Fate of the Jedi: Conviction - Book Review

“Daala had taken another self-destructive, citizen-enflaming step, one that the historical archives would, in their jaded wisdom, agree spelled the Chief of State’s doom.”

Aaron Allston refocuses the central story of the Fate of the Jedi back to politics in his final addition to the series. While the previous six novels were undoubtedly focused on the story of Ben and Luke Skywalker on their travels and discovery of Abeloth, Conviction returns the focus to the political chaos and infighting that has befallen Coruscant under the contested rule of Natasi Daala. The shift in focus is warranted as it was clear in the previous novels that Daala’s government had to be stopped in order for the Jedi to effectively launch a defensive against an even greater threat—Abeloth and the Lost Tribe. However, one can argue that despite its necessity the shift in focus makes for a slower and less captivating read than some of the previous books.

Regardless of your inclination towards politics and power struggles within the galaxy, Conviction remains worthy of praise as it beautifully pays tribute to both characters and stories from previous Legends novels. One of the most exciting aspects of Fate of the Jedi so far has been how the stories revisit planets, individuals, and past conflicts of previous tales. This allows longtime fans to see the full scope of Luke’s character growth, while also making room for the new generation of characters. Allston returns readers to the planet of Nam Chorios as Luke, Ben, and Vestara continue to track Abeloth. This planet first appeared in the much critiqued Planet of Twilight by Barbara Hambly. Not only is Luke able to share aspects of his past with his son, he must come to terms with painful memories of this place and a particular lost Jedi. Luke’s memories are especially poignant considering the revelations surrounding Abeloth in the previous two novels.

As the series progresses, one of the most interesting and complex characters is Vestara Khai. Afterall, who doesn’t love a darksider who begins to feel the pull of the light? Star Wars, from its inception, has been about the constant struggle between the two sides of the Force. Allston reveals a different side of Vestara as she writes a series of letters to her father. Presumably, these letters are meant for her eyes only as there appears to be no intent to send them to Gavar Khai. Within them Vestara reflects on her relationship with her father in contrast to the relationship between Ben and Luke. Recognizing that although Gavar loves her in his own Sith-fashion, there is a certain element to the relaxed and often comedic relationship between the two Jedi that appeals to her. As the novel concludes, the arc of Vestara Khai is the one that intrigues me the most. I cannot wait to see how her character is further explored in the remaining two novels as she, like any good Sith, is consistently unpredictable.

Another female character arc and subplot that has been present throughout the series is that of Tahiri Veila, former Jedi Knight and later Sith apprentice to Jacen Solo—now on trial for the murder of Gilad Pelaeon. Allston does an excellent job of weaving this thread into the larger story of Fate of the Jedi. Until this point Tahiri’s storyline, although well written, lacked sufficient relevance to the overall plot. Although the final intent is still unclear, Allston has utilized Tahiri’s character as means to explore and expose the pettiness of Admiral Daala. Despite the disappearance of both women, something tells me we have not seen the last of these two!

Conviction is ripe with action sequences, most of which will have significant implications for the remainder of the series. However, a major drawback exists in the novel’s synopsis as presented on the back cover. One of the most prevalent gripes regarding this novel, that I was acutely aware of, was the fact that the outcome of many of the major conflicts within Conviction were revealed. As a reader coming into a new book or series, I expect the summary on the back cover to reveal the bare minimum, enticing readers with vague allusions to some of the highlights of the story. I strongly advise readers to forgo reading the back cover on this particular novel if you want to avoid any major spoilers.

Fate of the Jedi can best be described as a celebration of the Legends timeline as writers incorporate and explore some of the tales that first appeared in the expanded universe. Conviction gives readers a second opportunity to delve into Nam Chorios, one of the most interesting planets in the galaxy. Ancient Jedi, Theran Listeners, life-energy draining parasites, and a deadly plague await readers as Aaron Allston reminds us once again why he is one of the most popular writers in the Star Wars universe.