A review by rachel_abby_reads
Attack of the Clones, by R.A. Salvatore
3.0
Obviously, this book is the companion to the movie of the same title. It fills in some valuable additional background and character development that was absent in the film.
First: we get more of a view of Padme's mindset when Anakin comes back into her life. In the movie, it is clear that Anakin remembers Padme, not just fondly, but passionately. It is never made clear (even in the book) what place Anakin holds in Padme's heart when they meet again - whether he is simply a boy she remembers fondly from her days as Naboo's queen, or as a possible romantic attachment. It is probable that, given her understanding of the Jedi oaths and sacrifices, it didn't occur to her that Anakin nursed romantic feelings for her, and she likely didn't have any on the back burners for him.
We do know that she is primed and ready for a romantic relationship. It is ten years since the war on Naboo, she is no longer the Queen, but her life is still one of political service and sacrifice. Her sister is married with children and is constantly reminding her that there is more to her and to life than political causes and self-sacrifice.
When she meets Anakin again, and he looks at her as a man looks at a woman he loves, she is ready to fall. She puts up a good fight, but so does Anakin; ultimately, when he wins, they both lose.
Second: There is a little more background and insight into Jango and Boba Fett. This background is interesting for the contrast that it provides to the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Jango is teaching Boba all of his skills, to turn him into the ultimate bounty hunter and his ideal son. It is clear that Jango and Boba love each other. One of the greatest moments, for me, happens on Kamino before Obi-Wan shows up. Boba is fishing and makes a successful kill. Though Jango praises him, he also critiques his performance, telling him that a centimeter's difference would have made for a more precise killing, and less work on his part.
The boy nodded, unperturbed that his father, his mentor, could always find fault, even in success. The boy knew that his beloved father did so only because it forced him to strive for perfection. And in a dangerous galaxy, perfection allowed for survival. The boy loved his father even more for caring enough to criticize.
This is in stark contrast to Obi-Wan and Anakin. Obi certainly criticizes, but there isn't that feeling of love. Anakin definitely chafes under any suggestion that he isn't complete and perfect as he is.
[Master Obi-Wan] criticizes my every move, as if I was still a child. . .I am truly thankful to be his learner. (I think this is lip service, given because it is expected that there should be some gratitude.) Only, although I'm a Padawan learner, in some ways -in a lot of ways- I'm ahead of him. I'm ready for the trials. I know I am! He knows it, too. He feels I'm too unpredictable -other Jedi my age have gone through the trials and made it. . . he won't let me move on!
Compare that relationship with the one with Palpatine, who finds no fault, who justifies every action, who praises every thought, deed and success, and it becomes easier to see why Palpatine's influence is stronger than that of the Jedi.
First: we get more of a view of Padme's mindset when Anakin comes back into her life. In the movie, it is clear that Anakin remembers Padme, not just fondly, but passionately. It is never made clear (even in the book) what place Anakin holds in Padme's heart when they meet again - whether he is simply a boy she remembers fondly from her days as Naboo's queen, or as a possible romantic attachment. It is probable that, given her understanding of the Jedi oaths and sacrifices, it didn't occur to her that Anakin nursed romantic feelings for her, and she likely didn't have any on the back burners for him.
We do know that she is primed and ready for a romantic relationship. It is ten years since the war on Naboo, she is no longer the Queen, but her life is still one of political service and sacrifice. Her sister is married with children and is constantly reminding her that there is more to her and to life than political causes and self-sacrifice.
When she meets Anakin again, and he looks at her as a man looks at a woman he loves, she is ready to fall. She puts up a good fight, but so does Anakin; ultimately, when he wins, they both lose.
Second: There is a little more background and insight into Jango and Boba Fett. This background is interesting for the contrast that it provides to the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Jango is teaching Boba all of his skills, to turn him into the ultimate bounty hunter and his ideal son. It is clear that Jango and Boba love each other. One of the greatest moments, for me, happens on Kamino before Obi-Wan shows up. Boba is fishing and makes a successful kill. Though Jango praises him, he also critiques his performance, telling him that a centimeter's difference would have made for a more precise killing, and less work on his part.
The boy nodded, unperturbed that his father, his mentor, could always find fault, even in success. The boy knew that his beloved father did so only because it forced him to strive for perfection. And in a dangerous galaxy, perfection allowed for survival. The boy loved his father even more for caring enough to criticize.
This is in stark contrast to Obi-Wan and Anakin. Obi certainly criticizes, but there isn't that feeling of love. Anakin definitely chafes under any suggestion that he isn't complete and perfect as he is.
[Master Obi-Wan] criticizes my every move, as if I was still a child. . .I am truly thankful to be his learner. (I think this is lip service, given because it is expected that there should be some gratitude.) Only, although I'm a Padawan learner, in some ways -in a lot of ways- I'm ahead of him. I'm ready for the trials. I know I am! He knows it, too. He feels I'm too unpredictable -other Jedi my age have gone through the trials and made it. . . he won't let me move on!
Compare that relationship with the one with Palpatine, who finds no fault, who justifies every action, who praises every thought, deed and success, and it becomes easier to see why Palpatine's influence is stronger than that of the Jedi.