I'm very sad to say that I have not posted for quite some time. The reason being that I have had some bad news that has made it very difficult for me to do anything let alone think about writing anything. I have no idea at this point in times if things are going to get worse or if they are going to be ok, but until I do I thought that it was time I wrote a review one of the many many books that I have read over the past few months. I'm hoping to get a few thrown up here over the next few days, maybe even tonight.

Well here goes.....

Darth Plagueis by James Luceno

 Rating: 4/5


I've always come to expect a great deal from James Luceno's work and I can say that this did not disappoint.

The one reason that I would implore anyone to read this book is quite simply that it makes Star Wars Episode 1 not seem as bad. 

This book takes place across a great period of time from the young and impressionable Palpatine, who you find out has forsaken his first name is moulded and shaped into being Plageueis' apprentice and you can see how he then used similar tactics to influence a young Anakin Skywalker.

The book then takes place over many years and gives great details that are easily believed as to how the pair of Sith take great steps to destabilise the Republic to bring about the events that can be seen in the prequel films.

The greatest sections of this book occur during the time frame of Episode 1. One great scene in that film has Darth Maul, acted by Ray Park and voiced by Peter Serafinowicz talking to Palpatine about how they will finally come out of hiding and have their revenge. This sequence takes place in the book but it is from the perspective of Plagueis watching his apprentice from a building opposite and wondering how far Mauls training really is along. It really sets the scene for the way in which the Sith might be doing their best, and succeeding, at bringing down the Jedi and Republic through political means, they are also still perpetually struggling amongst themselves.

A great read and it is a must for Star Wars fans, especially those that do not like Episode 1. Plus, it finally answers the Anakin birth question that has been floating around Star Wars circles since Palpatines speech to Anakin at the opera in Revenge of the Sith.