Episode I - The Phantom Menace - The Making of Star Wars

If you found the movie in any way disapointing, and even if you didn't, read this book! It's way better than the movie, which, while enjoyable was also confusing at some points, and I found it very difficult at times to connect with the characters. Not so with this book. Anakin especially was well done; I found him extremely annoying when I watched the movie, but here not only can we finally see what makes him so special, but we can even relate to him. Qui-Gon as well is much better portrayed here, and his relationship to Obi-Wan is better understood as well. The only character I felt could have been better was Padme/Amidala. The author was so intent on keeping us in the dark over who is who, that up until Padme reveals herself to Boss Nass as Queen Amidala we see her only through Anakin's adoring eyes and Qui-Gon's slightly disdainful ones. Until close to the end of the book nothing is from her point of view, which doesn't leave much room for fleshing out her character. Besides this however, I can say I would definitely recommend this book to any Star Wars fan, especially those dissapointed with how the movie turned out. A testement to how good this book is is that, for a moment or two, I even felt sympothy for Jar Jar!

I really enjoyed this book, even after having seen the movie four times. Someone above commented that Terry Brooks added scenes, and I don't think that that is the case. It takes time to write a book, and I'm sure that Brooks watched a "rough cut" of the film, probably sometime before the musical score was added. Thus, I'm sure that that he didn't add any scenes, but rather wrote in everything that he saw, i.e., scenes and dialogue that Lucas probably left on the cutting room floor. He may have added some backgound and inferred some motivations from the characters, but that's all. I'm also fairly certain of this because the comic adaptation by Dark Horse contains a couple of the same extra scenes found in the book. So, if you want to know more about the REAL Star Wars universe, and read the scenes that were most likely CUT from the film, read this great book!

Only "Trials and Tribbleations" has put me into the story in a better style. Second best in a bunch of books that tend to be overblown and often lose me in yards of useless exposition.
Terry Brooks does a wonderful job describing the characters and their situations. He creeps into the heads of the characters and helps bring them to life further in the way only an author can. Qui-Gon Jinn is especially vibrant.
There are some inconsistancies. The end battles and swordfighting in the book is somewhat different, I think, from the movie's version; it includes many lines of dialogue cut from the movie (not that I'm complaining); Jar Jar seems more competent; and Brooks seems to be very vague on Queen Amidala's clothing. None of these significantly detract from enjoyment of this novel. Read it if you've seen the movie! You will not be disappointed.

One reason to purchase a book adaptation of a movie is to learn more about the universe of such a movie, to learn more about the characters, and to get info on the motivations of the characters. Sadly, little of this is available in Terry Brooks' adaptation of 1999's top grossing film. Little is learned in this book that was not covered in the movie. This adaptation sheds less light on the events of the film than the average adaptation. Still, the story of "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" is presented in a an adequate manner.
None of this is the fault of Brooks, who was clearly constrained by the restrictions set upon him by Lucasfilm and its mania for secrecy surrounding the release of the movie. The result is an unexceptionally written book, which fully tells the story of the movie, but offers nothing of additional substance.

Terry Brooks is a wonderful author. Anyone who's read some of his previous works will more than likely testify to that. This unfortunately is not a Terry Brooks novel. Let's put this in perspective -- Lucas owns everything to do with Star Wars. He controls every aspect of the project, the novelization of the screenplay included. This is not a book meant to be a grand elaboration of the movie. It's simply a sophisticated version of the movie. Please don't look at this title as a literary work -- and anyone claiming that it was a well written book becase it "really moved by quickly" may want to read a little more often. This is part of the money making machine (of which I'll contribute to without problem). The way I see it, yeah, the book is childish and shallow, but if you liked the story, you'll love the movie.

Author Terry Brooks was given the task to write the book adaptation of the first Star Wars prequel movie: "The Phantom Menace". The novel is based on the screenplay by George Lucas. As with any other book there are good things and bad things about this novel. In this case, the good and the bad are the same thing: Terry Brooks must stay close to George Lucas's screenplay. This is good because Brooks must stay close to what the movie would end up being. This is bad because the screenplay wasn't very good.
The story is obviously the same as the movie (though fleshed out a little bit more). Two Jedi are sent to negotiate with the Trade Federation over the Federation's blockade of Naboo. The Neimoidians, under the power of Darth Sidious, try to kill the Jedi (Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi). The Jedi escape and travel down to Naboo where they end up rescuing Queen Amidala and a few select Nubians. To hide from the Trade Federation they land on the planet Tatooine where they meet a boy named Anakin Skywalker. Their ship is damaged and to get the parts they need Anakin helps them win something called a podrace, which Anakin is a driver in (the only human who is able to do so). Qui-Gon believes this boy is strong in the Force and is the one mentioned in a prophecy about a boy who will bring balance to the Force. The novel has two primary focuses: the time spend on Tatooine with Anakin and freeing the Naboo from the Trade Federation.
There are some things that this novel does very well. The opening of the novel is different from the movie in that we see Anakin in the podrace where he is wrecked by Sebulba (alluded to in the film). We see how Anakin is able to race the pod so well and this is the hint of how he is able to use the Force even without knowing what it is. Because we have more of Anakin's thoughts, we see his actions in a different light. We also get to see more of the Sith and their origins (though I prefer "Shadow Hunter" for that). Darth Maul does not come off very well in this novel. He is still an excellent fighter, but he doesn't get to speak or think here. The two Jedi come off the strongest as we get to see more interaction between the two and with more explanation of their relationship.
There are also some things that do not work very well. While Anakin is better explained as the potential child of prophecy, he is still not very interesting as a character. Also, both Darth Maul and Padme Amidala are given short shrift in characterization. Worse, I was bored throughout the novel. Sure, I knew the story so there were no surprises, but I can re-read a book or watch a movie a second or fifth time and still be entertained. With this novel I felt that I was just dragging myself along and the only benefit was that I did already know the story so I could skim at times. I have long been a fan of Terry Brooks and his Shannara novels, but this one was rather weak.

I love this book. It fully captures everything that Star Wars has always been about. Terry has done a wonderful job. As a Shaman and author: Chi Gung - a book about how to actually use energy like the Force), I particularly like the aspect of the book that covers the very beginning of characters when they are learning their skills for the first time. The Force is very similar to what one would actually do in real life as a healer and shaper of esoteric energy and with 30 years in just such a field, I well know the steps one has to take while they are learning such a powerful skill. Just as Terry has shown, it is truly a challenging time as one progresses to eventually becoming a master.
Read this book, it is great. It's fun, well written, the characters are cool, and the Force is realistically portrayed.

In a recent gallup poll concerning religion, a significant number of people named "Jedi" as their religion. I grew up with Star Wars, fully understanding the adventures of Luke Skywalker before I knew the adventures of Jesus of Nazareth. And when I read that poll, something clicked. Who would have ever thought that Star Wars the trilogy was really just the conclusion to a much greater story about the story of none other than Darth Vader? This book follows the movie exactly, adding bonus insight into the Jedi religion and some back story that isn't given in the movie. Terry Brooks is not only a capable author, he's a great writer, not given to cliche or boring prose. All in all, I'd have to say that this book is a must read. I'm actually going on to read the original trilogy now.

A commendable attempt at insubstantial writing, but if you're not used to it by now, the stimcaf needs a higher dose.

The opening chapter is exciting and explains just how the kid busts up his racer, which is about the only good writing you'll see in the book. Once the movie's opening scene kicks in, the parameters of restrictive writing closes in, limiting attention to detail, depth and casual flow till the back cover.

And the simple, easy style of writing certainly doesn't impress. Numerous occasions he'll begin a scene saying "Qui-Gon, Padme, See-Threepio and Jar Jar Binks returned to Watto's shop, or something to that effect. These lists of character names strung out one after another is about as boring as you can get. How about "Qui-Gon was the first to enter Watto's shop, Padme at his back; Jar Jar trailing her wake."

He falls into the same robotic writing that Luceno, Zahn and certain others have; repeating the same descriptive features, repetitive wordage and other annoying facets. While we didn't get Denning's infamous efflux word 30 times a book, I don't want to see Qui-Gon's "leonine" face described as such even half as much, or the kid's "pug face."

It was almost as if you just went through the motions, you didn't quite feel the real emotions and thoughts of the characters. A rather detached style, all too common nowadays with Star Wars. And don't say the book was based off a rigid manuscript and a few available movie shots---you don't need them to deeper decriptive surroundings, emotive thoughts and flow of action. Dialogue was equally stiff and I really don't see why characters just can't speak whatever extra they want, so long as the movie lines are of course used.

And when your career evolved around outright and unpunished LOTR plagurism, it's insurmountably challenging to take Brooksie seriously.

It was rare for a character to actually be wrtitten without their full names; I think saying Bibble instead of Sio Bibble would have sufficed, what do you think? And though Brookes' book had to specially cater to a global audience new to a SW book, having seen the movie, just why was a major name like Obi-Wan write so rigidly and awkwardly? Was he ever not seething with impatience, anger, impetuous?

The final showdown almost saves this light pancake, and it was apparent how awkward it would be if Qui-Gon and McGreggor could only call Maul "dark warrior" or Sith Lord" every time, so he gives in and just says Darth Maul, despite the fact Qui-Gon's pov couldn't know his name.

One of the rare books whose paperback came out mere months after its debut hardcover, but like Cloak of Deception, it's not catering to dedicated fans.

Of course, just how Maulie tracked them to Tatooine is still a mystery.

Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace was a very good book and a great movie! Terry Brooks, you did a great job; and to George Lucas, you are the man!I am Totaly with Amanda Turner ( a Star Wars Junkie who put in what she thought about the book yesterday.)Amanda I am totally with you about the whole Chlorians thing I mean what is that all about! that is my only complant. Anyway here is the big questiom that has been on my mind: who is Anakin's father? I, think it is probably a Sith like Darth Sidious or some one powerful with the force, because if not explain how come Anakin's Chlorian level is so high. Darth Maul however does or did have an awesome light saber although I am to clomsey to be able to use that i mean i would probaly chop of my own head or something.

How you rate this book depends on what you consider its purpose. If you are looking for new revelations and new story lines, as compared to the movie, you will be somewhat disappointed. But as a simple re-write of the movie, together with some additional insight into the characters' thoughts and motives, this is a pretty good book.
I have to confess I was looking for more from the book. Brooks does a good job of explaining each scene, and even adds in a couple scenes that did not appear in the movie. So while his writing is unspectacular, he does do a very good job of concisely--if unexcitingly--describing each scene, piece by piece.
I also came away from the book with a greater sense of cohesion to the story. The movie, which I enjoyed immensely, left me slightly confused as to why the various characters did such and such, and what they hoped to accomplish in each scene.
Brooks also did a good job of making some sense of the movie's opening: why Naboo was central to the Trade Federation's attention, and why a small out-lying planet would matter much in the grand scheme of the Empire.
Overall a good book. I found the last 50 pages or so quite compelling, not wanting to put it down. Considering its purpose, this is a good book.

Ok, lets start out by saying some positives. The story was good, not earth shattering, but good. Unfortunately if you are looking for a solid sci-fi read grab Heinlen and leave this book in the dust. The book is geared torwards fourth graders and really doesn't challenge the reader in the least. I expect the movie to be alot better but they usually are in screenplay to book adaptations. If you have 20 bucks burning a hole in your pocket and are a huge Star Wars fan then by all means get it. If you are not, then get something that is a little deeper. One thing is certain this book is not deserving of 5 stars, people who are rating it that high IMO are caught up in the pre SW hype. Then again so am I considering I bought the book ; ).

How you rate this book depends on what you consider its purpose. If you are looking for new revelations and new story lines, as compared to the movie, you will be somewhat disappointed. But as a simple re-write of the movie, together with some additional insight into the characters' thoughts and motives, this is a pretty good book.
I have to confess I was looking for more from the book. Brooks does a good job of explaining each scene, and even adds in a couple scenes that did not appear in the movie. So while his writing is unspectacular, he does do a very good job of concisely--if unexcitingly--describing each scene, piece by piece.
I also came away from the book with a greater sense of cohesion to the story. The movie, which I enjoyed immensely, left me slightly confused as to why the various characters did such and such, and what they hoped to accomplish in each scene.
Brooks also did a good job of making some sense of the movie's opening: why Naboo was central to the Trade Federation's attention, and why a small out-lying planet would matter much in the grand scheme of the Empire.
Overall a good book. I found the last 50 pages or so quite compelling, not wanting to put it down. Considering its purpose, this is a good book.

Ok, lets start out by saying some positives. The story was good, not earth shattering, but good. Unfortunately if you are looking for a solid sci-fi read grab Heinlen and leave this book in the dust. The book is geared torwards fourth graders and really doesn't challenge the reader in the least. I expect the movie to be alot better but they usually are in screenplay to book adaptations. If you have 20 bucks burning a hole in your pocket and are a huge Star Wars fan then by all means get it. If you are not, then get something that is a little deeper. One thing is certain this book is not deserving of 5 stars, people who are rating it that high IMO are caught up in the pre SW hype. Then again so am I considering I bought the book ; ).

Very well-written novelization by Terry Brooks. The most interesting aspect of the novelization is the scene that is not in the movie where Anakin encounters an injured tusken raider. This extra scene adds depth to Anakin's later reaction to the death of his mother. As this is a novelization in which Terry Brooks can't change too much from the script, there is nothing the author can do about the character Jar Jar Binks whose dialogue is cringe-worthy and whose presence is detrimental to the story. The descriptions of setting are vivid and the dialogue (especially between Anakin and Padme) are realistic and true to character. Overall, an excellent job by Mr. Brooks to add additional details and insight to the movie. A pleasure to read.

With the theatrical release of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith only months away, it seems like a good time to begin preparing myself for the new film. While I did not judge Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace as harshly as many Star Wars fans did, there can be no doubt that the film paled in comparison to the force of the original trilogy. Even as a six-year old child, everything about the first Star Wars film in 1977 seemed seared into my memory, and it somewhat saddens me to know that the children of this generation, after seeing The Phantom Menace for the first time, will never know the power and obsessive joy that the original Star Wars trilogy invoked in the children of my generation. Frankly, after two viewings of Star Wars Episode One: The Phantom Menace a few years ago, only bits and pieces resonate in my memory, and I really do need to review the people and events of this film (as well as Episode Two: Attack of the Clones) before I feel ready to see Episode Three.

The powers that be certainly found an illustrious author to transform George Lucas' screenplay and story into novelized form. I've been a fan of Terry Brooks ever since reading The Sword of Shannara as a child, and Brooks has done a thoroughly professional job with this novel. Everything that happened in the film is described with great discernment, the furious action of intense scenes such as the battle between Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul is vividly rendered, the moments of light humor are translated expertly to the page, and the emotional aspects of the plot, especially those concerning Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala, are drawn in tender yet meaningful strokes. This is truly a commendable and faithful novelization of the film.

Unfortunately, the problems of Lucas' story are also faithfully captured in this novelized retelling. These characters just do not fire the imagination in the way Luke, Han, Leia, and Darth Vader did. I consider only two of these characters to be truly strong ones: Anakin and Padme, and unfortunately, events of the future serve to diminish them in different ways. I love Padme, though, and she is every bit the future mother of Luke and Leia, a queen and a fighter who will risk anything for her people. That being said, I must say that Anakin (and I swear I will never get used to the future Darth Vader being referred to as "Annie") isn't everything I thought he should be. He's an extraordinary child, of course, thanks to all those midi-chlorians coursing through his blood, but I do not think his background as we learn it here provides for an acceptable future embrace of the dark side. So much is made here by the Jedi Council - and Yoda in particular - of the dangers represented by the child's anger, but I don't see such anger in a slave boy who loves his mother dearly and seems to get by pretty well indeed on his own. It may be wrong of me to criticize a story based on incongruities I see arising in a later installment, but I just don't think George Lucas (and thus, by implication, Terry Brooks) satisfactorily showed me how this dear, brave boy will soon become the exasperating young man we see in Episode Two.

The only other thing I would say about this perfectly satisfactory novelization is the fact that it really adds nothing to the film itself. Oftentimes, a novelization will add depth or better understanding to the film it is based upon, but that really isn't the case here. Questions I had about the movie (the true essence of Senator Palpatine, for example) were not threshed out in the book. In terms of refreshing my own memory of the story in preparation for the upcoming theatrical release of Revenge of the Sith, I could have saved myself some time and merely watched the film again.

This book is wonderful! The author was a perfect choice on George Lucas's part. I have to admit, though the storyline was good and the movie was pretty good, it was a disappointment when compared to Lucas's first three. However, the book is fantastic, better than the movie! The added scenes are great, and it is too bad that they were not in the movie. And, oh, the descriptions are marvelous! The way Brooks describes the blazing light and heat of the suns on Tatooine's sands is spectacular, as is everything! It takes a great amount of skill to write the way Brooks does! How does he do it? I loved this book, and would have like for it to last forever! (Then, the already wonderful suspense would be even better!)

I enjoyed reading the book to refresh my memory of the movie. I thought the book stood well on it's own and apart from the movie. Darth Maul is a bad guy all the way around and I just wish someone he encounters would remain alive to help spread the word of who he is and what he might be in the grand scheme of the universe.

Terry Brooks did a great job of making a novelization of the movie. I thought it was very eloquent how he opened up the world of star wars compared to the novelizations of the original trilogy. The extra scenes and even the mention of Darth Bane is something that brought me to fully see this is another universe that has it's own history! Thought it was a well done novel and really brought justice to the characters and the action scenes.

This is a review of the unabridged audio book. Alexander Adams is doing much of the reading for the prequel books and does a great job. If you love SW and drive a lot like me, then you'll want to purchase this audio book.
Like most people, I grimace at the mention of terms like "chosen one" and "medichlorians". By itself, this was an incomplete and partially unsatisfying movie. But when one reads the books that surround the events in TPM then revisits TPM one developes a greater appreciation of this book and movie.
The book has a few things that fill in details left out of the movie, so I strongly recommend reading the book to fans of the movie.

Typically a fan of Terry Brooks, and just about every Star Wars book that I've read, I was disappointed with Brooks' version of Phantom Menace. The first half of the book was very detailed, and a great read. Unfortunately, from the point where he covered Anakin's pod race on, he just skimmed over the plot of the movie. In fact, the last half of the movie (at least) is covered in 100 pages of the book. If you're a die hard fan like me, you'll buy it just to have it, but if you're looking for an absorbing read, look elsewhere. On a final note, Lucas should have had Salvatore write the adaptation, at least he could have done the battle scenes justice.

I recently just finished reading Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter by Michael Reaves, (a story that takes place literally a week before Episode I) and naturally, I felt inclined to continue the story and read The Phantom Menace. Sure, I could have saved time by just watching the movie, but I've often thought that the themes and morals of a movie are more easily grasped if you read the novelization. An author can do many things a director can't: explain hidden details, describe a character's thoughts and feelings, embelish on subjects the film did not cover. . .the list goes on. So now I've given my reasons for reading instead of watching. And what I have to say is. . .

I should have just watched the movie again.

Yes, to be honest, I was not impressed with Terry Brooks' adaptation at all. In fact, I think I liked the movie better. Brooks never really gets into any of the characters' heads and make me ache in pain for them. They were just saying words. None of them contained any kind of passion. They were often described as sad or angry, but Brooks never embelished WHY! WHY does Anakin suddenly love Padmé? WHY is Obi-wan so uptight? WHY did Qui-gon believe Jar Jar Binks would turn out to be helpful??

Basically, this novel is just the film script in book form. The only reason I would recommend this at all is because there were a few interesting scenes included that did not make it into the film's final cut.

While I wouldn't exactly condemn this novel to one star, I can tell you that it would be much simpler to save some time and watch the movie. All in all, I was really dissappointed with Terry Brooks' The Phantom Menace. If you're looking for a good novelization, read Matthew Stover's Revenge of the Sith.

2/5 stars. Thanks for reading. :)

What can I say? This book was excellent! Of course, I was one of the fans who read the book first, before seeing the movie. But it did NOT ruin it for me. I loved the 'extra scenes' in the book which were not in the movie. But why couldn't Anakin say to Padme/Amidala, "I'm going to marry you" in the movie? I loved that part. It got my heart racing. I loved the book so much, I bought the unabridged audio book as well (yes, 6 cassettes!); I listen to it every night & plan to take it with me when I go on vacation, it's going to be a long drive. Excellent story George Lucas & excellent novelization Terry Brooks.

Terry Brooks, an excellent writer with fame from the Shannara series puts together an excellent blen of suspense, action, and storyline along with emotion and feeling. This is a powerful novel that dictates the story of young Anakin Skywalker and the beginning of his quest to become one of the famed Jedi Knights. One of the best Star Wars novels yet, The Phantom Menace is a must read if you are a Star Wars fan and i would recomend it even if you werent. Its an all around good book that tells a complete story while leaves enough for the sequels to take up where it left off. There is nothing disappointing within.

The Phantom Menace is the second best of the prequel novelizations. The two opening chapters give insight into Anakin's life before the Jedi arrive on Tatooine, including the podrace mentioned briefly near the middle of the movie. It helps to flesh him out a bit. The rest of the book, however, hews pretty closely to what is seen on screen. I don't really think that Anakin and Jar-Jar being present at the Senate session was necessary and glad they didn't show that in the movie. Seriously, a nine year old at a session of the Galactic Senate? Even if Qui-Gon wanted him to stay close to the Queen and her entourage, this section was a little odd.

Terry Brooks was an inspired choice for this novelization. Although he can be dull, he is capable of penning good old fashion adventure stories. Coming off his own recent [and excellent] Prequel saga [First King of Shannara]Brooks has a canny understanding of how to present this material. My 1 big complaint is the lack of background information - but I can't blame Brooks for this, since Lucas had "final cut" of the book and total veto power. I hope that this crossover gets people to read George Lucas's inspired "Shadow War Chronicles" written with Chris Claremont.

I read this book mainly out of curiosity. Even though I'm one of those SW fans who were very disappointed by the film, I was delighted and intrigued by the novel. As only a novel can do, it gave us a glimpse into the story as no film would have been able to do. Also, many irritations in the film (i.e. Boss Nass, Anakin's accidental space victory, and of course Mr. Binks himself), are somehow much less irritating in the novel. This novel would prove a relentless page-turner to even a slow and impatient reader.

In short, Terry Brooks did a great job.

I found this book an excellent addition to my collection of "The Making of ..." books.
The only reason I gave it four stars instead of five is because I would have liked to have seen some more "meat" in the special effects areas, specially the practical models and sets, and the computer animation, which (in my opinion) has just been given a quick overview. The "Jurassic Park" books were much better, but then the movies didn't have as much CG animation in them (personally, I'd rush out and buy a sequel covering the SFX side alone).

So far, most film critics and audience members have declared "The Phantom Menace" to be a worthwhile but flawed film. Although it is a visually astonishing and ground-breaking achievement in digital artistry, most complain that the film lacks human insights. Terry Brooks' narrative, however, fleshes out the mental and emotional musings of its characters. And though, by no fault of its own, the novelization cannot duplicate the film's visual style, Brooks writes in a surprisingly lyrical style, describing George Lucas's cosmic landscapes with soaring metaphors. "Star Wars" films, to begin with, are not meant to be peeled apart for their high-brow artistic merit and Shakespearian take on the human condition. (At least half of the characters in the "Star Wars" universe, you'll note, are not even human!) They are meant to be crowd-pleasers, a pure and sincere source of enjoyment and wonder to appease one's inner child. Terry Brooks' novelization, thus, complements the film by providing at least some of that emotional insight. And though its price is questionable (books cost too much these days, I feel) it is a pleasurable read, a guilty pleasure that will amuse avid readers and thrill "Star Wars" fanatics."

Star Wars Episode I, the movie, does what all the starwars movies have done, and that is give us cardboard characters (only later have they become mythic) and worse dialog, weak and irrational plot with hackneyed concepts (Darth Vader is really the father), AND MIND BLOWING VISUALS, AND LOTSA ACTION (which is good even if it is ridiculous that the bad guys never learned to shoot their weapons accurately). The book delivers the same, and perhaps even helps the weak plot a little, EXCEPT THAT IT CANNOT DELIVER THE VISUALS. Also, it got in my way of enjoying the movie, for it is virtually the script, and occasionally there is stuff that makes sense in the book that is left out in the movie but should not have been. Howver, my concept of Jar Jar from the book was better than he was in the movie-- and that too got in the way.

Episode I had many problems, poor script, poor actors and indifferent direction, but the novel by Terry Brooks was definately a highlight for the movie. A strong adaption of the Lucas screenplay, Brooks gives stunning insight into the world of the Star Wars prequal. His writing about the Sith and about a young Anakin give the reader a much better grasp of the story while providing a dynamic setting. Overall, it's a top notch effort and well worth the readers time. I would like to see Brooks write in the regular expanded universe some time soon.

Star Wars Episode I written by Terry Brooks is an extremely good companion to the movie. In many ways it is better than the movie by going into much more detail about what happens in the movie. We get more story involving Darth Maul. And a lot more detail than the movie was able to portray. I recommend anyone who loves the movie (as i do) to definitely read the book because it will make the movie experience more enjoyable. A definite must read!!

Good clean fun from Terry Brooks. He can be dull, and he sometimes is here, but TPM Novel has that bold, bright sheen of a classic adventure story, in the same way that Sword of Shannara, and sometimes, First King of the Shannara did. It is the only Star Wars book really worth reading. For Brooks fans, it's a bit on the lean side, but I think most youngsters with a taste for old-fashioned adventure will read and re-read this novel with pleasure. Original illustrations would have been nice - the packaging is sub-standard.

I read this book twice, first by actually reading it, and then by hearing it on audiocassette several months later. What struck me about this audiobook was that the reader, an actor whom I've never heard of (Alexander Adams), seems to give a better performance than any of the actors in the movie! He reads each of the characters' lines with perfect conviction, emotion, and resonance. I'm sure it helped that he wasn't under the supervision of a director whose bumper sticker must say, "Two words: don't emote."

Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks was just as captivating and exciting as George Lucas' masterful motion picture. The novel had a few new surprises and scenes that were not present in the movie version, creating a new thrill for those who had already seen the movie. The writing was very detailed and strung together with fluidity. Any gaps in the motion picture were filled in quite nicely by Mr.Brooks. All in all, The Phantom Menace was a marvel to behold in both forms for Star Wars fans as well as the casual reader.

I recently re-read Terry Brooks's novelization of "The Phantom Menace" and enjoyed it much more than I did the first time. There are some faults, and Terry can be stiff at times, but there are many gems in this book: the fact that the Theed palace is constructed of "permicrete" with windows of "transparisteel"...that alone is worth having the book for! In fact, it's better than that other Prequel book coming out [you know...Dune] - Much better! I think you should give it a second look.

This book was definetly a good buy. .... The most serious criticism of this book is that the authorhas spouts of childish and low-skill writing. I have found a coupleof examples of these that literally made me laugh out loud. This example in particular made me loose it:
He looked from the girl to the droid. Padme smiled some more. R2D2 beeped again. Jar Jar felt pretty good.
That was an actual paragraph in the book. I definetly acknowledge that there exists some writing such as this, which reslembles a 3rd grader's scribblings.
On the whole, these incidents do not detract from the overall book. The majority of the book is well writen, and crammed with so much action, you won't notice.
The other criticism of this book is that it is not descriptive enough. I believe this criticism is deserved if you have not already seen the movie. Most areas are described well in the naration, but key elements of the book will not be understood by someone who has not seen the movie. One example of this is the description of Watto. From the book, you really have no Idea what...he is.
These criticisms aside, this book is good because you get an understanding of the characters that you simply can not get from the movie. I happen to like the emphasis on Anakin in the book. In fact, if the movie contained more of the character interaction that is in the book, the reviewers of the movie would have thought it was much better.
In short, the book is a great addition to any star-wars fan's collection because it allows you to understand the characters (particularly Anakin, Obi-wan, and Qui-Gon) that you just cannot get from the movie, even if you watch it over and over again. There is much more dialog in the book than there is in the movie, and also many more asides. The book sets up the sequel far better than the movie does.

The new Star Wars movie had the potential to rival the original trilogy, but just about everything felt forced. The drama felt forced, and so did the comedy. It was more an exercise in world-building than storytelling, and if Lucas can get his act together by Episode II, this will be easier to forgive.
None of this is Terry Brooks's fault, of course, but I would have expected him to recapture the movie's visual magic in the book's prose, which he does not. I think Lucas could have chosen an author more skilled at visual description, like Ray Bradbury or Alan Dean Foster. To add on to that, the movie's funniest moments come off pretty flat on the printed page. That may not be Brooks's fault either, but humor has never been one of his strong points as an author.
What makes this novelization worth reading is the detail it adds to the movie's narrative. Well, most of the detail. The first couple of chapters, detailing Anakin's history as a pod racer, are boring as can be. I'd almost suggest just skipping that first section. But most of the additions only lend clarity and depth to the story. Just a couple of examples: We get to see Anakin's evil foreshadowed when he beats up a kid who accuses him of cheating. We also get to see his ability to predict the future when he tells Padme he's going to marry her. Both of these scenes should have been in the movie, in my opinion. From what I understand, however, Lucas was the one who conceived of these scenes, so I'm not so sure that Brooks deserves credit for the way they improve the story.
The much briefer "Queen Amidala's Journal" does a much better job of bringing the characters to life. Brooks does give us more details about the characters than we were given in the movie, but he has a similar weakness to Lucas in that he often states motivations, emotions, and temperaments without showing them through a character's actions. If Obi Wan is a "headstrong young apprentice," we just have to take Lucas' and Brooks's word for it.
This is unfortunate, because people who have never read Brooks before might incorrectly assume that he's a mediocre writer. Under Lucas' constraints, Brooks has no chance to show his talents as a storyteller. I encourage anyone who was less than impressed by this novelization to go back and read "The Sword of Shannara," the novel which made Brooks famous. You should be pleasantly surprised, like I was.

Nearly 17 years after its release, The Phantom Menace is widely seen as one of the two worst entries in the Star Wars film series (though where it falls depends on the fan, usually). So how does the novelization hold up? Considering that it's the same story, the novelization might be the better way to take in the story. It hits many of the same beats as the film, which is understandable, but it's stripped of the wooden performances and largely verbally silent segments of the film. For all the problems of the film, there's a solid enough story, and that's what carries over to the novelization. With the series gaining new fans now and into the future, I'd recommend watching the film first, but for those looking to dive into the literary world of Star Wars, The Phantom Menace is worth reading to help put this part of the saga into a tone that fits with the rest of the Star Wars canon.

The whole purport of purchasing such a book is in some way to prolong and extend the joy and wonder one experiences during the cinematic spectacle to another medium; this book (much like what Donald F. Glut did for Empire Strikes Back and what Timothy Kahn did for Retrun of the Jedi) does not deliver on that front. Like his novelising predecessors Brooks exercising an irritating kind of pseudo-creativity by tampering with dialogue from the screenplay (which he doubtless had access to); The dialogue is sacrosanct and continually draws the reader's attention to the presence of the author. Brooks fumbles the chronological order of certain scenes and inserts redundant additional scenes that are implied in others (the first podrace and the sickening scene where brave fearless Anakin confronts a Tusken Raider). The prose is straight out of Writing School 101, that fail to create a mental picture independent of the screen reference. The tension between Qui-Gon-Jinn and Obi-Won is dragged out too painfully to the extent that one begins to question whether Brooks is writing about the same movie we all saw and loved. The detailed and much needed history of the Sith Lords was the only relief in this otherwise tedious read. The Sith section alone warrants me awarding this two stars. The more discerning and mature Star Wars enthusiast will be disappointed with this piece of popcorn pulp that Brooks has churned out. One can only shiver and shake at the thought that Brooks is meant to be a respected writer in his own right. More depth could have been achieved by purchasing a copy of the delightful Phantom Menace colouring book, now where did I leave those crayons?

I really enjoyed this book, even after having seen the movie four times. Someone above commented that Terry Brooks added scenes, and I don't think that that is the case. It takes time to write a book, and I'm sure that Brooks watched a "rough cut" of the film before the musical score was added. Thus, I'm sure that that he didn't add any scenes. He may have added some backgound and inferred some motivations from the characters, but that's all. I'm also fairly certain of this because the comic by Dark Horse contains a couple of the same extra scenes found in the book. So, if you want to know more about the REAL Star Wars universe, and read the scenes that were most likely CUT from the film, read this great book!

I made the mistake of reading the book first. That, along with what I've read from the Illustrated Screenplay, makes clear that The Phantom Menace suffered much from the cutting room floor. Certain important elements of character development especially are in here. (Anakin after the podrace, for example.) Indeed, the very first chapters, Terry Brooks seems to have made up. But they're great, GREAT! I'm surprised to say this, but the book really outdoes the film!

There aren't very many books that translate well from a movie. However, Terry Brooks brings his tremendous Fantasy writing talents to bear on Lucas' screenplay with great effectiveness. Brooks imbues all of the characters with appropriately endearing human (and quasi-human) traits that enhance the book and the story, rather than detract from it. This 4-volume set is definitely a must have for the collector, but it is definitely one of the best examples of screenplay conversions that it has been my privilege to read....

Terry Brooks is a very good author; descriptive and a beautiful writer. One problem with the book is that it strays from the movie a little too much, creating some minor discrepancies. Also, Terry seems to stick to key phrases and cliche terms and uses them too often, creating unnecessary repetition. But a good read if you want to see inside the minds of the characters as the story unfolds. The book also contains some extra foreshadowing to the events of future Star Wars episodes.

So much potential...wasted. Del Rey's other Star Wars books are excellent, and Terry Brooks appears to be an established Science Fiction writer. Therefore, I had high hopes for this book. I was highly dissapointed when I read this dull adaptation. It doesn't even cover the movie adequately so much as add to it. The descriptions are flat, and there is little insight into the characters. The blandness and overall lack of pages suggests to me "young adult novel." This is yet another attempt at getting a "younger" auidence that Lucas has been ruining episode one trying to do (Jar Jar -- need I say more?). I find it ironic that they think they need to dumb things down in order to appeal to young people since when I 13 I was reading the excellent Timothy Zahn trilogy. Maybe they should have gotten him to write this book. It would have been three times as long and would have actually fleshed out the movie. If anyone could have added to these characters it would have been him since he has added so much to the Star Wars universe in the past.

This novelization expands on Anakin's character in particular, and reveals the intended scope of the film. To better understand Skywalker, I highly recommend the _Jedi Quest_ series, beginning with _Path to Truth_ about how he builds his legendary blue lightsaber. Another great series is _Jedi Apprentice_, which details the relationship between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. They are written for younger readers, but their psychological focus on those characters is unparalleled in Star Wars writing. It helped me care about Qui-Gon, in particular, in a way that _Phantom Menace_ did not.

In my opinion this piece of true Americana is repleat with interesting characters and an enless array of thoughtfull diatribes. Littered with Shakespearean solliquoys, this masterpiece must not go unread or be ranked with the listless trash of yesterday, today, or tomorrow; It must be elevated above and beyond all. Shame on all who do not take a few hours of their meaningless lives to enrich themselves with this literal masterpiece.

The novelization of The Phantom Menace is very good. I would suggest seeing the movie before reading the book though because there is much more insight in the book. This is obvious, but I read the book before seeing the movie and there were some things I expected to happen that didn'. Terry Brooks does a wonderful job with this book. It is truly worthy to be called a Star Wars novel and it stands up to the caliber of any great novel.