The novelization of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, written by acclaimed fantasy author R.A. Salvatore, is an adaptation that expands upon the 2002 film, delving deeper into the characters’ inner thoughts and the escalating political tensions of the galaxy. While faithful to the film’s plot—which follows the romance between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala, the mystery of the attempted assassinations, and the first battle of the Clone Wars—the book is often noted for its effort to add emotional depth and context to the cinematic story.
Salvatore, known for his character-driven narratives and action sequences in his own works, uses the internal monologue to explore Anakin’s turmoil, his fear of loss, and his struggle with the Jedi Code, providing a clearer foundation for his eventual fall. The novel also gives more insight into Obi-Wan Kenobi’s detective work and his growing concerns about his Padawan, as well as Padmé’s own conflict between her duty and her heart.
A significant aspect of this novelization is its infamous connection to a major character’s death. Salvatore was required by the storyline to kill off the popular Expanded Universe character Chewbacca. This decision, made by the Lucasfilm story group to showcase the gravity of the Yuuzhan Vong threat in the then-ongoing New Jedi Order book series, was met with substantial backlash from fans, creating a notable controversy that became a lasting part of the book’s legacy.
While not as critically acclaimed as some other Star Wars novelizations, Salvatore’s adaptation is appreciated by fans for its smoother pacing and its successful attempt to add layers of motivation and drama to the story, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments that the film sometimes rushed through. It remains an essential piece of Star Wars literary history for its deep dive into the prequel era and its infamous role in the Expanded Universe.
The 1st and 3rd books in the trilogy are also available in our store:
