Jedi Council Forums - The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)

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Author	Topic: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
Mastadge Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jun '99	Date Posted: 5/22/04 10:06am Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers) - Date Edited: 5/28/04 6:39pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Mastadge
	I know it’s a bit early, but we know at least some people have advance copies, so here's the review thread. I'm trying something new with this sticky thing; if it doesn't work out, in the future I'll resort to non-stickiness. As usual, please rate THE CESTUS DECEPTION on a scale from 1 to 10. Please don't rate the book until after you've finished it. Thank you. Also, please supplement your rating of THE CESTUS DECEPTION with a few words (or a lot, as you see fit). Links to previous review threads, in case you missed 'em: Shatterpoint Galaxies: The Ruins of Dantooine Tatooine Ghost Survivor's Quest Enemy Lines I: Rebel Dream Enemy Lines II: Rebel Stand Traitor Destiny's Way Force Heretic I: Remnant Force Heretic II: Refugee Force Heretic III: Reunion The Final Prophecy The Unifying Force -----signature----- "This will be our reply to violence: To make music more intensely, More beautifully, More devotedly than ever before." - Leonard Bernstein
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JediTrilobite Registered: Nov '99	Date Posted: 5/22/04 10:43am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	I have yet to type of a formal review for this, but the book simply blew me away. Steven Barnes did a wonderful job with this book, with the characters, the politics, the action and the plot. All well done. The only thing that's wrong is a small continuality error that's not a big problem. 9.7 / 10 -----signature----- Ever wonder what happened during the clone wars? Visit: http://www.theclonewarz.net My Blogs: http://www.jeditrilobite.com , http://tk3220.wordpress.com TK-3220, NEG VT Rep
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DarthMane2 Registered: Sep '03	Date Posted: 5/22/04 10:46am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	Does the book go into the war on a larger scale,or is the book about a secluded event? Any fleet battles -----signature----- "Infidel defilers. They shall all drown in lakes of blood. Now they will know why they are afraid of the dark. Now they will learn why they fear the night." "When in doubt,... attack"- George S. Patton still Strad's #1 fan
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JediMasterGuff Registered: Jun '02	Date Posted: 5/22/04 11:39am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	What's the error? -----signature----- Can't get enough of that wonderful Guff!
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JediTrilobite Registered: Nov '99	Date Posted: 5/22/04 12:33pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	There's not much in the way of fleet battles, although there is some ship stuff here and there. I think that we're probably going to want to restrict questions like this to the official thread, not here. -----signature----- Ever wonder what happened during the clone wars? Visit: http://www.theclonewarz.net My Blogs: http://www.jeditrilobite.com , http://tk3220.wordpress.com TK-3220, NEG VT Rep
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Mastadge Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jun '99	Date Posted: 5/22/04 1:40pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	JT has the right of it, as usual. This thread is mainly for review purposes; more in-depth discussion is better suited to the other thread. -----signature----- "This will be our reply to violence: To make music more intensely, More beautifully, More devotedly than ever before." - Leonard Bernstein
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JediTrilobite Registered: Nov '99	Date Posted: 5/22/04 4:40pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers) - Date Edited: 5/22/04 5:44pm (1 edits total) Edited By: JediTrilobite
	Okay, my review for Cestus Deception. The summery is not complete, for I'm working on a more detailed one for my own site. I may get that up here when it's online there. Summery: 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. They do, and while everything falls apart, the Jedi realize that there's more than one deception that they're part of. 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 various others that appear in the novel. 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. Rating: 9.7/10 -----signature----- Ever wonder what happened during the clone wars? Visit: http://www.theclonewarz.net My Blogs: http://www.jeditrilobite.com , http://tk3220.wordpress.com TK-3220, NEG VT Rep
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Mastadge Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jun '99	Date Posted: 5/29/04 10:04am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	Counting 1 review: 9.7/1 = 9.7 -----signature----- "This will be our reply to violence: To make music more intensely, More beautifully, More devotedly than ever before." - Leonard Bernstein
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JediTrilobite Registered: Nov '99	Date Posted: 5/29/04 10:45am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	Looks like this came off the sticky side. Just a couple more days! -----signature----- Ever wonder what happened during the clone wars? Visit: http://www.theclonewarz.net My Blogs: http://www.jeditrilobite.com , http://tk3220.wordpress.com TK-3220, NEG VT Rep
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Mastadge Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jun '99	Date Posted: 5/31/04 7:37pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	Yeah. Should be out, so I'm bringing this up. -----signature----- "This will be our reply to violence: To make music more intensely, More beautifully, More devotedly than ever before." - Leonard Bernstein
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JediTrilobite Registered: Nov '99	Date Posted: 5/31/04 7:42pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	Tomorrow! Who has it now? -----signature----- Ever wonder what happened during the clone wars? Visit: http://www.theclonewarz.net My Blogs: http://www.jeditrilobite.com , http://tk3220.wordpress.com TK-3220, NEG VT Rep
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Club_333 Title: CR Indy Knights Indianapolis, IN Registered: Nov '01	Date Posted: 5/31/04 7:58pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	have it- i have read it, i'd say a 9 out of 10 his lightsaber battle at the end was a bit stunted, for my taste, at least. his characterization of nate/jangotat was decent. the whole "everyone lying to everyone" take was well done. i did not think that obi wan would engage in a deception of his own and thought it a bit out of character. kit fisto was a bit stoic... not the type of guy you'd see smiling in battle as on geonosis. it seems he worried too much- not an overwhelming amount, but a bit of a question. still, i'm not certain how i feel about ventress' abrupt end to obi wan's duel. i know it was supposed to harken back to the earlier death duel, but i still am left wondering if that was in her character. -----signature----- anthony as seen in the barnes & noble company newsletter sith historian fan_union (at) yahoo (dot) com www.fan-union.com
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Mastadge Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jun '99	Date Posted: 6/1/04 3:47am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	Counting 2 reviews: 18.7/2 = 9.35 -----signature----- "This will be our reply to violence: To make music more intensely, More beautifully, More devotedly than ever before." - Leonard Bernstein
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jedimasterED Title: Moderator Emeritus Registered: Oct '99	Date Posted: 6/1/04 9:22am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	I'd give it a 9 out of 10 as well. I had no issues with Obi-Wan's deception, Kit's stoicism (I tend to think most Jedi have begun to be troubled by the growing conflict and the changes in the Force), or Ventress' stunted role. This book was, in essence, Jangotat's story; a story of self-discovery. I felt that Barnes handled the established characters well and didn't presume too much with Obi-Wan, Kit, or Ventress. The author created a rich environment full of interesting characters in which the primaries (Obi-Wan, Kit, and Ventress) could be themselves and the secondaries (Jangotat, et al) could grow. Barnes' martial background showed through and added a nice validity to the fight scenes (both training and actual), as well. Barnes' familiarity with the Star Wars saga was made clear with apprpriate references to existing storylines and concepts sprinkled throughout. The twist of deception was a common theme and well appreciated. All in all, it was a good read and easily recommendable. -----signature----- Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence. ... and all that that implies...
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Mastadge Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jun '99	Date Posted: 6/1/04 10:50am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	Counting 3 reviews: 27.7/3 = 9.23 -----signature----- "This will be our reply to violence: To make music more intensely, More beautifully, More devotedly than ever before." - Leonard Bernstein
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Mastadge Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jun '99	Date Posted: 6/2/04 7:50am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: THE CESTUS DECEPTION (spoilers)
	Anyone else finish it yet? -----signature----- "This will be our reply to violence: To make music more intensely, More beautifully, More devotedly than ever before." - Leonard Bernstein
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