Young Jedi Knights is a Star Wars young adult fiction series by science fiction writer Kevin J. Anderson and his wife Rebecca Moesta. It was published from 1995 to 1998. It covers the Jedi training of Jacen and Jaina Solo, the twin children of Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo. The series begins 23 years ABY (After the Battle of Yavin), when the twins are fourteen years old. Originally intended to cover six novels, the series eventually stretched to fourteen volumes. It spanned three distinct plot arcs: The first plot arc covers the young Jedi Knights' fight against the dark Jedi Brakiss and his Shadow Academy, which eventually builds in strength enough to attack the Jedi academy on Yavin 4. This plot arc also introduces the twins, as well as other supporting characters. The series became popular enough to support a second plot arc, consisting of the novels Shards of Alderaan to The Emperor's Plague. This series deals with the young Jedi Knights' fight against the Diversity Alliance, a group of non-humans seeking to take down the New Republic. The final three-part series details the young Jedi Knights' relationship with Anja Gallandro, the daughter of Gallandro, a gunslinger who died while fighting Han Solo a long time ago. Because it is geared towards younger readers, the Young Jedi Knights series tackles issues such as racism and drug abuse that are relevant in both the Star Wars universe and the real world. It is also notable for introducing a new generation of Jedi who are featured heavily in later series such as the New Jedi Order, Dark Nest, and Legacy of the Force. Characters Jacen Solo The teenage son of Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo. Jacen is adept at communicating through the Force with animals. He also has an affinity for telling bad jokes. Jaina Solo The teenage daughter of Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo. Like her father, Jaina is a talented pilot and mechanic. Lowbacca The Wookiee nephew of Chewbacca. He is known to his friends as Lowie, and enjoys tinkering with computers. Em Teedee Long form of M-TD, a miniature protocol droid that Lowbacca wears on his hip. Em Teedee also translates for Lowbacca. Since he is programmed by C-3PO, Em Teedee has a tendency to be long-winded. Tenel Ka Is a young princess of Hapes, though she prefers to be known as a warrior of Dathomir.