Star Wars: Cloak of Deception

By: James Luceno

Narrated by: Alexander Adams

Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

From New York Times best-selling author James Luceno comes an all-new Star Wars adventure that reveals the action and intrigue unfolding directly before Episode I: The Phantom Menace.

Mired in greed and corruption, tangled in bureaucracy, the Galactic Republic is crumbling. In the outlying systems, where the Trade Federation maintains a stranglehold on shipping routes, tensions are boiling over - while back in the comfort of Coruscant, the hub of civilized space and seat of the Republic government, few senators seem inclined to investigate the problem. And those who suspect Supreme Chancellor Valorum of having a hand in the machinations are baffled - especially when Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi foil an assassination attempt on the Chancellor. With the crisis escalating, Valorum calls for an emergency trade summit. As humans and aliens gather, conspiracies sealed with large sums of money run rampant, and no one is entirely above suspicion. But the greatest threat of all remains unknown to everyone except three members of the Trade Federation who have entered into a shadowy alliance with a dark overlord. While the trio will be content with more money and fewer problems, Darth Sidious has grander, far more terrifying plans.

It is a time that tests the mettle of all those who strive to hold the Republic together - none more so than the Jedi Knights, who have long been the galaxy's best hope for preserving peace and justice. Yet despite their most valiant efforts, the meeting will explode into fiery chaos beyond everyone's worst fears....

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©2001 Lucasfilm Ltd. and TM. (P)2001 Lucasfilm Ltd. and TM. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"At last, what you've been waiting for: a prequel...that will explain why Chancellor Valorum fell from power." (Library Journal)
"Adams reads expertly and confidently, and his storytelling powers flow with Jedi force." (AudioFile)

Largely forgettable, with some redeeming qualities

While those of Star Wars fandom should listen to this book, I found it largely forgettable. The general paucity of true character development may be why. We don't get many good glimpses into the underlying characters, but merely observe them go through somewhat predictable motions. That said, there is some redemption in the fact that it does fill in some of the gaps in the timeline and we do see a little more of the various machinations leading up to Episode I.

Didn’t like narration.

I listened to Master and Apprentice just before this and the narration on that was great! Qui-Gon (especially) and Obi-Wan sounded very much like the actors in the film, but this guy didn’t even try and really there was very little difference between any voices which made it a little difficult to follow sometimes. I don’t really recommend it.

Great just a little short

Overall Fantastic Book just a little short for me. pace & sound effects 2 thumbs up

Not one of my favorite Star Wars stories

There are some good links to the Darth Plagueis story. The sound affects and music is not as good as later audio books. The story is good for filling in a few gaps in the overall story of the lead up to The Phantom Menace. The Darth Plagueis story is a better book to get a more fulfilling story to the lead up to The Phantom Menace.

The best and worst parts of the prequel trilogy

If you’re not a fan of the prequel trilogy’s long winded political speeches and scheming than you’re probably not going to love this one. Overall I thought it was well written and a good lead-in to The Phantom Menace but not a great standalone story in its own right.

Expected more

I loved the Darth Bane trilogy audible books and Maul Lockdown, then branching off to this one, I couldn’t finish it. The story wasn’t really interesting at all and the narrator’s voice wasn’t as good as Jonathan Davis (who did the other books I mentioned) in my opinion.

Decent

A well written book....but that said it is a very side quest kinda story. Adds lore and intriguing background story and all adds up well....but not a neccarially necciarry story.....at least not at full price of you can find it on sale get it if not just wait :-)

Pre

This book is the real beginning to Episode One it makes it that you are able to see the deception by The Sith

What is this?

I'm sure it is a great story. but for everything good in this world, do not this guy narrate another book. skipping dialog that is important to the story and the details of the environment. skipping paragraphs and even pages is unacceptable. I recommend the book, just not the audiobook.

Meh

Boooooooring. I got the gist of it and the plot that helps with the prequel movies but it was a grueling experience. Good thing I listen on my drive to work northerlies I’d be upset I would never get that time back.