By: Timothy Zahn Publisher: Del Rey Average Rating: Binding: Mass Market Paperback Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 480 Publication Date: December 28, 2004 Release Date: December 28, 2004 Studio: Del Rey
Product Description: Sometimes it seems a Jedi’s work is never done and Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker know this only too well. Despite the bond they share in the Force, after three years of marriage the Jedi Master and his wife are still learning the ropes of being a couple—and struggling to find time together between the constant demands of duty. But all that will change when they’re united on an unexpected mission—and must pool their exceptional skills to combat an insidious enemy . . . and salvage a part of Jedi history.
It begins with a message from a surprising source: Nirauan, the planet where Thrawn, dangerous disciple of Emperor Palpatine, once held sway . . . and from which Luke and Mara barely escaped with their lives. The message itself is shocking. After fifty years, the remains of Outbound Flight—a pioneering Jedi expedition viciously destroyed by Thrawn—have been found on Nirauan. Now, the fiercely honor-bound aliens who reside there wish to turn over the remnants of the doomed mission to the New Republic. Accepting the gesture will mean a long voyage into the treacherous cluster of stars where the thousands of souls aboard the Outbound Flight vessel met their grim fate. But it may also mean something more . . . something that has stirred an inexplicable sense of foreboding in Mara.
Whatever may await, the Skywalkers will not face it alone. Joining them on the strange and solemn journey are an officer of the post-Palpatine Empire, escorted by a detachment of Imperial stormtroopers; a party of diplomats from a gentle alien species that reveres the fallen Jedi for saving them from bloodthirsty conquerors; and a New Republic ambassador who harbors his own mysterious agenda.
Soon enough, suspicion, secrecy, and an unknown saboteur run rampant aboard the isolated ship. But it is within the derelict walls of Outbound Flight itself, buried for half a century on a desolate planetoid, where the gravest danger lies. As the marooned hulk yields up stunning revelations and unexpected terrors to its visitors, Luke and Mara find all they stand for—and their very existence—brutally challenged. And the ultimate test will be surviving the deathtrap carefully laid by foes who are legendary for their ruthlessness . . . and determined to complete the job Thrawn began: exterminating the Jedi.
Can't go wrong with Timothy Zahn ^ I have yet to be disappointed by any of his books. Although some are not as spectacular as The Hand Of Thrawn series, overall he is an incredible author. I did not realize how much so, until I read some recommended books by some other Star Wars universe authors. Interesting book that follows Mara and Luke, two characters that are always entertaining.
Simply Stated, Read this book and its prequel. ^ Others have commented on the story, so I will simply state that this is a great book that further develops the characters introduced in the prior Zahn Star Wars stories. I loved it. And some of the questions this leaves unanswered are addressed in Outbound Flight. Read both, but read this first as this was written first and you will appreciate Luke and Mara's mindset better in Survivor's Quest if you are also learning as they are.
Wow! ^ This book is more than amazing. As can always be expected from Timothy Zahn, this is an wonderful Expanded Universe novel. If you don't own this book get it now! I have read 50+ Star Wars novels and this one remains my very favorite! It acts as a sequel to Outbound Flight although the two happen over thirty years apart. It follows Luke Skywalker and his wife Mara Jade Skywalker on their search for the remains of the lost Outbound Flight project. The book takes many unexpected turns and will keep you guessing. I would recommend reading Outbound Flight (Timothy Zahn) before this to make for a great duo.
Very entertaining... ^ but not for every fan it seems. If you're expecting a Star Wars story to focus on the original characters from the movies, you might be disappointed. Luke is the only one in this book. But since I like the way Zahn writes Luke & Mara, I didn't really miss Han, Leia, Chewie, Lando, or the droids that much.
The story starts off a little slow at first, but that's ok: it is a mystery after all (that happens to take place in the Star Wars universe). It's hard to gather clues at a 108 mph.
At least one of the jedi solutions was kind of silly, but not enough to kill the story. It does bug me that he doesn't seem to want a certain character of his to stay dead. Either bring him back or forget him.
So overall, a very enjoyable read. I would recommend it to Luke & Mara fans.
Best SW book since ages! ^ Survivor's quest takes place about 3 years after the Thrawn duology, which unfortunately was Zahn's worst work to date. Still, knowing the excellent Thrawn trilogy (which started ALL the flow of new Star Wars books), I decided to give this novel a chance.
I'm no native English speaker, but I read this book in just 2 days, because it was extremely thrilling, high-paced and action packed. The fact that Mara + Luke joined forces with Stormtroopers of the "Empire of the Hand" and the blue skinned Chiss made it even more interesting to me, as these are organizations you want to learn more of.
Another plus in Survivors Quest is that it focusses mostly on Mara+Luke and the Stormtrooper squad - so you're not constantly switching between 8 different side stories (as in the Thrawn duology), but always stay in the center of the plot. There are some minor flaws (like Luke n Mara allowing an imposter to join them or the troopers seeming a bit too unvulnerable; or who are the trapped Jedi?), but that doesn't really change the overall quality of this book.
In short - a great, entertaining read, not only for die-hard SW fans. Hint: read the short story "Fools bargain" at the end of the book first to get a better look on the stormtrooper squad.
I seriously hope Zahn will let us know more about The Empire Of The Hand and the Chiss soon. And please - no return of a cloned Thrawn, as indicated slightly on the end of the book. "Dark Empire" was bad enough ;)
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