I just finished the Episode 3 book - and at more or less the same time, I finished Lego Star Wars. The former made my eyes leak more than the Return of the King movie did. The latter made me snicker like a Teek.

And that's really the great thing about Star Wars...it encompasses more of an emotional range than practically any other story out there. Where else are you going to find a fallen hero with his limbs hacked off - on fire - screaming "I HATE YOU!" at his best friend in the same universe as cute fuzzy teddy bears and goofy chariot-racing aliens? There's really something there for every mood, all united by an action and adventure foundation that hooks everything together. It's a universe that has something for everyone.

Good Book, Sad Ending
The Revenge of the Sith novelization is possibly the only thing out there to make me physically shudder from horror. The middle of the book and the darkening of Anakin Skywalker drags a bit - most of the scenes between Anakin and Palpatine consist of dialogue alone, with very little of the internal monologue that makes Stover's book so fascinating. But the hero's gradual breakdown is much more emotional and believable with the enrichment that the book brings, as are most aspects of the story that seem rushed in the movie.

And not only that, but the action sequences are stunning - the first hundred pages or so are almost completely concerned with the opening battle, and the duel with Dooku is one of the best duels I've read since The Princess Bride. While the duels in the last third of the book aren't as exciting, the emotion skyrockets and Stover's writing becomes so rivetingly poetic that you'll find yourself quoting bits of it to friends.

On the down side, some of the story still feels unsatisfactory to me. It's still hard to understand Anakin's turn, but maybe that's just because I'm a goody-two-shoes who would rather die than join the Sith. And I'm still kind of unsatisfied with the Clone Troopers' betrayal - most of the Clone Wars books were fervently spent developing their individuality and freedom of choice, as well as their bond to the Jedi....and now they just whip around and tear the Jedi to shreds, without even a hint of remorse? There isn't even anything to suggest that there's a chip in their heads making them do it. I just don't buy it.

But overall, this has to be among the best Star Wars books I've read. It's a pity that the ending is such a downer, or else I'd want to read it over and over.

Piece de Resistance
I didn't believe people when they said that Lego Star Wars was a great game. I really didn't. But I had to play something with Episode III in it, and I heard that the more realistic game wasn't up to snuff. So I got LSW, and I now have to admit that I was wrong.

It's not the most immersive of games, mind you - kinda hard to take little mute Lego guys seriously, especially when a hero's death means his eyes turn into little X's. But it does quite a good job of capturing the feel of all three prequel movies, even without music from Revenge.

But this game's strength really lies in gameplay. It's insanely addictive to collect shiny little Lego studs and cut Battle Droids into plastic pieces. It's not just fun because of all the careful work and detail that went into designing each level. It's not just that there are over 30 unlockable characters, almost all with unique animations and abilities. It's not even just that there are insanely amusing little cut-scenes with Lego people re-enacting the Star Wars saga. The real greatness of the game is that the average, day-to-day, mindless tasks are endlessly satisfying. Your brain can atrophy and you can sit there with the controller and drool contentedly while you scoop up endless amounts of shiny little studs and blow bad guys to smithereens.

There's really an endless amount of care and love poured into every aspect of the game, making it a surprisingly deep experience.

Conclusion
Both heavily recommended. But for opposite reasons. And that's why Star Wars is so great.