Award-winning author Kristine Kathryn Rusch brings her remarkable talents to the <i>Star Wars(r)</i> universe, where the New Republic faces sudden and total annihilation....<br><br>Somewhere in the galaxy, millions suddenly perish--a disruption of the Force so shocking it is felt by Luke at his Jedi academy and by Leia on Coruscant.  While Leia must deal with an assassination attempt, a rumored plot against the New Republic, and allegations that Han Solo is involved, Luke seeks out a former Jedi student who may hold the key to the mass destruction.  But Brakiss is only the bait in a deadly trap set by a master of the dark side who is determined to rule as emperor.  He's targeted Luke, Leia, and Leia's Jedi children to die.  Then billions will follow, in a holocaust unequaled in galactic history.