Young Jedi Knights: Jedi Under Siege

For the young Jedi Knights, the moment of truth has arrived. The Shadow Academy, accompanied by its legion of Dark Jedi and Imperial stormtroopers, looms menacingly over Yavin 4. Following a destructive commando assault that cripples the Jedi academy's shield generator, the only recourse is direct confrontation.

Jacen and Jaina, together with Luke Skywalker and their comrades, are compelled to place their faith in the Force as they engage in combat with their dedicated adversaries: the Dark Jedi Zekk, his mentor Brakiss, and the repugnant Nightsister Tamith Kai. Success promises a new era of Jedi reaching maturity. Failure signifies an all-encompassing veil of darkness descending upon the entire galaxy.

A scout trooper aligned with the Empire sabotages the Jedi Academy's shield generator, rendering Yavin 4 susceptible to an immediate assault. Now wielding their own lightsabers and considered fully trained Jedi, the young Jedi Knights swiftly unite to neutralize the approaching danger. Following a briefing by Luke to all his students regarding the impending battle, the twins separate to address the generator's repair and to solicit assistance.

As Jacen and Peckhum, a close friend of Zekk, launch into space to transmit a plea for help, they find themselves pursued by TIE fighters piloted by Zekk's former allies. After successfully dispatching a distress signal, Jacen and Peckhum descend back into Yavin 4's atmosphere, on the verge of being destroyed by TIEs. Qorl, an Imperial pilot, intervenes to save them. Meanwhile, Lowie and Tenel Ka launch an assault on the landing platform facilitating the deployment of Dark Jedi into Yavin 4's jungles. Eventually, Tenel Ka locates her rival, Tamith Kai, and engages her in a furious lightsaber duel. Shortly thereafter, the platform detonates, resulting in the escape of Lowie and Tenel Ka, but the demise of Tamith Kai.

Jaina, tasked with repairing the shield generator, encounters Zekk, her former friend who has embraced the Dark Jedi path. Ultimately, Zekk safeguards the Jedi by preventing their return to the Academy, which is subsequently destroyed by a bomb planted within the main audience chamber. Luke endeavors to persuade his former apprentice, Brakiss, to return to the light side, leading to a lightsaber confrontation. Luke emerges victorious, causing Brakiss to retreat to the Shadow Academy. However, as Jedi reinforcements arrive, spearheaded by Lando Calrissian and his GemDiver Station, the Emperor's guardsmen, who have been perpetuating the illusion of the Emperor's continued existence, reveal the Emperor's true identity. The Emperor becomes frantic and activates the Shadow Academy's self-destruct mechanism. The Dark Jedi's stronghold is instantly obliterated, with Brakiss perishing within. The Jedi, though wounded and weakened, have survived, and the Dark Side has been defeated.

• ISBN 9781572971639 ; September 1996 ; Berkley Boulevard ; US paperback [3]
• ISBN 9780614040777 ; April 1998 ; Berkley Jam ; US paperback [4]