The Hutt Gambit (Star Wars: The Han Solo Trilogy, Vol. 2)

Rating:
Summary: Great Follow-Up To The Paradise Snare
Review: The Hutt Gambit begins a short period after The Paradise Snare ends. The book opens with a very drunk Han Solo seated in a tap-cafe with a furry alien creature as he mulls over his unfortunate past. Joining the Imperial Academy had been one of the most important events of his life. Receiving his first commission had made him proud. But watching the Imperials and the cruelties dealt their alien slaves proved to be more than Han could stomach. He was drummed out of the Imperial Navy for rescuing one such slave - the Wookie seated next to him known as Chewbacca, who, as payback for the rescue has sworn a life debt to Solo. At first Han considers this annoying, but then he realizes how advantageous it is to have a Wookie around - especially when you have a price on your head. Han's former employer, a t'landa Til, has not taken kindly to being robbed and played the fool by Han Solo and has offered a considerable bounty for Han. While dodging bounty hunters, Han and Chewie become partners, trying to push their way into the smuggling trade and eventually applying for work with the Desilijic, a Hutt-run syndicate. But, when the Hutt's homeworld comes under the notice of a greedy Imperial Moff, Han and his smuggler friends must think fast and devise a plan to save their world.
This book has something for everyone: a peek into Han's past, plenty of action - including some dogfights, some romance, and appearances by favorites like Lando Calrissian, Boba Fett, Jabba the Hutt, Durga the Hutt, Darth Vader, and more! The book is a quick read and thoroughly enjoyable for any Star Wars fan. This book deals heavily with Han's involvement with the Hutts, giving us clues as to how past encounters may have affected Jabba's dealings with Han in A New Hope and Return of the Jedi. We also gain some insight into the Hutt world. most notably Jabba - I now know why Jabba was so fearful of being poisoned. Fast-paced and action-filled, it's a terrific follow-up to The Paradise Snare! I can't wait to read the final installment in the trilogy: Rebel Dawn!