THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR
A PERSONALISED “STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS” ADVENTURE
From SUNBIRD BOOKS and PENWIZARD
Reviewed by Scott Weller
From being an enthusiastic young child growing up to become a teenager, and then up to the present day, which always young at heart STAR WARS fans out there haven’t watched and re-watched the films, or read the comics and novels, and not had the daydream desire to be a real life part of George Lucas’s inspiring universe as either an existing hero or villain from the series, or a totally new character. Such desired ambitions, however, seemed unobtainable, except within the fantasy led realms of our thoughts and imagination. Until now that is, with the great news that the UK’s SUNBIRD and PENWIZARD books have got together to make such dreams a reality with its exciting new publishing release linked to THE CLONE WARS, and a very neat new way of bringing readers closer to the storytelling, in the first of what will hopefully be more books to come – starting with THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR.
Going beyond the kind of DECIDE YOUR DESTINY books that are always popular with younger readers, the charming concept for the series is that you order the book online, via www.penwizard.co.uk/clonewars, give them selected personal information and help in creating a visual image and they personalize an entire brand new STAR WARS story just for you (or the person you want it to be for)-you are the star of the adventure, and you, whether you’re a boy or girl, can make the choice to become either a proud Jedi Knight-loyal protector of the Republic-like Anakin Skywalker- or a dangerous Sith Lord, dedicated to chaos and destruction for the Separatist forces- in the kind of villainous mould to rival Darth Maul in power and abilities. It’s really your choice and who you become could have an important effect on the course of the adventure.
As Anakin Skywalker would say, “Here’s where the fun begins!”
The tale weaved around THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR is suitably created for you to be immersed in, and the reader will find themselves interacting with many of their favourite CLONE WARS characters, sending you from the depths of civilized space into harsher climes as you have to take part in the ancient Palawa prophecy/ceremony known as THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR and win its prize- whatever that may be- in order to secure a possible long term victory over the enemy-be it for the Jedi or the Sith. You’ll encounter many familiar elements from the opening two seasons of the worldwide hit animated series, including Rancors, Talz beasts and space whales, as well as traveling to the new world of Bunduki, alongside distant but familiar environments like the ice world of Pantora, or the dangerous mountain retreat of the mysterious jungle world of Teth. And then, to a final, dangerous confrontation with the fearsome and adaptive bounty hunter Cad Bane. This is the adventure to partake in you’ve always wanted.
THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR is a terrific project, especially coming up to Christmas, and great fun for all the family-excellent as a present, or for landmark birthdays or for someone special in your family that’s a STAR WARS fan-adults would enjoy having this personalised memento just as much as the young Padawans. Beyond THE CLONE WARS, there is potential for this to be a hit in other parts of the Saga-how about an edition linked in with the Classic Trilogy-where you go against Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader!
AFICIONADO RATING: The possibilities for a unique and highly enjoyable customized avatar/print on demand book series are endless. THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR is a great start, and we wish both SUNBIRD and PENWIZARD the best of success with it. 9 out of 10
