From School Library Journal
Adult/High School-Salvatore has done a good job of fleshing out the story of the Star Wars II movie. The book introduces Anakin's mother; her husband; and her stepson, Owen, who will raise the future Luke Skywalker, and describes her capture and the failed attempt to rescue her. If that doesn't appeal, there is always the chapter describing Amidala's family on Naboo, whom viewers never even meet in the film. Perhaps more enticing, the book treats readers to the actual scene of Anakin's vengeful destruction of the Tusken Raider encampment, an action so pivotal to his future course in the Dark Side. Additionally, the audience can easily get confused as to the sequence of events during the movie-the book can clear that up. With its easy style and vocabulary, and hook of popular interest for young adults, this title may be just the needed spur for not-so-avid readers.Carol DeAngelo, Kings Park Library, Burke, VA Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
More on Anakin Skywalker before he became Darth Vader; from the screenplay of Star Wars: Episode II. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
[Editor's Note: The following is a combined review with the unabridged STAR WARS EPISODE II.]--Audio adaptations of novelizations of popular movies may sound like something from the Dark Side. But the editorial and studio production crews get stellar marks for these readings of Salvatore's adaptation of the latest in the Star Wars saga. Actor Jonathan Davis gives the characters American or British accents, depending on the nationality of the actors in the film version, and these characters are so on-target as to make the drama entirely believable. Even the 'droid C-3PO comes to life under Davis's interpretation. His reading is sincere and deliberate, and his performance is enhanced by an economic use of music and sound effects that add to the storytelling experience without overwhelming the listener. The abridged version is enjoyable despite a few awkward gaps in the story line. Helping to propel the listener forward is the stereophonic sound of a jet engine zooming across the listener's hearing field, establishing effective breaks and transitions in the story. All in all, both versions are worthy of the Force. S.E.S. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM OUR EDITORS

Based on the screenplay of the film Star Wars: Episode II, this novel tells the story of the downfall of Anakin Skywalker, the young Jedi who became Darth Vader. In this tale, which begins ten years after the events of The Phantom Menace, 19-year-old Anakin must choose between his own dreams and his responsibilities as a Jedi. Salvatore, a bestselling author in his own right, expands on details in the film, basing his elaborations on discussions with George Lucas himself.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Mischievous and resolved, courageous to the point of recklessness, Anakin Skywalker has come of age in a time of great upheaval. The twenty-year-old apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi is an enigma to the Jedi Council, and a challenge to his Jedi Master. Time has not dulled Anakin's ambition, nor has his Jedi training tamed his independent streak. When an attempt on Senator Padme Amidala's life brings them together for the first time in ten years, it is clear that time also has not dulled Anakin's intense feelings for the beautiful diplomat.

The attack on Senator Amidala just before a crucial vote thrusts the Republic even closer to the edge of disaster. Masters Yoda and Mace Windu sense enormous unease. The dark side is growing, clouding the Jedis' perception of the events. Unbeknownst to the Jedi, a slow rumble is building into the roar of thousands of soldiers readying for battle. But even as the Republic falters around them, Anakin and Padme find a connection so intense that all else begins to fall away. Anakin will lose himself - and his way - in emotions a Jedi, sworn to hold allegiance only to the Order, is forbidden to have.

SYNOPSIS

There is a great disturbance in the Force. . . . From the sleek ships of the glimmering Coruscant skyscape to the lush gardens of pastoral Naboo, dissent is roiling. The Republic is failing, even under the leadership of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, elected ten years earlier to save the crumbling government. Separatists threaten war, and the Senate is hopelessly divided, unable to determine whether to raise an army for battle or keep the fragile peace. It is a stalemate that once broken, could lead to galactic chaos.

Mischievous and resolved, courageous to the point of recklessness, Anakin Skywalker has come of age in a time of great upheaval. The nineteen-year-old apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi is an enigma to the Jedi Council, and a challenge to his Jedi Master. Time has not dulled Anakin's ambition, nor has his Jedi training tamed his independent streak. When an attempt on Senator Padm￯﾿ﾽ Amidala's life brings them together for the first time in ten years, it is clear that time also has not dulled Anakin's intense feelings for the beautiful diplomat.

The attack on Senator Amidala just before a crucial vote thrusts the Republic even closer to the edge of disaster. Masters Yoda and Mace Windu sense enormous unease. The dark side is growing, clouding the Jedi's perception of the events. Unbeknownst to the Jedi, a slow rumble is building into the roar of thousands of soldiers readying for battle. But even as the Republic falters around them, Anakin and Padm￯﾿ﾽ find a connection so intense that all else begins to fall away. Anakin will lose himself-and his way-in emotions a Jedi, sworn to hold allegiance only to the Order, is forbidden to have.

Based on the story by George Lucas and the screenplay by George Lucas and Jonathan Hales, this intense and revealing novel by bestselling author R. A. Salvatore sheds new light on the legend of Star Wars-and skillfully illuminates one of our most beloved sagas.

FROM THE CRITICS

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