STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS   DECIDE YOUR DESTINY BOOKS-TETHAN BATTLE ADVENTURE and THE WAY OF THE JEDI   Published by PENGUIN BOOKS   Reviewed by Scott Weller   Packed with all manner of exciting action and incident, as well as populated with landmark characters from across the entire STAR WARS saga, the opening two books in the new DECIDE YOUR DESTINY series from PENGUIN BOOKS are the perfect way for young readers, or for seasoned veteran fans of all ages, to fully experience and immerse themselves personally inside the George Lucas created universe. Now we all have the chance to become a Jedi Knight, or, if you feel like you have a darker soul, join Asajj Ventress as a Sith, or even become a non-Jedi, and partake in dangerous challenging adventures within each books specially created and imaginatively realized realms. Though the concept is nothing new- the pick your own story threads type of books have been around since at least the mid-eighties as far as I’m aware- what makes these books better than other attempts, for series like DOCTOR WHO as an example, is that these are much better constructed and involving (special nods to Jake T. Forbes and Sue Behrent for writing and plotting)- each story has over 50 adventure choices to make so the readers will never end their journey the same way each time, helping to make the books come to life in a gradually expanding and evolving universe that is far more ripe and bigger in scope to play in than most others, with the extra added bonus of unlocking further fun inter-activity by playing the books alongside specific features/exclusive content linked to the official STARWARS.COM site (www.starwars.com/decideyourdestiny.) - making the entire process even more rewarding, especially for younger readers and families helping them along.   I must be getting old, though-with all my years of watching the films, knowing the characters and being a lifetime STAR WARS fan I thought I’d make a pretty good young Jedi, especially whilst taking my path through THE WAY OF THE JEDI book. WRONG!!! It started off so well and then my compassion would be my undoing and I failed miserably. Miserably as in fatally!! From the looks of things, I can now tick “Jedi” off any future career list-with me on board the Emperor wouldn’t have needed ORDER 66!!   AFICIONADO RATING: Superior books for slightly older reading STAR WARS younglings (but, at the same time, younger fans can still tag along and enjoy it, too) who will certainly get a lot of pleasure interacting with the series online and the constantly changing involvements/strands in the stories. For further immersion into the STAR WARS universe, we suggest holding a lightsaber whilst reading and/or, at the same time, playing the John Williams music in the background!! Great fun. 8 out of 10     For a sneak preview of the DECIDE YOUR DESTINY site, please go to: http://demo.completecontrol.co.uk/penguin/dyd/

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS   DESTROY MALEVOLENCE-PHOTO STORYBOOK     Published by LADYBIRD BOOKS UK     Reviewed by Scott Weller     The dastardly General Grievous may be on the run from the Republic, but the diabolical Sith Lord, Count Dooku, has a deadly diversionary plan set in motion that may bring about a turnaround of events against our Jedi heroes in the lovely full colour DESTROY MALEVOLENCE storybook now available from LADYBIRD-the second in the stunning new series, of which DOWNFALL OF A DROID was previously released several months back.   Not overly violent and intense as some of the later episodes in the run (like LAIR OF GRIEVOUS would ultimately be), DESTROY MALEVOLENCE, another of the animated series earliest installments to be created for the first TV season of THE CLONE WARS, quickly proves the right choice of adaptation for the little ones beginning the pleasure of reading-they’ll certainly enjoy hissing at the evil cyborg terror that is General Grievous and cheering for their brave heroes, Anakin, Obi-Wan and Padme, as they finally seek to end the rein of terror unleashed upon their forces by Grievous’s deadly new weapon ship-THE MALEVOLENCE. The fact that this new tale plays strongly to the overall STAR WARS saga’s greatest strengths as full on family entertainment shouldn’t be overlooked, and, as ever, all the depth and detail of this beautifully crafted series is well displayed within the books designed pages.   Despite being originally part of a three episode arc, this particular episode (the finale) needs very little back story to convey-another one of the strengths of the actual series, too- and being the right kind of duration necessary to last the books full page count. All of this episodes fast paced sequences and key memorable moments have been faithfully preserved in this adaptation. The book, like the episode, is a terrific showcase for anyone who needs to be introduced to STAR WARS in general-full of the classic friends and foes we want to see, and lots of action, adventure and excitement that one expects from the talented behind the scenes combo of George Lucas and Dave Filoni. This fan popular adventure should be well loved by the young readers who, after reading, are bound to want more of THE CLONE WARS.     AFICIONADO RATING: Another lovely addition for the range. We at AFICIONADO look forward to more in this format. 8 out of 10

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS   FORCES OF DARKNESS   A READING ALONE-LEVEL 3 BOOK   By Heather Scott   Published by DORLING KINDERSLEY BOOKS UK     Reviewed by Scott Weller       The venerable Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi once described the populace of Tatooine’s Mos Eisley space port as a “wretched hive of scum and villainy.” He was clearly forgetting about all of the nefarious foes he and Anakin Skywalker took on during the epic three year rein of the intergalactic CLONE WARS. If Obi-Wan ever needed reminding of that time and of the legion of dark side nastiness he encountered along its path, he need look no further for the ultimate handy reference guide from Heather Scott and DORLING KINDERSLEY BOOKS UK, as they launch their new READING ALONE LEVEL 3 book on FORCES OF DARKNESS. And a fine collation of evil characters they’ve assembled for our safe pleasure in reading. The book goes into fun detail for the younger learners, or the DK Padawans as we should call them!!, full of exciting pictures and information capturing the best moments of villainy from the TV episodes (including the theatrical pilot movie, too!!) and listing all the incredible nasty rogues that have so far populated it’s first (and second) season in challenging our regular Republic heroes.   Within the CLONE WARS, the Jedi have never fought such formidable opponents. And all encompassing cornucopia at that, of the baddest both old and new, from the corrupted fallen (Count Dooku), to the conniving (Nute Gunray), to the merciless and tactically dangerous (General Grievous), from the cowardly fighters (the comical Battle Droids), to the almost likeable mercenaries (THE PIRATES OF THE CARRIBBEAN-like Weequay Marauders), from the fearsome assassins (like the lightsaber wielding Asajj Ventress, and the sneakily agile camouflaged commando droids), to the crafty scavengers who’ll make the most of what the war has to offer and use both side to their own advantage (Gha Nachkt). And finally, to the darkest foe of all- the ultimate manipulator and destroyer of worlds-Darth Sidious himself!! FORCES OF DARKNESS covers all their key conflicts and the technology and weapons that our nefarious malcontents have used to achieve their aims- all of them individual and uniquely memorable to the STAR WARS universe- and accompanied with profiles of some of the key Republic combatants they’ve fought against, packaged within the usual excellent design standards and some superb photo selections (love that Darth Sidious image on page 7).    There’s even a nice spread section on the new bad guy kid on the block whose recent introduction is causing a sensation in the STAR WARS galaxy-the continuing work in progress for evil known as Cad Bane- second only in his Bounty Hunting ambitions to the Original Trilogy’s Boba Fett-seemingly unstoppable and ruthlessly determined, with a mental ingenuity and arsenal of weapons to rival ole’ Bucket Head himself!! Bane is presented in the book with a nice spread section which contains a cool image from season two’s upcoming CARGO OF DOOM episode to boot.   It may seem unnatural to say this but the STAR WARS saga is blessed with some of the most wonderful villainy around, and FORCES OF DARKNESS is a terrific showcase for them!!     AFICIONADO RATING: Where would our heroes be if it weren’t for these ultimate villains? FORCES OF DARKNESS is a veritable feast of the baddest, vicious, and most all round unpleasant nasties ever assembled. Certainly, the galaxy won’t be a safe place until they’ve all been vanquished. This is another lovely addition to the READING ALONE 3 series, and a further visual success for DK BOOKS. 8 out of 10

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS   JEDI IN TRAINING: A BEGINNING TO READ ALONE BOOK-LEVEL 2     By Heather Scott     Published in the UK by DORLING KINDERSLEY BOOKS     Reviewed by Scott Weller     Ever since she came out of the shadows and descended the platform of the Republic transport shuttle on Christophsis, opinion on the new CLONE WARS character of Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano has been greatly polarized within the older generation STAR WARS fan community, many unsure whether creator George Lucas was wise to take the path of introducing a new character into the show and possibly disrupting the existing series timeline, and other established cannon, set between EPISODEs II and III. With regards to the younger audiences growing up within this new universe, however-those still discovering the STAR WARS universe at large without the historical story/character baggage of the last thirty years- her arrival as a Padawan learner to the still heroic Anakin Skywalker hasn’t been a problem at all within their adaptable nature, and they’ve pretty much accepted Ahsoka (brought to life with an enthusiastic vocal vitality by the charming actress Ashley Eckstein) and taken her warmly to their hearts-they now have a young role model that they can root for-someone around their age that they’ll see growing up as they do through the course of the series, as well as being an especially great role model for the young girls who have so few true heroines of their ilk to look up to in film and television these days-for a long time Leia and Padme were the true Girl Power revolutionaries for the saga- now it looks as if its Ahsoka’s turn to get the deserved spotlight. So, a special book on her Jedi career so far, first season wise of THE CLONE WARS, is a much welcome move by DORLING KINDERSLEY, as this BEGINNING TO READ ALONE LEVEL 2 edition goes into fun, accessible detail for its readers in documenting her brave and exciting exploits alongside her Jedi comrades-from her right in the action beginnings with the mission to Teth to rescue Rotta the Huttlet (aka Stinky!!), dueling against the dreaded Cyborg leader General Grievous (and living to tell the tale!!), to her intense showdown, alongside fellow Jedi Luminara Unduli, against the vicious vixen Asajj Ventress deep in the bowels of a destructing Republic vessel engine core in CLOAK OF DARKNESS, Heather Scott’s JEDI IN TRAINING chronicles some of the colourful action and excitement in Ahsoka’s pursuit of being an accomplished Jedi, following in the footsteps of the mighty Anakin Skywalker, and is a lovely showcase for the character in her formative years (the next books will probably see more of her as an evolving character, growing up through the conflict, until her ultimate fate-currently shrouded in mystery- is revealed (so far, only THE CLONE WARS animation director, and Ahsoka’s co-creator, Dave Filoni, is aware of her true destiny in the STAR WARS universe), and one that young fans will enjoy reading and re-reading.     AFICIONADO RATING: Another charmingly presented book, this time devoted to a new STAR WARS heroine, that the youngest readers will greatly enjoy. 8 out of 10

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS   JOURNEY THROUGH HYPERSPACE: 3-D ADVENTURE BOOK   PUBLISHED BY LADYBIRD BOOKS UK   Reviewed by Scott Weller   Though its going to be a long time before we see the original STAR WARS films at the cinema in the much heralded and highly anticipated new realms of 3-D, younger viewers of the saga, especially related to THE CLONE WARS, will at least able to sample its visual delights and enjoy the technique on a smaller, but nonetheless inventive scale, with LADYBIRDs new JOURNEY THROUGH HYPERSPACE ADVENTURE BOOK, which presents an exciting all-new story encapsulated  in the format, and starring Jedi Knight to be Ahsoka Tano, as she enthusiastically heads off on a solo mission, unaware of the dangers that await her. Though basic in nature-and perhaps it could have had a few more pages to it- it’s certainly of the highest standards to keep the youngest entertained, and the spread designs make great use, as ever, of the exciting visuals (especially the space battle images). The most avid child readers of THE CLONE WARS will be thrilled to add this to their Xmas wants list/collection, and that enclosed 3-D vision droid mask is also pretty cool, too!!     AFICIONADO RATING: This new book from LADYBIRD opens up some interesting possibilities for future books using the 3-D format to interest young children. A nice production, and one that will be savoured by the little ones who’ll want to get ever closer to the action packed universe, especially at Xmas time. 8 out of 10

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS   ULTIMATE STICKER COLLECTION BOOK: ULTIMATE BATTLES     Published in the UK by DORLING KINDERSLEY BOOKS   Reviewed by Scott Weller   If you want adventure, then THE CLONE WARS, just in its first season alone, has delivered probably more on that front than most other genre series on the airwaves have done by their third!! And, unlike most TV series currently on the air, its span of excitement isn’t just restricted to one place or even one planet-THE CLONE WARS has an entire universe to play in, spanning countless human and alien life forms, droids, creatures and environments. Now, the opportunity to recreate those incredible war scenarios and favourite scenes of the episodes, and with your most popular characters, comes to life for children and adults of all ages in this new softback book.   From the space battle conflicts between Anakin Skywalker and the Droid General Grievous of Bothawi, to the D-Day-esque ground fighting between Genreral Mace Windu’s Clone Forces against the greedy villainy of Wat Tambor and his Separatists on Ryloth, every major battle of the premiere run of the worldwide hit show has been highlighted in visual form, with some nice little info blurbs about the stories and characters added, in this new ULTIMATE STICKER COLLECTION book from DORLING KINDERSLEY-a terrific companion to both the same month’s released DK STAR WARS ULTIMATE BATTLES hardcover title from Jason Fry (another top notch book worth getting) and the similar, earlier released, first ULTIMATE STICKER book, which was mostly linked to the first THE CLONE WARS film.   As before, the more than 600 reusable stickers- both episodics and specific posed shots of all our favourite heroes and hissable villains, are of a beautiful quality, in a wide ranging variety of shapes and sizes for kids who will enjoy finding the right ones to stick into their favourite spread sections, or they can even disregard that criteria and create their own sticker patterns of choice into the battle scenario spreads, making the STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS an even more flexible and fun experience for them in playtime. There’s also tons of additional general stickers included that don’t have to be used in the actual book and can be put anywhere else for creative inspiration, from kitchen doors to schoolbooks and lunchboxes!!   AFICIONADO RATING: Another quality sticker book product, good value for money (even cheaper to buy online) for the youngsters, and an excellent sequel to last years release. 8 out of 10

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS   PRESS OUT AND BUILD BOOK     Models created by James G Watt and CLOCKWORKROBOT   Published in the UK by LADYBIRD BOOKS     Reviewed by Scott Weller   One of the reasons why STAR WARS was such a big hit-and continues to stand the test of time in the popularity stakes- is down to the incredible work by both the Saga’s creator, George Lucas, and the incredibly talented designers he assembled in creating the environments, characters, weaponry and robots seen throughout the six films, the animated series and beyond. With a wonderful mix of the futuristic with the familiar, we thrilled to such visual wonderfests as space craft (like the X-wing fighters, the DEATH STAR space station and the Millennium Falcon), the plethora of cute and cuddly droids, and aliens good and bad-and most of all, we couldn’t wait to boo at the deliberately caricatured masks of evil villainy that were Darth Vader and the one face only Imperial Stormtroopers. As the STAR WARS series enters into nearly thirty five years, the amazing work of bringing such mythos inspired work to life continues unabated and with continued enthusiasm, and when the opportunity arose in toy stores to see them beyond the screen and turned to reality that we can play with and re-create our favourite scenes, then we lapped up the chance to get our hands on them. PALITOY/KENNER were soon quickly successfully, and then came further fun with the model making kits-these have varied over the years from the complex (the US based AMC kits) to those found on the backs of cereal packets like SHREDDIES and CORN FLAKES. Now, LADYBIRD BOOKS have released a lovely new hybrid of model-making creative enjoyment and construction achievement with its new PRESS OUT AND BUILD second book devoted to THE CLONE WARS. There are three great models to put together-one for each age group/level of model-makers: a slick looking Jedi Starfighter (for the youngest Padawan’s to put together), the ever popular See-Threepio efficiently realized in face mask form (for the advanced Jedi Knight learner) and the mean looking Separatist AAT Tank (for the advance model builder’s level-the Jedi Master). James G Watt and CLOCKWORK ROBOTS have been inspired in the way they have managed to transfer these modern day STAR WARS visual icons to the young modeler’s market, and the construction plans are attractively realized to the reader via an equally attractive, and well designed/written, construction manual enclosed in the sturdy, beautiful packaging.   Mums and Dads will have no difficulty helping their children put these things together and all will bond and enjoy their love of STAR WARS with this unique collection, especially during Xmas time.   AFICIONADO RATING: 8 out of 10

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS STAND ASIDE- BOUNTY HUNTERS!   A BEGINNING TO READ ALONE LEVEL 2 BOOK   Written by Simon Beecroft   Published in the UK by DORLING KINDERSLEY BOOKS   Reviewed by Scott Weller   “I make the rules now!!”   Whether capturing Jedi, stealing holocrons, liberating Separatist prisoners or destroying enemy combatants, the Durosian Bounty Hunter Cad Bane’s presence in THE CLONE WARS from the start of the gripping Season One finale-HOSTAGE CRISIS- has certainly been felt, and his status as one of the top ten villains of the STAR WARS saga now confidently assured. He and his specially selected, individually talented team of danger makers have upped the stakes against the Heroic republic forces in THE CLONE WARS series and now no one is safe from their interference. Though primarily working under the retainership of the shadowy Darth Sidious, here is a villain who doesn’t care who wins or loses the galaxy spanning conflict going on around him as long as he is amply rewarded for his specialized services-an opinion and lifestyle similarly shared by the cadre of evil that follows his orders. Bane is cruel, cunning and can fight his way out of a crisis, equipped with one of the most lethal technological arsenals at his disposal, and more than capable of dispatching anyone or anything that stands in his way. As for the Jedi, well…they’re just a minor irritant to swat out of the way. His past is not yet known, but the future for the Durosian, and his fellow bounty hunters, within the fractured Republic is theirs for the taking.   Now, readers of all ages can find out more about these fearsome new baddies, and in particular Cad Bane’s adventures within the first two seasons of THE CLONE WARS inside this terrific new BEGINNING TO READ ALONE book written by Simon Beecroft in the always beautifully produced DK READERS series. Encompassing their finest episodes so far, from the team breakout of Ziro the Hutt on Coruscant to Bane’s one man battle against Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, on a destructing Separatist ship, this book will capture young reader’s attentions from start to finish. Everyone loves a good baddie, especially when they’re from the STAR WARS universe-a land of adrenaline fuelled colour, excitement and danger that’s fun to discover, and Beecroft present the characters involved and situations created from the struggle between good and evil in an easy to understand manner, not only with regards to Bane but also with the assortment of equally deadly bounty hunters (from the silent but deadly Aurra Sing to the vile fish-like Robinino), their skills razor sharp, that are linked in Bounty brotherhood.   And watch out STAR WARS fans, this is only the beginning. These bounty hunters never stop their search. They will return...    AFICIONADO RATING: Though the introductory tale HOSTAGE CRISIS has more of a look in than the other tales they’ve appeared in, this villainous showcase is well worth a look for its target readership: 4 out 5

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS PIRATES…AND WORSE!!   A BEGINNING TO READ LEVEL ONE BOOK   Written by Simon Beecroft   Published in the UK by DORLING KINDERSLEY   Reviewed by Scott Weller   Danger of a different kind for the indomitable Jedi duo of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi when they have to tread a delicate path in their dealings with a barmy army of dangerous and greedy Weequay pirates led by the charming but mercenary Hondo Ohnaka on the desert world of Florrum. Regular DK scribe Simon Beecroft recalls the two part tale of the George Lucas storyline DOOKU CAPTURED/THE GUNGAN GENERAL to younger readers in all its colourful and exciting glory. Find out all about the Pirates, their key members, and the exciting spaceships and technology they use as the story unfolds. Discover how the evil Count Dooku is captured alongside the Jedi, and how they must join forces to make their escape, helped by the lovable gangly Gungan Ambassador, Jar Jar Binks, who does his own unique best to help. And you know what that means??!!! Trouble with a capital T!   The enjoyable Season One two parter is one of the perfect choice for adaptation to this reading range- a highly enjoyable tale of daring action and adventure laced with good accessible family based humour in the form of both Jar Jar and the Weequay Pirates (an interesting alien race seen all too briefly in RETURN OF THE JEDI. Lucas’s decision to bring them into their own story, developing a specific group of them (their leader, Hondo Ohnaka, a particular shine out- dangerous but charming, and with a sense of loyalty and honour in his thievery) and incorporating a firm nod of fun to old and modern Pirate movies, soon proving to be a much welcome move).   Nicely presented in its BEGINNING TO READ LEVEL ONE book format, the book is packed full of some of the finest exciting and colourful high quality stills photography that’s available from the LUCASFILM archive, and the wide range of characters and important episodic moments are accurately presented in a clear, concise and entertaining way for the books particular reader age group to enjoy, making it yet another great addition to the range.     AFICIONADO RATING: A Pirates life for me!! 4 out of 5

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS HOLOCRON HUNTERS ACTIVITY BOOK     Published in the UK by SUNBIRD PUBLISHING   Reviewed by Scott Weller     I’m sure that when the time comes for Tatooine crime lord and all round fat slug Jabba the Hutt to meet the mysterious and highly dangerous and unique looking Bounty Hunter Cad Bane he’d probably be so impressed with his abilities, that he’d cite him as being his “kind of scum-fearless and inventive!” Now, younger STAR WARS fans have the chance to prove their worth as heroes of the Republic and match him with their own fearlessness and invention when they tackle the new activity book-HOLOCRON HUNTERS- released by SUNBIRD. Incorporating many elements, heroes and baddie characters and adventure situations from the popular and exciting Season Two opener of THE CLONE WARS, HOLOCRON HEIST, young readers have the ability to test their mental, numeric and reading powers against the dangerous Bounty Hunter and his evil associates in a strong collection of puzzles, crosswords and ability tests –help the Jedi stop the Bounty Hunter from stealing a valuable, information priceless Jedi holocron from their sacred temple on Coruscant: partake in the laser quest, spot the imposter, unlock the hidden secrets and diffuse a bomb!! Only you can make a crucial difference!! Plus, there’s an excellent middle spread section of 40 exciting hydrofoil foil stickers to either use as part of the book activities or for other STAR WARS related fun.   AFICIONADO RATING: The dangerous ingenuity of these diabolical Bounty Hunters shines through in this first Activity Book chronicle of their fiendish actions. 4 out of 5