Review:
While the serious Star Wars buff should settle for nothing less than the comprehensive Phantom Menace Illustrated Screenplay, this PM storybook packs a lot of punch in its 64 pages, with well-chosen screen shots and an abbreviated, novelized script. This young-adult adaptation hits all the major plot points, from the Trade Federation's ambush of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon through to Anakin's wild starfighter ride and the triumphant victory parade on Naboo. Crystal clear stills from the movie stop the action, zooming you in for a closer look. Finally, you get to check out every member of the Jedi Council, study a Podracer as it's blown to bits, and decide at long last just who's uglier, Watto or Darth Maul. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:
"I have a bad feeling about this," Obi-Wan Kenobi said to his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn.
The two Jedi Knights waited inside the massive battleship that served as the headquarters for the Trade Federation fleet. Their own vessel was docked in the battleship's vast hangar, and they had been escorted to this conference room by a shiny Federation protocol droid.
Obi-Wan had sensed trouble from the moment they arrived.
"Don't center on your anxiety," Qui-Gon instructed his apprentice. "Be mindful of the living Force. These Trade Federation types are cowards. The negotiations will be short."
In another part of the battleship, the protocol droid was reporting to its masters.
"The ambassadors are Jedi Knights, I believe," the droid announced to the Trade Federation viceroy, Nute Gunray, and his lieutenant Rune Haako, the two Neimoidians in command of the Naboo blockade.
The viceroy glanced at his lieutenant in fear and alarm. Jedi Knights were powerful and wise, and could easily ruin their carefully planned blockade.
Unsure of their next move, the two Neimoidians decided to contact their master, a Sith Lord named Darth Sidious. Within moments, a menacing hologram appeared before them.
"This turn of events is unfortunate," said the flickering image of the evil Sith. "We must accelerate our plans. Begin landing your troops."
"And...the Jedi?" Nute asked.
"The Chancellor should never have brought them into this," Darth Sidious said icily. "Kill them immediately."
In the battleship hangar, the Trade Federation cannons aimed at the Jedi's starship.
In the conference room, the two Jedi Knights heard a giant explosion, then a low hissing sound.
"Gas!" Qui-Gon cried, jumping to his feet.
Holding their breath, the Jedi drew their lightsabers. A moment later, the conference room door opened, and deadly green fog billowed around them as they stepped into the hallway. Battle droids, firing blasters, blocked their way. The Jedi were under attack!
With lightsabers flashing, the Jedi held their own against the battle droids. But dead ahead, ten large destroyer droids rolled forward -- then transformed into battle position.
"Master!" Obi-Wan warned Qui-Gon. "Destroyers!"
Swiftly, the Jedi escaped the deadly droid attack. But when they finally reached the main hangar, they found that their ship had been destroyed. They were trapped!
From a hidden perch, the Jedi watched the activity in the hangar. Thousands of battle droids were being loaded onto a giant landing craft.
"It's an invasion army," Obi-Wan whispered.
Qui-Gon knew they would have to find a way off this battleship. "We've got to warn the Queen of Naboo that her planet is about to be attacked. And we must contact Chancellor Valorum."
"You were right about one thing, Master," Obi-Wan said. "The negotiations were short."
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