The New Jedi Order: Balance Point by: Kathy Tyers

Summary:   Poisoned by centuries of technological excess, the planet Duro is an unlivable hell, long abandoned by it's own inhabitants, who dwell above the world in orbital habitats. But there is no place else to channel the flood of refugees fleeing the murderous Yuuzhan Vong. So a deal is struck: in exchange for a new home, the refugees will work to restore the planet to heatlh, under the watchful eye of Leia Organa Solo. As tempers begin to flare between the Duros and the New Republic, and between groups of refugees, Han Solo, his son Jacen, and the Ryn called Droma arrive to keep the peace. They are unaware that Leia is on Duro . . And that Luke, Mara, and Anakin are on their way, searching for a missing Jedi apprentice. And none realize that the Yuuzhan Vong have chosen this embattled planet as the next target in their brutal coreward thrust. The unrest only strengthens Jacen Solo's growing belief that a true Jedi should not fight but should lead others to peace through a deeper understanding of the Force. Now, as the fragile stability on Duro threatens to collapse into violence, Jacen Solo must face his greatest dilemma: At what point does the use of power become aggression? Whatever he decides, his next step could tip the galaxy's destiny toward the light or toward darkness - with the life of someone he loves hanging in the balance . . . Review: Good:  I personally liked Jacen's whole conflict with the use of the Force. This question has never been asked before. And this novel really gets into that. Jacen's vision early in the novel is very interesting. What exactly does it mean? I have my theory on it. And it seems to me, having read later novels, that this is indeed coming to pass. I liked the bonding going on with Han and Jacen on Duro. The eldest Solo men doing physical work to help convert Duro and make it livable for the refugees. Though I personally hate Viqi Shesh, her betrayal, beginning to show in this novel, is good. She did an effective job of pulling it off, except that Jacen and Jaina are already on to her. And the other surprises are nice too. Bad:  Not much really. Typical issues with Tyers, that being the fact that she doesn't do action to well. The same went for The Truce at Bakura. It was a slow read with little actual fighting and such. But the story was good enough to make up for that some. SPOILERS: Mara's pregnant!! YAY!! Picturing her as a mother is definately an interesting test. And the Duro who choose to betray the Republic... How can these people do that? But it all works out. Back to the New Jedi Order Era. Back to Star Wars Eras.