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Star Wars: Cloak of Deception

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"The Chancellor has little real power...he is mired down by baseless accusations of corruption." -- Senator Palpatine of Naboo to Queen Amidala, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

One of the intentions writer-director George Lucas had when writing the current prequels in the Star Wars saga was to illustrate how precarious democracy can be and how it can transform itself into a dictatorship. This little civics lesson, when added to the "main story" of how and why Anakin Skywalker becomes one of filmdom's greatest villains, was intended to answer such questions as "How did the Emperor take power?" and "Why were the Jedi nearly destroyed?" (Unfortunately, for many Star Wars fans, this civics lesson made Episode I seem like a galactic edition of C-SPAN, with all that talky maneuvering and manipulating in the Senate Hall.)

There are, however, some fans who do like the intrigue and political backstabbing that marks the end of the Galactic Republic, and James Luceno's Star Wars: Cloak of Deception gives willing readers a fascinating look behind the scenes of those "baseless accusations" aimed at Supreme Chancellor Valorum...the ones that are distracting the Republic's chief executive just as the Senate is about to be bogged down by the question of the taxation of trade routes in the galaxy.

Set shortly before the events chronicled in Michael Reaves' Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter and Star Wars: Episode I, Cloak of Deception follows Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi as they investigate the daring space pirate Captain Cohl and his gang, who have been striking at the heavily armed "freighters" of the Trade Federation...that greedy multi-system entity controlled mostly by the Neimoidians who have allied themselves with the mysterious Sith Lord. But is Cohl raiding the disguised warships just to steal from the rich and make a name for himself? Is he allied to those systems that are sick and tired of being extorted by the Trade Federation? Or is he merely one of many pawns being manipulated by Palpatine/Darth Sidious in his endless chain of schemes-within-schemes in order to create a major crisis that will push the well-meaning but ineffectual Finis Valorum out of office, thus paving the way for Palpatine's ascent to the Supreme Chancellorship?

This being one of several literary prequels to The Phantom Menace, savvy readers know the ultimate outcome of this story, but Luceno is one of the best Star Wars writers, and Cloak of Deception masterfully combines much of Lucas' back story and symbolism (Finis Valorum, the Supreme Chancellor's name, in Latin, roughly translates to brave or valiant end) with a suspenseful storyline replete with intrigue, action, and a more detailed look at Senator Palpatine and his cronies' plots and counterplots that will culminate in the Naboo Crisis.

Cloak of Deception is not only an exciting read, but it also nicely sets the stage for the events of TPM.

Most importantly for Star Wars fans, this book explains what the vague "dispute over taxation" at the beginning of Episode I is all about. Much of the information to be found here would have improved the film as well, by more fully explaining the motivations of key characters and more sharply setting the tension. For instance, the fact that the dispute isn't really about taxes, but rather about (a) a nascent rebellion, (b) the reactions of both the Trade Federation and the Republic to growing anarchy and (c) political control over large portions of the galaxy is important to understanding the issues behind TPM. Of course, Palpatine's behind-the-scenes manipulation of everyone on every side is also interesting and illuminating. As a side note, I think that in TPM Lucas wanted to hide Palpatine's actions behind a veil of secrecy and mystery, a goal that was largely successful. On the other hand, Lucas was so successful that the film left us clueless as to what the political factions were debating and why the Trade Federation was making such a hostile play for Naboo. TPM as a stand alone film would have been better served if Lucas had cleaned up those plot lines a bit - even one or two lines explaining the dilema would have helped (it's all about motivation!). Cloak of Deception corrects that oversight.

Perhaps just as important to the future development of the SW epic is Luceno's treatment of the rift among the Jedi regarding the nature of the Force. Luceno tell us that some (Qui-Gonn Jinn among them) adhere to the precepts of the "Living Force," while others (the majority of the Jedi Council) follow those of the "Unifying Force." In the interest of brevity and my unwillingness to spoil an interesting plot line for fans, suffice it to say that this book begins to explain why Qui-Gonn is somewhat of an outsider (his adherence to the Living Force) and how these conceputal differences have somewhat divided the council. I think that this philosophical difference will also tie in with the midi-chlorian thingies and the disappearing Jedi conundrum (SW fans understand those references).

I'm not even going to outline the plot in this review - it's mostly standard dueling, space chases and other swashbuckling. As far as all of that goes, Luceno does a fine job balancing action, political intrigue and character development.

Footnote: I think that reading this book will probably be as essential as watching TPM again before Episode II hits the screens. The political intrigue is bound to play a role in the next film, too.

Luceno puts in a fine effort, but Cloak of Deception does not live up to the standard he set with his Agents of Chaos duology. The fault does not lie in the plot at all. On the contrary, Luceno does an excellent job of shedding light on the background to the Phantom Menace. We are able to see Palpatine the master politician, seeming to support every Senatorial faction, gaining the respect and trust of the most powerful Senators. Luceno also tells us just what the "taxation of outlying systems" - the causus belli in Phantom Menace - is all about. And we learn just how those "baseless" rumors of Valorum's corruption began. Those alone make Cloak of Deception worth any Star Wars fan's time.

Unfortunately, Cloak of Deception suffers from the same fault as Episode I itself. We just don't care about any of the characters. There was something inherently likeable about Luke, Han, and Leia in Episode IV; we felt for Luke when he lost Owen, Beru, and Ben. We cheered when Han returned to help Luke destroy the Death Star. And we felt euphoria when Leia presented medals to our heroes. With Phantom Menace, however, there was too much of a distance between us and the characters. It's hard to care for Padme, for example, when she herself is playing a role; we never get to see the *real* Padme.

Cloak of Deception suffers from the same problem. Valorum is almost assassinated, and we don't care. Qui-Gon defies the Jedi Council and we are not impressed. Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter does a much better job of drawing us into the characters' lives.

For enlightenment into the plot of Phantom Menace, Cloak of Deception is a must read. Casual fans, however, would do better to read Shadow Hunter or a Rogue Squadron book.

I was very impressed with this novel from the very beginning through the end.

After seeing Episode 1, I'm sure you and your friends pondered on how the Neimodians and Darth Sidious first got involved. How did the Trade Federation set up the blockade of Naboo? Just how did Queen Amidala become queen? How did Chancellor Vallorum become perceived as incompetent as to heading the Republic? And just who is this enigmatic young Senator Palpatine?

Well this novel does an excellent job of setting the stage for Episode One. The double talk and blameless Palpatine shines as the master manipulator. We stand in the shoes of Vallorum and watch the invisible power plays consume his effectiveness as a leader. We watch the rise of Rune Hakao and Nute Gunray and their dealing with this cloaked figure who issues them a deal they cannot refuse.

Was also nice to see more of the Jedi council in action. Mace Windu, Yoda, Qui Gon and even a younger Obi-wan in their attempts to bring peace to the galaxy.

The majority of the story revolves around a plot and conspiracy to bring down Chancellor Vallorum as head of the Republic and stave off a boiling contention between the worlds of the outer rim and the core through trade routes, pirates, and taxation.

New characters are introduced into the Star Wars mythos that are really exciting, and their actions, while at the time may seem innocent, set the stage for what will become the Empire....with everyone's strings being pulled by Darth Sidious.

A few other characters make cameos including Bail Organa and A young Governor Tarkin.

This is not your typical Star Wars novel. It is very deep in conspiracy, plot twists, and black ops. A very enjoyable read.

What an awesome kickoff to the Star Wars Expanded Universe this book is! Luceno masterfully captures the prequel "feel" and spins a tale which deepens and adds layers to characters and plotlines presented in The Phantom Menace. The book could be characterized as a political thriller with liberal dashes of action sprinkled throughout.

Cloak of Deception kicks off with a nifty echo of the opening sequence of The Phantom Menace (it was published after, although it is set before the film). Much like the start of the movie, the first few chapters are chock-full of shipboard Jedi action, Neimoidians, battle droids, and more. Luceno writes in a very descriptive style and does not take for granted that the reader has seen the Star Wars films, making for a stronger novel.

Many characters from The Phantom Menace make their EU debut here, and there are also entertaining cameos from characters who play significant roles later in the saga, such as Lieutenant Governor Tarkin, Vergere, and Jorus C'baoth. Considering the book was published in 2001, it meshes well with the two prequel films released afterward. The Separatist commerce organizations of Attack of the Clones are all worked into the story by name, along with many of the bit-player Senators and Jedi. A sequence early on in the book takes place at the Coruscant Opera House, which marries up nicely (and quite accidentally) with the dialogue between Palpatine and Anakin that takes place there in Revenge of the Sith.

I was most impressed by the complexity of the plot Luceno has woven. Palpatine and his alter-ego Darth Sidious pull the strings of virtually every character in the story. At times I had to step back and think through exactly what each character knew and what they didn't to see how Palpatine's plans were falling into place. One element I found a bit confusing early on is whether Palpatine had anticipated Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's involvement in the Nebula Front/Trade Federation/Old Republic conflict he was brewing. Whether he did or not, though, it works to his advantage as the Jedi begin to get entangled in and compromised by the corruption and duplicity spreading through the government.

Cloak of Deception fills out the "accusations of corruption" against Valorum that Palpatine mentions in The Phantom Menace and sets the stage for the forthcoming vote-of-no-confidence in Valorum's leadership. It explains why Sidious instructed the Trade Federation to blockade Naboo in particular and manages to breathe some life into the somewhat dry concept of taxation of trade routes being a key conflict driver in The Phantom Menace.

Luceno does a great job bringing out and enlivening some of the murkier story elements from the first prequel film. His descriptive powers serve his story well and he leaves many tasty tidbits for serious fans of the EU to digest. This book is very highly recommended to anyone wanting a quality Star Wars read and especially highly to fans of the prequels.

Most of the novels written for the Star Wars expanded universe are mainly reminiscent of the films; plenty of adventure, a wry sense of humor, and of course, scintillating lightsaber duels. Well, I'm here to tell you that Cloak of Deception is not your run-of-the-mill Star Wars novel.

Not to say that I disliked it. It was actually very difficult to put down once I'd started reading it. But what sets Cloak of Deception (written by James Luceno) apart from the other novels is that it is very much a political story and not so much an action/adventure tale that you're used to. Don't get me wrong, there were many parts filled with battles and lightsabers, however the basic story-line deals mainly with the Galactic Senate and its Chancellor as opposed to the Jedi.

Cloak of Deception centers around the mysterious assassination attempt on the life of the Supreme Chancellor Valorum, and the strange ferocity of the Nebula Front group that is currently at odds with the Trade Federation. What was interesting about this political tale, is that Luceno delves more into the mind and personality of Valorum; a character that had little to no screen time in The Phantom Menace. Qui-gon Jinn is also quite a significant character in this story, as he travels across across the galaxy, accompanied by his Padawan learner Obi-wan Kenobi, in order to investigate the mysterious Nebula Front that is suspected to have had a hand in the Chancellor's assassination attempt.

Luceno not only includes characters we've already met, but introduces some newcomers as well. To name a few: Captain Cohl, the rebellious Captain of the Hawk-Bat; Rella, his feisty female first mate; and Havac, the mysterious terrorist. I must admit, it takes quite a good bit of writing for me to warm up to new characters, however, I found myself rooting for Captain Cohl and his comrades as they found themselves mixed up in the political intrigue.

Overall, I must say this is a very different kind of expanded universe novel, though it's definitely not a bad one. Even if you're turned off by political stories, you might suprise yourself by liking this one. It's especially interesting to learn more about the trade federation's qualm with the republic and their early plans to blockade Naboo (suggested, of course, by their mysterious benefactor, Darth Sidious).

3/5 stars. Thanks for reading. :)

'Cloak of Deception', by James Luceno, takes place before Episode One of the Star Wars saga. This novel could be described as a political/spy novel featuring the Jedi. It tells the story of how the trade routes came to be taxed as mentioned in the opening scrawl of 'The Phantom Menace'. It also gives some history to the "baseless accusations of corruption" and the "bureaucracy" that Senator Palpatine mentions in the movie.

Qui-gon and Obi Wan are set up to be the main characters in the book, yet most of the story revolves around the Supreme Chancellor and the Senate. This is certainly different than most Star Wars novels. Instead of the key scenes featuring the Jedi, the Empire, or other adversaries engaged in battle, many of the climatic events center around debates in the Senate. In short, it is a different type of Star Wars novel.

It was, however, nice to see some of the more neglected Jedi, such as Saesee Tiin and Adi Galia get attention. They featured prominently in many events. As mentioned in other reviews, Jorus C'Boath, Anoon Bondara, Darsha Assant, and Vegere amongst others from the expanded universe of Star Wars make cameo appearences in this novel as well.

In the early part of the novel, Bondara offers a thought puzzle to several Jedi Padawans. One of my favorite scenes in the book comes near the end when Obi Wan and Qui-gon discuss Obi Wan's solution to the puzzle. I felt that scene was especially good at capturing the essence of those two characters and their relationship. In fact, Luceno's greatest strength is his ability to write the characters as we would expect them from the movie.

In comparison to 'Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter', which is the other prequel novel to 'The Phantom Menace', 'Cloak of Deception' is a bit slower. In addition, it doesn't have the pacing or the feel as most of the Star Wars movies. That doesn't keep it from being enjoyable however. This history of the taxation of the trade routes and what it meant does add to the story in 'The Phantom Menace'. As I mentioned earlier, this is more of a Political/Spy novel, and I recommend it to Star Wars fans, especially those interested in the events before 'The Phantom Menace'.

The book "Star Wars Cloak of Deception" is a story about an assassination attempt on Supreme Chancellor Valorum's life. A man by the name of Havac hired Captain Cohl to kill the chancellor. Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi find out about this assassination plan on Supreme Chancellor Valorum's life and try to foil this plot. Chancellor Palpatine tries to help Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to get the support he needs to tax the Trade Federation on the goods they trade. I enjoyed this book very much. It had a lot of good plot twists.

I'm a huge fan of the Star Wars movies and I was hungry to learn more about the worlds, characters, species, and interim events of this spectacular epic. So, I started reading the novels in chronological order, beginning with Cloak of Deception. I was not disappointed.

Although I believe anyone can enjoy this novel, knowing the movies in and out makes reading this that much better. I was pleased to see the author delve into Chancellor Valorum's background, and describe what events occurred that eventually led to his political demise. Plus, to see how Senator Palpatine won the hearts and commitment from other members of the Galactic Senate made his meteoric rise to power in Episode I make that much more sense. And I couldn't help but smile when the dubious Wilhuff Tarkin was introduced into the mix of things. I could go on and on, but I don't want to give too much away.

In short, if you are a person who loves Star Wars, likes novels centered around politics, or just digs a good adventure, read Cloak of Deception. I couldn't put it down, and I'd be willing to bet that you won't be able to either. May the Force be with you!

In this novel, we see more of the high-calibre writing talent of James Luceno, who previously scripted two of the New Jedi Order (NJO) novels.

Luceno does a masterful job of capturing the essence of characters that many will recognize, including the eventual Moff Tarkin, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi (as a youth of course), and a host of others. Other characters make appearances, including: Vergere, who seems to be playing a part in the NJO series, a Jedi Master named Cboath, a newly elected leader named Amidala, and two jedi whom we saw face Darth Maul in Shadow Hunter. Luceno has done a great job of keeping the reader guessing on exactly what the eventual goal of the plot being hatched by dissidents really is. Of course it turns out that Sidious has been orchestrating things very far in advance. But we are also able to see the even Palpatine cannot plan EVERYthing, as he exhibits some doubts and slight apprehensions during the story.

The novel takes place some weeks before Shadow Hunter, and thence before Phantom Menace. Luceno, as mentioned, did an excellent job in incorporating all those things we know to have taken place, but also in rounding out HOW they came about. I think that this is an excellent lead-in to Phantom Menace, better than Shadow Hunter.

I have read that many feel the book moves too slow. Well, it may seem so, but for those with patience, it takes only a moment's thought to realize how much work went into planning the outcome. It is clearly worth any perceived effort. Much of what we see is political machinations, a great deal of course being orchestrated by Palpatine. We are able to see how he was able to position himself to be the successor to the Chancellor's post.

Much of the story also hinges upon the pursuit of some criminals by the Jedi, particularly Qui-Gon Jin. We are able to see how he was unable to remove a momentary focus from his mind, as we know later proved to be his undoing. There is also Jedi combat on a scale not appreciated before the NJO series, as we see a relatively large gathering of Jedi working in concert against a much numerically larger foe. When you read this, you will know why the Jedi were so feared by criminal elements, and by Palpatine.

I don't know that I could give much more praise to this book than I have already. I am sure that most Star Wars readers already have this one, but I would like to recommend this to those that may have been soured on Star Wars after Phantom Menace came out. I know of many that claimed they did not understand what it was all about. Well folks, here is the background that will answer your questions.