About the Author

Steven Barnes is a prolific author and script writer who has been nominated for Hugo, Cable Ace, and Endeavor awards. His work for television includes episodes of Twilight Zone, Outer Limits, Stargate, and Andromeda. A lifelong student of human performance technologies, he holds black belts in judo and karate, an instructor certificate in Circular Strength Training, and is a trained hypnotherapist. Born in Los Angeles, he currently lives in the northwest with his daughter Nicki and his wife, novelist Tananarive Due.

Reviews

Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi strides-and soars and plots and duels-again in this stirring new addition to the Star Wars saga. Hugo nominee Barnes (Zulu Heart) picks Kenobi up in middle age during the Clone Wars between the good-guy Republic and the dastardly Confederacy, sending Kenobi's impetuous Jedi Padawan (apprentice) Anakin Skywalker offstage and Kenobi as ambassador to the remote planet Ord Cestus, now producing new bio-droids able to challenge the Jedi in combat. Accompanied by another Jedi Knight, tentacle-haired Nautolan Kit Fisto, five superbly bred and trained military trooper-clones, and a wondrously conceived giant slug who proves an inspired barrister, Kenobi plunges into Cestan intrigues, trying to avoid Cestus's destruction and sensing a sinister concealed threat in the nick of time. Loaded with exotic offworlders and vicious baddies, mystical insights from the Force and a poignant love affair between Nate, a clone trooper whose Code demands that he die fighting for the Republic, and Sheeka Tull, a brave and brainy female pilot, this splendid adventure yarn offers a gut-wrenching surprise on nearly every page and a knock-the-socks-off ending nearly as thrilling as Luke Skywalker's original swoop through the Death Star's trench. Go for broke, Obi-Wan, and may the Force provide more like this one. Agent, Eleanor Wood at Spectrum. (June 1) Forecast: Already well established as a respected SF and fantasy author, Barnes will lure his fans who might not otherwise read a Star Wars novel. They won't be disappointed. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

The Republic sends Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi to the planet Ord to prevent the Confederacy from acquiring a new series of powerful battle droids. Upon his arrival, Kenobi discovers that a third party has involved himself in the scramble for the droids-and no diplomacy, however brilliant, can prevent a near catastrophe. Barnes (Firedance; Zulu Heart) brings his storytelling expertise to bear in this well-told installment of the immensely popular "Star WarsR" series. A good choice for fans wishing to pass the time between the films. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.