Despite having less character development than I would have liked and a story that often left me wondering why certain decisions were made, I still found the book highly enjoyable, if anything just to see Mara Jade in action and to see where the plot was going. The appearance of the stormtroopers that make up the Hand of Judgment from Zahn's Allegiance, and despite them too failing victim to lack of strong development, were just AWESOME during the fights in the novel. Their skirmishes were by far my favorite part of the book, but you'll have to read the book to learn more. All in all, don't go in expecting the next entry to the Thrawn series because you're not going to get it. Instead, think of this book as the additional backstory behind Thrawn allowing us to examine the galaxy through the eyes of one of the deadliest characters in the Empire: the Emperor's Hand, Mara Jade.

Good intense action but horrible ending.

As usual, Timothy, has out done himself. He is the best author in the star wars universe. He draws you in quickly and keeps you riveted. I only wish Lucas would use him more often, and maybe he should have written the prequel and we would not have had Jar Jar :)

Once again he has done it. Great exciting novel!

Just finished the book and loved the whole story. Great characters and great settings. Haven't read the original Zahn trilogy, but I love his style. Highly recommended. Just read Allegiance first though...it will help set things up.

Great story, expands the star wars universe with a gripping story.