This makes me feel old as well.

I adored those books when they came out (I was in 6th grade). I don't think they stood the test of time well, as it seems Zahn was more about his own awesome characters than giving our heroes anythng to do other than comment on how awesome Thrawn was, and in the end stand back and be observers as other characters saved the day.

The story was extremly political, it had clone Jedis, LuUke Skywalker and if anyone says the ysalimiri are somehow better than midichlorians I will cyber slap them.

The lizards will block the force to build the clones that the clone Jedi will then mind control to rule the galaxy. The plots a little convoluted and too full of wierd sci-fi concepts for my taste.

And Taalon Carde, the world's most perfect boss and great guy, both LIVES where the magic-lizards are, and just HAPPENS to know where to find the super ghost fleet. One coincidence is a plot point, two pushed my credibility, even for a sci-fi story.