Star Wars: Clone Wars: The Cestus Deception

A Clone Wars Novel

By: Steven Barnes

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Ord Cestus, a planet mostly barren and inhospitable to life, was first colonized as a prison world—until a handful of hardy pioneers discovered its rich ore deposits and managed to build up a successful droid-manufacturing industry. But when the Clone Wars erupted, bringing severe rationing of imported resources and a Republic ban on the production of battle droids, Ord Cestus was threatened with imminent economic collapse.

Enter the Confederacy of Independent Systems—the Separatists—with a life-saving offer to purchase a generous quantity of the planet’s most lucrative export: bio-droids. Possessed of tactical capabilities that rival the fighting abilities of even the most advanced Jedi, these sophisticated, techno-organic hybrid units would prove a most formidable weapon if ever deployed for military use. And now the Confederacy’s intention to invest in what amounts to an army of bio-droids has sent ripples of alarm through the highest echelons of the Republic government.

Determined to halt the bio-droid sale—but fearing a show of force will result in a political backlash—Supreme Chancellor Palpatine dispatches a team of envoys, led by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Their mission: persuade Ord Cestus’s government to abandon its dealings with the Confederacy . . . while secretly stirring up revolution among the planet’s struggling underclass. Diplomacy is paramount. But if all else fails, the Republic will not hesitate to launch a full-scale attack—and wipe out not only the means of bio-droid production, but countless lives as well, to demonstrate the consequences of disloyalty.

For Obi-Wan, the prospect of such wholesale slaughter only serves to fuel his growing suspicions about the sinister path the Republic seems to be taking. But the brash Jedi Master Kit Fisto and the detachment of clone soldiers assigned to the mission are ready and willing to do the Supreme Chancellor’s bidding. As the leaders of Ord Cestus refuse to capitulate and Palpatine rapidly loses patience, Obi-Wan’s hopes of a peaceful resolution are dwindling. Now, facing a crisis of conscience, Obi-Wan must find the wisdom and strength to prevent a bloodbath and safeguard the Republic— while abiding by the ancient code to which he has pledged his life.© and (P)2004 Lucasfilm Ltd. and TM. Random House Audio, a division of Random House Inc.

Pretty Good

End of novel didn't really wrap the story up at all and could have been much better. When the commentary initiated the listener is left surprised and expecting a conclusion.

More underlying socialism than one would expect from the protagonists in the story, which leaves the listener on guard against the author possibly pushing an agenda rather than building an entertaining story.

well told story that leaves wanting the next book

The story teller is always great in all the books I've heard him read. the story was good and ready to proceed to the next.

should not skip this one

I had written this book off quite literally in my previous review. I came back to undo that because by the end of this story, a clone trooper had saved the plot entirely for me. Was a very interesting narrative whenever he showed up.

Excellent all around

My son and I both listened to this. Well written - interesting story line, good character development, very descriptive. sound effects are good without being too much. great side story that happens before anyone realizes palpatine is on the dark side. really enjoyed it. narrator is superb - does obi wan to perfection!

Missing Parts

It is a good story and a good performance by Mr. Davis, but huge chunks of the story were not read. I like to listen and read along while I listen. I could only listen through the first chapter before just read it on my own.