In the war against the ruthless Yuuzhan Vong the fall of Coruscant leaves the New Republic divided by internal strife & on the verge of bowing to conquest. But those who steadfastly refuse to consider surrender-Luke Skywalker Han Solo Leia Organa Solo & their children & comrades-in-arms-are determined to seize victory against overwhelming odds. & now finally there are signs that the tide may be turning in the New Republic's favor. After capturing crucial Yuuzhan Vong intelligence Jedi fighter-pilot Jaina Solo prepares to lead a daring surprise strike against an enemy flagship. Meanwhile Jaina's brother Jacen-liberated from the hands of the enemy & newly schooled in an even greater mastery of the Force by the Jedi Knight Vergere-is eagerly poised to bring his unique skills to bear against the invaders. & on Mon Calamari the New Republic's provisional capital the retired ailing hero Admiral Ackbar has conceived a major tactical plan that could spell the beginning of a swift end for the Yuuzhan Vong. Yet even as opposing squadrons face off in the depths of space intrigue runs rampant: in the heated political race for Chief of State.. .in the shadows where Yuuzhan Vong spies plot assassinations... and in the inscrutable creature Vergere a Jedi Knight whose allegiance is impossible to predict. & as Luke Skywalker sets about reestablishing the Jedi Council the growing faction opposed to the ways of the Force unveil a terrifying weapon designed to annihilate the Yuuzhan Vong species. But in doing so they may be dooming the New Republic to becoming the very thing it has sworn to fight against-and unleashing the power of the dark side.