[Posting now because the links at Jedinet.com no longer work]

30 months after Geonosis, 6 months before ROTS, this is a story of not only Yoda and Count Dooku but also of two Padawans. Whie, aged 13 (and who has a part in ROTS -- Hyperspace members can see his photo here), is a gifted student with abilities beyond his age. He is compared favourably with Anakin Skywalker. Scout, aged 14, is not so gifted but has considerable determination to prove her worth. Whie is apprenticed to Master Maks Leem. Scout has yet to be chosen by a Master and is at risk of being transferred to the Agricultural Corps.

The book opens with Jedi Master Jai Maruk returning to Coruscant after surviving a battle with Asajj Ventress. It becomes clear, however, that he did not survive through use of superior skill, but because Count Dooku wanted him to pass a subtle message to Yoda.

Yoda recognizes the message as an indication that Dooku wants to meet to discuss returning "home", but Yoda also recognizes that this is likely a trap. Nevertheless he decides, after meditation and consultation with an old colleague, to risk meeting with Dooku in case there is a chance of bringing an end to the War.

Yoda, Whie, Scout, Master Leem and Master Maruk embark undercover (including Yoda being hidden inside a R2 unit) on the journey to meet Dooku, followed by two unusual droids, Fidelis and Solis. They encounter more difficulties than expected along the way before the final meeting between Yoda and Dooku takes place.

This book is extremely well written and is a fabulous entry to the Star Wars universe by author Sean Stewart. It has a perfect balance of solemnity and humour, with Yoda's character being extremely well portrayed, often appearing from both perspectives as we remember him from TESB. His use of his cane with droids and sly sense of humour are well utilised along with his display of enormous wisdom, both with the Padawans and with Dooku.

Dooku's character is also very well developed, with us being given more insight into his motivations and how he ended up heading into the dark side. There are brief occasions when we even feel some sympathy for him and wonder if he may be able to be redeemed by Yoda.

A theme that runs throughout is that the Jedi, whilst all a part of their collective family, are all rejected children - or, as Dooku says:
"Every Jedi is a child his parents decided they could live without". There is also the corresponding theme that the Jedi were kidnappers - taking young children from their families. There is no easy resolution to these themes, but they do make you think about the broader subconscious issues that would have to play on every Jedi's mind when tempted by the dark side.

Anakin and Obi-wan, and even Mace Windu, Padme, Palpatine and Sidious, have small roles to play, filling in part of the path to ROTS.

Along with Rogue Planet, which I read because of its link to the NJO, and Republic Commando: Hard Contact which I read because its author will be writing a third of the 2006-2009 9-book series, this is one of the few PT EU novels I have read, and the first of the "Clone Wars" series. It might just have managed to inspire me to go back and read the earlier ones in the series.

Hopefully Sean Stewart will return to the EU again sometime in the future.