The main characters in this novel are Kyp Durron, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa Solo, Han Solo, Exar Kun, and Luke's Jedi students. Kyp Durron has lived a hard life. Although still young, he is very wise in the ways of the galaxies. When he was little, His parents decidied to protest the destruction of Alderaan by the Empire, but this action doomed his whole family to a lifetime of misery. Although he and his family are taken to the famous Glitterstem spice mines on the rocky planet of Kessel, His brother, Zeth, was taken to Caridia to begin training to become a stormtrooper. While on Kessel, he meets Han Solo, by this time wife to the Cheif of state in the New Republic, Leia Organa Solo. Kyp and Han escape Kessel, but are captured by the Evil Admeral Dala and her fleet of Star Destroyers. Meanwhile, Luke Skywalker is training students on Yavin 4 to become the new order of Jedi Knights. When Kyp turns to the Dark Side, and Knocks his spirit from his body, on Han and Leia's children Jacen and Jaina see him.
