A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

The young adult adventure series, set shortly after the event of The Return of the Jedi continues with The Lost City of the Jedi. Like the first story in the series, there’s a bit of an environmental theme at work, even as Trioculus seeks the dark blessing of the Dark Side prophets, in his move to become the new emperor. He has the glove of Vader, and claims to be the son of Palpatine (he’s not).

Han Solo, and Chewbacca, last seen on Bespin working on a house design (a secret they’re keeping from Leia) escort Luke, Threepio and Artoo back to the rebel base on Yavin 4 after Luke’s y-wing is destroyed by an Imperial bomb.

Once there, Luke feels drawn by the Force, and guided by dreams to discover a young boy, Ken (what a horrible name for a Star Wars character) who may be able to lead him to The Lost City of the Jedi, an underground realm created by the jedi under the surface of Yavin 4, which holds the history of the galaxy, and houses countless jedi secrets.

Ken has been raised there alone, with nothing but droids to keep him company and raise him. The young twelve year old wants to see the topworld, and seek out adventure, perhaps with the alliance.

The Dark Side prophets confirm Trioculus’ claim (who has stated to develop a bit of a thing for Leia), but warns him that there is a threat to his rule, someone from the Jedi City.

As events and characters converge on Yavin 4, the glove begins to have a deteriorating effect on Trioculus, and he must capture a Ho-Din doctor who is doing research and gathering on Yavin 4, and just happens to have befriended Ken when he sneaks to the surface.

Luke, Chewbacca and Han are able to save the kid, and Yavin 4, which has had its jungles set ablaze by the Imperial forces seeking a way into the Lost City. And by the story’s end, it seems Luke may have a padawan, though it’s unclear whether Ken has any Force abilities.

I got a chuckle that there is a character mentioned, one who supposedly died in the battle of Endor, and was a pilot… named Snoke (!).

It’s a quick, short story, very much aimed at young readers who want to see themselves in a Star Wars adventure, but there are some fun moments in the tale, though too many droids, and the rhyming Ho-Din needs to go.

There’s a few more instalments in what is known as the Jedi Prince story before I dive into final part of the original Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn. Until then, may the Force be with you…