I loved the Darth Bane series and I think Drew Karpyshyn outdid himself with this book. The story is engaging and Theron is easily one of my favorite characters in the EU. I love how he's so fiercely loyal to the Republic, and also to his friends and family. It could only have been difficult to grow up knowing your mother is the Grand Master of the Jedi Order... knowing that she chose the Republic and the galaxy over you. It's no wonder Theron has issues. And when he finds out who his father is... well I think Teff'ith summed it up quite nicely toward the end of the story (view spoiler)[when she says "Grand Master mom and Supreme Commander dad. No wonder Theron's so messed up." (hide spoiler)] 
 Theron is a great character. He thinks and reacts on his feet and he's at his best when he doesn't have many rules to play by. Master Gnost-Dural complements him nicely. Gnost-Dural is disciplined but also has humor and knows when to throw the rule book out the window and go with the flow as well. I thought him and Theron made a great team. 
 I was a little disappointed the Teff'ith didn't play more of a role in the main action, but she served her part. I was a little put off by her speaking of herself as "we" but it was pretty easy to overlook. 
 I wanted to give this five stars but had to dock points because there was a whole other story that we didn't get to see. The mission that cost Theron's guardian, Master Ngani Zho, his life and when Theron met Teff'ith, and also managed to take down a member of the Dark Council. I felt like I missed a book in there, but as far as I know, this is the first book about Theron Shan. So the backstory was a little bit frustrating, I wanted to know what happened to bring about these particular events. 
 In the end, Theron Shan has been added to my list of favorite EU characters and if there is another book starring him, I will pick it up in an instant.