The first time I read this, I didn't realize it was based on a novel, nor did I realize that the story was supposed to be the second installment of the movie series because they were expecting a TV-movie with a smaller budget. This would have been an interesting direct follow-up to A New Hope, but I'm glad things went the way they did because Empire is such a better second part. This is a fun adventure, however. It was interesting seeing the new dynamic of Luke and Leia on their own, learning to deal with one another while fighting for their lives. It was also interesting to see Luke immediately jump in with a woman who claimed to be a Jedi Master, even though her abilities and morals were questionable from the start; but due to the loss of Ben, still fresh, he was just happy to find a new potential teacher. The Yuzzem were a nice touch, two giant Wookie replacements that Luke could understand because he had practiced their language. I wonder if any one else has written about them. ( )