The Final Prophecy

Greg Keyes, 305 pp.

The penultimate novel in Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, The Final Prophecy moves along at a fast clip, ever closer to the imminent resolution of the series. In a quote by the author in the most recent issue of the Star Wars Insider, Keyes states how he likes to “move the plot along – I don’t linger.” He certainly succeeds. In The Final Prophecy, he manages to tell a two-pronged story without the constant disconcerting venue changes; translation between locales is smooth and natural (and not overly frequent), and things never bog down.

The Yuuzhan Vong shaper Nen Yim secretly analyzes a captured Sekotan ship. Convinced it holds the key to her people’s survival - or destruction - and wanting to learn more, she devises a scheme that will take her to Zonama Sekot. This scheme ultimately requires the help of the Prophet Yu’shaa aka Nom Anor, the priest Harrar, and the Jedi team of Corran Horn and Tahiri Veila. Danger and action bring these characters together in a most satisfying way.

Tahiri seems enough in touch with her inner self to understand and quell her instinctual reactions to various provocations, but her maturation in this respect seems almost too quick and easy. She is still learning about her “true” Yuuzhan Vong/human personality, yet she is proficient in identifying the innate Yuuzhan Vong (or human) traits determining these reactions. She has a fascinating conversation with Corran about her status as a Jedi, and an equally thought-provoking exchange with Nen Yim on the relative merits of trying to understand the universe through faith versus science. She also develops a bond with Nen Yim, even before they realize they share more than they ever anticipated. As Corran eventually realizes, Tahiri has grown up.

A most interesting character is Nen Yim. While all three Yuuzhan Vong participants are considered heretics, Nen Yim is the one the others look to for answers, the one privy to Shimraa’s secrets…the one prepared to follow the right path even if it will mean her death at Shimraa's hands. Her ability to share intellectual debates with Tahiri with an open mind distinguishes her from others of her kind, as does her quest for the truth.She is not tainted by the desire for power; she only looks for the verity that will determine the future of her people.She actually becomes likeable, one of the first Yuuzhan Vong characters to strike a chord in me since this series began.

Elsewhere in the universe, Wedge Antilles leads the opening salvo for the retaking of Bilbringi, part of a daring plan that will necessitate precise timing and coordination with the combined fleets participating in the strategy. However, the complete breakdown of communications at this most inopportune time forces Wedge to reassess and improvise, with possibly dire consequences. The not-quite-coincidental appearance of the Millenium Falcon and Wedge’s own ingenuity prevent complete disaster.

Also noted in the Insider, the final New Jedi Order installment, The Unifying Force, was completed before The Final Prophecy, and the Williams/Dix trilogy preceding this novel had not been completed before Keyes began this work.Yet, Keyes has adeptly turned out a gratifying lead-in for the New Jedi Order finale. Given his success in other, non-Star Wars endeavors (most notably, The Briar King), not to mention the Star Wars New Jedi Order:Edge of Victory duology, this is no surpise.

Now, bring on that finale!

The Final Prophecy is now available at most booksellers.