The first four books of the X-Wing series rapidly spiralled down the quality scale due to the presence of one hammy, ineffectual villain who spent more time playing head games with people than she did ever actually accomplishing anything. And now she's back. Having what is without a doubt the worst antagonist since Daala return in such a summarily cheesy and predictable fashion not only hurts, but it's a sell-out, pure and simple. Allston rescued this one from the quagmire, but this will be the coup de grace that ensure that the X-Wing series ends not with a bang, but with a whimper.