CLASSIC ART: THE DARK SIDE ASSEMBLES...

Led by the ultimate monster in Darth Vader, the ultimate villains of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, whom we so love to hate, come together in all their might for evil and destruction, in this superb Celebration Convention art by Doug Wheatley.

EPISODE III: WAR IN THE HEAVENS!

An army of Republic Cruisers begin their attack on enemy forces, launching waves of fighters and accompanied by a Jedi Starfighter, in this terrific fan artwork linked to the Prequel saga, capturing the epic flavour of intergalactic war that the saga does so well.

If anyone knows the name of the excellent artist here, please get in touch.

'EPISODE III' AT TWENTY: NICK GILLARD AND THE ART OF LIGHTSABER CONFLICT!

Delivering the duel fans had waited for, Nick Gillard, with Kyle Rowling and Michael Byrne, observe Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen in posed action for Annie Leibovitz's special Episode III coverage in Vanity Fair - 2005.

With the thrilling duel between Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi against the lethal double-bladed nastiness of Darth Maul, Prequel Stunt Coordinator Nick Gillard delivered action not previously seen or experienced in the saga to thrilled audiences and fans worldwide. Now, with Episode III, and the eagerly awaited lightsaber conflicts detonating the end of the saga, especially the emotional final conflict between Anakin Skywalker/ Darth Vader and his former friend and master in Obi-Wan, the accomplished, thoughtful Gillard, with an exceptional British and Australian stunt team alongside him, as well as enthused work from stars Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor, was ready to deliver the exciting goods once again, with years of planning on his side going into 2003-2005 and an excellent grasp of the main characters, giving them their own unique fighting styles that have endured for over twenty years.

Star Wars Aficionado celebrates and thanks Nick Gillard for his iconic work. 

Kyle Rowling and Hayden go through a specialist move.

Going through the moves with Nick Gillard on Episodes II and III.

Making a point with Ewan, who took to the dance-like Lightsaber duelling with speed.

Ewan and Hayden working with Kyle Rowling on the film's opening duel with Count Dooku.

"Hayden worked really hard. He did six hours of sword fighting every day with us, and then he did two hours of training plus an hour solid of weights and an hour of cardiovascular work. And he had to eat about six times a day!"

Nick Gillard - STAR WARS INSIDER MAGAZINE - January/February 2006

"I think we both really work well off each other. He's (Hayden)  a great actor and he did a really good job in this. Yeah, I think we worked really hard on this one and we were all really comfortable."

Ewan McGregor - Unknown Internet interview quote - May 2005

The epic duel as realised at the FOX Studios, Australia, towards the end of Episode III's filming.

Nick Gillard watches the action closely.

Obi delivers a kick blow to Anakin.

Coordinating the filming of the Mustafar lave flow skiff duel scene.

On Episode II, a great posed shot with Samuel L. Jackson and Ewan McGregor.

Nick Gillard BREAKS The Internet STAR WARS Prequels MASSIVE Interview - YouTube

EPISODE VIII: THE LUKE SKYWALKER LEGACY!

Another great piece of art to enjoy from the ever-popular Joe Corroney, and this time an epic showcase of the eternal icon Luke Skywalker, as played by Mark Hamill, as seen across the entire movie cycle of the Original and Sequel Trilogies up to The Last Jedi.

OUT NOW: 'THE STAR WARS ARCHIVES - EPISODES I - III 1999-2005' TASCHEN 2022 EDITION

Ready to discover the secrets of the Prequel Trilogy? The latest Star Wars Archives book gets a new hardback release. Image: Taschen.

There had been online rumours that it's expected publication wasn't going to happen, but to the delight of Star Wars Prequel fans everywhere worldwide, Taschen books 2021 lavishly produced The Star Wars Archives: Episodes I- III 1999 -2005, written and compiled by respected media favourite and long-time Taschen favourite British author Paul Duncan, has finally made its way into a brand-new compact and gorgeous smaller-sized edition, where it will no doubt sell very well indeed this Christmas, and especially following a positive time this year when the Prequel era set likes of Disney+ TV series Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor have helped cement and heighten fan respectability to George Lucas's brave-in-the-telling pre- A New Hope era that started over twenty years ago. 

As with his previous acclaimed must-have tome covering the Original Trilogy, Duncan's expansive and enlightening interview with film legend George Lucas continues, and is once more fascinating and compelling to read- the writer/director, always thinking outside the box, revealing the impetus and struggles to get the Prequel saga out of his imagination and onto both celluloid and digital, and how he fought the marketeers and critics (as well as some of his own company members and friend/colleagues) in telling the stories he ultimately wanted to tell, during an incredible and controversial time when a filmmaking revolution had been ushered in with the pioneering dawn of CGI, and how these new technique's increased use and development would enhance and increase Lucas's sensibilities and play tool box for generating epic visual storytelling, adding to the overall legacy of the Star Wars saga and its already encompassing pop culture legacy and mythology. 

Alongside all those remarkable insights and revelations (there's definitely some all-new surprises in here!), feast your eyes on a wealth of superb stills and on set photography (especially from The Phantom Menace, which had the most practical sets and locations for filming across the Prequels), gorgeous concept art (from the likes of veteran art talents Doug Chiang, Ryan Church and Eric Tiemens) beautifully re-scanned and printed to show incredibly rich detail, and rare behind the scenes information/script pages that haven't been made available anywhere else culled from months of exhaustive research work deep in the hallowed and mysterious halls of the Lucasfilm Archive by the dedicated author. Hey, it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it for our benefit!

Complete your Star Wars Archives collection with this wonderful chronicle of three bold, colourful films that are deservedly becoming re-evaluated (slowly but surely) with their legacy, and whose spirited, evolving conceptual history proves both an intriguing read and a veritable visual goldmine of storytelling beauty and innovation. The titles are a worthy and formidable continuance/compliment to those previously acclaimed Making of books crafted for the George Lucas side of the Star Wars filmmaking universe, compiled with equal care and dedication, by the late, much-missed J.W. Rinzler.

Aggressive Negotiations: A Star Wars Podcast: Issue 240: Paul Duncan: The Star Wars Archives: 1999-2005 on Apple Podcasts

Find out more about the book, and purchase it here:

The Star Wars Archives. 1999–2005. 40th Ed. - TASCHEN Books

 

OUT NOW - 'STAR WARS - BROTHERHOOD'

2022 is shaping up to be an incredible year for fans of the epic prequel universe created by George Lucas, what with the expansive Twentieth Anniversary celebrations worldwide for Attack of the Clones and the upcoming, eagerly awaited return of Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen in the Disney+ exclusive Obi-Wan Kenobi mini-series, airing from 27th May, 2022 onwards. And in between all that Force-packed excitement, we also have an acclaimed, all-new original adventure to savour for our Jedi hero icons Obi-Wan Kenobi (aka 'The Negotiator') and Anakin Skywalker ('The Hero Without Fear') - Brotherhood - as they embark on a dangerous, complex and emotionally challenging mission that takes them to the unusual bridge world civilisation of Cato Neimoidia and its creepy, duplicitous race of Neimoidians (beings who often cite their so-called conflict neutrality!), in an intriguing timeline set within the start of the infamous Clone Wars, and a situation that will ultimately be referenced early on by our Master and Knight during Coruscant affairs taking place during EPISODE III. Chen has the very rare privilege of penning one of the first officially approved tales starting off the Clone Wars, especially introducing Kenobi and Skywalker to the mysterious aura and lethal lightsaber fighting skills of Asajj Ventress!

Mike Chen, who previously contributed a tale to the popular The Empire Strikes Back - From A Certain Point of View in 2020,  delivers a solid, building adventure in Brotherhood that captures all the finest aspects of this era of the Star Wars saga - action, intrigue, mystery and danger - whilst presenting further dimensions to our prime heroes that will surely reward viewers who have always loved these special characters- an edgy but ultimately devoted Jedi pairing. Only two real disappointments: Firstly, the boring and mostly unnecessary subplot of Anakin's helping a young Zabrakian Jedi youngling become more comfortable with her empathic Jedi powers. Secondly, the Disney/Del Rey editorial team's subtle but clearly obvious inclusion of WOKE/politically correct elements, which proves both irritating and distracting from the storytelling.

Here's the official release blurb for the book, out now in UK hardback from Del Rey.

Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker must stem the tide of the raging Clone Wars and forge a new bond as Jedi Knights.

The Clone Wars have begun. Battle lines are being drawn throughout the galaxy. With every world that joins the Separatists, the peace guarded by the Jedi Order is slipping through their fingers.

After an explosion devastates Cato Neimoidia, the jewel of the Trade Federation, the Republic is blamed and the fragile neutrality of the planet is threatened. The Jedi dispatch Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the Order's most gifted diplomatic minds, to investigate the crime and maintain the balance that has begun to dangerously shift. As Obi-Wan investigates with the help of a heroic Neimoidian guard, he finds himself working against the Separatists who hope to draw the planet into their conspiracy-and senses the sinister hand of Asajj Ventress in the mists that cloak the planet.

Amid the brewing chaos, Anakin Skywalker rises to the rank of Jedi Knight. Despite the mandate that Obi-Wan travel alone-and his former master's insistence that he listen this time-Anakin's headstrong determination means nothing can stop him from crashing the party, and bringing along a promising but conflicted youngling.

Once a Padawan to Obi-Wan, Anakin now finds himself on equal-but uncertain-footing with the man who raised him. The lingering friction between them increases the danger for everyone around them. The two knights must learn a new way to work together-and they must learn quickly, to save Cato Neimoidia and its people from the fires of war. To overcome the threat they face they must grow beyond master and apprentice. They must stand together as brothers.

Some memorable excerpts:

Star Wars: Brotherhood - Exclusive Excerpt | StarWars.com

'Star Wars: Brotherhood' excerpt: Mike Chen reunites Obi-Wan, Anakin

Star Wars: Brotherhood Excerpt—Dexter Jettster Returns in Novel

Get the book here (also available in audio book form):

Star Wars: Brotherhood: Amazon.co.uk: Chen, Mike: 9781529150209: Books

THE 'STAR WARS' SAGA - BACK ON FRENCH 4K ULTRA HD...

French Star Wars (aka La Guerre des Etoiles) saga fans are in for a high-definition treat with a special exclusive territory release of the (Special Editions) Original, Prequel and Sequel trilogies in all-new release packaging (with accompanying, likely meagre amounts of bonus extras that we've already had before). The brand new cover characters art for each set looks pretty nice considering we now live in a land of cut and paste actor/publicist-approved photo imagery. 

No news on any new kind of combined release for Rogue One or Solo in France, but if anyone has more info on any of these upcoming titles, please get in touch... 

NEW YEAR, OLD FAVOURITES!

More enjoyed and discussed than ever, the original six-film George Lucas-created character era of the Star Wars galaxy (1977 - 2005) thrives in this great poster art from a few years back by popular US genre veteran, Matt Busch.

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM! 'STAR WARS - OBI-WAN KENOBI' PREPARES TO FILM...

He's safely delivered the baby Luke Skywalker into the protection of the kind and caring hands of Beru Lars and her husband Owen at their homestead on Tatooine, now former Jedi-in-hiding Obi-Wan Kenobi must get used to his life of wilderness self-exile until the time is right for him to aid the newly formed Rebel Alliance against the Empire. A great image of Ewan McGregor, giving his best referencing of Alec Guinness's interpretation of the character, at the end of EPISODE III.

McGregor's new special event mini series of Star Wars - Obi-Wan Kenobi, directed by Deborah Chow and exclusively airing likely next year on Disney+, is gathering intriguing filming momentum, of which the assembled supporting cast alongside the lead star looks a winner. Also, enjoy the clever referencing of Tatooine's environs and the Jedi lightsaber within the series logo, too.

News: https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/obi-wan-kenobi-series-cast-plot-disney-plus/

COUNT DOOKU - A LEGACY OF EVIL!

There's nothing more terrifying and dramatic in the Star Wars universe than a force for good turned bad. Darth Vader remains the ultimate example of the brightest angel turned darkest demon, but in the complex Prequel universe we also have the nefarious and deadly Count Dooku as a character lead-in of sorts, a once noble and respected figure who supposedly left the Jedi Order because of his disillusionment with its members and their decision-making across the galaxy, and whom soon went on to become the second on screen acolyte to the evil Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, acting under the radar in his new alternate guise as the manipulative and spiteful Darth Tyranus, before ultimately being pawn sacrificed for the greater evil by his 'Master' in the evolving great game of revenge and controlling of both the galaxy and its Republic, and in winning the trust and confidence of an even greater potential dark side force in the young and easily influenced Anakin Skywalker.

Cavan Scott's acclaimed script for his popular audio drama Dooku - Jedi Lost, examining the popular baddie's ultimate path to evil, has now become available in UK paperback from Arrow/Del Rey. 

Read our original review here:

https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2019/11/aficionado-review-dooku-jedi-lost.html

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dooku-Jedi-Lost-Cavan-Scott/dp/1529102367/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dooku+jedi+lost+paperback&qid=1616954819&sr=8-1

'STAR WARS - THE BAD BATCH' - COMING MAY 4TH, 2021 TO DISNEY+

It takes all sorts to win a war...

The successor to the beloved, critically acclaimed The Clone Wars animated series, the eagerly awaited adventures of the unusual and battle-driven clone squad known as 'The Bad Batch' looks set to be another action-packed and innovative smash hit for the channel, especially with familiar faces and environments linked to the Original and Prequel trilogy eras mixing together within its epic-looking storytelling.

CLASSIC ART: FUSED LEGENDS!

The iconic Drew Struzan always delivers the goods when it comes to capturing the excitement and characters of the saga, as seen in this stunning piece from 2016 (we assume a private commission work) blending the two trilogies of Skywalkers' and their adventures of light and dark into one exciting composition, 

CLASSIC IMAGE: BEST OF THREE?

Watched on by Prequels duel alumni Nick Gillard, alongside Australian colleagues and key fighting doubles Kyle Rowing and Michael Byrne, Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, in costume as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, are put through their fighting paces at FOX Studios, for a specially posed image taken by the esteemed photographer Annie Leibovitz, part of an EPISODE III special edition/ behind the scenes tribute for Vanity Fair magazine, published in 2005.

The duel between Obi-Wan and Anakin was one of the main highlights of Revenge of the Sith, and as Lucasfilm news broke these past few days of what to officially expect with the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi limited run series, coming to Disney XD in 2022, a rematch between the former 'brothers' is very much on the cards, before A New Hope, in a beyond Tatooine-spanning adventure for the older Jedi that will be set six years after the dangers of III. McGregor has confirmed that both he and Hayden will have "another swing at each other" before the end of the series. As well as the happy news that Hayden Christensen is returning to play Vader, let's hope that Prequel Stunt Coordinator Nick Gillard can be equally persuaded back one last time for this special pre-re-match re-match.

https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/hayden-christensen-darth-vader-star-wars-obi-wan-1234851064/?fbclid=IwAR25PXlPgKMOTEwyApLBizTWAc40Z3pZ7_bLoetvTEnkuP7Z9b37nRIhIYE

https://www.starwars.com/news/future-lucasfilm-projects-revealed

https://ew.com/movies/2019/11/22/star-wars-prequels-lightsaber-fights/

The many new Star Wars series coming within the next few years exclusively to Disney XD

CLASSIC ART: WEAVING DESTINIES!

The road to bringing balance to the Force is paved with triumph and tragedy for heroes old and new in this lovely piece of art from Brian Rood created for one of the Star Wars Celebration events, bridging the aggressive darkness of Revenge of the Sith with the purest light of A New Hope, as two trilogies finally meet.

THE CLONE WARS: UNLOCKING THE PUZZLE OF WAR!

Trying to make sense of a senseless intergalactic conflict, and find and stop the dark force engineers behind it, Master Yoda is a responsible yet still enigmatic figure for the Republic, and always ready for battle despite his mostly pacifistic nature, as The Clone Wars animated series continues...

EPISODE IX: THE TIES THAT BIND...

The original Star Wars saga is coming to an end and the upcoming Entertainment Weekly magazine is in celebratory mood, giving us these great classic characters composition covers spanning the three trilogies.

https://ew.com/movies/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-new-photos/

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'DOOKU - JEDI LOST'

Dark fates await Count Dooku and Asajj Ventress in the all-new Dooku - Jedi Lost. Cover art by Aaron McBride.

Though Anakin Skywalker's journey into darkness is the lynchpin to the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy, there were other Jedi from his era who'd also fall from grace and show great evil. Most notably, the nefarious, enigmatic and ruthlessly cruel figure of Count Dooku, as played in Episode's II and III by the stately presence with that classy veneer of evil that was silver-screen legend, Sir Christopher Lee. Now, in celebration of both the character and the man who played him, British author Cavan Scott gives us more on the origins of Dooku, born to nobility, becoming a once powerful Jedi, then a threat to the universe upon transferring his allegiances to the Sith, as Dooku - Jedi Lost's audio drama script gets a satisfying book release, available in the UK from Century Publishing.

Ever the imaginative storyteller, Scott uses Asajj Ventress, Dooku's own powerful Padawan for evil, as his key and unique framing device in launching the story, to peel back the dark layers of Dooku's past, his locked-away vulnerabilities, and soon future, whilst more facets of Ventress's own past, discovered and used by Dooku for twisted ends, are concurrently revealed.

Christopher Lee as the battle-scarred Count Dooku.

Removed from his linage of dynastic power on the Outer Rim world of Serenno by a Jedi seeker, an act of deliberate abandonment engineered by his powerful Father - a cruel leader despising of the Jedi (including his own son) and the Republic to whom they serve, Dooku's power is soon cultivated at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. But despite that potential goodness and the genuinely faithful service given to his Masters, as well as the benevolence and experience he gives as a role model teacher himself in his later years, Dooku's ego/arrogance, fused with driven ambition and greed to be the ultimate Jedi, alongside growing dark knowledge of secret Sith artefacts and prophecies at the Jedi Temple, assuredly launches his eventual steps towards the realms of darkness - true pride before a fall, bolstered by his frustration at his friends building inability to bring true peace and justice to the galaxy, of which even his closest confidants and later Padawan learners are not enough to keep him close to the side of light.

Dark times ahead for Dooku and Sifo-Dyas.

And Dooku's tragic family history already has ties to the Sith- the world of Serenno having been one of the sect's many empiric worlds from a thousand year before, whose now wary people are on the verge of rebellion against the Republic, egged on by his despot father. In Dooku - Jedi Lost, all these elements are well explored and used, as is the development of Dooku's problematic family ties (a weakness for his beloved sister being an important plot point) on a world he knows faces fiery oblivion, and which must be saved and shaped anew under his guidance, leading carefully to his eventual reign as Separatist Leader by the time of EPISODE II. In those final years before becoming one of 'The Lost Twenty', Dooku will further manipulate an old Jedi friend- the vulnerable Master Sifo-Dyas, a visionary on the brink of madness, who sees the dark future of the galaxy with building emotional intensity...

The many faces of Dooku. Art by Aaron McBride.

As the story reaches its darkest moments, Dooku- Jedi Lost proves a solid concoction from Cavan Scott that Prequel fans will enjoy. Most of the author's work in developing the Count feels right in the reading - a rare privilege to be able to bring so much more detail to such a popular Star Wars villain, including research that cleverly combines opinions and thoughts observed about the character from the late Mister Lee himself. Though I did have a problem in picturing Dooku as a pet person, as discovered here in moments that felt too Harry Potter-esque for my personal tastes, and not even during his prior positive status as a Jedi. (The choice of pet, however, soon proves key to the dark phoenix rising-esque idea perpetuated by the author.) 

AFICIONADO RATING: Sith happens! From these interesting script/book foundations, there's lots of potential for a sequel drama showing Dooku properly assuming the mantle of Darth Tyranus alongside Darth Sidious, so let's hope that happens... 3.5 out of 5

More on the book (plus excerpts):
https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-man-who-became-tyranus-dooku-jedi.html

Get the book here: 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dooku-Jedi-Lost-Star-Wars/dp/0593157664/ref=sr_1_1?crid=23MO3R0G367Z3&keywords=dooku+jedi+lost+book&qid=1573210206&sprefix=DOOKU+JEDI+%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1

THE MAN WHO BECAME TYRANUS! 'DOOKU: JEDI LOST' - OUT NOW IN SCRIPT BOOK

Powers of darkness reign in Dooku: Jedi Lost.

In a long period of tumultuous galactic history, he was many things to many people- an esteemed member of a family dynasty of importance and influence on his home world of Serenno; a widely respected and knowledge-experienced Jedi Knight by both his elders and peers in the Old Republic, and years later a seemingly dedicated and inspiring leader of rebellion and change for the breakaway Confederacy of Independent Systems. But above all else, Count Dooku was born to become evil. Fascinated by evil and what it could accomplish, his was an evil fused with the kind of harnessed power few could ever achieve to such great heights. In those successful aims Dooku soon attracted attention from a hidden part of the galaxy, becoming Darth Tyranus, the second acolyte to the shadowy magnificence of his Sith leader, Darth Sidious, capably emerged from a long self-exile and unleashed to corrupt, control and have the galaxy shaped to their own destinies - their own image of control. But power always breeds superior ambition, especially when you're a Sith...

Now, discover the many complex facets and potential backstory of the superb Prequel Trilogy villain brilliantly played with such damaged panache and hidden veneer by the legendary icon Sir Christopher Lee, in Expanded Universe writer/fan favourite Cavan Scott's assured character epic Dooku: Jedi Lost, now a script transcript book based on his acclaimed audio drama of past and future intrigue, and a tale of how power distorts and corrupts a life. It's out now in UK hardback from Century.

The erudite but vicious master of the Dark Side: Count Dooku.

Here's the details:

Delve into the history of the sinister Count Dooku in the original script to the thrilling Star Wars audio production!

Darth Tyranus. Count of Serenno. Leader of the Separatists. A red saber, unsheathed in the dark. But who was he before he became the right hand of the Sith? As Dooku courts a new apprentice, the hidden truth of the Sith Lord's past begins to come to light.

Dooku's life began as one of privilege--born within the stony walls of his family's estate, orbited by the Funeral Moon where the bones of his ancestors lie interred. But soon, his Jedi abilities are recognized, and he is taken from his home to be trained in the ways of the Force by the legendary Master Yoda.

As he hones his power, Dooku rises through the ranks, befriending fellow Jedi Sifo-Dyas and taking a Padawan of his own, the promising Qui-Gon Jinn--and tries to forget the life that he once led. But he finds himself drawn by a strange fascination with the Jedi Master Lene Kostana, and the mission she undertakes for the Order: finding and studying ancient relics of the Sith, in preparation for the eventual return of the deadliest enemies the Jedi have ever faced.

Caught between the world of the Jedi, the ancient responsibilities of his lost home, and the alluring power of the relics, Dooku struggles to stay in the light--even as the darkness begins to fall.

Behind the book:

https://www.starwars.com/news/dooku-jedi-lost-cavan-scott-interview

Get the book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dooku-Jedi-Lost-Star-Wars/dp/0593157664/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3AQMI4593SPUL&keywords=dooku+jedi+lost&qid=1570113919&sprefix=dooku%2Caps%2C237&sr=8-1

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'MASTER & APPRENTICE'

Having capably written adventures for key Star Wars saga heroes within the Classic and Sequel Trilogy Expanded Universes, the acclaimed Claudia Gray now gets the lucky opportunity to enter the Prequel-sphere, to build on its own unique realms and characters in crafting an all-new tale of mystery, intrigue and danger for Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his dutiful Padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi, set at a time before the events that see them encounter The Phantom Menace. Master & Apprentice, out now in UK hardback from Century, is another fan gift delivered in this year's notable 20th Anniversary celebrations for EPISODE I.

Our popular Jedi heroes- ready for action.

Kick-starting the book off on an action note, Gray has our heroes in conflict with a slimy member of the Hutt clan on Teth, effectively re-establishing the two Jedi's original, formidable pairing, yet also the tense, uneasy relationship between them. Seventeen-year old Obi-Wan has the reckless streak he'd remind Yoda about years later, as well as making the odd cheeky comeback about dangerous situations we'd be used to during the opening to EPISODE I. But there is deep uncertainty nonetheless on whether his tutelage and friendship with the older, seasoned veteran in Qui-Gon Jinn will endure, his never seemingly able to do right by him, Qui- Gon, himself is as equally insecure, ponders whether he should have been given a learner, the maverick in him remembering his unusual teaching and partnership during his younger years with the enigmatic Count Dooku, who, at this point in the saga, has showed his disappointment with the Order and quit to return to his ancestral home on Serenno. In this time of internal crisis, a place is vacant in the Jedi leadership, and an offer is made to Qui-Gon that may change his and Obi-Wan's lives indefinitely.

The dutiful yet troubled young Obi-Wan Kenobi still has the chance to raise a smile or two during their assignment.

Meanwhile, on the far-off realms of the planet Pijal, another unorthodox Jedi- Rael Averross - former friend to Qui-Gon, but with a controversial past to prior separate them, is acting as regent to a young, barely out of her teens, crown princess (who has, along the way in tutelage, picked-up some of his best and worst qualities) at a critical time in her planet's history. Far more inexperienced than a certain, later queen of Naboo, Fanry's leadership, and Pijal itself, is soon threatened with terrorism from a rather unusual source by the the eve of her coronation, alongside the signing of an important treaty linked to the recent discovery of a new hyperspace link capable of opening up trade for her once isolationist system. With his concerns building, it isn't long before Averross sends a call for assistance to Coruscant, of which our duo are swiftly dispatched, discovering that there is more to this terrorist scenario than meets the eye.

In their investigations, Qui-Gon will face the greatest of tests: to his friendship and partnership with his Padawan learner, his once loyalties to his old friend in Averross, and to his past prophecy/teachings legacy acquired from Count Dooku. Elements all linked to a series of macabre and violent Force visions of the future related to the Pijal princess and the upcoming coronation.

The legacy of Count Dooku resonates throughout the book.

As with her distinguished work bringing the seasoned General Leia Organa to life in Bloodline, Gray's grasp of the existing iconic Star Wars characters presented in Master & Apprentice remains consistently excellent. Her developing of the noble but flawed Qui-Gon Jinn proves especially satisfying. As too is more information on the disturbing presence and legacy of Count Dooku, a complex, shadowy figure- never one to have had an easy relationship with the Jedi Council, what with his differing viewpoints on certain past and present decisions they have made. The dour and disciplined Dooku, and his strict relationships with the young and eager to please Qui-Gon on Coruscant, as well as his former pupil in Averross - in past prologues - reveal hints of the disturbing nature building within his nature, and whose own unorthodox streak would become a part of his Padawan learners lives and instincts as established Jedi, though in different way. Gray capably develops some of the early through-lines that will lead Dooku on the dark path, her work acting as an additional tie-in to the upcoming audio novel for the enigmatic villain, written by Cavan Scott. Furthermore in the Lucas-created playground, she also provides some intriguing tit-bits and details about the Jedi and their temple environment, expanding on what was seen in the Prequels, alongside those aforementioned clever lead-ins and subtle tributes to EPISODE I.

Prophecies and danger await Qui-Gon Jinn.

The author equally enjoys crafting her own new civilisation with a deliberately different in tone royal leadership to the one seen with Queen Amidala and Naboo in EPISODE I. Sadly, Pijal fares as one of the Expanded Universe's less memorable forays, whilst her new supporting players operating within it failed to be interesting enough to capture any of my personal enthusiasm. The new Jedi in Rael Averross is another of those quirky Han Solo-ish types, not too dissimilar to Kenobi's later Clone Wars comrade Quinlan Vos, created so as to get away from the serious and very dry personalities of the Order on Coruscant, and generate better dialogue, banter and conflict with our existing heroes. It's all been done before - in fact, why didn't Miss Gray just tailor the story for that existing character in the first place! Likewise lacking in originality, a duo of galaxy-traversing gem thieves searching for a special and familiar crystal on Pijal, plus a rather nondescript galactic corporation whose strength and persuasion in the political scheme and destiny of events threatens to upset things further for the Queen's official rule.

Ultimately, the Prequel Trilogy should have had a more thrilling adventure than what we ultimately got with Master & Apprentice. Indeed, this could easily have been a Star Trek novel, for which Kirk and Spock would have been Federation ambassadors instead of our Jedi duo. Despite the notable icon characterisations, the tale lacks that special quality which makes Star Wars so unique and vigorous in comparison to other sci-fi/fantasy. Continuing the originality and huge scale of George Lucas's imagination within the Prequels seems difficult for authors to truly aspire to.

AFICIONADO RATING: Though I eagerly applaud any new Prequel-era set book, I'm overall sorry to say that Master & Apprentice was not quite the page-turner I'd enthusiastically hoped for. To Miss Gray's credit, it is a well-plotted tale that manages to generate a surprise or two by conclusion, but it's unlikely to be pulled down from my book shelf for a re-read anytime soon, especially in comparison to older, more exciting Expanded Universe adventures. 3 out of 5

Get Master & Apprentice here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Master-Apprentice-Star-Wars-Claudia/dp/1780899882/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QMPIKV0VSW6D&keywords=master+and+apprentice+star+wars&qid=1556456839&s=gateway&sprefix=MASTER+AND+APPRE%2Caps%2C309&sr=8-1

Author interview:
https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-master-apprentice-claudia-gray-interview

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'QUEEN'S SHADOW'

Crafting a new young heroine to follow in the footsteps of Princess Leia Organa, as inimitably brought to life onscreen by Carrie Fisher, was surely not going to be an easy one for the Prequels debuting from 1999 onwards, yet writer/creator/director George Lucas rose to the challenge considerably with his reveal of the enigmatic, loyal and courageous Queen Amidala of Naboo, an even younger regal player and powerful female role model for fans to enjoy as she, alongside her valiant Jedi Knight protectors, valiantly fought to rescue her people from the oppression of the slimy Trade Federation. To this legion of new and impressionable generation of SW female fans, Queen Amidala, as played with sincerity and beauty by Natalie Portman, was their new saga favourite. One of those beguiled and impressed female fans would be fifteen-year old E.K. Johnston, whose love and affection for the Prequel opus and Naboo's finest leader is now effectively showcased in her adult life as an acclaimed novelist, via an all-new adventure launched within the 20th Anniversary of EPISODE I. Queen's Shadow, here next month in UK paperback from Disney/Egmont, is truly a worthy and affectionate tribute in all the best ways.

The young Queen of Naboo, as seen in EPISODE I.

Four years on from the invasion of Naboo, where the inaugural queen proved herself valiantly against the thuggish brutality of the aforementioned Trade Federation, and was not the malleable puppet ruler they'd originally hoped for, the time has now come for Amidala, no longer involved with the Jedi or her young friend in former slave Anakin Skywalker, to pass the torch of power and responsibility on to a new, older Queen. But Padme's dutiful and inspiring work will not be forgotten by her adoring people, some of whom will even try to amend Naboo's constitution in order for her to stay in office. Recognising this popularity and her strengths, it isn't long before her successor offers Padme - herself at a crossroads and pondering the future now that she is separating from many of her loyal handmaidens - the new and soon hard to resist opportunity of being a senator for her people and system, operating between Naboo and the galactic core world of Coruscant- a task that will soon prove to be as considerably challenging as her once position at the centre of her home world. And one that will not be without controversy (targeted and plagued by the kind of 'fake news' smear campaigning we're all seeing in our own modern world) or potential life-threatening danger, engineered by lingering forces possibly out for revenge after the failed Naboo invasion.

Though used to the senate by the time of EPISODE II, Padme's early dealings are on shaky grounding.

Being quite the stranger in a very strange land on Coruscant, discovering the unique characters and ways of the 'Lion's Den' Republic's unique political affairs of ego, greed and powerplays - indeed, a place not for the timid, Padme must become inventive and responsive in interactive ways beyond anything straightforward, especially as many senators are wary of the newly inaugurated senator after she prior deposed the beloved Chancellor Valorum and helped replace him with one of her own in the seemingly benign former Naboo senator, Palpatine. In and out of the main diplomatic chambers, this is a book that gives us important first meetings with the key political figures of the Star Wars universe that will shape her life and destiny by the doom-laden turn of events that will be EPISODE III, including Alderaan's influential Bail Organa, the quietly powerful Mon Mothma, and Padme's future lover who'd go on to appear in The Clone Wars animated series- the slippery and ultimately corrupted senator/banker Rush Clovis.

Senator Amidala and her handmaiden/aide Dorme enter the new and complex political arena on Coruscant.

Further filling in important gaps in the timeline of the Prequel movies (one little moment in the book that we would have loved more of - Padme's dealings with the Wookiees: a potentially great solo tale in itself!), critical events build that will see-in approaching Separatist disharmony (egged on by a mysterious figurehead of respected intellect), leading to Padme and her new allies having to use all their ingenuity and skill-sets to fight the counter-productive, overriding greed and corruption of the senate once an humanitarian crisis beckons, amidst the build-up of rampant space piracy in the mid-rim sectors. Cleverly, the book also leaves room for events years down the line, initiating sequel avenues linked to those surviving characters of Naboo from the aftermath period of Padme's ultimately heart-breaking demise.

Queen Amidala hides as 'Padme' amidst her decoy handmaidens, during the events of EPISODE I.

As the book's star, Johnston's vision of Padme Amidala is every inch the character from the movies transferred to the page for this new story, and in my mind's eye I could effectively imagine Natalie Portman playing out certain scenes had they been filmed- certainly, were this story slipped onto the actresses dressing room table, I'm sure she'd read it and be impressed with the thought and care taken with the character. The new senator even gets a detail-descriptive wardrobe that costume designer Trisha Biggar would be proud of! In between heavy diplomatic duties, Padme's return visits to Naboo see her reunited with her cherished family (sadly necessary casualties of the EPISODE II editing process), providing her with welcome stress relief and initiating the vital heart-to-heart decisions needed in shaping both her life and her new status in helping the weak and the vulnerable.

The ever-loyal Sabe, as played in EPISODE I by Kiera Knightley.

Beyond politics and duty, another intriguing aspect to The Phantom Menace linked to Amidala would be the fascinating nature of protective duality she'd share with her elusive, enigmatic and ultra-loyal handmaidens, always in the background and ready to serve. With Queen's Shadow, we're given an equally thorough exploration of those handmaidens personalities and backstories unlike anything attempted before. alongside vivid development of the affection and emotional bonds they share, almost like symbiosis. The most important of them, Sabe, the handmaiden who was Padme's closest confidante and chief bodyguard/decoy (originally played by Kiera Knightley in EPISODE I), notably her own unique sub-plot missions, including a special trip to Tatooine, and undercover work on Coruscant linked to Padme's safety. All of which goes some way to explaining the character's absence by the time of EPISODE II.

The decoy Queen and her Handmaidens on Naboo.

Continuing the post 2015 LUCASFILM initiative to shake up the status quo and bring more female participation into all the saga's realms, Queen's Shadow further introduces Captain Panaka's wife in the role of successive security chief, plus a feisty new pilot replacing Ric Olie. Though, in all honesty, these additions add very little to the overall existing strong collective.

AFICIONADO RATING: More a book of character incidents rather than having an overall story, Queen's Shadow is a worthy read, better than Miss Johnston's previous, Ahsoka. Though specifically aimed at the female Star Wars side of the market (indeed, the UK cover is very much geared for the young 11-15 year old territory that's now so strong in buying power), it's also one that generic Prequel fans will nonetheless greatly appreciate. 3.5 out of 5.

Available from May 2nd, 2019. Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Queens-K-Johnston/dp/1405293381/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=QUEEN%27S+SHADOW&qid=1556186718&s=gateway&sr=8-2