First off let me say that this book isn't as bad as everyone seems to think it is. Interesting, well written and a good, fast read, I gave it four stars only because I didn't like it quite as much as the first, 'Before the Storm'. I liked the character of Akanah and her interaction with Luke. Of all the woman they've invented in the novels as companions for Luke(Callista, Gariel, etc.) I found her to be among the most well drawn and fleshed out. Lando's story is fascinating and I really feel Lobot coming to the forefront in this one. As Lando himself says early in the novel, "Lobot, you have unexpected depth." Leia's story is by far the most interesting. She continues to be the best characterization of the Princess I've ever seen in the novels, and she really gets a chance to show her strength in the political forum. Now to address the issue of the book being divided into the three sections. This seems to unnecessarily upset people. To me, it allowed me to focus on one story at a time, and of the three sections, I read two in the same sittings I started them. Overall, a good follow-up to a great book.