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The Cestus Deception

Author: Steven Barnes
Artist: Steven D. Anderson
Publisher: Del Rey
Publication Date: June 2004

Reviewed by Andrew Liptak

Summary: The Droid manufacturing Factories on the planet Ord Cestus have developed a new type of droid, JK, one that is completely new, partially organic and can use the force to some degree, giving it a new edge against opponents. Given the deadliness of the droid, the Republic moves to shut down the factories, diplomatically, if possible. However, the droids are being sought after by the Confederation of Independent Systems, under the cover of security droids. Senator Palpatine sent in Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi and Kit Fisto and a contingent of ARC and Commando Troopers in case things go horribly wrong during the negotiations.

The Clones and Kit Fisto are landed first, where they begin to train the local populace in combat tactics in case the government needed to be taken care of, while Obi-Wan went with a Republic agent, Doolb Snoil to negotiate the end of sales for the droids. As they begin their talks, the Confederation sent in their own agent, Asajj Ventress, to disrupt the Republic talks and to ensure that they will have their droids. While Obi-Wan searched for support among the upper levels of the government, there are others trying to ensure that he will fail. He finds an ally in the G'Mai Duris, an ousted member of the high council on Cestus, by helping to put her back into power. To help tip the balance, the Republic forces on the ground stage a kidnapping, where the Jedi play the heros to save the day, which brings the government back to the position of being in the Republic. But Ventress had plans of her own, and revealed through an agent that the kidnapping was a setup, and the Republic party is ordered to leave the planet. While they leave, their ship is attacked, killing their Clone pilot, although Obi-Wan and Snoil escape. In the meantime, Nate and Sheeka form a curious bond, one that had existed before, between Sheeka and Jango, years before. Things go even more wrong as Ventress begins to track the rebels on the planet, attacking their main base with the new JK droids. Nate, now called Jangotat is wounded and escapes with Sheeka, while the others escape. Snoil is killed, as are sixteen others. Soon, they regroup, and things are coming to a climax as Obi-Wan makes contact with the Republic, only to find that the Republic is sending a fleet of ships, and that millions are in danger and the final battle will be one for their lives and for the people of Cestus.

What Worked: I was anticipating this book for a very long time, and with that came some worrying. What if the book wasn't as good as we'd hoped? What if I'd have to write out a negative review for this? Well, my worries were very unfounded. From the minute I started this book, to the moment I finished, I have held onto every word and have loved it. For a debut novel, Steven Barnes has done a wonderful job, capturing the feel of the Star Wars universe and the Clone Wars wonderfully.

There are many things that I have really enjoyed about this book. First, the references to the timeline and previous events is something that is not often seen, but for those who know the Clone Wars well, this is a wonderful thing to see so much interconnected references, that really makes this book a good one to read. While previous ones do not overly affect the plot, there are several references to the comics and movie. Secondly, for those ARC and Trooper fans out there, you're in for a treat. We're introduced to a new ARC Trooper, A-98, nicknamed Nate, who is tasked to assisting with the mission. Through Nate, we are really introduced to the lives of the Troopers, and there are several fundamental questions that are asked of him, especially when he meets Sheeka Tull, one of Jango's former girlfriends, who had lost him. Between the two of them, we see the way that the Troopers see things, and when Tull sees something else. The difference is pointed out, and it's interesting to see their reactions. In addition to Nate, we learn a little about Jango as well, which is very interesting, to say the least.

Characterization in this novel was excellently done. From known characters like Obi-Wan, Anakin and Palpatine, Barnes has done a masterful job at bringing these characters to life, as viewers would remember them in the movies, and has even gone above and beyond to do the characters right. For other characters such as Asajj Ventress, Nate the ARC, the Clone Troopers, Sheeka Tull, and any of the numerous other characters, Barnes had brought them to life wonderfully, picking up where they were in the comics or cartoon series or out of the Star Wars universe, there are many reasons to like, love, hate, despise or otherwise care about the characters being used in some way.

The plot is excellent. Barnes has not only successfully created an outstanding political situation, but makes it interesting as well, throwing in some weird things and coming out with something even better. The JK droids, also known as Jedi Killers, are slightly force sensitive, and are a blend of organic and inorganic parts, which certainly makes for a new threat. Throw in a planet that is poised to make trillions of credits for these droids, selling them through a political loophole, and then having the Republic try and stop them from doing so. Mixed with various characters and factions who all want something different, the situation is explosive and is clearly going beyond diplomacy.

The title, Cestus Deception is revealing. Deception is one of the main themes of this novel, from the false kidnapping staged by Obi-Wan, to the droid order, which was a major bluff designed by the Separatists to lure the Republic into a trap, to the droids themselves, which would never function in combat. These deceptions and more are woven seamlessly into the plot, where they are all part of a bigger picture that is far more than it seems.

The action in this novel is top notch, covering everything from Clone Trooper movements, orbital bombardments, lightsaber fighting, lightwhip fighting, and several other variations. This is a war, and the reader is constantly reminded of this. There is action scattered around the book, but we're also privy to other elements of war. The commandos and ARC troopers enlist and train a large number of local fighters, something that has not really been seen much among the Clones. Finally, the writing and pacing of The Cestus Deception is wonderful. It's a bit casual at times, but it flows wonderfully and is easy to get sucked into, where it won't let go.

What Didn't Work: One little thing stuck out a bit, a timeline error. The Cestus Deception is supposed to take place nearly two months before the Battle of Jabiim, but there are several references to the battle, from the Jedi and from Ventress, which means that the events in the book took place after the battle. However, this is minor, and can easily be changed on official timelines.

Overall: A kickass, explosive Clone Wars novel that is sure to be a fan favorite for years to come. Steven Barnes has made his entrance into the Star Wars universe, and would be welcome back at any time.

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