This is the third tie-in novel with the ongoing cartoon series, Star
Wars: The Clone Wars. I really enjoyed Ms. Traviss’ novelization of the
movie as it enhanced my viewing by supplying deeper motivations and
background to the characters. So I was looking forward her second entry
into this storyline. For the most part I enjoyed this novel but it
lacked the character insight and felt more like I was watching a TV
episode
The theme of this story is the effect of attachment to other people. Specifically it covers the debate of attachment with regards to the Jedi order and does it lead to the darkside? I found these parts of the novel very interesting as I have wondered about this myself while watching the movies. The answer is a big maybe. Not the best conclusion but that’s what when you have to deal human emotions, specifically rage.
The story begins with a Republic spy, Hallena Devis, being sent to the outer rim plant of Janfathal. Her is mission is uncover a plot to overthrow the local government, which the Republic supports. Very quickly Hellena learns that the local government is actually a brutal dictatorship and the people have been suffering for some time. In response, the resistance leaders have enlisted the help of the Separatists to aid in their movement. Unfortunately, as soon as Hallena is able to get some information about the rebellion, the uprising has started and Hallena is swept up into the events.
The other storyline follows Captain Gilad Pellaeon and his trial run of an experimental warship called Leveler . Anakin Skywalker has sent his pawadan, Ahsoka, and Rex plus a few newly minted clone troopers to the Leveler so he can spend some quality time with his wife.
Along the way they meet up a rival faction of Jedi lead by Master Djinn Altis. They are Jedi that follow the light side teaching in most respects but have broken away due to fundamental differences with Master Yoda. Altis allows his Jedi to have attachments and even marry if they so chose. Think of Altis as a hippy that runs a commune of free thinkers and are out of step with the mainstream. Ahsoka and eventually Skywalker have to work with Altis and they are deeply troubled by what they see. On the flip side, Master Altis also figures Skywalker’s secret and is fearful of the rage that is building inside the conflicted young Jedi.
With all the characters in place, Captain Pellaeon decides to send a rescue mission to Janfathal to get their spy which also happens to his girlfriend. As with any mission in the Star Wars universe nothing ever goes according to the plan and the good guys are put in bad situations.
What I liked: As related above, I enjoyed the discussion of attachment and does this automatically lead to the darkside? As with many things in real life, the answer is always somewhere in the middle. The followers of Altis seem to have no issue and thrive because of it. But we all know how it turns out for Anakin.
I also enjoyed the discussion regarding the Republic and should it be torn down so that a new government is installed. When your government starts supporting dictators is that a good thing? Especially when the local population hates the dictator which also means they will not support your cause and look to the other guys for help.
What I didn’t like: The development of the characters where surprisingly weak in this story. The storyline follows too many characters and never settles down with one to provide insight into the issues that novel brings up.
Last word: Overall, I enjoyed this outing in the Clone Wars universe but I was just expecting more in the way of the development of the main characters. It is on par with the TV series although it should have gone a bit deeper to make a more satisfying experience.
The theme of this story is the effect of attachment to other people. Specifically it covers the debate of attachment with regards to the Jedi order and does it lead to the darkside? I found these parts of the novel very interesting as I have wondered about this myself while watching the movies. The answer is a big maybe. Not the best conclusion but that’s what when you have to deal human emotions, specifically rage.
The story begins with a Republic spy, Hallena Devis, being sent to the outer rim plant of Janfathal. Her is mission is uncover a plot to overthrow the local government, which the Republic supports. Very quickly Hellena learns that the local government is actually a brutal dictatorship and the people have been suffering for some time. In response, the resistance leaders have enlisted the help of the Separatists to aid in their movement. Unfortunately, as soon as Hallena is able to get some information about the rebellion, the uprising has started and Hallena is swept up into the events.
The other storyline follows Captain Gilad Pellaeon and his trial run of an experimental warship called Leveler . Anakin Skywalker has sent his pawadan, Ahsoka, and Rex plus a few newly minted clone troopers to the Leveler so he can spend some quality time with his wife.
Along the way they meet up a rival faction of Jedi lead by Master Djinn Altis. They are Jedi that follow the light side teaching in most respects but have broken away due to fundamental differences with Master Yoda. Altis allows his Jedi to have attachments and even marry if they so chose. Think of Altis as a hippy that runs a commune of free thinkers and are out of step with the mainstream. Ahsoka and eventually Skywalker have to work with Altis and they are deeply troubled by what they see. On the flip side, Master Altis also figures Skywalker’s secret and is fearful of the rage that is building inside the conflicted young Jedi.
With all the characters in place, Captain Pellaeon decides to send a rescue mission to Janfathal to get their spy which also happens to his girlfriend. As with any mission in the Star Wars universe nothing ever goes according to the plan and the good guys are put in bad situations.
What I liked: As related above, I enjoyed the discussion of attachment and does this automatically lead to the darkside? As with many things in real life, the answer is always somewhere in the middle. The followers of Altis seem to have no issue and thrive because of it. But we all know how it turns out for Anakin.
I also enjoyed the discussion regarding the Republic and should it be torn down so that a new government is installed. When your government starts supporting dictators is that a good thing? Especially when the local population hates the dictator which also means they will not support your cause and look to the other guys for help.
What I didn’t like: The development of the characters where surprisingly weak in this story. The storyline follows too many characters and never settles down with one to provide insight into the issues that novel brings up.
Last word: Overall, I enjoyed this outing in the Clone Wars universe but I was just expecting more in the way of the development of the main characters. It is on par with the TV series although it should have gone a bit deeper to make a more satisfying experience.
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