Star Wars, Episode I - The Phantom Menace
by Terry Brooks
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Book Summary Information
Author: Terry BrooksEdition: Mass Market Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2000-02-29
ISBN: 0345434110
Number of pages: 384
Publisher: LucasBooks
Book Reviews of Star Wars, Episode I - The Phantom Menace
Book Review: If only the movie had been like the book!
Summary: 5 Stars
Terry Brooks did a lot with the story handed to him by Lucas. In fact, I'd say he did so well that he made the original story idea look pretty good. At its essence, it's a story about how a youngster with strong emotions, a particularly strong connection to the Force, and an affinity for machines is "found" and improbably added to the Jedi. This comes about largely through the work of maverick Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn, and it happens during a crisis within the Old Republic, actually manufactured by the Sith (the 'phantom menace'). Jar Jar and even Queen Amidala are thus minor characters, and don't dominate the story unduly (as they do in the movie). Brooks weights the material well. Anakin and Qui-Gon, as seen in the book, are good characters and Brooks develops them well.
Also, there are quite a few insights in the novelization that we don't see in the movie -- and so I have to disagree with reviewer Daniel Jolley. For example, Anakin's trip to the desert where he assists a wounded Tusken Raider, and the accompanying vision/nightmare he has that night (you'll have to read it). Did Lucas clue Brooks in as to the basic plot of Episode II? Also, Anakin flies off the handle and gets in a wild fight with a bigger Rodian kid who accuses him of cheating in the Boonta Eve podrace. Why? Deep down, Anakin is afraid of losing Padme, with whom he already feels a strong attachment. There are also some valuable insights as to exactly how Qui-Gon is a maverick Jedi -- to Obi-Wan's displeasure - expressing itself strongly on the flight back to Naboo. Sone good stuff here.
It's written at a good clip and Jar Jar isn't as annoying as he is in the movie. It's really not a bad story and I found myself really enjoying the characters of Anakin and Qui-Gon. That in itself made it worthwhile.
Summary of Star Wars, Episode I - The Phantom Menace
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, an evil legacy long believed dead is stirring. Now the dark side of the Force threatens to overwhelm the light, and only an ancient Jedi prophecy stands between hope and doom for the entire galaxy.
On the green, unspoiled world of Naboo, Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, arrive to protect the realm?s young queen as she seeks a diplomatic solution to end the siege of her planet by Trade Federation warships. At the same time, on desert-swept Tatooine, a slave boy named Anakin Skywalker, who possesses a strange ability for understanding the ?rightness? of things, toils by day and dreams by night?of becoming a Jedi Knight and finding a way to win freedom for himself and his beloved mother. It will be the unexpected meeting of Jedi, Queen, and a gifted boy that will mark the start of a drama that will become legend.
This special edition features a brand-new Darth Maul short story by New York Times bestselling author James Luceno!
If you've seen The Phantom Menace in a theater--and, judging from the 1999 box-office figures, who hasn't?--you've probably been a bit frustrated by the speed with which the fantastic images and creatures fly past. There's no such problem with this audiobook. All the excitement of the Star Wars prequel is there, but this time there's breathing room, a chance to meet the characters, let them walk around in your imagination, hear their thoughts. Actor Alexander Adams's reading of fantasy master Terry Brooks's novelization is brisk but never rushed, punctuated at chapter breaks by snippets of John Williams's movie score. Unfortunately, those who hate amphibian pest Jar Jar Binks's voice probably won't find Adams's approximation any less obnoxious than the movie's. (Running time: 9.5 hours, 6 cassettes) --Lou Schuler
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