David's Review of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

4/5 Rancors - The story of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is widely known to fans of Star Wars. We have all seen the film, undoubtedly more than once, so a reader of the book will constantly make mental comparisons to the story in the movie. In this case the written word holds up well. It meets our expectations, lives up to the high standard set by the film, and gives us more to think about in several places. Mr. Salvatore has done well.

The book begins with a prelude in which Anakin has yet another dream about his mother. He is awakened from the dream by Obi-Wan announcing that they have arrived at the planet of Ansion, the insignificant planet that was the setting for our previous story in The Approaching Storm. I found that I was secretly pleased with myself because I now knew what had taken place on Ansion. The book then moves on immediately to the story of Shmi's life on Tatooine and her capture by the Tusken Raiders. Events unfold afterwards as you knew they would.

The book spends more time dealing with the budding romance between Padme and Anakin and the feelings they are each experiencing. Padme in particular tries not to give in to her feelings, and we learn a great deal of her private thoughts about her life so far and her commitment to public service for the citizens of Naboo. The scene where Padme and Anakin share a meal with Padme's family is extremely well done. Padme's sister Sola is a huge influence in encouraging Padme to accept her true feelings.

The scenes on Kamino with Obi-Wan, the Kaminoan cloners, and the Fett boys are excellent. You can feel Obi-Wan's sense of awe and admiration as he sees the clones, and you also sense his confusion as to why they were there and what purpose they were intended to serve. You understand Jango's suspicions when he realizes a Jedi has dropped in, and you get to watch Boba's admiration for his dad as he pulls for Jango in the fight with Obi-Wan. The fight scene in Geonosis in the amphitheatre is extremely good. If you're like me, you will have the scenes from the film in your head as you read through the battle.

All in all, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones is a very entertaining story and fits in well with the film.