I love how Zahn writes the OT characters. He fleshes them out so much and shows how they’ve grown and matured since the OT. Luke feels lost and unsure of himself, but is still a compassionate hero. Han is adjusting to life as a husband and future father. I love Leia’s whole mystery plot surrounding the Noghri. I love Mara Jade and Talon Karrde. I like the political intrigue with Fey’lya, though Fey’lya really pissed me off, which seemed to be the intent. I like Joruus C’baoth a lot and think the concept of an embittered “mad Jedi” makes for a great post-RotJ villain. I love Thrawn and Pellaeon’s whole dynamic and relationship, though Thrawn’s genius becomes a little unbelievable at times. I love how the space battles are written in a way that feels like they’re actual battles. And I love how problems in the story are solved through brains and creativity rather than just through brute force.

In terms of tone and plot, it feels like a natural continuation of the OT, though if they had been adapted into movies, they would’ve had to be trimmed down and streamlined a lot.

A really good trilogy. I’d like to reread it soon.