Book Review: Star Wars – the Old Republic: Deceived

Star Wars The Old Republic: Deceived by Paul S. Kemp is a great book that fans of the Star Wars universe will come to love, when you first pick up the book and read the first few pages it’s like being in a galaxy far, far away.  The book is amazingly written, Paul S. Kemp brings all of the major characters to life brilliantly, he essentially gives you a piece of the Star Wars universe to hold, while you’re reading, in your hand. This review contains one or two spoilers, so if you want the general opinion you can safely skip to the final paragraph, otherwise read on!

The main plot of the story is one of huge change in the universe.  The Sith are on the move after many years of gathering their forces and are hiding in the shadows, plotting the downfall of the Jedi and the Republic.  It is now time for them to make their mark, with a plan that has been rehearsed and rehearsed until every part of it is imprinted into the minds of the attack force that will be making the first strike. I have to say, they do it with extreme force and precision.

The story starts with Darth Malgus, who is already on Coruscant, making his way to the Jedi Temple joined by his companion Eleena, who is a Twi’lek.  There seems to be some form of connection between them both which unfolds more as the story progresses. When Malgus reaches the Jedi Temple the attack begins on Coruscant which ends in the destruction of the temple. But before all of this there is a huge Sith vs Jedi battle in which you really get a feel for how powerful both sides are. With a huge amount of force powers being used to great destruction Darth Malgus ends up in a fight against Jedi Master Ven Zallow: a fight to the death. Malgus defeats and kills Zallow by impaling him on his lightsaber.  After this it is all just a matter of time before the rest of the Jedi, who are left in the Temple, fall to the Sith.  Once the the last Jedi is dead the Sith Empire begins its attack on Coruscant destroying the Jedi Temple.

Meanwhile on Alderaan, the Jedi and Sith are in talks to make some sort of treaty for the Republic and the Empire.  While the talks are happening the 2 Jedi that are in the delegation sense a disturbance in the ‘force’ and images come flooding in to the minds of the the Jedi of the horrors that have just unfolded on Coruscant.  Aryn one of the Jedi, who is waiting outside while the treaty is being discussed, sees her Jedi master, Zallow, killed and attempts to exact revenge on the two Sith who are still waiting for the treaty to be made.

While all this is happening a former Republic soldier Zeerid Korr, who now works for a criminal organization called The Exchange, shows up.  Zeerid has had a few run-ins with The Exchange due to failed runs to other customers or loss of cargo, but Zeerid finally gets into trouble after his latest job, which turns out to be an ambush, so he is then ordered to start flying spice which really doesn’t sit well with him. He also finds that he will be going to Coruscant in the midst of a battle field to deliver his cargo. He, however, has no idea of how his future will become mixed up in the Jedi battle to regain control.

When reading this book you really do get the feeling you are in the Star Wars universe and I’m sure people who read Star Wars books will not be let down by Paul S. Kemp’s ability to give life to characters and the world in which they live.  He truly is an amazing author.  You really start getting to know the characters instantly.  His narration of his characters and the descriptive way he brings each location to life is great to read through.

Overall whether or not you are a Star Wars fan this is one book not to be missed, with non-stop action from the start of the book and an extremely well written story, which brings to life one of the biggest parts of the Star Wars history. It most definitely is a book to read, and to have on your shelf to read over and over again… or at least until a sequel comes out!