Conquest (Edge Of Victory, #1) (2001) - Plot & Excerpts
"You two are better than the sum of your parts"Jedi are being hunted across the galaxy, by Yuuzhan Vong, by Peace Brigaders, and by those believing the Yuuzhan Vong when they say they will stop the invasion if they have the Jedi. Those most at risk are the young Jedi students on Yavin 4.When Luke Skywalker is unable to provide any assistance, Anakin leaves on his own, where he meets back up with childhood friend, Tahiri, now 14. Events quickly get out of hand and Tahiri is captured by Yuuzhan Vong shaper, Mezhan Kwad, and her adept, Nen Yim. Anakin then teams up with Vua Rapuung, a former Yuuzhan Vong warrior.NOTE 1: Based on audiobook and novel.NOTE 2: The following is going to be gushy and obnoxious, like those female characters in young adult novels who goop and googly-eye the object of their lust. You know, like Bella to Edward in Twilight. You've been warned.10 Reasons Why I Love This Book:1.tAnakin Solo. This book is truly his showpiece (well, at least, thus far). In the previous NJO books, I felt that Anakin was a very difficult character to peg. He was a brilliant pilot, which felt a bit much like Jaina, and he was supposed to be this miniature great Jedi at the whopping age of 15 (or whatever age he was). But I never really bought the "great Jedi" thing. Mostly, he seemed to argue continuously with his overly pacifistic brother, Jacen. Until now. Here, Anakin makes a tough choice to go to Yavin 4 against his uncle's wishes and save his friends--specifically Tahiri. Time and again, he shows his skills at tactics, fighting, and fierce loyalty. He operates the guns that allow the Jedi students to run. He makes sure they are all safe on Karrde's ship before going back for Tahiri. He befriends Vua Rapuung, even though they are enemies, and honors his promises to Vua Rapuung. THIS is a great Jedi in the making. THIS is what the Jedi should be doing. THIS is the young man who should head the New Jedi Order.2.tVua Rapuung. This guy has to be my most favorite Yuuzhan Vong character. He is strong, brave, but willing to listen. He has pride in his former occupation and will stop at nothing for real answers. He will befriend an enemy to find out the truth. And in the end...well, he definitely pays Anakin back for Anakin's help. This guy is proof-positive of something I wish I saw more in Star Wars EU: one of the "enemy" who is a REAL character, with REAL feelings and who is NOT tied down to species stereotypes (which I hate almost as much as I hate Mary Sues!).3.tTahiri. Up to this point, it seemed that much of the material written for children (Junior Jedi Knights and Young Jedi Knights series) wasn't going to be used or acknowledged in adult books. But in true Star Wars EU fashion, which will dredge up stuff from even the atrocious (apparently--too young to see it and too smart to watch it all the way through) Holiday Special, Greg Keyes shows his stuff by bringing her back and giving her a FANTASTIC storyline. Tahiri is a brilliant character, funny, smart, and definitely unique (another bare-foot girl at heart!). She doesn't sound like any of the other women in Star Wars. Her character arc is interesting and stunning. Even though I knew, from prior readings (and from hearing Legacy talks), that she would survive, I still feared for her life. And having her shaped into a Yuuzhan Vong gave her a real trauma to overcome (instead of hokey, made-up wangst that we see all too often)...and an end to the series...4.tThe Shapers. So, the Yuuzhan Vong is composed of warriors and priests. Now, we can add another group to the mix: the Shapers, i.e. the scientists. These are the ones capable of producing weapons to counter what the New Republic has. They are truly intimidating, and their creations are eye-popping. Nen Yim and her master, Mezhan Kwad, are brilliant characters. I'm usually not fond of a bright, young newbie, but Nen Yim was great. Mezhan Kwad, however, was far more interesting and enigmatic and love, love, LOVE how she had a relationship with Vua Rapuung. I adore their testing with "heresy, I love their personalities, and I love Mezhan and Vua's history together. Basically, if Vua Rapuung wasn't my favorite character already, these ladies would tie for first.5.tThe Shamed Ones. These are the Unmentionables, the ones who can't be mutilated or tattooed as befitted the Yuuzhan Vong culture. This simple addition REALLY makes the culture more diverse and interesting (yay for not having the Yuuzhan Vong be yet another all-warrior race!). Plus, again, nice little branch with the Jedi heresy and another hint to the ending of the series...6.tSide Characters: Ikrit, Kam Solusar, Talon Karrde, and more. Greg Keyes may be new to Star Wars, but he did his homework. He brought back the sweet Ikrit (*SNIFF SNIFF* at his outcome), Tionne and Kam Solusar (who are *OMG I can't believe it* married!), Talon Karrde (and he does a brilliant job with him, I think Zahn would be proud), and more. It's nice to see all these subtleties, especially from a brand-spanking new Star Wars author.7.tIntriguing plot. I like the choice to make Anakin the only one of the "major" characters to be involved in this mission. I like how we basically hear nothing of Luke, Leia, and Han. The focus on him gives us more time to see his character evolve (LOVE how he learns that all the Yuuzhan Vong aren't bad guys) and to explore the Yuuhzan Vong Shapers. I liked how it was tied into the previous books, but not in a way that was too dependent. I thought it wonderful that the Jedi Academy was remembered, that the initial plot segues into Tahiri's rescue and Vua Rapuung's quest for answers. Oh, yeah, and in between kick @ss action scenes, we get AMAZING philosophical debates about Yuuzhan Vong, evil and the Dark Side.8.tReal suspense. You know, not that, "OMG, he fell off the cliff, but there is no body, IS HE DEAD?!" kind (sorry, Stackpole). REAL suspense, as in "OMG, I HONESTLY don't know if these guys are gonna make it GO TEAM!" As I said above, I knew Tahiri would be okay, but while listening to this book, I was on the edge of my seat. I kept feeling that I needed to look over my shoulder, check to see if a Yuuzhan Vong warrior had seen me.9.tExcellent action. Good lightsaber battles, an awesome kick @ss scene for Tahiri (you go girl!), a great battle for Vua Rapuung...really, everything you ever wanted in a Star Wars novel.10.tGreat writing. Keyes' writing is amazing. It's clean and easy to go through, packs a lot of emotional punch in the right areas, and is perfect (at the same time) for action.Basically, I pretty much loved everything about this book and can't think of anything that I disliked (without having to basically make stuff up). This is the best NJO book yet and that includes Vector Prime and Stackpole's books.
One of the things that I initially really liked about the NJO series is that the Yuuzhon Vong were completely and utterly alien - that we weren't given any real introduction to them, and didn't know what they wanted. While that was good for the initial novels, it wouldn't be sustainable over the course of the full cycle of novels, so the Edge Of Victory duology comes at a perfect moment.[return]Basically, with this book, we learn a lot more about the culture of the Vong, and we explore how the Jedi are affecting the Vong. I'm always hesitant when sci-fi stories feature 'warrior cultures', so it's good to see that they have a more varied culture than that (because let's be honest, a culture devoted entirely to warfare would be unsustainable, and would also never develop proper spaceflight technology, as well). The only downside to this book, I would say, is that the Vong biotechnology is a little too deus ex machina - it seems that they can grow whatever they need, whenever they need it, and that reduces some of the tension from the story.
What do You think about Conquest (Edge Of Victory, #1) (2001)?
My favorite book in the NJO series so far! This is the first novel by Keyes which I have read. And I shall say this: he gets Star Wars. And he gets the mind of Anakin Solo. I think this book also gets my respect because Keyes tied into the unfolding drama the stories of the Junior Jedi Knights young readers books. By themselves the 6 JJK books offer the first view of Anakin (and Jedi student and friend Tahiri) as main character and protagonist. Edge of Victory I: Conquest springboards off their brief adventures as kids and, although they're still youth, tells their story from a mature point of view for a more mature audience. The result, for thise readers who read JJK series, is a better story in this book, because Conquest builds off the friendship they developed in their youth.As for the story itself, the revelation that sets this book apart from the rest of he series is the revelation Anakin makes of the relationship between the Force and the Yuuzhan Vong, which gives him better insight into the galaxy-invading aliens, but also into himself. Primarily set on the beloved moon of Yavin IV and the Jedi Academy first seen in Anderson's Jedi Academy trilogy and featured in the Young and Junior Jedi Knights series, the invasion plot thickens as Jedi are hunted and collected for experimentation as the Vong try to understand their primary enemy. Brief appearances by some of the other Jedi in Luke's rebuilt order, such as Dorsk 82, Kam Solusar and Tionne, as well as Zahn's favorite family, the Horns, and a smattering of smuggler involvement, make this a perfect blend of familiar faces and plot advancement. I'm enjoying the journey despite its recent relegation to "Legends" status and looking forward to he next installment!
—Bernard
This entry in the New Jedi Order series focuses on Anakin Solo. Like his namesake, young Anakin is strong in the force, but is sometimes a bit headstrong. Against his uncle's wishes, Anakin goes to Yavin 4 to save the members of the Jedi Praxeum from imminent invasion by the Yuuzhan Vong. He partially succeeds, but refuses to leave behind the few who are unable to escape, including his best friend, Tahiri Veila. Veila is captured by the Vong, and Anakin, joined by an unlikely ally, makes his way deep into Vong territory to save his friend.Lots of action, intensity, and insight into the ways of the Yuuzhan Vong keep this lively novel moving at a brisk pace. Hopefully, part 2 (Edge of Victory: Rebirth) will be just as good.
—William
Another novel in the New Jedi Order. This time Anakin is attempting to save young Jedi from the Yuuzhan Vong. I enjoyed that this book concentrated on Anakin and it did have a Star Wars feeling to it. It never really captured me though. I think the reason for this is that Anakin's adventure was too quickly paced. I would have liked more adversity or the exploration of his relationship with his companion on the rescue mission. I did enjoy the ending and I could picture it being an ending in a movie. This book did move the plot along with the whole series so if you are reading this series, read this book.
—Jim C
