Mr. Lucas, please note the second word in the title that you chose for your movies: "Wars". Even ignoring the plurality of that noun, the title implies a combat situation. The Phantom Menace was a political movie, with a little bit of slapstick and swordfighting thrown in to provide a use for Jar Jar and the Jedi.

Attack of the Clones goes back to the roots of Star Wars. It is (somewhat obviously) about the rise of the clones, those who will be the stormtroopers under the Empire. In doing so, it not only advances the political elements of the prequel trilogy (and provides a purpose for the events of The Phantom Menace), but brings back the feeling of fun that A New Hope & The Empire Strikes Back gave the viewer. It is a story filled with both action and drama, and an ending which makes Lucas's job on Episode III all that more difficult.

That just talks about the movie. The book goes even further. Mr. Salvatore, much like Mr. Brooks with The Phantom Menace, helps to give background to the story, and fills in blanks. About the only thing I didn't like about the adaptation is the way that Mr. Salvatore writes Artoo's dialogue as, well, dialogue. (Yes, that's right; Mr. Salvatore, instead of saying "Artoo screeched in shock, then fell into the sand," would go "'Whaaooww!' screeched the little R2 unit, before falling into the sand.")

I can easily recommend this book to even the most casual Star Wars fan. The only reason why you wouldn't want this is (obviously) if you want to see the movie first. In that case, run, don't walk, away. The intriguing cover, the fascinating story, the allure of Star Wars, will draw you in otherwise. ( )

(Widescreen Edition) (2002)
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman Director: George Lucas Rating PG