Vision of the Future

This duology is impressive. Like, really impressive.

Take these two novels as one large book, since that's the way it was intended. The first is around four hundred pages, with the second just reaching seven hundred. It is a behemoth intended as one long story.

I was confused as the first book just cuts off, and felt mostly like a setup - that is why.

The narrative of this story is enormous as it is basically trying to close off and explain every single thread in the New Republic era of Star Wars novels published by Bantam.

And it does a fantastic job.

Luke and Mara's relationship naturally swells into a burning love in this story, and it feels so well-earned. They are forced to work together against a great enemy, closed off from everyone else, and truly connect on a deep level.

They work through their own problems together: Luke's failures as a master; Luke failing Mara; Mara's issues with people; Mara's trauma from the empire. Zahn just does such a good job writing these two.

I adore the plotline with the fake Thrawn. There is an imposter pretending to be Thrawn, the only true final way to unite the Empire again is under Thrawn, and he inspires a new burning fire in the hearts of the imperials, allowing them what seems to be their only chance.

I haven't read the X-Wing novels or I, Jedi yet, but I'm sure the fans of those would be pleased by Corran Horn's plotline in this with Wedge, as they do get a lot of focus!

And their story is interesting as they work with a mysterious woman in an attempt to stop imperial terrorists. The woman, who I still don't know the identity of, is a really fun character as she is very clever and knows way more than she should!

The story with Luke and Mara on Nirauan was fascinating for me, as we started to explore the Chiss people, and Thrawn on a deeper level. This is truly where Thrawn becomes a complex character, even though he isn't truly present in the story!

The reveal that Thrawn has a clone in waiting is insane, and almost creepy.

This book is artistic in a way. The thing I loved was how it ended, as it all began.

The final scene is with Luke and Mara, looking out on a view and drinking hot chocolate. Luke is about to leave, when Mara stops him, saying she'll go with him.

This is beautiful to me, as ‘Heir to the Empire' begins with Luke drinking hot chocolate over the view of Coruscant, and ‘The Last Command' ends with an interaction between Luke and Mara, with Luke leaving, and Mara stopping him to say she's coming with him too! Really clever!

Overall, it is a masterful conclusion to the Bantam era of novels, and a must-read for anyone who enjoyed the Thrawn trilogy.