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Labyrinth of Evil
(Star Wars Legends)
by
The war that erupted in Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones is nearing its boiling point, as the dauntless Separatist forces continue their assault on the teetering Republic-and the diabolical triumvirate of Count Dooku, General Grievous, and their Master, Darth Sidious, fine-tune their strategy for conquest. In Episode III Revenge of the Sith the fates of key play
...more
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Mass Market Paperback, Star Wars - Legends - Reprint, 370 pages
Published
September 27th 2005
by Del Rey Books
(first published January 1st 2005)
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Jul 11, 2010
Crystal Starr Light
rated it
really liked it
Shelves:
boys-boys-and-not-a-girl-in-sight,
star-wars
While this book is most certainly not an easy read (typical James Luceno), it is none-the-less fun and informative. Many of the Clone Wars novels (most notably The Cestus Deception and Jedi Trial) have been lacking or not very cohesive. Attack of the Clones movie only shows the beginning of the Clone Wars. And Revenge of the Sith ends the Clone Wars, leaving us, the audience, yearning for answers as to how we get from AotC to RotS.
This is where Labyrinth of Evil comes in.
Plot:
Anakin and Obi-Wan ...more
This is where Labyrinth of Evil comes in.
Plot:
Anakin and Obi-Wan ...more
As per usual, after I saw Star Wars Episode III: The Revenge of the Sith for the first time, I wanted more. This novel is the prequel to the movie, occurring between episodes II and III. It fills in nicely a lot of plot-data, but it doesn't do much else. Luceno seemed afraid to explore the Obi-Wan/Anakin dynamics of this time period, something which, thankfully, did not hamper Matthew Stover when he wrote the novelization of Episode III. Obi-Wan and Anakin are the reason I love Star Wars, and I
...more
Dec 12, 2009
Chad Warner
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Star Wars fans
A few months ago I finished reading the novelizations of all 6 Star Wars movies. When I read Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith I found out that there were 2 books that covered the events immediately preceding and immediately following Episode III. This book is the prequel to the Episode III novelization. The writing style was decent; better than some of the Star Wars books I've read. Unfortunately, I didn't really get into the story until the last quarter of the book; maybe the pace
...more
As a run up to (movie) Episode Three, Labyrinth of Evil succeeds. As a standalone novel it was nearly unintelligible. All the usual suspects go through all the usual motions, but what about the hapless reader who wanders into the Star War universe at this book?
That said, Luceno also flunks astrophysics. On one page (326) he uses the phrases "closing rapidly on the rim of the gravity well" and "punching through Corusacant's sheath of gases." (outward bound) Similar statements throughout the book ...more
That said, Luceno also flunks astrophysics. On one page (326) he uses the phrases "closing rapidly on the rim of the gravity well" and "punching through Corusacant's sheath of gases." (outward bound) Similar statements throughout the book ...more
Abridged Audiobook
It's Star Wars, so you don't get a long review. The audiobooks by Random House come complete with sound effects and music. They're really well done. If you like audiobooks anyway, the Star Wars ones from Random House are worth your time.
The only thing you really need to know about this is that it takes place between the 2nd and 3rd movies (in canon order, not release order). It doesn't do much for background and assumes you've seen the first couple of movies so you know the na ...more
It's Star Wars, so you don't get a long review. The audiobooks by Random House come complete with sound effects and music. They're really well done. If you like audiobooks anyway, the Star Wars ones from Random House are worth your time.
The only thing you really need to know about this is that it takes place between the 2nd and 3rd movies (in canon order, not release order). It doesn't do much for background and assumes you've seen the first couple of movies so you know the na ...more
Feb 09, 2018
Erin the Avid Reader ⚜BFF's with the Cheshire Cat⚜
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Surprisingly enough, I found this pre-movie novel to be both well-written and quite engaging. I would have liked there to have been more character and motivational development, but unfortunately, it seems that Separatist and Sith characters are never flushed out, as they must be portrayed as evil and corrupt as possible (which I don't agree with at all, but it's canon and I cannot change that). However, Labyrinth of Evil is more audacious and intricate than most of the Star Wars prequel novels,
...more
Initially I was looking forward to re-reading this book because I remembered how good it was, remembered it being evocatively dark, and scenes of Anakin grappling with an ‘inner dragon’. Now I’ve finished, I realise that what I remembered was actually from Matthew Stover’s novelisation of Revenge of the Sith. It makes sense in hindsight; Stover is well-known in the Expanded Universe for his hard-hitting, no-punches-pulled entries, including Shatterpoint and Traitor. Mea culpa – it has been a dec ...more
this book is great if you like exact terms for each droid and ship but it's a bit boring if you're like me and refer to any star wars transport as 'ship' lmao
also! this infamous quote
also! this infamous quote
“I never claimed to be the Chosen One. That was Qui-Gon. Even the Council doesn’t believe it anymore, so why should you?”...more
“Because I think you believe it,” Obi-Wan said calmly. “I think you know in your heart that you’re meant for something extraordinary.”
“And you, Master. What does your heart tell you you’re mean
I finally got this read after looking at it in the library for awhile and it is a great book the does some good story line before the Revenge of the Sith. It shows Anakin starting to change a little bit, but it really helps to show how things started to come about with the rise of The Empiror. It also does a nice job of feeling in some of the story from the Attack of the Clones.
I would probably see Attack of the Clones and/or Revenge of the Sith to get a better feel for the book. I remembered mo ...more
I would probably see Attack of the Clones and/or Revenge of the Sith to get a better feel for the book. I remembered mo ...more
you know how episode iii is just a gaping 2.5 hour long plot hole to anyone with a brain? this should be required reading for anyone stepping into that swamp. it sets the stage, by which i mean, EXPLAINS the bloody conflict, grants the jedi council agency and doesn't set them up to just be inactive dupes, makes obi-wan at least 3% believable as a supposed mentor, and actually explains who and what grievous is and how he fits in the sith scheme of things. the only thing not saved by this is padme
...more
Absolutely loved the action scenes, they was fast paced, and it was nice seeing Padme' in action during her pregnancy.
But nevertheless this book is the prequel to the last prequel in the prequel trilogy! ...more
But nevertheless this book is the prequel to the last prequel in the prequel trilogy! ...more
The original prologue/opening crawl to Revenge of the Sith before The Clone Wars gave us the canon version of what happened (which is pretty different)
The investigation on coruscant into finding Sidious is probably the best part of the book. Coming so close only for his plan to come into effect so then getting nowhere near him really
Enjoyable read. But after that lightsaber duel between Ahsoka and Maul in The Clone Wars, I know which version of events I prefer
The investigation on coruscant into finding Sidious is probably the best part of the book. Coming so close only for his plan to come into effect so then getting nowhere near him really
Enjoyable read. But after that lightsaber duel between Ahsoka and Maul in The Clone Wars, I know which version of events I prefer
I love the Star Wars novels of James Luceno. It's not easy to pick up the plot, but as soon as you're getting familiar with the author's way of writing, it's a fantastic enjoyment.
This book covers the events during the Clone Wars and is situated between Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
What I like was the growing maturity in the person of Anakin Skywalker, who is now a Jedi Knight and Obi-Wan's friend and partner. Both are serving as generals in the Republican army ...more
This book covers the events during the Clone Wars and is situated between Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.
What I like was the growing maturity in the person of Anakin Skywalker, who is now a Jedi Knight and Obi-Wan's friend and partner. Both are serving as generals in the Republican army ...more
This was fun, but heavily bogged down by the baggage of being a Star Wars book.
The story, almost by definition, couldn't go much of anywhere. We know what happens before, and we know where it ends up. Nothing can be resolved because nothing starts resolved in the next movie. It makes Annakin's slide a bit more gradual than just watching the films, but even in that case the book has to start with "already sliding" and end before it actually gets to any interesting values of "slid". So it ends up ...more
The story, almost by definition, couldn't go much of anywhere. We know what happens before, and we know where it ends up. Nothing can be resolved because nothing starts resolved in the next movie. It makes Annakin's slide a bit more gradual than just watching the films, but even in that case the book has to start with "already sliding" and end before it actually gets to any interesting values of "slid". So it ends up ...more
Look at that cover. This book looks like it is about Anakin fighting Grievous, maybe tracking him to his lair, fighting droids and traps, the most powerful Jedi fighting a notorious Jedi-killer. That's something worth reading, right?
Instead, you get a lot of things you don't want. Tracking a chair manufacturer - thrilling. the "labyrinth of evil" is just tracking Sidious through some Coruscant back door. Padme and Bail chapters, blah blah, and then the ending, which (written in 2005) is an alter ...more
Instead, you get a lot of things you don't want. Tracking a chair manufacturer - thrilling. the "labyrinth of evil" is just tracking Sidious through some Coruscant back door. Padme and Bail chapters, blah blah, and then the ending, which (written in 2005) is an alter ...more
In my experience, it's a rare thing for a movie tie-in novel to feel important or necessary. After reading Labyrinth of Evil, I can say that it is one of the few that breaks the mold. James Luceno adds another quality book to his impressive resume, and sets the stage for what many consider to be the best of the Star Wars prequel movies.
What I liked: The book provided quality insight and interactions between Anakin and Obi-Wan. As the story progresses, you get a real sense of the brotherly relat ...more
What I liked: The book provided quality insight and interactions between Anakin and Obi-Wan. As the story progresses, you get a real sense of the brotherly relat ...more
I was pretty excited to get into this one, as it's a "prequel" for Revenge of the Sith.
Two main problems: 1) Confusing and 2) Almost no character development.
It took me a good long while to figure out what was happening and why. That went for the plot, individual scenes, etc. Every time I started a chapter, it took me until about halfway through before I kinda knew what was going on. At that point, I was asking, "Why? Why are we doing this? What's our goal? Why does this story need to be told?"
A ...more
Two main problems: 1) Confusing and 2) Almost no character development.
It took me a good long while to figure out what was happening and why. That went for the plot, individual scenes, etc. Every time I started a chapter, it took me until about halfway through before I kinda knew what was going on. At that point, I was asking, "Why? Why are we doing this? What's our goal? Why does this story need to be told?"
A ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Three-and-a-half stars.
Writing-wise, what an improvement Labyrinth of Evil is over the Star Wars-Episode II: Attack of the Clones novelization, which (per my review) is hopelessly bedeviled by flat dialogue, thin characterization, and a woeful dearth of atmospheric description. Big-time credit to James Luceno (author of the exemplary Indiana Jones tie-in The Mata Hari Affair, which I reviewed here), an excellent novelist who knows how to take a premise optimized for a visual medium and nonethele ...more
Writing-wise, what an improvement Labyrinth of Evil is over the Star Wars-Episode II: Attack of the Clones novelization, which (per my review) is hopelessly bedeviled by flat dialogue, thin characterization, and a woeful dearth of atmospheric description. Big-time credit to James Luceno (author of the exemplary Indiana Jones tie-in The Mata Hari Affair, which I reviewed here), an excellent novelist who knows how to take a premise optimized for a visual medium and nonethele ...more
A book intended to bridge the gap between (2) Clones and (3) Sith. It did its job. Unfortunately that’s about all I can say about this book. It filled in spaces regarding the war and focused mainly on the “behind the scenes” of how the war took off and how it became what it was at the beginning of Sith.
I wish there were more to the complexity of Anakin and Obi Wan’s relationship. Or Anakin and Padmé, OR Anakin and Palpatine. Instead it focuses on the build up and development of the Clone Wars. ...more
I wish there were more to the complexity of Anakin and Obi Wan’s relationship. Or Anakin and Padmé, OR Anakin and Palpatine. Instead it focuses on the build up and development of the Clone Wars. ...more
Wow! This is just a superb piece of the Skywalker Saga. Honestly, with only a very few minor details, this pretty much lines up with the Disney Era canon. I know technically this is considered "Legends" material, but these events are going into my own head canon.
So let me back up a bit, I've mentioned in at least one of my previous reviews that James Luceno is one of my two favorite SW authors. His prequel book for Rogue One, called Catalyst, was the very first SW book I ever read. Up till now, ...more
So let me back up a bit, I've mentioned in at least one of my previous reviews that James Luceno is one of my two favorite SW authors. His prequel book for Rogue One, called Catalyst, was the very first SW book I ever read. Up till now, ...more
Now this is what I call a prequel. A novel designed to lead immediately into "Revenge of the Sith", this is a work that is exceptionally strong on character...so much so that it puts the film prequels to shame, and adds an entire extra layer to what is revealed in Episode 3. There remains a bit too much eye-glazing combat writing for my tastes, but in the end this is a solid and satisfying slice of the Lucasverse that delivers the goods.
...more
This was a really great book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the prequel trilogy of star wars. It was action packed and had plenty of great missions and hooked well into Star Wars Episode 3 Revenge of the Sith.
Overall: 9/10
Pro: This book is an absolutely perfect prequel to Revenge of the Sith. Any book that makes you more excited for the movie has done a great job
Con: some of the beginning was slow but it was a good buildup
Pro: This book is an absolutely perfect prequel to Revenge of the Sith. Any book that makes you more excited for the movie has done a great job
Con: some of the beginning was slow but it was a good buildup
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Like watching revenge of the sith but it’s turgid prose
The Jedi Order really do just pick Anakin and Obi-Wan for every mission haha
A few parts of this book feel like fetch-quests or a slow crime novel, but they are very much the minority. Overall it’s a great exploration of the events leading up to Episode 3. Obviously, when you know how it has the end, it’s all about HOW it gets there... and that is very well done in this story.
A few parts of this book feel like fetch-quests or a slow crime novel, but they are very much the minority. Overall it’s a great exploration of the events leading up to Episode 3. Obviously, when you know how it has the end, it’s all about HOW it gets there... and that is very well done in this story.
The exciting prequel to the last prequel in the prequel trilogy!
Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil, is the must-read tie-in with Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith.
This novel, written by James Luceno, gives us the tale about the waining weeks of the Clone Wars conflict, as we follow Jedi Knights Obi-wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker as they uncover a lead to the identity of the elusive Sith mastermind, Darth Sidious.
The Jedi Order organizes a priority manhunt to track down the Sith Lord while Ke ...more
Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil, is the must-read tie-in with Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith.
This novel, written by James Luceno, gives us the tale about the waining weeks of the Clone Wars conflict, as we follow Jedi Knights Obi-wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker as they uncover a lead to the identity of the elusive Sith mastermind, Darth Sidious.
The Jedi Order organizes a priority manhunt to track down the Sith Lord while Ke ...more
Star Wars Legends Project #164
Background: Labyrinth of Evil was written by James Luceno. It was published in January 2005. Luceno has written several Star Wars novels, most (like this one) placed at key moments in the EU timeline.
Labyrinth of Evil is set 36 months after the Battle of Geonosis (19 years before the Battle of Yavin), immediately prior to and during the Battle of Coruscant. The main characters are Anakin and Obi-Wan, though there are major roles for most of main players of the e ...more
Background: Labyrinth of Evil was written by James Luceno. It was published in January 2005. Luceno has written several Star Wars novels, most (like this one) placed at key moments in the EU timeline.
Labyrinth of Evil is set 36 months after the Battle of Geonosis (19 years before the Battle of Yavin), immediately prior to and during the Battle of Coruscant. The main characters are Anakin and Obi-Wan, though there are major roles for most of main players of the e ...more
My actual rating is 3.5 stars.
This is the prequel to Revenge of the Sith and this book takes us right to the opening scene in that movie. In this one, Obi-Wan and Anakin are close to capturing Nute Gunray. He escapes but leaves behind a clue that could finally reveal the identity of Darth Sidious and bring an end to the war.
There were some aspects I really enjoyed in this novel. The author does a terrific job with the characters. His handling of the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan is per ...more
This is the prequel to Revenge of the Sith and this book takes us right to the opening scene in that movie. In this one, Obi-Wan and Anakin are close to capturing Nute Gunray. He escapes but leaves behind a clue that could finally reveal the identity of Darth Sidious and bring an end to the war.
There were some aspects I really enjoyed in this novel. The author does a terrific job with the characters. His handling of the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan is per ...more
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James Luceno co-wrote a lot of books with Brian Daley as Jack McKinney.
He is a New York Times Best-Selling author currently living in Annapolis, Maryland with his wife and youngest child. ...more
He is a New York Times Best-Selling author currently living in Annapolis, Maryland with his wife and youngest child. ...more
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“I never claimed to be the Chosen One. That was Qui-Gon. Even the Council doesn’t believe it anymore, so why should you?”
"Because I think you believe it,” Obi-Wan said calmly.
“I think you know in your heart that you’re meant for something extraordinary.”
“And you, Master. What does your heart tell you you’re meant for?”
“Infinite sadness,” Obi-Wan said, even while smiling.”
—
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More quotes…
"Because I think you believe it,” Obi-Wan said calmly.
“I think you know in your heart that you’re meant for something extraordinary.”
“And you, Master. What does your heart tell you you’re meant for?”
“Infinite sadness,” Obi-Wan said, even while smiling.”
