Star Wars: Outbound Flight, by Timothy Zahn

The story of this book takes place about five years after the events of Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. One main plot line of the book focuses on Jedi Master Jorus C'baoth's desire to launch the Outbound Flight Project into the unknown regions of space. The other main plot line reveals the life of one of my favorite characters, Thrawn. These plot lines cross in a most unexpected conflict. The Outbound Flight Project had barely begun when it was intercepted by Thrawn, a warlord mastermind of an alien species unknown to the Republic.

I must say that I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I have read it twice--as of this writing. Chances are, I will read it again. What I liked most about this book isn't the main plot line concerning the Outbound Flight Project, but the story of Thrawn. Don't get me wrong, the main plot line is still very good. Ever since reading the Thrawn Trilogy books, I have been fascinated with the character. Outbound Flight gives a great story about Thrawn before he's even known to the Republic. It wouldn't be a bad idea to read this book before reading the Thrawn Trilogy, as it introduces two of the main characters of those stories.

If you're looking for a good Star Wars book to read, consider this my recommendation for Star Wars: Outbound Flight, by Timothy Zahn.