Timothy Zahn returns once again showing how well he can weave stories, characters, and words. Beware of SPOILERS.

As the title hints at, allegiances are the focus of this book. The story starts off with the introduction of five stormtroopers that participate in a military mission that they later regret, and leave the Empire as circumstances force action. Han also really faces the issue of where his allegiance is to, and if he's willing to give it to the Rebellion. And the most look-forward part for me, Mara Jade, also questions this in some ways, but you know that it isn't until much later where circumstances like this had to force her to change, as it did for the stormtroopers.

Zahn does great with the characters and the story by weaving them in great ways. He said before the book was released that Mara and Luke would never meet, and he held true, even though there were numerous moments where I thought, "they're going to meet," and then a new door would open and Mara or Luke would take it. Well done, Zahn, I laughed each time this happened because I really thought they might meet.

Ben Kenobi also makes a couple appearances in the story to help guide Luke. The second time was very comical as Ben tried to instruct Luke, Luke would come up with an excuse, and then Ben would give him the answer (such as the numbers to a computer). Zahn also played with words that made me think of later books, whether intentional or not; at one point, Han thinks that Chewie does the "craziest, most self-sacrificing stunts," which of course makes me think of Chewie's death where he saved Anakin Solo.

It took me awhile to finish this book, mainly because I've been so busy and I did have to finish it before Exhile comes out Tuesday, but it's great so be sure to check it out, along with all of the other ones by Timothy Zahn. Feel free to comment, but you shouldn't since you should be reading this book! lol