Another valiant Zahn effort with more focus this time on original characters. In this case, he has rogue stormtroopers and introduces Mara Jade, who is in his Thrawn series and other books as well. This is a lead in to his "Choices Of One" which just came out and which features the same characters. He does have the core regulars as well and it is a period between the first two original movies. Interesting story and good space opera, good feel. Well done.