Review by Frank Plowright

The political situation in the universe has mutated considerably since the Legacy series began. The Sith remain in control of the Empire, but their allies are becoming ever less compliant. The Galactic Alliance fleet commanded by Gar Stazi are now allied with deposed Emperor Roan Fel, while the Jedi in turn, after the events of Vector, are now also considering approaching Stazi. Co-plotters John Ostrander and Jan Duursema, the latter also responsible for the great action art, have been shuffling these organisations and their constituent portions across their chessboard in masterful and compelling fashion, and that continues here.

Tatooine revealed a secret about Moff Nyna Calixte, embittered her daughter, and saw her partner Morlish Veed promoted to Grand Moff and Regent of the Empire. It would seem he’s going to strike his own path, and she in turn fears for the future, leading to some decisive action.

The monster of the title is technically the creature that perverted the restoration of vegetation to Wayland, which remained the greatest failure of Cade Skywalker’s father Col, but there are other candidates. A return to Wayland opens the wounds of the past, but also reveals the odd relationship between Cade’s parents. And all evidence to the contrary it appears some survived on Wayland despite the deadly vegetation.

Cade Skywalker has been the focus for much of the series, his exploits have dominated the interest, and he undergoes some significant moments here. For he first time in Monster, though, it’s the tensions of the bigger picture that are of greatest concern. They’re reflected in microcosm in what Cade experiences, but events set in motion here look to have only conclusion.

Before all that there’s an engaging chapter written by Ostrander alone and well illustrated by Dave Ross investigating the possible vulnerability of Stazi’s forces if he’s removed from the equation.

The entire contents of this book are also reprinted in the hardback Star Wars Legacy volume three. This series continues with Extremes.