After years of civil war, the Separatists have battered the already faltering Republic nearly to the point of collapse. On Coruscant, the Senate watches anxiously as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine aggressively strips away more and more constitutional liberties in the name of safeguarding the Republic. Yoda, Mace Windu, and their fellow Masters grapple with the Chancellor’s disturbing move to assume control of the Jedi Council. And Anakin Skywalker, the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring balance to the Force, is increasingly consumed by his fear that his secret love, Senator Padmé Amidala, will die.
As the combat escalates across the galaxy, the stage is set for an explosive endgame: Obi-Wan undertakes a perilous mission to destroy the dreaded Separatist military leader General Grievous. Palpatine, eager to secure even greater control, subtly influences public opinion to turn against the Jedi. And a conflicted Anakin—tormented by unspeakable visions—edges dangerously closer to the brink of a galaxy-shaping decision. It remains only for Darth Sidious, whose shadow looms ever larger, to strike the final staggering blow against the Republic…and to ordain a fearsome new Sith Lord: Darth Vader.
Each time I read this book it gives me a little more insight into the tragedy that is the death of Anakin Skywalker and the birth of Darth Vader.
Matt Stover has done an excellent job of providing a deep insight into the characters and their thought patterns. We learn that for the truest of reasons, one of the books greatest heroes is twisted and moulded into on of the galaxies greatest villains. We learn how truly powerful he has become, how desperately he clings onto those things he loves and how his future saviour is part of his undoing. We also learn how somebody so powerful, is unable to destroy the man that is later to be known as the Emperor.
This is a wonderful realisation of the George Lucas screenplay, and although I don’t always enjoy the style of the writing, I can’t help but feel the nuances of every battle, the friendship in combat and the loss of the deepest betrayal, that eventually lead to the sad climax that everybody knows must happen.
However, knowing the final result of this story does not spoil it in the least, and if the film is only half as good as the book, we are in for a visual treat and an emotional rollercoaster. I’m on my third read already, and I keep finding answers to those questions that have been plaguing me since the series of films began. Nothing is overlooked, and as much information is crammed into this book as possible. Yet this is an easy read, that will have true Star Wars fans (and that includes my 6 year old son) sitting on the edge of their seats.
Come on George, write a two season mini-series.
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