Star Wars: The Cestus Deception

A Clone Wars novel, set a year after the end of 'Attack Of The Clones'.  Obi-Wan is sent to Ord Cestus to halt production of a new type of battle droid, nicknamed 'Jedi Killers' through mediation.  However, Supreme Chancellor Palptine is unwilling to put his faith in diplomacy and insists that a second team, consisting of Clone Commandos and led by Jedi Master Kit Fisto, be sent to the planet to initiate military operations.  This book addresses several important Star Wars issues, the first of which is the conflict of interest caused within the Jedi by the Clone Wars.  It makes for compelling reading as Obi-Wan struggles to find a diplomatic solution, even as he becomes more and more certain that he will have to fall back on the military option.  The other major issue that this book addresses is the Clones trying to come to terms with their own humanity and measuring themselves against the Jedi who they hold in awe.  Nate/Jangotat (and ARC Trooper) is an excellent character and his development with Sheeka Tull's help is one of the strongest elements of the book, as is his ultimate decision.  Barnes makes good use of Asajj Ventress too, showing that she is as smart as she is deadly when she repeatedly foils Obi-Wan's plans.  There's also a great three-way duel between Ventress, Obi-Wan and Kit.  This book's main downsides are that the X'Ting politics can be pretty boring and the revelation about the JK droids kinda makes the whole story pointless.  One other fault is that the book's cover prominently features Count Dooku, but he doesn't even make a cameo appearance within the text.

5 out of 5

'In a statement issued to shareholders, Baktoid Armor Workshop confirmed that it will close down five more plants in the Inner Rim and Colonies as a direct result of Republic regulations that have hindered its battle droid program.'

Star Wars: The Hive

This e-book takes place within the events of 'The Cestus Deception' and was later published in the paperback edition of that book.  Obi-Wan and the X'Ting warrior Jesson are given the task of entering the long-sealed underground caverns of Ord Cestus in search of preserved royal eggs that could ensure the planet's stability.  I really enjoyed this story, as it is sort of a combination of the Jedi-action of Star Wars and the tomb-raiding action of Indiana Jones.  There's everything this sort of adventure story would need; cannibals, giant killer worms, hidden doors and devious riddles.  What I liked most, however, is the way in which throughout there are vague references to a Jedi that may have visited Ord Cestus long ago and then, at the very end, Obi-Wan discovers something in the long-abandoned Hall of Heroes; a seventy foot high statue of Yoda!

5 out of 5

'G'Mai Duris, Regent of the planet Ord Cestus, formally folded the fingers of her primary and secondary hands.'