The Center Network

    Mere days following the destruction of the second Death Star, the Rebel Alliance intercepts a distress signal from Bakura, an Imperial occupied planet at the edge of known space. Princess Leia sees this as an opportunity to win over an Imperial planet, but answering the distress signal soon throws the Rebels into a new battle with the reptilian Ssi-ruuk, who pose a major threat to the known galaxy.

    Star Wars: The Truce at Bakura by Kathy Tyers is a fun Star Wars adventure unhindered by the need for previous knowledge of the expanded universe. The book introduces a new villain in the Ssi-ruuk, who power their weapons of war with the life energies of the beings they conquer. The book also introduces a number of other characters, including a brainwashed, force sensitive boy enslaved by Ssi-ruuk, an honourable Imperial officer and a new love interest for Luke who also happens to have religious differences with the Jedi. As a new enemy, the Ssi-ruuk are unique and quality villains who should (and do) make future appearances in the Expanded Universe, but the timing in introducing them is questionable; the Empire is still a major threat to the Rebel Alliance, so there was not much need to introduce a new threat to the entire galaxy. The enslaved boy provides a decent subplot where he attempts to recapture his humanity from his captors as they use his powers to assist in the conquering of his race. The new love interest is not bad for a one-off, but it still is a one-off. This character does, however, give some further character development to Luke, who is having trouble coming to grips with possibly spending the rest of his life alone while eternally struggling to hold back feelings that could lead to the Dark Side. Further character development is also offered in Princess Leia, who cannot bring herself to forgive the actions of her father. The book does slow down in the middle due to the politics being played out between the Rebels, the Imperials and the natives of the planet, but the beginning and ending provide the familiar Star Wars action. A major story it is not, but The Truce At Bakura does provide a satisfactory Star Wars adventure that can be enjoyed by even the newest Expanded Universe initiate.