Fantastic novelization! Super action heavy while being incredibly prosaic. It manages to perfectly encapsulate the spirit at the core of revenge of the sith.
adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
dark emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

"Even stars die"
Palpatine has been abducted from Coruscant in a daring attack from General Grievous of the Separatists. Anakin and Obi-Wan head off to rescue the Chancellor. Thus begins the end of the Republic...and the rise of the Empire.

I Liked:
THIS is what the prequels should have been. THIS is what the movie should have been. This is the pinnacle of Star Wars novelizations, the best showcase of characters, of story, of background, of setting, of action, of dialogue, of everything that readers love.
When I first heard that Stover was penning this novel, I knew it would be good. I loved Stover's other Star Wars entries. But I still was a little unsure. Could Stover pull it off?
Now, I realize what a stupid question that is.
Stover has a masterful hand at writing, at writing a tortured character like Anakin, and writing a book as deep, as heavy, as ominous as Revenge of the Sith. For the most part, Stover uses third person limited--except for his brilliant "This is..." scenes, where he switches to second person present. As most readers and writers know, second person is rare in a novel and rarely well done. Stover sees that and laughs in its face. His "This is..." scenes are personal, gritty, introspective views on the characters, emotions, and feelings of the moment.
His grasp of the characters is excellent. From Anakin and Obi-Wan to Yoda and Bail, his characters are real, they are consistent with their on-screen presence, and they are sympathetic, most notably Anakin. At the core, Revenge of the Sith is Anakin's story, and it is vastly personal. We learn why he wants to be a master (because Jedi Masters have access into Restricted areas of the archives--areas that could contain information on how to save Padme), his friendship with Palpatine, his burden at being the Chosen One (best line ever: "Why couldn't people let me be? Why did their problems have to be his problems?"), and how confused and conflicted he was at having to betray Palpatine, his dear friend. I got so much more about Anakin from this book than I have from multiple viewings of the movie.
Throughout the story, there are beautiful scenes were the characters show they are much more intelligent than their on-screen versions. Mace and Yoda recognize the risk of Sidious and the Dark Side and attempt to lay a trap...a trap that ultimately back fires. Bail and Mon Mothma start the Loyalist committee, something that ended on the cutting room floor, but needed to be in the movie. Even Padme comes out a much better character, being smart and cunning, yet tender and broken-hearted (to the point where I could almost understand her dying of a broken heart).
And then, Stover shows he did his homework and acknowledges continuity. Of course, we get Tatooine, Own, and Naboo references, but also expect to see Garm Bel Iblis, Ansion, and Subataars crop out. I love it when an author takes the time to reference other material.

I Didn't Like:
This is such an amazing book, finding flaws were nearly impossible. But I did feel the first battle with Dooku, Anakin, and Obi-Wan on Grievous' ship did go an awful long time. Also, do not expect a word by word transcript of the movie (I think this is actually an asset).

Overall:
This is a stunning work of art. It blows all the other novelizations out of the water. Heck, it shatters most Star Wars Expanded Universe (and I am even including Timothy Zahn's works here!). This is a brilliant, heartfelt novel, a novel about a man's destruction, about the end of everything. There were times my heart ached along with the characters as they endured the pain, and that isn't an easy feat for an author to accomplish, even a good one. Even if you have seen the movie, even if you are not a Star Wars fan, you need to read this book. Five stars.
adventurous dark fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Loveable characters: Yes
adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Anyone disappointed with the Episode III movie, should read this book. Having insight into the thoughts of the characters is invaluable for the disappointed Star Wars fan.

Padme regains her spirit and strong will. Obi-Wan's character finally makes sense to me. The motivations of the Jedi Council are finally shown in a clear light. And Anakin fall looses the abruptness of the film and finally becomes the tragic descent it was meant to be. The plot holes are filled in, making the story rich and textured.

George Lucas has good ideas, but why in the name of the Force would anyone ever let him write the dialogue and character development for three films straight?
dark emotional funny sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Gifted kid switches teams for the healthcare plan, ends up committing mass murder


One of the greatest pieces of writing I've read, and has some of the most tragic insights into a characters minds and personality then anything I've read prior. This book is an almost essential companion to the film, and a highly recommended read for anyone who calls star wars 'shallow'. Just read it.
Do it.
adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

i don’t think that obi wan deserved all that