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Yoda: Dark Rendezvous Sean Stewart Review by Mark Newbold
Count Dooku faces a period of uncertainty as he questions
the choices he has made in his life, the decision to join with Darth Sidious
and his role as his apprentice. So
while the Clone Wars continue to blaze throughout the galaxy he contacts his
former master, Yoda. But is it a trap
or is Darth Tyranus genuinely having doubts. Yoda accepts Dooku’s invitation, but is reluctant to
inform the council of his meeting and so he invents a cover story for his
absence from the Jedi Temple. Taking
with him two Padawans, Scout and Whie, he leaves and embarks upon his
journey. But do Whie’s visions of
himself and Scout in the custody of Asajj Ventress mean Yoda’s mission will
end in tragedy. In a short space of time Dark Rendezvous has come to be
regarded as one of the very best Star Wars novels released, with the feel of
the film series and accurate depictions of the main characters. Along with a strong plot and interesting
new characters, this instalment of the Clone Wars is among the very
best. Sean Stewart writes a great Yoda
that mixes both the solemnity of the prequel Yoda with the impish humour of
the original trilogy. It is never
forgotten that this character is 800 years old, and so all aspects of his
characters are touched upon, the humour, gravitas and the wisdom. And it all makes Yoda a character you would
like to see a lot more of. As well as
Yoda, Dooku is written impeccably, showing the doubt and uncertainty of his
path to the dark side. Secreted in an
ancient castle, Dooku ponders on his choices and at times gives the reader
serious doubts as to his devotion to evil.
Expertly written, this adds great depth to the story. Of the new characters Scout and Whie are the most
intriguing. Scout is an underachiever
in all things combat, and as such makes you root for her even more,
especially when she figures out clever ways of hiding her deficiencies. Scout is far more powerful, with a
mysterious history that comes to him in visions that include dreams about his
parents and his death at the hands of a Jedi Knight (Anakin most likely, in
Revenge of the Sith). Asajj Ventress
is shown in vivid detail, highlighting her dedication to the Sith cause and
her unique skills. The novel as a
whole links in with the movie mythology in a smart way, showing Ben learning
of Anakin’s relationship with a woman (but not knowing precisely who), Yoda’s
conversation with a sprit Qui-Gon and the decimation of the Jedi order,
leaving many Padawans without masters. All in all Dark Rendezvous is an excellent novel that
ties in and fills in many gaps of knowledge concerning the Clone Wars, and as
the final official chapter of the Clone Wars novels is a heavyweight ending
to an engrossing three-year campaign. |
