During this savage civil war, all efforts to end Jacen Solo's tyranny ofthe Galactic Alliance have failed. Now with Jacen approaching the heightof his dark powers, no one-not even the Solos and the Skywalkers-knows ifanything can stop the Sith Lord before his plan to save the galaxy ends updestroying it. Jacen Solo's shadow of influence has threatened many,especially those closest to him. Jaina Solo is determined to bring herbrother in, but in order to track him down, she must first learnunfamiliar skills from a man she finds ruthless, repellent, and dangerous.Meanwhile, Ben Skywalker, still haunted by suspicions that Jacen killed hismother, Mara, decides he must know the truth, even if it costs him hislife. And as Luke Skywalker contemplates once unthinkable strategies todethrone his nephew, the hour of reckoning for those on both sides drawsnear. The galaxy becomes a battlefield where all must face their truenature and darkest secrets, and live-or die-with the consequences.