Finally, the second part of the Dark Templar Saga has arrived and it has - like the prequel book - an absolutely fantastic storyline.
Basically the story of book #2 is about the journey of Jake Ramsey and R.M. Dahl to the planet of Aiur and the events that happen on the devastated Protoss planet. You will get to know more about the protoss history and through this, meet some well known characters from the SC universe. While being on Aiur Jake and Rosemary meet a pack of protoss survivors and join up with them. Very important to note is that the events in this book happen 4 years AFTER the events in Brood War. So Aiur is overrun by the zerg and the rest of the protoss has fled to Shakuras long ago. Two third of the book describe the adventures of Jake and R.M. while the rest is seperated into the story from Valerian Mengsk's and Kerrigan's point of view.
Valerian is actively searching for Jake and tries everything within his power to find him and capture the archeologist - alive. He wants to learn everything that Jake has to offer.
Kerrigan wants to capture Jake aswell, but - of course - for other reasons. She wants to gain advantage from Jake's protoss memories within his brain - so to speak from Zamara - to bring a new power to her rule of the sector.
The story features a few trips into ancient Xel'Naga catacombs as well as some battles against small up to medium sized zerg forces. All of it described in detail and not less interesting to read. The story also develops Jake's feelings towards Rosemary a little deeper and I assume some more is to be content of the third book.
To conclude my summary:
I am still somewhat touched by those final moments at the end of the book, although I won't spoil anything here, I assume that the third part will probably feature some 'old' friends from the PC game as well, though this one here already featured one...or two...depending on what kind of knowledge you have about the SC universe.
These impressions are freshly written down, as I just finished the book and can't await #3 to be published. Also it will serve as a kind of good-to-know background story for the upcoming SC 2 game in late 2008 ( as it is set to be realeased - but who knows, it might be subject to change ).
What I can say however is, that I love this whole story. I read the book within two days. 60 pages on day one, the rest on day two and I don't regret spendin' the money. If you want some more SC stuff to read - here you go and take a deep breath before startin'...