Dark Force Rising by Timothy Zahn

Dark Force Rising is the second volume of Timothy Zahn's Star Wars trilogy. The title refers to a fleet of ships that both the Empire and the New Republic would like to get their hands on.

The Empire, led by Grand Admiral Thrawn (big meany), are on the heels of Han Solo and his band of merry friends as they zip around the galaxy.

Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker visits a mysterious jedi in order to receive more training. But this jedi isn't your typical Yoda or Obi-Wan. Will Luke be seduced to the Dark Side yet?

And Leia finds out that she has some interesting body guards that are connected to her through her father, Darth Vader.

Book two in any trilogy have the trouble of bridging great intros and, hopefully, exciting climaxes. Dark Force Rising (along with this trilogy so far) hasn't given me any excitement for Star Wars other than it deals with the characters I loved as a kid.

One thing I really don't like about these books is how Zahn takes lines from the movies and has the characters repeat them over and over again as if we'll enjoy the book more because we recognize and remember the films. "Bah" to you Zahn! You've yet to give me hope.