Star Wars: Dark Force Rising
Author: Timothy Zahn
Published May 1992 by Bantam Spectra
Enter… The MacGuffin!!
Book One was introducing the threat of a new leader to the Empire, the dangerous growth of the Imperials taking the initiative and becoming a galactic threat to democracy again as well as introducing us to a fresh cast of villains, bounty hunters, gangsters and aliens.
Book Two introduces a strange legend that is too good to be true, and just what everyone needs. 200 hundred empty, battle ready ships that would change the balance of power to whichever side claimed them first. Referenced as the Dark Force, or The Katana Fleet, the ships are a long rumoured tale of 200 ships that were created by the now defunct Galactic Republic, all with the ability to link and submit control with each other. But on it’s maiden journey the crew contracted a ‘hive virus’ which drove the crew insane, prompting the Fleet Captain to jump the entire fleet into unknown space, lost to the ages.
This is a bit of a deviation from the first book, which had no reference to the Katana Fleet at all and worked more on establishing a dangerous threat for our heroes to fret about. So the introduction of this fleet, brought up by a well established new character from Book One, does come a bit out of nowhere. There are some very relevant plot points that are followed up on here however. The insane self-appointed Jedi Master Joruus C’baoth is still after some fresh Jedi to influence, The Empire’s hold over the assassin alien race, the Noghri, is tentative with Leia Organa Solo able to find an opportunity to influence their loyalty and there is a rat in the New Republic called Delta Source feeding Grand Admiral Thrawn valuable info from within the inner circle.
Similar to the last book, our team of plucky rebels are split up to pursue their own separate missions. Han Solo and Lando chase down a lead that may prove Admiral Ackbar’s innocence after earlier being framed for treason. Their journey has them bounce around the galaxy, seemingly always on the move stumbling onto their next puzzle piece. In contrast, Leia, Chewbacca and C3PO find themselves stranded on an inhospitable alien planet with the Empire breathing down her neck. Luke and R2D2 follow up this new Jedi Master that is on the scene, as Luke aims to continue his training under his guidance. Some characters from Chapter One, smuggler Talon Karrde and Mara Jade, are on the run from the Empire and looking for a safe haven, their stories destined to again intertwine with the fate of the fragile New Republic.
Timothy Zahn feels like he’s really found his groove now, and the story pushes forward effortlessly at a good clip. There is less clunky attempts to describe strange ship components or technical processes. His original characters have a life of their own and are becoming more well-rounded. Our heroes still have that familiarity that is so comfortable to us. He does still use those popular quotes from the movies which is probably supposed to be endearing but can at times feel crowbarred in and cringeworthy.
A year after the first volume hit the shelves and flew off them just as quickly, the second chapter of the trilogy is in our hands. Riding the success of that first new Star Wars content for quite some years, the second book, although one of the more popular books of 1992, didn’t quite reach the spectacular heights of Book One’s sales numbers. In terms of output, there are some criticisms. Some encounters are brief and forgettable. Some characters feel too busy and rudderless, being led rather than solving problems. There was a lack of tension at times, due to the frantic pace of some storylines. It could have benefited by lingering with some characters in one place for a while. Leia’s journey centered around the planet Honoghr, which although desolate, dark and grey and not very appealing to absorb, has her troubles situated in one spot and allows us to live in the moments more with her plight. Other character interactions are fleeting and at times feels like a necessary set up rather than an exciting adventure.
The insight to the Jedi order and the use of the force is minimal. With only 3 films of content and a RPG Sourcebook to work from, Timothy Zahn had only a small sample of what Jedi or the Force could look like at full power, but what we get reads like a backward step. Given Luke’s trajectory in the final film, his use and confidence in his powers I would have expected to be stronger. The original trilogy, I believe, gives more respect to the powers of the Jedi than Zahn does. There is also no mention of the Sith and the handling of the ‘Dark Jedi’ comes across a little clumsy. It was almost like he didn’t want to play with that character anymore but knew he had to give the character Joruus C’baoth some representation.
Like a confident 2nd chapter should, the story leaves an ominous note, foreboding a formidable enemy our heroes must face in the final chapter. The players are coming together and picking sides, the puzzle pieces are falling into place and the odds of success seem to be dwindling quickly. The ‘To Be Continued’ felt very much like the cliffhanger it should.
Evin Bryant 31/01/2024