A prequel to Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, in which, Valorum struggles with his fall from power. As part of this struggle, he has the Jedi Council send some Jedi Knights to a political hotspot, in the hopes of solving a problem and reconsolidating his power.

A Jedi adventure that is a direct prequel to the upcoming movie, Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith! Based on information from George Lucas and written by bestselling Star Wars author James Luceno, this book leads directly into the explosive opening scene of the new blockbuster movie. Now a full-fledged Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker sets out on his first mission with Obi-Wan Kenobi as an equal, instead of as a Padawan apprentice. As they search desperately for clues to the wherabouts of the evil Sith Lord, Darth Sidiuos, they find themselves caught in an intricately woven web of lies...

Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly... and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion. Rule through the fear of force rather than force itself, he advises the Emperor.

War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine's top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can.