Star Wars: The Clone Wars

The Clone Wars Junior Novels #1

by Tracey West

Available just in time for the August 15th release of "The Clone Wars" from Lucasfilm and Warner Bros. Pictures, this novelization retells the story of the animated feature film set during the period between "Episode II" and "Episode III."

"NOBATA BARGON! EECHUTA ROTTA ME PEEDUNKEE MUFKIN WAJEEKEE!" —Jabba the Hutt

War has spread chaos across the galaxy, and Jedi generals Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker find themselves leading a massive clone army into battle against Count Dooku and his Separatist Alliance. On the planet of Tatooine, deep in the Outer Rim of the galaxy, crime lord Jabba the Hutt's son has been kidnapped. To gain the Hutt's allegiance, an advantage over Dooku, the Jedi have agreed to find and rescue Jabba's son.

(from the back cover)

Genres: Star Wars, Science Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Childrens, Media Tie In

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 26, 2008

About the author

Tracey West is the New York Times bestselling author of Dragon Masters, a series in the Scholastic Branches line. She has written more than 400 books for kids, including the Pixie Tricks series and the Underdogs series with Kyla May.

Some readers also know Tracey for writing books based on animation such as Pokémon and LEGO Ninjago.

She currently lives in the western Catskills of New York with her husband, Bill; their adopted dogs; and a whole mess of chickens.

Reviews

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in 21BBY

An adaptation of the film, but more kid friendly. Nothing that adds more to the lore or the story, just the main plot and scenes in written form.

[Todd Burnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a Star Wars fan, this was an okay book. For the younger SW fans, I think this would be a little difficult due to the number of references to assorted characters in the SW pantheon--unless they've already watched the film/tv series and know who/what all the different characters are to begin with. ...But then why would they read the book...?

To be honest, it's a decently written book with a reasonable plot which younger readers can follow and classic characters one can feel instantly familiar with. I think, on the whole, it's a bit too young for older readers and a bit complicated for younger ones.

Regardless, I had a delve into it as a big fan of SW, and would recommend this to you for your budding Padawan as a parent/child read-along.

[Bailey Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This junior novelization of the animated 'Clone Wars' is pretty spot on. It does end abruptly though, but if I remember correctly the movie does to, so that doesn't take too much away.

Recommended 9+ for typical Star Wars violence.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this because my sweet nine year old read it, loved it, and begged me to read it too. He would give it five stars if he could.

We saw the movie before the book, and I was totally unimpressed. An hour and a half of violence with token story line and character development. Yay. And the portrayal of Jabba the Hut's uncle (think Jabba as a tatooed, lisping, New Orleans inhabitant....some Mardi Gras vibe...) was seriously freaky to me for some reason.

Compared to the movie, the book was a breath of fresh air. Still made of more action than good old story line, but not so bad. Since the battle scenes weren't so fleshed out as in the movie, there was a higher ratio of story to violence.

But, my boy LOVED it, and I enjoyed knowing he wanted to share it with me. Read it with your boys.

[Maricen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a a book for a kid but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

I haven't seen the Clone Wars movie so this is totally new for me. I got to know Ahsoka and Ventress. I really like her and Anakin's banter. I feel like she's a little like Anakin. Continually expressing her thoughts. Or not? Plus she got a hold of Anakin and Padme's secret. Somewhat. She immediately noticed their connection. I'd really like to know more about her and her adventures/mission with Anakin.

[mavie ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

my young sister had given me this book because she knows how much i love star wars, especially anakin. i appreciated the gift so much!! even if i am turning 20. however, i do have a bit of a baby brain so i enjoyed this book tbh…

it’s easy to see when the author started rushing near the end, which is unfortunate, but it is kinda like that in the show; where it abruptly ends. i do love how everyone was written though, and the humorous parts where very silly but didn’t take away from the action.

[Uuttu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Erittäin meh-teos. Ei mitenkään erityisen huono, mutta jää kaikinpuolin mitäänsanomattomaksi ja heti unohdettavaksi. Ei tuo mitään uutta elokuvaan nähden, mutta ei myöskään saa vangittua elokuvan tunnelmaa tai hahmojen luonteita. Elokuva koostui pitkälti vain taistelukohtauksista ja kirja koettaa herättää niitä henkiin kuvaamalla suoraviivaisesti, mitä tapahtui eikä edes yritä olla omaperäinen.

Ei tätä inhonnut lukea, mutta ei kyllä herännyt mitään tunteitakaan.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's the Star Wars equivalent to a Terrance Dicks/Doctor Who Target novelization. It's stripped down and straightforward...but as this is my least favourite period in the history of the Lucasverse, I find that this type of storytelling makes this palatable for me. Extra points for making Ahsoka far more than an irritating whiny kid...well done.

[Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is by far the best version of the Clone Wars movie that I've encountered. It makes me wonder why I don't like the movie, because this book is really good. Exciting, filled with action, and the only book that goes into Obi-Wan's Surrender negotiations.

[Kat V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right off the bat there’s a continuity issue with Ashoka’s age and the age of Padawans in the Jedi Apprentice series that came first. TBH I’m preferring this to the novelization by Karen Traviss, though this isn’t really that good either. 2.7 stars.

[William Crosby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simpler writing than another juvenile Star Wars book I read. Much banter, fighting, and not much plot.

[Rhona Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A general clean-out brought this book back to the surface. I read it because I'm a Star Wars fan, but not that familiar with the Clone Wars. Now it's going to charity

[Vidya Guha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this from my son's library and strangely enjoyed it

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a kid's book so the story is pretty simple. I did like finding out how Anakin got his padawan and their first meeting.

[Madi · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was 10000% aimed at a younger audience. took about 20 mins to read but was fun. basically word for word the clone wars movie.

[Ashleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good toned down version of the movie for younger readers.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with C. Part of me felt like I read this before with M.

[Christopher Dodds · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a star wars fan I did enjoy this, and it was nice to read more into Anakin's and Ahsoka's first meeting how it effected them both as Anakin learned how to be a teacher and how Ahsoka how to become his apprentice and how she fits into the universe. The story itself really didn't add much new to it in book form and I would of liked it to have much more content making the book slightly longer, but other wise it was a great book.

[Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it because it's cool, it has posters, there's one with Commander Fox and he's my favorite Clone. And I have a favorite character named Yoda and every time there is a black picture with everyone I like I see him. He's my favorite character in Star Wars and that's my favorite part about the Clone Wars.

[Someone · Rating 2 out of 5]

I haven't seen starwars the movie or the animated one so I was pretty confused about a lot of weaponary and characters. Got very bored and had to put the book down half way. If you've seen the movie I wouldn't imagine why you'd buy this book as it will be quite boring compared to the action filled scenes

[Miss Clark · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, far from inspiring. There is really nothing here in terms of background, motivations, or extra information/dialogue.

When did Anakin encounter Ventress before?

Her dark energy was unmistakable. He'd been close to it once, and he vowed to never forget it.

Pass.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Attempting to feign interest, rather unsuccessfully, for O's sake.

3/4: O. gives it five stars. I'm generously giving it two. It wasn't quite as bad as I was anticipating. The author could've used a thesaurus for the word barrage, though.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Asher (6 yo)read."I liked that Anakin Skywalker got a padawan and they went on a mission. They saved Jabba's son, Rotta. By saving Rotta, Jabba the Hut will let them cross the Outer Rim peacefully.

I loved the illustrations in the book. There was a lot of action in the story too."

[Noah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was absolutely amazing...

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it was overall okay!

[Caryl]

Same greatness as the mini novel.

[Amara · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was one of my favorite books i have read.

[Sisp4c_ryanlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great!It was full of action.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anakin rescues Jabba the Hutt's son from Count Dooku. Thiis book is just like the movie.

[Michalla Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE IT!!!!! I LOVE STAR WARS THE CLONE WARS!!!!! KEEP IT UP!!!!!!!!!