Well, I've read all the Jedi Apprentice books, and I will have to agree with anyone that says that this book is, if not THE best, amongst the best. For the first time in 8 books I felt that our to heroes were beginning to connect with each other...and boy was THAT a relief! My only criticism is on the characters themselves. "Den" reminded me too much of "Guerra"...replacing "Not so, I lie!" with "Kill me if..!". That, and it seems that all the alien species in this galaxy resemble, or are humans! What happened to the endless luxury and array of alien species, and other life forms so typical to the "Satr Wars" galaxy? While I enjoy and support the on-going theme of adding women in the "Star Wars" universe, the idea is beginning to wear itself thin. I would prefer that the women be randomly inserted in the plot than have them constantly in important and\or high statures with high morals (See Bant, Andra, Queen Veda...ect.). They also seem to have more capabilities than most of the other characters. It's not that very realistic. (And trust me...I am female, and I would prefer a slight "tone down" on the subject.) Other than that, I thought the book was very good. But I would like to comfort all those who think Xanatos won't be back. Xanatos is to Qui-gon, what Anakin was to Obi-wan. If Darth Vader can crawl out of a volcanic pit and live, Xanatos will find a way to come back (Which reminds me...weren't those incident similar or what?). Besides, if we knew he managed to get away, how big would be the "shock" when he came back? >;} Aside form that, I would have liked more father-son bonding on Qui-gon's and Obi-wan's behalf...but trust me, if you buy this book, you will enjoy it thoroughly.