A Look at James Luceno's Episode III Prequel Novel, Labyrinth of Evil

One of the more challenging aspects Star Wars fans face when they read any of the “expanded universe” novels set in the Prequel Era is dealing with the fact that the characters from the films have their destinies set in stone. Most of them, especially those that have followed George Lucas’ space-fantasy saga since the first Episode premiered in 1977, are keenly aware that the Galactic Republic depicted in the Prequel years is being transformed into the Galactic Empire, that the once-unassuming and politically unassailable Palpatine of Naboo is the mysterious Sith Lord known as Darth Sidious, and that the brash and headstrong Anakin Skywalker will turn his back on his fellow Jedi Knights and every good thing he stands for and become the infamous Darth Vader.

These broad strokes on this huge celluloid and literary canvas have, of course, been visible for almost 30 years, but there are still plenty of little brushstrokes that fill the empty spaces and add badly-needed detail to what Star Wars’ creator calls The Tragedy of Darth Vader.

Of the many novels that describe events during the pre-Rebellion years when the Republic is collapsing and the Clone Wars are raging across the galaxy, James Luceno’s Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil is among the very best.

Set three years after the events depicted in 2002’s Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, Luceno’s novel begins on the planet Cato Neimoidia, home world of Trade Federation Nute Gunray, who has been one of Darth Sidious’ co-conspirators for the past 13 years. A Republic force of clone troopers led by Generals Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker has invaded the Viceroy’s fortified palace, forcing the greedy but cowardly Separatist Council member to flee aboard a small shuttle, leaving behind substantial amounts of cash, jewelry, antiques…and a modified mechno-chair fitted with a secure communications array which Darth Sidious uses to confer with Gunray and the other Trade Federation lackeys.