Reviewed by: Rachel A Hyde, MyShelf.Com
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If you have been on tenterhooks every since sitting glued to Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace, then the long wait is over. The film has just been released but if even waiting another few days until you can get to the Metroplex seems like a lifetime, then pick up a copy of R A Salvatore's Attack of the Clones. Set ten years after the first film, this book finds Anakin Skywalker as a twenty year old man and soon to become a Jedi. But he still misses his mother and yearns for another meeting with the beautiful Queen of Naboo, Padme Amidala. The Republic is breaking up and rival factions are at each other's throats, assassins slink along the dark streets of Coruscant and the Dark Side is growing. When Anakin and his master Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent on a diplomatic mission to protect a senator, Anakin is stunned to find that this is none other than his lost love, Amidala, and he is determined to save her from attempts on her life. Meanwhile back on Tattooine, Shmi Skywalker is in danger.

Plenty of action, romance, some humor and a cast of colourful characters make this a worthy successor to the first film. Mercifully free of cute furry creatures (not an Ewok or Gwurran in sight) there is an atmosphere of doom in direct contrast to the first trio of films as although ultimately order was restored, this section of the story is gearing up for the dark time and we know what happens to well-meaning maverick Anakin. This tormented, enigmatic character is at the heart of the story and perhaps it is to be wished that Amidala was more than just a brave and beautiful fairytale princess doing the best for her people, but somehow she isn't. If you want lots of action and colourful entertainment then this will please - easy to see why Star Wars is so loved.