A good value collection of stories set within the Star Wars continuity. There is no need to have previous knowledge of Star Wars continuity to enjoy these stories, the book opens with a few words of scene setting and then plunges straight into a series of self contained stories that require no extra information to be enjoyed. The stories are all well written, straightforward adventures with hints and allegations lightly strewn among them of a greater context.
The best of the stories is "Prelude to Rebellion", it manages the mix of action and political context most effectively and with Ki-Adi-Mundi, a Jedi Knight, a credible and fallible lead character. The arc of the story is as much a realisation by Ki-Adi-Mundi about what being a father means as it is a nicely woven political and criminal plot. The reveals are nicely paced, the personal elements are effective and avoid false sentimentality.
The final story, "Darth Maul" has the most luscious art of all the stories. The plot is simple, Darth Maul is sent to eliminate potential competition as plans start to come to fruition. The story is about carefully staged action and demonstrations of power and ruthlessness. It achieves all its aims with verve, the cast are nicely executed in every sense.
The book is marred only by the fantastically annoying Yoda and his very stupid speech patterns, he makes the rise of the Sith entirely understandable. Overall this is good fun and great value.
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