Amazon.co.uk Review
Alan Dean Foster is an old hand at media tie-in novels, and in
Star Wars: The Approaching Storm he delivers the expected goods with his usual competence. Starring Obi-Wan Kenobi and the young Anakin Skywalker, the action takes place long after Episode I (
The Phantom Menace) and just before Episode II.
The galactic Republic is in a bad way, suffocating in bureaucracy, and could topple altogether if one key planet--the unimportant-seeming Ansion--should secede. Only Jedi Knights can sort out the disaffection between this world's city-dwellers and nomads. Obi-Wan and the new, female knight Luminara Unduli take on the job, accompanied by their pupils Anakin and Barriss.
Naturally local bad guys, led by the singularly revolting Soergg the Hutt, plan to make them fail. Assassins, more assassins, kidnapping, treachery, political in-fighting, bombs, still more assassins... it's tough going even for Jedi.
Foster provides the usual spectacular set-piece battles of flashing light-sabres against armies of attackers--indeed, two full-scale armies at the climax. But the challenges of this mission also demand gentler uses of the Force: mental healing, performance art, winning unlikely friends among the strange, deadly native life of Ansion.
Amid the rousing adventures of our Jedi foursome and their allies, there are repeated bodings and foreshadowings about Anakin Skywalker's headstrong impatience, contrasting with Obi-Wan's near-perfect calm and control, almost as though Anakin might one day turn to the dark side of... but that would be telling.
The Approaching Storm is a slick and cheerful romp through another world of the Star Wars universe. Hardcore SW fans won't want to miss it.--David Langford
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Product Description
In the years since the events of "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace", the Republic has continued to crumble and, more and more, the Jedi are needed to help the galactic government maintain order. As "Star Wars: Episode II" opens, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have just returned from a mission on a world called Anison. Written by beloved "Star Wars" veteran Alan Dean Foster, and starring a new character from the Episode II, "The Approaching Storm" tells the story of that daring mission. The Republic is decaying, even under the leadership of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who was elected to save the galaxy from collapsing under the forces of discontent. On the tiny but strategic planet of Ansion, a powerful faction is on the verge of joining the growing secessionist movement. The urban dwellers wish to expand into the prairies outside their cities - the ancestral territory of the fierce, independent Ansion nomads. If their demands are not met, they will secede an act that could jump start a chain reaction of withdrawl and rebellion by other worlds of the Republic. At the Chancellor's request, the Jedi Council sends two Jedi Knights, Obi Wan Kanobi and Luminara Unduli, to resolve the conflict and negotiate with the elusive nomads. Undaunted, Obi Wan and Lauminara, along with their Padawans Anakin Skywalker and Barriss Offee, set out across the wilderness. Many perils lie waiting to trap them. The Jedi will have to fulfil near impossible tasks, befriend wary strangers, and influence two great armies to complete their quest, stalked all the while by an enemy sworn to see the negotiations collapse and the mission fail.
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