Product details: - Hardcover: 432 pages, 1ST Edition
- Author: MATTHEW STOVER
- Publisher: LucasBooks
- Publication Date: 2005-04-02
- Release Date: 2005-04-02
- Studio: LucasBooks
- Manufacturer: LucasBooks
- Package Dimensions: 9.5 x 49 x 75 inches
The turning point for the entire Star Wars saga is at hand
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.
Based on the screenplay of the eagerly anticipated final film in George Lucas’s epic saga, bestselling Star Wars author Matthew Stover’s novel crackles with action, captures the iconic characters in all their complexity, and brings a space opera masterpiece full circle in stunning style.Customer reviews:  "Even stars die", 2010-07-14
"Even stars die"
Palpatine has been abducted from Coruscant in a daring attack from General Grievous of the Separatists. Anakin and Obi-Wan head off to rescue the Chancellor. Thus begins the end of the Republic...and the rise of the Empire.
I Liked:
THIS is what the prequels should have been. THIS is what the movie should have been. This is the pinnacle of Star Wars novelizations, the best showcase of characters, of story, of background, of setting, of action, of dialogue, of everything that readers love.
When I first heard that Stover was penning this novel, I knew it would be good. I loved Stover's other Star Wars entries. But I still was a little unsure. Could Stover pull it off?
Now, I realize what a stupid question that is.
Stover has a masterful hand at writing, at writing a tortured character like Anakin, and writing a book as deep, as heavy, as ominous as Revenge of the Sith. For the most part, Stover uses third person limited--except for his brilliant "This is..." scenes, where he switches to second person present. As most readers and writers know, second person is rare in a novel and rarely well done. Stover sees that and laughs in its face. His "This is..." scenes are personal, gritty, introspective views on the characters, emotions, and feelings of the moment.
His grasp of the characters is excellent. From Anakin and Obi-Wan to Yoda and Bail, his characters are real, they are consistent with their on-screen presence, and they are sympathetic, most notably Anakin. At the core, Revenge of the Sith is Anakin's story, and it is vastly personal. We learn why he wants to be a master (because Jedi Masters have access into Restricted areas of the archives--areas that could contain information on how to save Padme), his friendship with Palpatine, his burden at being the Chosen One (best line ever: "Why couldn't people let me be? Why did their problems have to be his problems?"), and how confused and conflicted he was at having to betray Palpatine, his dear friend. I got so much more about Anakin from this book than I have from multiple viewings of the movie.
Throughout the story, there are beautiful scenes were the characters show they are much more intelligent than their on-screen versions. Mace and Yoda recognize the risk of Sidious and the Dark Side and attempt to lay a trap...a trap that ultimately back fires. Bail and Mon Mothma start the Loyalist committee, something that ended on the cutting room floor, but needed to be in the movie. Even Padme comes out a much better character, being smart and cunning, yet tender and broken-hearted (to the point where I could almost understand her dying of a broken heart).
And then, Stover shows he did his homework and acknowledges continuity. Of course, we get Tatooine, Own, and Naboo references, but also expect to see Garm Bel Iblis, Ansion, and Subataars crop out. I love it when an author takes the time to reference other material.
I Didn't Like:
This is such an amazing book, finding flaws were nearly impossible. But I did feel the first battle with Dooku, Anakin, and Obi-Wan on Grievous' ship did go an awful long time. Also, do not expect a word by word transcript of the movie (I think this is actually an asset).
Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
H*** crops up.
Padme is pregnant.
Where this book is notable is its violence. Stover doesn't hold back on battles, starfighting (is there anything he can't write), and lightsaber duels (particularly the last one is gruesome).
Overall:
This is a stunning work of art. It blows all the other novelizations out of the water. Heck, it shatters most Star Wars Expanded Universe (and I am even including Timothy Zahn's works here!). This is a brilliant, heartfelt novel, a novel about a man's destruction, about the end of everything. There were times my heart ached along with the characters as they endured the pain, and that isn't an easy feat for an author to accomplish, even a good one. Even if you have seen the movie, even if you are not a Star Wars fan, you need to read this book. Five stars.
Brought to you by:
*C.S. Light*
 Better than the movie by far... but that isn't saying much..., 2010-07-13
I am a classic SW lover... and have not been very happy with the new movies, games, or cartoon show... and I am especially irritated with the changes made to the original 3 movies. Not necessary.
Anyhow, the novel of the Revenge of The Sith was pretty fun to read... and at least you don't have to witness Anakin crying through the whole thing... since he is actually cool in the book instead of a whiny little jerk.
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