Star Wars Legends Fan Group discussion

February 2025 Legends Group Read

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Woodring Stover



The Group read starts on February 1st.

- First published on April 2, 2005 (source: Wookieepedia).
- Set during Episode III (obviously) (19 BBY).

The turning point for the entire Star Wars saga is at hand

After years of civil war, the Separatists have battered the already faltering Republic nearly to the point of collapse. On Coruscant, the Senate watches anxiously as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine aggressively strips away more and more constitutional liberties in the name of safeguarding the Republic. Yoda, Mace Windu, and their fellow Masters grapple with the Chancellor’ s disturbing move to assume control of the Jedi Council. And Anakin Skywalker, the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring balance to the Force, is increasingly consumed by his fear that his secret love, Senator Padmé Amidala, will die.

As the combat escalates across the galaxy, the stage is set for an explosive endgame: Obi-Wan undertakes a perilous mission to destroy the dreaded Separatist military leader General Grievous. Palpatine, eager to secure even greater control, subtly influences public opinion to turn against the Jedi. And a conflicted Anakin–tormented by unspeakable visions– edges dangerously closer to the brink of a galaxy-shaping decision. It remains only for Darth Sidious, whose shadow looms ever larger, to strike the final staggering blow against the Republic . . . and to ordain a fearsome new Sith Lord: Darth Vader.

Based on the screenplay of the eagerly anticipated final film in George Lucas’s epic saga, bestselling Star Wars author Matthew Stover’s novel crackles with action, captures the iconic characters in all their complexity, and brings a space opera masterpiece full circle in stunning style.

Get ready. We're starting on February, 1st.

I didn’t realize this was Legends. I bought the trilogy in the summer of 2023 and read them all. I bought it as single ebook, Amazon must have sent me a deal only to realize, I already read it but also own a first edition. This will be fun to read again. Maybe ill read the hard cover for this one.

Daniel, the best way to experience this book is the excellent audio version narrated by Jonathan Davis.

Is this legends ?

Yes, it is. This is considered by many one of the best Legends book.

RotS is very good, I especially liked Anakin's duel with Dooku. Stover is very good at writing combat scenes.

Also, RotS is way better after Labyrinth of Evil - there we learn what is the incident on Cato Neimoidia that doesn't count, and James Luceno is excellent when it comes to intrigue and mistery, which define the final days of Clone Wars.

Started reading Labyrinth of Evil today.

I can't wait until February! (I've read this before and it's probably my favorite EU book lol)

Austin (Weird) wrote: "I can't wait until February! (I've read this before and it's probably my favorite EU book lol)"

My favorite EU book as well. Though Zahn's OG Thrawn trilogy is also very good.

I had Alphabet Squadron in my library, so I figured I’d give that a read. Probably should have read Labyrinth on Evil first.

I’m only at chapter 5 Grievous but enjoying it all over again.

I wish I had more time. Just starting Chapter 19. I should be done by now.

In the last couple of chapters, comparing to the movie, I wish they added in the part about Palpatine having the power to add Anakin to the counsel and why. I think it would have helped. Knowing enough of the council, it didn’t make sense, the appointment of Anakin.

Daniel wrote: "I wish I had more time. ..."

Me too, Daniel. :) I'm a bit late. Just finished Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil. Before starting the novelization I'd like to read The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - The Illustrated Screenplay and re-watch the movie.

Oh, I've read this one! It's one of my favorite Star Wars books.

Just finished Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith - The Illustrated Screenplay by George Lucas.

From my review:
It's George Lucas’s final script for Revenge of the Sith, accompanied by stills from the film. The screenplay itself is the result of a rough draft followed by four subsequent revisions - all completed before principal photography began in Sydney, Australia - as well as additional changes made during postproduction, including new scenes filmed during reshoots at Shepperton Studios in England.

The dialogue is undeniably clunky, and I was surprised by the lack of directorial notes to guide the actors on tone, emotion, or motivation. It’s clear that much of the film’s depth had to be developed on set, making the performances (especially Ewan McGregor’s and Ian McDiarmid's) even more impressive.

Some interesting scenes and lines of dialogue were cut from the final film, including Anakin’s jealousy over Padmé and Obi-Wan, the Petition of 2000, Palpatine discussing seizing control over the Jedi Council with Anakin, Obi-Wan acknowledging Padmé and Anakin’s relationship in a dialogue with Padmé before leaving for Utapau, additional Order 66 moments (featuring Luminara, Barriss, Quinlan Vos, and Shaak Ti’s death in the Temple), and Anakin warning Padmé that certain senators would soon be “dealt with.” While some of these were unnecessary, others would have added clarity and depth to the story and arguably should have remained.

ANAKIN: You’re frightened. (a little angry) Tell me what’s going on!
PADMÉ begins to cry.
PADMÉ: You’ve been gone five months . . . it’s been very hard for me. I’ve never felt so alone. There’s . . .
ANAKIN: . . . Is there someone else?
PADMÉ: (peeved, angry) No! Why do you think that? Your jealousy upsets me so much, Anakin. I do nothing to betray you, yet you still don’t trust me. Nothing has changed.
ANAKIN: (sheepish) I’m afraid of losing you, Padmé . . . that’s all.
PADMÉ: I will never stop loving you, Anakin. My only fear is losing you.
...
PADMÉ: Anakin, this baby will change our lives. I doubt the Queen will continue to allow me to serve in the Senate, and if the Council discovers you are the father, you will be expelled from the Jedi Order.
ANAKIN: I know . . .
PADMÉ: Anakin, do you think Obi-Wan might be able to help us?
ANAKIN: (suspicious) Have you told him anything?
PADMÉ: No, but he’s your mentor, your best friend . . . he must suspect something.
ANAKIN: He’s been a father to me, but he’s still on the Council. Don’t tell him anything!
PADMÉ: I won’t, Anakin.
ANAKIN: I don’t need his help . . . Our baby is a blessing, not a problem.
***

PALPATINE: Anakin, this afternoon the Senate is going to call on me to take direct control of the Jedi Council.
ANAKIN: The Jedi will no longer report to the Senate?
PALPATINE: They will report to me . . . personally. The Senate is too unfocused to conduct a war. This will bring a quick end to things.
ANAKIN: I agree, but the Jedi Council may not see it that way.
PALPATINE: There are times when we must all endure adjustments to the constitution in the name of security.
ANAKIN: With all due respect, sir, the Council is in no mood for more constitutional amendments.
***

OBI-WAN: I know how he feels about you.
PADMÉ: (nervous) What did he say?
OBI-WAN: Nothing. He didn’t have to.
PADMÉ is a little flustered. She stands and Obi-Wan follows. She walks to the balcony.
PADMÉ: I don’t know what you’re talking about.
OBI-WAN: I know you both too well. I can see you two are in love. Padmé, I’m worried about him. PADMÉ looks down and doesn’t answer.
OBI-WAN: (continuing) I fear your relationship has confused him. He’s changed considerably since we returned . . .
They stand on the balcony and look off at the early morning city. OBI-WAN starts to leave. PADMÉ stays looking off into the distant city.
OBI-WAN: (continuing) Padmé, I’m not telling the Council about any of this. I . . . I hope I didn’t upset you. We’re all friends, I care about both of you . . .
PADMÉ: Thank you, Obi-Wan.
OBI-WAN: Please do what you can to help him.
***

ANAKIN: The Republic is unstable, Padmé. The Jedi aren’t the only ones trying to take advantage of the situation. There are also traitors in the Senate.
PADMÉ stands and reacts ever so slightly.
PADMÉ: What are you saying?
ANAKIN: You need to distance yourself from your friends in the Senate. The Chancellor said they will be dealt with when this conflict is over.
PADMÉ: What if they start an inquisition? I’ve opposed this war. What will you do if I become a suspect?
ANAKIN: That won’t happen. I won’t let it.
***

OBI-WAN: The Republic has fallen, Padmé . . . The Jedi Order is no more . . .
PADMÉ: I know, it’s hard to believe everything to which we’ve dedicated our lives is gone.
***

OBI-WAN: I have failed you, Anakin. I was never able to teach you to think.

I am probably in the smaller camp of saying that I think George Lucas's Prequels had the right heart maybe just pulled the trigger for being a technological pioneer at the wrong time. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for I, II and III especially with growing up with them. So part of me was hesitant with the novelization as I feared that it may try to negate some of the film experience but I was incredibly swept away by its ability to only enhance the film experience.

Stover writes not only his action scenes with a certain pop culture poetic but is deeply concerned with character motivations and giving them complex worldviews tainted with the mess of galactic politics and personal duty. Lucas hints at his political commentary of a post 9/11 world where liberty is given up for safety but here it is so incredibly evident as the Clone Wars fits the allegory more clearly.
I have watched Revenge of the Sith tons of times but I am eager to return to watching it again after reading this to view it through a new lens.

Just finished The Making of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith by J.W. Rinzler

From my review:
A fascinating deep dive into the making of Revenge of the Sith - George Lucas style. The process starts in absolute chaos, with designers churning out concept art based on little more than vague prompts from Lucas. There’s no script (and won’t be for a worryingly long time), making me wonder how the producer didn’t develop multiple ulcers from the sheer stress of this approach.

I loved the artwork and the detailed day-by-day shooting diary, which gives great insight into the filming process, the order of scenes, and just how much effort went into capturing an average of 2–3 minutes of footage per day.

One odd quirk: instead of a final chapter, there’s just a notice directing readers to readstarwars.com for the conclusion. Of course, nearly 20 years later, that link is useless - but thankfully, a quick Google search led me to a PDF of the missing 56 pages. It’s well worth tracking down, as it covers the sound design and John Williams’ composition and recording process for the score.

Overall, this is a must-read for Star Wars fans, offering a fascinating look at the behind-the-scenes madness. Highly recommended!

I'm way behind. I loved the book the first time round and I will be listening again to the audiobook - roughly 14 hours of a wonderful narration by Jonathan Davis.

Deryk wrote: "I am probably in the smaller camp of saying that I think George Lucas's Prequels had the right heart maybe just pulled the trigger for being a technological pioneer at the wrong time."

To me, the prequels are a fantastic concept that struggled in execution on film. Lucas should have stuck to crafting a detailed story outline and handed the screenplay duties to an experienced writer. With a stronger script, we could have had sharper dialogue and a more fluid narrative.

That's why I love the prequel era so much - all of the great ideas are there and some of the books capture it perfectly (better than then the movies IMO).

Well, Revenge of the Sith returns to theatres. Episode III will play in select cinemas for a limited time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the film’s debut.

"To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the premiere of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, the final film in the prequel trilogy, Episode III will be re-released in theaters on April 25, 2025, running in select U.S. theaters and international territories for one week only. Screenings will be available in several formats, including, for the first time, 4DX."

Matt Ferguson created new poster art for the re-release event.