THE PHANTOM MENACE

Review By Louis Turfrey

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away......

If Only!

If only the film had contained as much detail as the book!

I've read this novel three times now. The first time I read it I had only seen the movie once, so it was with an expectant mind that I immersed myself into this adaptation of the George Lucas story and screen play. I must admit to being mildly surprised.

Those of you who went to see the film may have thought that it lacked a certain something. That missing something is found within the book. The book starts before the film by explaining some of Anakin Skywalkers history immediately preceding Episode I. The first few chapters act as a prologue to the film story, explaining how the enmity has built up between Anakin and Sebulba, showing Anakins view of the universe he lives in, and going someway to explain his character in greater detail.

Apart from the first few chapters, the book follows the film pretty closely. It explains a bit more about some of the major characters and fills in the majority of the gaps that the movie leaves out. It also shows that the Sith are a pretty diabolical bunch. But we knew that anyway. The prose is slightly simplistic, but such is the style of author Terry Brooks. In all though the book is an easy and enjoyable read, probably more so having seen the movie. If I had to give it a score I'd say 7 /10. For those of you who have seen the film 8/10.