Tom Veitch (1951–2022)

This short story (only 50-something pages long) is about the rise of Dark Force cultists on Onderon with goal of restoring the overthrown royal family of city of Iziz.

Master Arca and his apprentices, brothers Ulic and Cay Qel-Droma and Twi'lek Tott Doneeta will soon find out that demise of the old witch-queen of Iziz did not end the influence of the Freedon Nadd, Dark Jedi from the times forgotten, on the planet Onderon.

I liked how cultists were portrayed - organized militia like troops led by Dark Force adepts. Images of them clashing with the Jedi's are very much like conflicts between Chaos cultists and Adaptes Custodes of Warhammer 40k Universe. Just like in W40K universe characters are truly legendary figures, strong beyond belief and wielding great powers.

Dark side's effect on the Jedi's shows that in old times Dark Jedi's were truly force to be reckoned with. I liked how corruptive effect shows on exhausted faces of master Arca's force as they fight the cultists and seek the source of the Freedon Nadd's influence.

Art here is your standard action comics style from the 90's. It might not be every-bodies cup of tea, sure took me a while to adjust but in the end I liked it.

Highly recommended to fans of Star Wars and SF/Fantasy.… (meer)

After initial portrayal of war between Sith and Republic this book skips few centuries and introduces us to two major Jedi characters that will carry the story arc in follow up volumes.

First is Nomi Sunrider. Married to reknown Jedi knight she is aware if her force ralents but does not want to train as a Jedi because she does not like violence. All of this will change when great tragedy strikes at her family and she finds herself fighting the notorious Hutt crime cartel.

Second is Ulic Qel-Droma, Jedi knight under training of master Arca of Arkania. Strong headed and reckless he will be sent, leading other Arca's apprentices, to help government of distant planet of Onderon defeat the Beast Riders rebellion. But here they will come across great threat that will test them as both Jedi's and persons.

Art is again mix. First part is truly wonderfully drawn - there are beautiful action sequences with great beasts of Onderon - and then last acts are more in vein of quickly drawn action comics - at some point you wont be able to recognize the characters introduced in the first part of the book.

Nevertheless book still has that feeling of technology and magic mix that gives Tales of the Jedi that unique signature.

Recommended to fans of Star Wars and SF/Fantasy in general.… (meer)