Book Review: The Cestus Deception

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

[5 stars]

The Cestus Deception Amazon US HC Amazon Canada HC
Steven Barnes
Class/Genre: Science Fiction Space Opera Star Wars
Series: Star Wars : Clone Wars
Del Rey, Jun 2004, $25.95, 400 pp.

While the Clone Wars continue, the Republic learns that the remote planet, Ord Cestus, is mass-producing special bio-droids capable of defeating a Jedi in mortal combat. Apparently, a ban on producing battle droids ravaged the local economy leading to the Cestus bartering with the Republic’s enemy, Count Doohu and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Taking the threat seriously, Chancellor Palpatine dispatches Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, fellow Jedi Knight Nautolan Kit Fisto, several trooper-clones, and the slug barrister Snoil to the orb to do whatever it takes including global genocide to insure that no Jedi-killing battle droids are produced.

Obi-Wan plummets into local intrigues as he senses a much greater diabolical plot behind what is happening on Ord Cestus. With the help of his team, Obi-Wan struggles to prevent the development and sale of the bio-droids, to avert a nasty takeover scheme and trying to prevent the planet from total annihilation from his side or their opponent. Neither the Republic nor the Confederacy can afford to allow their enemy to gain control of the bio-droids that could shift the balance of power.

Fans of the Star Wars mythos or Steven Barnes will thoroughly enjoy this fantastic entry that may be the best of the Clone War tales (comic book, novel or game). The action-packed story line contains plenty of enticing exotic characters from nasty bad dudes to the novel stealing Snoil, a brilliant legal genius. A touch of romance adds depth to a great Star Wars story that will bring new readers to the Jedi universe and showcase why Steven Barnes is one of the best novelists on the market today.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner

Please Note: Books reviewed are usually provided by the publisher, author, or an agent. Reviewers usually get to keep the book.