Star Wars: The Cestus Deception

A Clone Wars Novel

By: Steven Barnes

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Ord Cestus, a planet mostly barren and inhospitable to life, was first colonized as a prison world, until a handful of hardy pioneers discovered its rich ore deposits and managed to build up a successful droid-manufacturing industry. But when the Clone Wars erupted, bringing severe rationing of imported resources and a Republic ban on the production of battle droids, Ord Cestus was threatened with imminent economic collapse.

Enter the Confederacy of Independent Systems - the Separatists - with a life-saving offer to purchase a generous quantity of the planet's most lucrative export: bio-droids. Possessed of tactical capabilities that rival the fighting abilities of even the most advanced Jedi, these sophisticated, techno-organic hybrid units would prove a most formidable weapon if ever deployed for military use.

Determined to halt the bio-droid sale, but fearing a show of force will result in a political backlash, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine dispatches a team of envoys, led by Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. But if all else fails, the Republic will not hesitate to launch a full-scale attack and wipe out not only the means of bio-droid production, but countless lives as well, to demonstrate the consequences of disloyalty.

For Obi-Wan, the prospect of such wholesale slaughter only serves to fuel his growing suspicions about the sinister path the Republic seems to be taking. As the leaders of Ord Cestus refuse to capitulate and Palpatine rapidly loses patience, Obi-Wan's hopes of a peaceful resolution are dwindling. Now, facing a crisis of conscience, Obi-Wan must find the wisdom and strength to prevent a bloodbath and safeguard the Republic while abiding by the ancient code to which he has pledged his life.

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©2004 Lucasfilm Ltd. and TM (P)2004 Lucasfilm Ltd. and TM. Random House Audio, a division of Random House Inc.

Critic reviews

"A thrilling, worthy addition to the Star Wars universe." (Booklist) "[A] stirring new addition to the Star Wars saga....may the Force provide more like this one." (Publishers Weekly)

Excellent all around

My son and I both listened to this. Well written - interesting story line, good character development, very descriptive. sound effects are good without being too much. great side story that happens before anyone realizes palpatine is on the dark side. really enjoyed it. narrator is superb - does obi wan to perfection!

Pretty Good

End of novel didn't really wrap the story up at all and could have been much better. When the commentary initiated the listener is left surprised and expecting a conclusion.

More underlying socialism than one would expect from the protagonists in the story, which leaves the listener on guard against the author possibly pushing an agenda rather than building an entertaining story.

well told story that leaves wanting the next book

The story teller is always great in all the books I've heard him read. the story was good and ready to proceed to the next.

Odd ending…

The whole book was fine but it ended like the Sopranos, where it cuts off mid sent…

Missing Parts

It is a good story and a good performance by Mr. Davis, but huge chunks of the story were not read. I like to listen and read along while I listen. I could only listen through the first chapter before just read it on my own.

A New Treasure in the Star Wars series

Great character development and storyline. Great battles and strong drama through out the book beginning to end.

The Cestus Deception

To stop production of a Jedi Killing Droid Kit Fisto Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to Ord Cestus on two very different missions. I enjoyed the hell out of this book the Clone ARC Nate and his relationship with Jango Fett’s former lover is facilitating.
Once again this is sadly abridged. (So read it first). Then enjoy a five hour audiofilm of a novel you loved . (That’s how I like to view Legends).
Legends maybe gone but they are not forgotten. From The Further Adventures of Luke Skywalker in 1977 to Maul:Lockdown in 2014 there are hundreds of novels, games and comics. A life time of proven entertainment.
Reviewed in 2020

anger

it does not say it is the abridge version very upset at that. also they get the names wronf

too abridged

there is just so much missing from this book I couldn't give it the 5 stars an unabridged version should have. also the narrator completely misses kit fistos personality and butcher asajj ventress's name

A deceptively good book 📚

This is a great book 📚, I hope there's more. It leaves. You hanging without end.