatine.”

The romances in this book were perfect. Just the right amount of hornyness for it to feel realistic for people in love, without going so far it felt uncomfortable for a Star Wars book, and it was never weird.

Mara calls Luke ‘Master' in bed? Han and Leia have intercourse like normal couples too? Finally, another writer that actually knows romance and can balance it well!

I loved every scene with Overlord Shimrra, as we see the Yuuzhan Vong for the first time in groups meeting their Overlord. It is excellent timing to show this, as the Vong are crippled for the first time in the war, and seem to be losing battles, so it is very effective to show the various Vong grovelling at the feet of Shimrra, terrified of him.

The worldshaping failing is an aspect I am really happy has been properly carried over from ‘Traitor' and I love how it is handled here, their plans for the planet aren't working, they are all getting sick, it's used to both great comedic purposes and to create frustration in the Yuuzhan Vong ranks.

I find it very interesting that Shimrra seems to have force abilities, however undefined and mysterious they are. Probing the minds of the Vong and even igniting particular feelings in them. I'm eager to learn more about him...

Danni and Jacen's small romance here was lovely, and I really do like the idea of the two together. I personally just want more Danni, as I loved her in ‘Vector Prime' and have loved her great scientific discoveries since, but do wish her to be more prevalent.

I love this New Republic under Omas, and I adore the current state of the Jedi. They are warriors in the right way, and I think they've struck the perfect balance between when to act and how to act, compared to the dissent between the Jedi previously on how to act in the war. They're all really coming together and I love it.

The knighting of various Jedi being a ceremony was something I actually liked, and it was almost emotional having Luke say specific things to every one of them, making them tear up and me too! But then came the Sword of the Jedi prophecy... alongside Luke already having said mysteriously without even knowing it that this is the turning point, I love what the writers are cooking up and I love these characters.

Vergere is the ultimate “back in my day...” in this book at times, and I found that funny rather than frustrating. Her being outraged by Luke's Jedi family was funny, and I like that they took no shit from her.

Furthermore with the weirdness from Vergere, when learning of the Alpha Red weapon the Chiss come up with, Vergere mentions the Jedi are looking for her to Jacen, and doesn't choose to mention that they don't consider the weapon even for a second. This, to me, was weirdly manipulative and another sign of why she can't really be trusted. She's working for strange gains but it is interesting at least. But she doesn't have Nom Anor's charm!

I love Ackbar's plan and how well it works, but I do feel for him when he misses one thing. You can definitely tell he feels he is too old or not worth helping them any longer in case he makes any more mistakes. I'd love for more grand plans from Ackbar like this but I will understand if he returns to retirement! His return was exceptional.

Nom Anor is excellent in this book, and I cannot possibly guess what is coming next for him! Not even sure if his superior is dead, he betrays the Vong and escapes. What a good villain. Whilst Vergere's motives are unclear, I love that Nom Anor clearly only cares for himself, and although I get why some may not like it, I love how prolonged a villain he has been! God, I hope he has a satisfying conclusion!

The entire battle between Vong and Jedi in the tunnels towards the end was brilliant. Purely the imagery was enough, thousands of Yuuzhan Vong against a few Jedi is cinematic as fuck, especially in dark tunnels.

But Jacen has some really cool moments, challenging Tsavong Lah and fighting in the tunnels alone for a while, wielding force lightning against them! I really hope these books allow for more wild force abilities to be used to aid the war. I love this kinda thing, even if I get why some may not.

Jaina vs. Tsavong Lah. His end was inevitable, but I really thought it'd be against Jacen. But I was not disappointed. I love, love so much how fierce Jaina has become, how she enjoys fighting and is completely vicious. She has gotten so good the past few books, and I love that whilst the battle was intense and difficult, she still defeated Tsavong Lah, with both Lowie's lightsaber and her own, not even allowing him another glance after defeating him! Simply artistic.

I love that Omas has changed his mind and decided not to use Alpha Red, and that Jaina has been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Shimrra and Onimi are “betraying the Gods” which really interests me. What is coming soon? I am very excited.

I won't miss Vergere, but I liked her death. How she chose compassion in the end and saved Jacen, to let the old die for the young to live on. I'm sorry to say it, but I'm glad she's gone from the series. She became annoying to read often for me after she became more prevalent, and she had served her purpose.

Her philosophical debates were much better with Luke in this novel. I felt he could argue better but also concede when she was right, changing his mind on a lot of things that will affect the series to come, and in this case I loved the psychology and philosophical aspects of this book. I also like that it didn't come through torture, and they addressed the torture properly!

Overall, a stunning book. Up there with my other favourite of the series, ‘Star By Star', I loved this book beginning to end. It was so gripping, I have sped through it quite quickly for a nearly 500 page book.

I really loved Walter Jon Williams' writing, and I am sad to say I probably won't see it again in Star Wars! It was really gripping, fun, and I love where the story is going.

I'm in love with the characters at their current stage in development, I love the relationships, I love the battles, I love the current New Republic government, the new ‘Jedi' council, the tide turning in the war finally.

An absolute blast.

9.5/10