The Clone Wars (Star Wars) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)"The Clone Wars" tells a story about a day in the life of Anakin. This is no rehash of the Cartoon Network's "Animated Clone Wars." Even compared to episodes II & III, many of the prominently featured characters play a much smaller role. This is okay because this story introduces an exciting new character to the Star Wars pantheon: Ahsoka. Ahsoka is Skywalker's apprentice. Along these lines, one of the central themes to "Clone Wars" is the master-apprentice relationship. While this has been done before, the theme is fresh as Anakin and Ahsoka negotiate their relationship. Having nicknames like Skyguy and Snips, their partnership is a contrast to that of Anakin and Obi-Wan. In this story, we delve deeper into the clones. We find a surprising amount of individuality and contemplation. Whether it be their physiology, politics or reproductive habits, we also learn more about the Hutts. Naturally, Count Dooku, Asajj Ventress and Darth Sidious are participants. As the title suggests, there is a good deal of action in the story. Karen Traviss has a knack for combat writing. In addition to conveying the characters' fatigue and injuries, the reader can also feel their motivation to survive and continue fighting. As with the Republic Commando books, some may find that too much page time is given to combat. Indeed, compared to the theatrical trilogies, this story is heavy on the action and light on character development. With the exception of Ahsoka, "The Clone Wars" does little to advance our understanding of Anakin or other characters. In fact, it does little to flush out significant events of the Clone Wars. Compared to the battles of Geonosis and Utapau, the fighting on Christophsis and Teth have little significance when it comes to the big scheme of things. In the end, we shouldn't over intellectualize; this story is eye candy (or is it mind candy when read from a book?). Despite having over 250 pages, this is an enjoyable story that moves quickly. Whether as an end unto itself or an appetizer for the upcoming film, "Clone Wars" is action packed fun.
POST-FILM ADDENDUM
Now that the film has been released, I thought that I'd throw in a comparison between the "Clone Wars" book and the movie. As would be expected, the book contains more detail. Much of the book's internal dialogue is sacrificed in the name of big screen action. The film excludes the little character development that could be found in to the book. In particular, the film lacks the interesting mental dialogues of Anakin, Ventress, Jabba and to a lesser extent, Count Dooku and the clones. Dave Filoni's screen adaptation highlights the lighter side of the "Clone Wars" story. While the motion picture lacks substance when compared to the regular trilogies, it makes up for it with fun. At this point, I imagine that most people reading this review have seen the film and are wondering if they should bother with the book. Unless the viewer just hated the film, the answer to this question is 'yes.' Traviss' poetic description of combat is much appreciated. The heretofore character development is also enjoyable. The book contains all of the movie's action and additional content substance. So as a post-film supplement, Karen Traviss' book can be most gratifying.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Clone Wars (Star Wars)

Across the galaxy, the Clone Wars are raging. The Separatists, led by Count Dooku, the onetime Jedi and now secret Sith Lord, continue to press forward, and more and more worlds are either falling, or seceding and joining the cause. Under the leadership of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, the Republic heroically battles on, championed by its huge army of cloned soldiers and their Jedi generals. Anakin Skywalker, believed by some to be the prophesied "Chosen One" destined to bring balance to the Force, is now a Jedi Knight under the tutelage of his Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Death is a constant possibility–and his chances of survival aren't improved by the unexpected arrival of an apprentice: Ahsoka, a brash, inexperienced fourteen-year-old Padawan apprenticed to Anakin. But there's no time for Anakin to question his latest orders: He and Obi-Wan have been assigned a new mission, and failure is not an option.Jabba the Hutt's precious infant son has been kidnapped, and when the frantic parent applies to the Jedi for help, it falls to Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and their clone troops to track down the evidence and retrieve the missing Huttlet. And more is at stake: For a grateful Jabba just might allow the Republic access to the Hutt-controlled space lanes that the Grand Army desperately needs in order to beat the Separatists into submission. But the Republic is not the only power that craves access to those space lanes. Count Dooku, determined to win the prize for the Separatists, has set a trap for the Jedi. When they find the Huttlet, they will also find Dooku's master assassin, Asajj Ventress, and countless legions of battle droids waiting to spring a trap.The blazing new animated feature film Star Wars: The Clone Wars takes place in the years preceding Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and sets the stage for the groundbreaking TV series. Both contain all original material–direct from the brilliant imagination of legendary Star Wars creator George Lucas. And these exciting new adventures and characters are being brought to life in book form by none other than #1 New York Times bestselling Star Wars author Karen Traviss.

Get 32% OFF

Click here for more information about The Clone Wars (Star Wars)