Fate of the Jedi: Abyss - Book Review

Abyss—the third volume of the Fate of the Jedi series—allows Troy Denning to demonstrate why he is one of the most prolifically published authors in the Star Wars universe. Denning beautifully weaves the existing storylines from the previous two novels together to create an unforgettable tale of adventure, chilling suspense, and political scheming.

Abyss immediately follows the events of the past two novels while bringing to light underlying connections between the various threads. The story really starts to come together under Denning’s experienced hand. The previous novel, Omen, alluded to a connection between the psychological breakdowns of Jedi and the extraordinary Force powers learned by the deceased Jacen Solo. The Skywalkers travel deep inside the Maw Cluster, believing that the secret to both mysteries lies with the cryptic Mind-Drinkers. Denning creates a terrifying and otherworldly experience inside the Maw; unnerving and mind altering interactions are in store for the dynamic Skywalker duo.

“Ben’s gaze swung toward Luke, his face pale and his jaw hanging slack. He raised a hand and pointed out into the darkness between them and the writhing mass of purple light. ‘Bodies,’ he said. ‘Lots and lots of bodies.’”

Similar to the previous novels, the most memorable storyline follows Luke and his son Ben Skywalker. However, Denning ignites a sense of purpose and excitement in all aspects of his novel. On Coruscant, the growing tension between Natasi Daala and the Jedi Order intensifies as she struggles to bend the Order to her will. Meanwhile, Daala privately schemes to bring a secret beskar covered weapon against the Order. Secrets breed more secrets as the political schemes wreak havoc among the Solo family and their soon-to-be son-in-law Jagged Fel. Across the galaxy, power struggles similarly affect the Lost Tribe of the Sith—taking Vestara Khai and her Sith Master on a dangerous journey to an obscure but deadly planet. The Sith face their apparent doom until an unlikely saviour appears in the form of a woman called Abeloth. However, there is more than meets the eye with this particular female. Is she friend or foe? Abeloth’s sudden appearance coupled with the unexplained Jedi illness cannot be a mere coincidence.

Denning’s writing has always been character driven. One of the reasons he has been a part of so many Star Wars writing projects is that he consistently nails the personalities of the central characters, while also creating a detailed yet focused narrative. Abyss follows this formula, allowing Denning to deliver a well received third installment to the series. Unlike other novels in the Fate of the Jedi or the previous Legacy of the Force series there is not a particular character or plot thread that was weaker or less enjoyable to read.

The climax of Abyss peaks as Denning reveals the connection between Vestara Khai’s quest and that of the Skywalkers. While it was obvious early on that there needed to be some mystical explanation for the psychological ailment of young Jedi, I could not have predicted such a dark and terrifying presence at the centre of it all. Denning leaves the reader satisfied with his sprinkling of clues, yet scrambling to connect the dots. Readers won’t want to wait long to sink their teeth into the next installment: Backlash, which returns the literary reins back to Aaron Allston.

Abyss exemplifies the quality of writing that we have come to know and expect from Denning. Readers will fly through this entrancing tale, losing track of time as they take a journey Beyond Shadows, across the Lake of Apparitions, and through the Mists of Forgetfulness in a galaxy far far away.