Action and thrill combined with science fiction. Perfect.

Yet again Timothy Zahn does the Star Wars Universe justice.

Zahn strikes again. Fantastic novel.

Mara Jade, greatest Star Wars character ever, I think

Timothy Zahn’s Survivors Quest, originally published in 2004, joins his books revolving around the Chiss and make up a good chunk of what’s been included in The Essential Legends Collection up to this point. Survivor’s Quest—and its prequel-like counterpart Outbound Flight—make great inclusions as they fill in and expand upon the Heir to the Empire trilogy.

Survivor’s Quest takes place 22 years after the Battle of Yavin with Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade married and struggling to spend quality time together as spouses between all of their Jedi and New Republic responsibilities. They receive a message which catapults them on a mission to uncover the mysteries of the remains of the Outbound Flight project. The Skywalkers become entangled in a web of political intrigue, betrayal, and ancient secrets. As they journey through the unknown regions of the galaxy, they must confront their own pasts and work together to decipher the enigmatic history of the Chiss and take down a new threat.

Timothy Zahn is the master of setting up and slowly unveiling a story filled with intrigue and mystery. It’s a different experience diving into a Zahn novel without the Grand Admiral himself being present, but Survivor’s Quest does a fine job of keeping his spirit alive and still telling a fun standalone story. The Essential Legends Collection has been my first foray into non-canon material; I’ve had the benefit of reading the books as they’ve been published, and I have to say that it’s been hugely beneficial from a reader’s perspective. There’s always the discussion around the “correct” reading order and if my vote counts for anything I think reading the Heir to the Empire trilogy first, then Outbound Flight then Survivor’s Quest makes for a very well-rounded experience. As a standalone novel, Survivor’s Quest just won’t pack the narrative punch if those four books haven’t been read; in fact, I’d argue the book suffers without them.

The skills Zahn brings to all of his Star Wars novels are in Survivor’s Quest too: a mysterious plot with twists, turns, and tactical battles. Where Zahn falls slightly short in this book is the relationship between Luke and Mara Skywalker. I think this is an issue of an author whose forte isn’t romance; there simply isn’t any spark between this couple, and I found myself oftentimes bored with their back and forths. Their scenes too often fall victim to exposition; I can’t imagine a newly married couple frequently talking about work as much as the pair of them do. I wish Zahn could have implemented some more diverse ways to unveil the mysteries and tactics of the main story and let the Skywalkers have a little more fun.

Criticism aside, Survivor’s Quest does a fine job of rounding out Zahn’s other Thrawn/Chiss-centric works while telling an engaging story of its own. The Essential Legends Collection edition once again impresses with new cover art by Orlando Arocena.