Star Wars: Cloak of Deception

FROM OUR EDITORS

After Chancellor Valorum has fallen victim to partisan muckraking, he watches helplessly as his power leaks steadily away. Only the forceful efforts of the Jedi Knights can restore his power. A strong Star Wars novel, set in prequel times.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"Mired in greed and corruption, tangled in bureaucracy, the Galactic Republic is crumbling. In the outlying systems, where the Trade Federation maintains a stranglehold on shipping routes, tensions are boiling over - while back in the comfort of Coruscant, the hub of civilized space and seat of the Republic government, few senators seem inclined to investigate the problem. And those who suspect Supreme Chancellor Valorum of having a hand in the machinations are baffled - especially when Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi foil an assassination attempt on the Chancellor." "With the crisis escalating, Valorum calls for an emergency trade summit. As humans and aliens gather, conspiracies sealed with large sums of money run rampant, and no one else is entirely above suspicion. But the greatest threat of all remains unknown to everyone except three members of the Trade Federation who have entered into a shadowy alliance with a dark overlord. While the trio will be content with more money and fewer problems, Darth Sidious has grander, far more terrifying plans." "It is a time that tests the mettle of all those who strive to hold the Republic together - none more so than the Jedi Knights, who have long been the galaxy's best hope for preserving peace and justice. Yet despite their most valiant efforts, the meeting will explode into fiery chaos beyond everyone's worst fears."--BOOK JACKET.

FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA

This book is set in the Star Wars(tm) universe before the events that took place in Episode I:The Phantom Menace (Del Rey, 1999/VOYA October 1999). The Galactic Republic is crumbling, the Trade Federation is under attack, and someone is plotting to assassinate Supreme Chancellor Valorum of Coruscant. How foolish can that be when he is personally under the protection of the Jedi Knights? Nevertheless there is more than one kind of assassination—up close and personal, long distance, and even character. Valorum does not make it any easier when he insists on exposing himself to attack by attending a trade summit. In his corner, Valorum is supported by that dynamic duo readers will soon come to know and love—Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Apprentice, young Obi-Wan Kenobi. Opposed to him are members of the Trade Federation who have entered into a shadowy alliance with Darth Sidious. Plots within plots swirl around the central characters, and waiting in the wings is none other than that oh-so-clever and manipulative Senator Palpatine of Naboo—so adept at dissembling you scarcely realize the damage that he has done—and he is just getting started. Fast-paced fun with action bouncing all over the place alternates with masterful fight scenes. Character development is minimal, but readers have already met the major ones on the screen. Fans will no doubt say, "What's not to love? It's Star Wars(tm)!" This best-selling addition to the Star Wars(tm) opus also has considerable appeal for fans of space opera and militaristic science fiction. VOYA CODES:3Q 4P S A/YA (Readable without serious defects;Broad general YA appeal;Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12;Adultand Young Adult). 2001, Lucas Books/Del Rey, 342p, $24. Ages 15 to Adult. Reviewer:Bonnie Kunzel—VOYA, December 2001 (Vol. 24, No. 5)

Library Journal

At last, what you've been waiting for: a prequel to the Star Wars ramble that will explain why Chancellor Valorum fell from power. Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

AudioFile