The New Jedi Order: Dark Tide II: Ruin by: Michael A. Stackpole

Summary:   The alien Yuuzhan Vong have launched an attack on the worlds of the Outer Rim. They are merciless, without regard for life--and they stand utterly outside the Force. Their ever-changing tatics stump the New Republic military. Even the Jedi, once the greatest guardians of peace in the galaxy, are rendered helpless by this impervious foe--and their solidarity has begun to unravel. While Luke struggles to keep the Jedi together, Knights Jacen Solo and Corran Horn set off on a reconnasaince mission to the planet Garqi, an occupied world. There, at last, they uncover a secret that might be used to undermine the enemy -- if only they can stay alive long enough to use it. Review: Good:  The duel between Corran Horn and Shedao Shai. A very nice battle, IMO. And one of the first serious fights in all of the NJO series. I liked the mission to Garqi, the discovery of the Bafforr trees pollen causing an allergic reaction in the Vonduun Crab Armor. That was kinda funny while still being a good addition to the plot. And I loved the whole thing with the purification before the Jedi could set foot on Ithor's surface. How they all had to give up something. Luke, Kyp, and Jacen all made excellent choices. Bad:  Not much to complain about really... Not exactly the BEST NJO novel but good none-the-less. SPOILERS: I was saddened to see Elegos die. I really liked him. He was a good guy. And Ithor... a shame to see such a wonderful planet made sterile by Yuuzhan Vong creatures. And I cheered when Corran killed Shai! Back to the New Jedi Order Era. Back to Star Wars Eras.