Star Wars: Choices of One by Timothy Zahn

Author Timothy Zahn is the Godfather for authors and readers alike when it comes to Star Wars fandom. Heir to the Empire, the first volume in the Thrawn Trilogy, was released back in 1991, reaching the New York Times bestseller list. Fans of the movies were drawn to the continued stories of the heroic characters. This written series breathed new life into the Star Wars franchise in a way that no one could have foreseen. Not only were we, the audience, along for another adventure with Luke, Leia, Han and Chewbacca, but it became apparent that the possibilities for new species, planets, and technology were endless in this new Expanded Universe. Zahn has since gone on to write many more Star Wars novels and graphic novels, as well as a whole slew of non-Star Wars novels.

One of the new characters Zahn introduces in the Thrawn Trilogy is Mara Jade, also known as “The Emperor’s Hand”; a woman strong in the Force, and a secret pupil of the Emperor. From the first moment we meet Mara Jade, we can feel her deep loathing for Luke Skywalker: a combination of deep loss and passionate hatred that will drive her to the brink of insanity. As is typical of books in the Star Wars EU, the stories fit into, between, and simultaneously with previously released works. So while Zahn’s Thrawn Trilogy takes place five years after The Return of the Jedi movie, his novel Choices of One takes place prior to the movie The Empire Strikes Back, back before Mara Jade even knew who Luke Skywalker was.  In fact, we are provided an interesting insight into how the rebels are equipped to establish their base on the ice planet of Hoth.

Zahn has overpacked Choices of One with action and battles, cleverly tied in multiple familiar characters from other books, and introduced a rather flat and uninteresting villain. Still, in Choices of One we get a better understanding of Mara Jade’s character and position within the Empire. She has earned the title of The Emperor’s Hand by executing precise assignments of imperial justice given to her directly by Emperor Palpatine. On this assignment, Mara Jade has been tasked with bringing an Imperial Governor to justice because of suspicions that he has been dealing with the Rebel Alliance. As Emperor’s Hand, she must investigate, judge and execute as evidence presents itself. In Choices of One, the evidence isn’t quite what it seems on the outside.

“The choices of one shape the future of all” is a well known Jedi saying within the Star Wars universe, and is obviously the inspiration for the title of the book. I didn’t have an “AH HA” moment while reading the book; it took some later contemplation to see who the “One ” is and what “Choices” were made.

See larger image Star Wars: Choices of One (Star Wars - Legends) (Mass Market Paperback) By (author): Timothy Zahn NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER   From #1 New York Times bestselling author Timothy Zahn comes an exciting Star Wars adventure, set in the time between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back—featuring Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa, as well as the deadly Mara Jade.   Eight months after the Battle of Yavin, the Rebellion is in desperate need of a new base. So when Governor Ferrouz of Candoras Sector proposes an alliance, offering sanctuary for the Rebels in exchange for protection against a warlord intent on invasion, Luke, Leia, Han, and Chewbacca are sent to evaluate the deal. But Mara Jade, the Emperor’s Hand, is also heading for Candoras, along with five renegade stormtroopers known as the Hand of Judgment. Their mission: to punish Ferrouz’s treason and smash the Rebels.   In this treacherous game of betrayals within betrayals, a wild card is waiting to be played. List Price: $7.99 USD New From: $3.93 USD In Stock Used from: $1.24 USD In Stock