Monster continues to heat up
Cade is captured by Darth Maladi, and the meeting with the Jedi and Emperor Fel may be in danger.
Pros:
Again, character development plays a role along with tensions and suspense. Darth Maladi returns along with a well missed character, Darth Nihl. There's some twisted relationship implied between Maladi and Nihl. It's understandable that Maladi is having doubts that Darth Krayt is alive since both she and Nihl were not born Sith. They both worry about what Darth Wyyrlok is planning. It is interesting to wonder who is playing who though. Wayland isn't the only problem. Gunner is still on the case about her mother and now has to deal with new management now that the Sith are continuing to take over positions in the Imperial Navy. Nyna is also put on time to save Emperor Fel and the Jedi from walking into a trap. Cade is also put in a difficult situation when it comes to saving Deliah Blue when he's been captured by Maladi.
I absolutely love the cover artwork by Chris Scalf. Darth Maladi just look sinister. Jan Duursema continues to provide great artwork as usual. There's a great amount of detail in this issue.
Cons:
Again, pacing is a bit of a problem, leaving some characters out of the story. For example, Wolf Sazen. Why is he in this arc anyway? It's most likely to help Cade, but is he really needed? The Force works in mysterious ways.
Overall: The situation doesn't look great for Cade. This isn't like The Claws of the Dragon story arc. He may have to make the ultimate sacrifice one way or another. Monster wraps up in the next issue, and anything can happen.