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William Shakespeare's Star Wars #2

William Shakespeare's The Clone Army Attacketh

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In time so long ago begins our play,
In clash-strewn galaxy far, far away.

To Shmi or not to Shmi? Torn between duty to the Jedi, attraction to Padmé, and concern for his beloved mother, yeoman Jedi Anakin Skywalker struggles to be master of his fate. The path he chooses will determine not just his own destiny, but that of the entire Republic. And thereby hangs a tale.

Alack the day! A noble lady in danger. A knight and squire in battle. And a forbidden love that’s written in the stars. Once again, the quill of William Shakespeare meets the galaxy of George Lucas in an insightful reimagining that sets the Star Wars saga on the Elizabethan stage. The characters are familiar, but the masterful meter, insightful soliloquies, and period illustrations will convince you that the Bard himself penned this epic adventure.

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 7, 2015

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3136 people want to read

About the author

Ian Doescher

48 books725 followers
Ian is the author of the William Shakespeare Star Wars series and the Pop Shakespeare series, and other books. He's a Portland native, and lives in Portland with his family.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
Profile Image for Calista.
5,429 reviews31.3k followers
October 10, 2019
...pulped; fiction... = best line of the book.

Star Wars works exceptionally well in Shakespearian verse. I love how Ian will take what is happening in the movie and then put in little jokes. Mace Windu was played by Samuel L. Jackson; he was also in pulp fiction. He had a sentence where he works this in. I love little things like that.

All the political machinations really do work well in verse. Maybe the movie would have been better if it was done like a Shakespeare play, probably not.

I am waiting for someone to put these on as real plays. The droids are great players and Jar Jar plays the fool. It all works so well. If you are a fan of Shakespeare and Star Wars, this series is the perfect marriage.
Profile Image for Sesana.
6,234 reviews330 followers
December 23, 2015
I honestly don't like Attack of the Clones any better than Phantom Menace, so it's hardly surprising that this one wasn't any more of a hit for me than the previous play. Possibly less so, because so much of this movie is about the terribly written romance between Anakin and Padme. Doescher can only work with what he's given, after all.
Profile Image for Daniel.
812 reviews74 followers
April 2, 2016
Iskreno ovde je sama osnova vec tolko dosadna da cak ni Sekspir spin ne moze da poboljsa puna stvai. Gosn Doser se stvarno potrudio i ima odlicnih scena (borba protiv cudovista u areni :) ) ali jednostavno nemoze se tu nesto puno odraditi.
Profile Image for Debby.
597 reviews599 followers
April 18, 2021
3 stars

The adventure continues! Followers of my blog will know I've been knee deep in the William Shakespeare's Star Wars series for well over a year now. As a true Star Wars fan and lover of words, I cannot resist. William Shakespeare's The Clone Army Attacketh brings another fun, funny, and insightful installment to the series, accompanied by the beautiful illustrations fans are already familiar with.

The movie Attack of the Clones has been pretty much second to last in my order of preference of the Star Wars movies, so Doescher had his work cut out for him. However, he took my most hated movie and completely impressed me in The Phantom of Menace, so my expectations were relatively high. The problem lies in that not that much happens in Attack of the Clones. It's really a middle installment in that way - certain pieces are moving, but there isn't a really intense climax to blow you away.

That being said, there's plenty of Obi-Wan in this book, as Doescher follows his adventures and battles in detail and spends a good amount of time analyzing the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin. There's a lot of friction there, which makes it interesting. And, well, Ewan McGregor (in my head) makes everything better. Other beloved characters return, such as Yoda, R2-D2, and C3P0, and seriously I can never get enough of snarky R2-D2.

R2-D2
[aside:] Belike he would appreciate
A serving of my fury on his pate.
We droids are e'er revil'd, e'en by our own--
Thus must I toil each hour to prove my worth
And show the noble soul that lies within.
[To Padmé:] Beep, whistle, meep.
William Shakespeare's The Clone Army Attacketh by Ian Doescher



You tell him, sassypants R2-D2. You tell him.

I think what really makes this book kind of a downer is the creepy romance between Anakin and Padmé. I mean, not only was it ridiculous because in the first book(/movie) Anakin was 9(!!) and Padmé was almost an adult - and he called her an angel and pretty much fell in love right then, but Doescher does what Shakespeare kind of requires: he adds monologues to clarify their feelings. Well, Anakin's feelings are creepy. He totally lost me when he muses on how he would hold back the more intense/jealous sides of himself until after Padmé was in love with him. I mean, good that he's self aware, but also that's messed up. In the movie this was never such an issue because you mostly just see the physical chemistry between the two - and though it was never a favorite ship of mine, I didn't mind it as much.

Another thing that Doescher changes about the romance is that though in the movie Anakin and Padmé are together for quite a long time and you see small moments shared while other things are going on, Doescher combines most of these scenes into one romantic lovefest. This, to me, did more harm than good. Padmé starts the scene musing about how Anakin is still a little boy, and ends saying he's a man and she's in love with him. That transition needed more time - it just didn't feel authentic to me.

At the end of the day, however, I still enjoyed The Clone Army Attacketh. Doescher carries on his trend of subtly including humor, working off of famous quotes and Shakespearean scenes, and his soliloquys do help to better understand the characters and their inner conflicts - especially concerning Palpatine's rise in the senate and all of his skillful manipulations. That kind of got me to think more about just how complex this story is and I greatly appreciate that. And ultimately, this book serves well as the set up for Anakin's downfall in The Tragedy of the Sith's Revenge - which I can't wait for. Anakin's character arc is one of my favorite things in the Star Wars universe, and I think Doescher's doing a great job with it.

Summing Up:

Fans of the series need not fear - William Shakespeare's The Clone Army Attacketh continues Doescher's trend of skillful, fun, and insightful retellings. Though I winced more than once because of the romance, I like the depth that Doescher is giving the story and the characters - and I can't wait to see it all conclude in The Tragedy of the Sith's Revenge.

GIF it to me straight!



Recommended To:

Fans of Star Wars and Shakespeare.


*A finished copy was provided for review purposes by the publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the contents of the review.
Profile Image for Catherine⁷.
372 reviews663 followers
Read
January 7, 2021
Oh my gosh the dialogue is so beautifully romantic. This literally made Attack of the Clones 10x better. I give major props to this dude for redefining Star Wars. These are immensely fun to read.
Now for some fav quotes:

>OBI-WAN: Why is’t I feel thou shalt to me be death?
I’m some yet unknown place, some lonely star,
It may be that thou shalt, in future battle
Make some mistake within the episode
That brings one death to me—or three or four.

>ANAKIN: Speak not of some misfortune I would bring,
For you, dear sir, are like the father that I ne’er did know, nor do, nor ever shall.

>ELAN: My death sticks, perhaps, you would care to try—

[Obi-Wan uses a Jedi mind trick on Elan]

OBI-WAN: Thou dost not wish to sell death sticks to me.

ELAN: I’d not sell you these death sticks. Nah, not I.

OBI-WAN: Thou shalt go home, and there rethink thy life.

ELAN: I must go thither to rethink my life!

>OBI-WAN: O, marry, ‘tis impossible, methinks—
Mayhap the archives are but incomplete.

>PADMÉ: Yet doth the Jedi code allow for love?
Methought that love was for the Jedi bann’d,
Forbidden by the order. Is’t not so?

ANAKIN: Attachment is prohibited, ‘tis true.
Possession is prohibited as well.
Compassion, though—love unconditional—Is central to a Jedi’s ev’ry step.
Thus from a certain point of view it may
Be said we are encourag’d to spread love.

>YODA: Mmm, a planet whole
Master Obi-Wan hath lost.
Such embarrassment!

>YODA: Once th’impossible
Hath been eliminated,
What remains is truth.

>ANAKIN: For me the sand hath never been a balm—
On Tatooine we are encumber’d by
Too much of its most coarse and unkind touch.
It is an ever-present irritant,
Not like the peaceful sands of thy Naboo.
Here all is soft, like cheeks upon a babe,
And smooth as sculpted alabaster too.

>ANAKIN: The mocking setting suns of Tatooine
Refus’d to share their light and give me aid,
As if to say dark deeds deserve dark night.

>ANAKIN: These hands, O, wretched hands that took enjoyment
In killing Tusken men an ‘twere child’s play.
Yet, O, they did make love to this employment;
They are not near my conscience: never, nay.
The men, though, could not hope to satisfy
My sick bloodthirsty soul, which needed more.
So kill’d I all—the women, children, aye,
I bath’d the lot of them in filth and gore.
They are like animals fit for a feast,
And I did bring to slaughter ev’ry one.

>ANAKIN: O, wondrous wit of women’s strength thou hast,
And I am all entangl’d in thy braid.

>PALPATINE: Democracy is that which I do love.

>C-3PO: We’re not in Tatooine,
Not anymore: O, there’s no place like home!

>PADMÉ: The situation dooming us therein
Seems less important since I’ve found my bliss.
I truly, deeply, love thee, Anakin.

>MACE: This produce is pulp;
fiction is your plan.
To put it plain: your reign of terror ends.

>C-3PO 2: Die, Jedi dogs!
Alas, what did I say?
I am so sorry for my body’s actions,
This is beyond all proper protocol!

>OBI-WAN: Let is take him together, Anakin.
Proceed thou left—

ANAKIN: —Nay, I shall take him now!

OBI-WAN: O, quick, impulsive rush of reckless youth!

>ANAKIN: Alack! Mine arm, but off before its time—
O, cruelty, O, bitter agony!
Pray, Master, do forgive, I am unarm’d
And have no tool with which to make defense.
Pray, Master, do forgive, I am disarm’d,
And cannot fight to save you or myself.
How can I hold my Padmé’s hand in mine,
How shall I stroke her hair of softest strands,
How shall I feel the smoothness of her cheek,
How shall I wrap her in a fond embrace?
O, arm, mine instrument of youthful love,
How shall I woo without thee by my side?

(That one makes me want to cry^^)

Epilogue: Upon Naboo, a hopeful final scene,
With Padmé married to her Anakin,
His arm hath been restor’d, though ‘tis machine,
Their love doth bloom while war comes creeping in,
There, worthy friends, our drama ends forthwith,
Before revenge is taken by the Sith.
Profile Image for Abby.
857 reviews154 followers
June 22, 2016
I truly hate to give this three stars, so let me disclose that it was for the crappy storyline rather than the prose. Apologies, Ian Doescher. It's not you, it's George Lucas. You did what you could with what you were given. Though Anakin and Padme's sappy nonsense actually works pretty well as a Shakespearean tragedy (*cough cough* Romeo and Juliet). I'm also hoping that Doescher gets a hold of The Force Awakens. Make it happen!
Profile Image for Christine.
7,205 reviews565 followers
January 23, 2019

In this and Doescher's treatment of the Phantom Menace, you need to pay attention to Mace's dialogue because it contains a hidden detail.

And no, it isn't cursed words being spelled out or anything like that.

But, yeah this is weak. It isn't Doescher's fault. It's the movie's. And I still don't buy (1) the romance between Padme and Ani and (2) Padme's total dismissal of Ani's killing an entire tribe.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for ✨Rebel Fairy.
293 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2025
"Thine anger is but human, Anakin."

I know I've taken a long time to finish this, sometimes my mind doth wander to plainer things🤣

I wish this were read in school, and may we please have a stage play?🥰

I enjoyed part 2 as much as part 1. I loved the hidden easter eggs, the rhymes, and oh wordy - Anakin and Padmè . . . Romeo and Juliet will never be that smooth . . .

I had fun with the laugh-out-loud moments in this one - all hail R2 for his smarts and sass.

I cannot wait to continue Shakespeare Star Wars.
Profile Image for ⋆☆☽ Jen ☾☆⋆.
205 reviews113 followers
October 22, 2017
The closer we become, the more I ache,
To be sans you would steal my very breath.


★★★★½
Basically, this is an intergalactic version of Romeo and Juliet.
Doescher did an amazing job, I liked The Clone Army Attacketh a lot more than The Phantom of Menace 💜 I hope it will be a crescendo with the next books, too 😍
Profile Image for Carolina Casas.
Author 5 books28 followers
August 5, 2015
"There, worthy friends," the play ends with the two lovers, Anakin and Padme married on the Lake House of Naboo, a happy image "Before revenge is taken by the Sith". This is my favorite play written by Ian Doescher on the SW saga. There were so many added elements that were not in the prequels that makes this a ton better than Lucas' original work. For one, there is more dimension to the characters and more dialogue and the two mystery Jedi from Phantom Menace appear, discussing not only the future of the galaxy but giving a real version of history that me (as a history student) found sadly but very true. Who knows who will tell the tale of the galaxy, or in our case our histories, in years to come? Will we even matter, or will a new regime come in place and twist everything around to make us seem insignificant and erase everything we've done? It is very true, and it resonates with what happens in the OT when the Empire erased all trace of the Jedi.
Profile Image for Erikka.
2,130 reviews
February 6, 2016
Even with all this awesomeness, Padme and Anakin are still obnoxious. I'm not sure it's possible to make them NOT awful.

Here's a little tip: read the afterword first, because there's a little tidbit about Taun We that will make that part so much more entertaining to read, and there are no spoilers in it (assuming you already know the movie plot). I enjoyed this one for the same reasons as the others: humor, satire, great characters, and a fun story told in the only way that can make it better: through the Bard's epic styling. Can't wait for the last one!
Profile Image for Beth Robinson.
203 reviews13 followers
September 9, 2015
I enjoyed this episode, for the usual reasons (Star Wars! Shakespeare!), but not as much as the other four he's done. I did appreciate it more after reading the author's notes at the end. I suggest starting there, actually. I was also amused when the three animals in the arena had lines.
Profile Image for Matt Cline.
23 reviews2 followers
Read
September 13, 2018
This is a REALLY awesome parody! It did the movie justice.
Profile Image for Robin.
288 reviews10 followers
November 28, 2021
this is the best thing that has ever happened to me
Profile Image for Karin.
1,814 reviews32 followers
January 26, 2019
2 stars for the Star Wars movie plot and story, but 4 for how Ian Doescher puts this into Shakespearean mode, so rounded to 3!

So, according to my 14 year old piano student who owns all of the Star Wars, is an AVID fan and has read some of these books, this is the worst movie of the first six--he says number 8 is the worst of all. But he also thinks 4-6 (yes, the original 3) are the best. He and one of his brothers have even gone to a Star Wars themed camp. Even at that young age he knows what's what ;).

Because of this I couldn't give this parody less than 3 stars because it's NOT Doescher's fault the material is so bad in the first place. Nor is it his fault 1-3 aren't as good because, according to my personal Star Wars expert, neither are the movies. True, I'm going on the opinion of a 14 year old, albeit a bright and well read one who plans to become a pilot someday, but since he is my number one fan for all of my IRL jokes, naturally I am going to lean in his favour, but at least I'm admitting my bias fair and square!

That said, Doescher does a great job of putting this less than stellar story into Shakespearean from --he's definitely talented at this sort of thing. No doubt if this had been on audio, I'd have liked it better even with the less than worthy story because of the humour Doescher infuses at times.
Profile Image for meghann.
1,059 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2017
I have a complicated relationship with Episodes 1 through 3. While I love all things Star Wars, I try to pretend that these movies did not happen. I mean, they ruined my crush on Hayden Christensen. And then there's Jar Jar...

What I do love are the other books in this series, so I finally decided I had to buy the ones that correspond with those episodes that shall not be named. I've been reading this one in small chunks while supervising high school students at lunch, so it has taken me way too long to get through this one (I really underestimated how much time I would have to devote to babysitting 16-18 year olds). But I really did love what the author did with this story and the fun he poked at the movie. Plus, Pulp Fiction references. I already have the next book and look forward to reading it in small chunks while wrangling teenagers.
Profile Image for Jordan Lahn.
330 reviews7 followers
November 8, 2015
Took a while to finish this one, but not because it's any worse than the others. I think it's possible I needed a bit of time to let the novelty freshen up again. After reading 4 other Shakespearean Star Wars adaptations the "gimmick" can feel familiar, but the reality is that what Ian Doescher has done with these books is nothing short of incredible. Each volume is more complex and more detailed than the last, and I can't imagine how he wrote these all so quickly. I may take a little break before reading the final book in the series, but I'm definitely looking forward to seeing how he wraps up this fantastic achievement.
Profile Image for Lauren Graham.
191 reviews135 followers
July 28, 2015
Although this is my least favorite of the Star Wars movies, Ian Doescher definitely made it his own and increased my enjoyment of the story!
Profile Image for Claire.
Author 4 books653 followers
November 3, 2015
Loved it. Very original take on a very overdone story. My boyfriend absolutely loves Star Wars so I gave him the copy of the book as a gift and he absolutely loved it as well :)
Profile Image for Zach.
583 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2019
Amazing as always. Better than the movie without a doubt.

Read for a reading scavenger hunt as a book that tells a story through poetry.
Profile Image for Allie Scac.
174 reviews
December 28, 2020
This makes the angsty romance between Anakin and Padme sound so eloquent 😂
Profile Image for Grace Mal.
187 reviews3 followers
June 4, 2025
He's done it again.
Except this time, Ian Doescher improves on the source material IMMENSELY. I won't lie, Attack of the Clones is one of my least favorite Star Wars movies, so the fact that I enjoyed this so deeply is a credit to these stories. Again, he improves on what was originally cringe and makes it believable and profound.
I never thought I would care a bit about Anakin because he was always so whiney and annoying to me, but this had me really invested in his pain and his love with Padme. The sand line was lacking a bit of the original flavor, but I suppose that did make it better (even though the sand line is used by me every time I go to the beach or frankly anywhere with sand).
Again, I thoroughly enjoyed reading through the afterward. Everytime he amazes me with his genius and clever innovations.
Love these so! Onto the last one!
Profile Image for Rodrigo.
22 reviews11 followers
November 23, 2021
De regresso a uma prateleira muito distante, onde o conflito é imenso…

Depois de ter lido o primeiro livro da saga William Shakespeare’s Star Wars e ficar maravilhado com o trabalho de Ian Doescher, decidi que lerei todos os livros da saga! William Shakespeare's The Phantom of Menace foi uma leitura sensacional e admiro muito o trabalho que Ian Doescher colocou nestes livros, por isso, li a adaptação de Star Wars: O Ataque dos Clones. Tal como no caso do livro anterior, que já escrevi uma review, também li este em versão e-Book. Foi uma experiência igualmente fantástica e, apesar de saber a história por detrás dos filmes de Star Wars, foi como se eu tivesse contacto pela primeira vez. Deixo-vos agora com a minha review do livro William Shakespeare's The Clone Army Attacketh!

Começando pelo Resumo: Inquietação no Senado Galáctico. Milhares de sistemas solares tencionam abandonar a República Galáctica para se juntarem ao Movimento Separatista, liderado pelo misterioso Conde Dooku. Devido ao crescimento do movimento, manter a ordem e a paz na galáxia tem sido difícil para os pouco Jedi existentes, levando o Senado Galáctico a propor a criação de um Exército da República para prestar assistência. Na esperança de manter a paz e evitar uma guerra, a Senadora Amidala, antiga rainha de Naboo, regressa ao Senado Galáctico para votar contra a criação do Exército.

Sobre o Autor: Todos aqueles que já leram a minha review do livro William Shakespeare's The Phantom of Menace sabem quem é o autor, contudo, para aqueles que estão a ler primeiro esta review, deixo aqui uma breve apresentação! Ian Doescher é um escritor norte-americano conhecido por escrever obras da ficção adaptadas ao estilo shakespeariano, convertendo as prosas em peças de teatro fiéis aos maneirismos do dramaturgo inglês William Shakespeare. Ian adaptou não só a Saga Skywalker (Episódio I – IX de Star Wars), mas também os filmes d’Os Vingadores, da Marvel, para o estilo shakespeariano.

Sobre a História: Assim como William Shakespeare's The Phantom of Menace, esta obra está escrita como se fosse uma peça de teatro e narra por completo (e de uma forma mais rápida) todos os eventos do segundo filme das prequelas de Star Wars, de George Lucas. O Primeiro Ato começa com a chegada de Padmé Amidala, agora uma senadora no Senado Galáctico, a Coruscant para votar contra a criação de um Exército da República, escapando a uma tentativa de assassinato. Preocupado com a segurança da senadora, o Supremo Chanceler Palpatine pede ao Conselho Jedi que seja criada uma escolta para proteger Padmé até a votação, sugerindo os Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi e Anakin Skywalker para fazerem o trabalho.

O pedido é aceite e a dupla volta a reunir-se com Padmé pela primeira vez em dez anos. Na primeira noite de escolta, uma misteriosa caçadora de recompensas tenta matar Padmé com vermes venenosos, contudo, é salva por Anakin. A dupla de Jedi então persegue a caçadora e capturam-no, porém, esta é morta por um outro assassino que foge. Temendo mais uma vez pela vida da senadora, o Conselho Jedi pede a Obi-Wan que investigue o caso e é dada a Anakin a tarefa de proteger a senadora e escoltá-la de volta a Naboo. Durante a ausência de Padmé, fica Jar Jar Binks (agora um Representante) a assumir as tarefas da senadora (excelente construção de personagem, superior ao filme, que explicarei melhor no tópico das personagens).

Avançamos então para o Segundo Ato onde Obi-Wan, durante a sua intensa investigação, viaja até ao misterioso planeta Kamino (um planeta fora da Orla Estelar que não estava nos arquivos da República), onde descobre um exército de clones secreto a ser desenvolvido e treinado para a República. Os nativos do planeta dizem que o exército foi “encomendado” há dez anos atrás pelo mestre Jedi Sifo Dias, que estava morto há muitos anos. O modelo para os clones foi o exímio caçador de recompensas Jango Fett, que reside em Kamino juntamente com um clone inalterado que trata como um filho, Boba Fett.

Indo agora para o Terceiro Ato, em Naboo, Anakin e Padmé começam a desenvolver mais laços íntimos e de afeto. Beijam-se durante uma conversa e, na mesma noite, Anakin revela toda a sua paixão indomável por Padmé. Embora sentisse o mesmo, Padmé tenta manter a relação de ambos numa amizade ligeiramente afetiva, dizendo que seria impossível que os dois ficarem juntos, já que ela é uma senadora e ele um Jedi. Anakin fica frustrado e começa a sentir um conflito interno entre o seu desejo por Padmé e os seus deveres como Jedi .

De regresso a Kamino, acreditando que Jango Fett é o assassino que matou a caçadora de Padmé, Obi-Wan tenta interrogar Jango e as suas suspeitas tornam-se realidade. Depois de uma tentativa falhada em capturá-lo, Obi-Wan lança um dispositivo de rastreio à nave de Jango, seguindo-os até o planeta Geonosis.

De volta a Naboo, após a discussão com Padmé sobre o que ambos sentem, Anakin começa a ter pesadelos sobre o suposto sofrimento que a mãe está a sofrer e, influenciado por Padmé, viaja com a mesma até Tatooine onde descobre que Watto, o escravagista da mãe, vendeu-a a um agricultor de Humidade (produção de água através da captura da humidade da terra seca no universo de Star Wars). Anakin e Padmé encontram o agricultor e C-3PO que informa Anakin que a mãe foi raptada por Tusken Raiders, os indígenas nativos de Tatooine.

Em Geonosis, Obi-Wan infiltra-se num edifício geonosiano e ouve uma conversa entre Conde Dooku e Vice-rei Nute Gunray, descobrindo que são eles que estão por trás do Movimento Separatista e construíram um novo exército de droídes, além de ser Gunray responsável pelas duas tentativas de assassinato de Padmé Amidala, como vingança da Batalha de Naboo. Obi-Wan foge do local e manda uma mensagem gravada ao Conselho Jedi a informá-los sobre o que ouviu, pouco antes de ser capturado.

No Quarto Ato, Anakin parte sozinho numa jornada até à aldeia dos Tusken Raiders onde encontra a mãe, que morre nos seus braços após dizer que estava orgulhosa dele. Cheio de raiva e brevemente consumido pelo Lado Negro da Força, Anakin massacra a tribo dos Tusken Raider, regressando para a Quinta de Humidade com o corpo morto da mãe nos braços. Depois do funeral (acompanhando por um momento musical), Anakin confessa a Padmé que matou não só os homens, mas também as mulheres e as crianças da tribo dos Tusken Raiders. Enquanto Padmé consola Anakin, que está devastado, R2-D2 transmite a mensagem que Obi-Wan transmitiu ao Conselho Jedi.

Agora que o Conselho Jedi tem conhecimento das intenções de Dooku e dos restantes separatistas, Mace Windu lidera uma equipa de Jedi até Geonosis. Em Tatooine, Anakin e Padmé também partem ao salvamento de Obi-Wan. Enquanto isso, Jar Jar Binks propõe ao Senado Galáctico que o Chanceler Palpatine receba poderes de emergência, já que a existência do exército de dróides foi descoberta pelo Senado, permitindo assim a Palpatine oficializar a criação do Exército da República.

No Quinto e último Ato, Anakin e Padmé chegam a Geonosis com R2-D2 e C-3PO, mas são rapidamente capturados e condenados à morte numa arena de gladiadores juntamente com Obi-Wan. Enquanto os três condenados tentam sobreviver na arena, Mace Windu chega com a comitiva de Jedi, que lutam com os dróides de Dooku e contra os geonosianos. Após Mace matar Jango Fett , os Jedi estão em minoria e a ficar encurralados. É então que Yoda chega com o novo Exército de clones da República, dando início a uma guerra entre a República Galáctica e o Movimento Separatista, a Guerra dos Clones.

Dooku tenta escapar, mas Anakin e Obi-Wan perseguem-no até um hangar secreto, onde dá-se início a um duelo que resulta na dupla de Jedi feridos. Yoda surge no momento em que Dooku preparava-se para matá-los e os dois mestres na Força iniciam um duelo. Dooku, ao perceber que não está à altura de Yoda, escapa da batalha. De volta a Coruscant depois do conflito em Geonosis e com a guerra instaurada em toda a galáxia, Obi-Wan informa o Conselho Jedi que Dooku disse-lhe que um tal Darth Sidious está a controlar o Senado. Yoda, hesitante, diz que o Lado Sombrio é capaz de criar medo e desconfiança, decidindo ficar de olho no Senado juntamente com Mace Windu. Para finalizar a obra, temos Anakin e Padmé a casarem-se em segredo em Naboo, observados por R2-D2 e C-3PO.

Sobre as Personagens: Tal como no livro anterior, Ian Doescher explora ao máximo as personalidades e individualidades de cada personagem através de apartes e pensamentos que ajudam na interpretação do leitor. Obi-Wan, apesar de não ser tão sábio ou habilidoso como Qui-Gon Jinn, consegue fazer um bom papel de Jedi, apesar de ser muito pessimista e crítico no que conta a corrigir Anakin que é extremamente imaturo, demasiado emotivo e pouco estável a nível sentimental (o que contribui para os eventos do futuro). É um personagem demasiado confiante e, por ter sido treinado a saber que era “O Escolhido”, ficou arrogante . A Padmé é das poucas personagens que mantém a mesma linha de ação do livro anterior e, no caso de Jar Jar Binks, temos um desenvolvimento de personagem, mais uma vez, superior ao dos filmes, onde podemos realmente perceber o peso e a responsabilidade que teve ao representar a Senadora Amidala e em ter de ser aquele a propor a entrega de poderes de emergência ao Chanceler Palpatine.

Sobre Anakin e Padmé: Existe sempre um casal amoroso em qualquer tipo de história e Star Wars não poderia ser a excepção. Anakin conheceu Padmé em Tatooine quando tinha apenas nove anos e dez anos depois reencontra-a, demonstrando sinais de estar muito apaixonado. Apesar de Padmé ser consideravelmente mais velha que Anakin (tendo 24 anos nos eventos narrados nesta obra), o mesmo afirma ter pensado nela todos os dias, durante os anos que estiveram separados. O Amor de ambos é questionável (dada a clara imaturidade de Anakin e falta de controlo emocional) e coloca o carácter de Padmé à prova (visto que ninguém sabe se ela também manteve o mesmo sentimento por Anakin durante esses anos), ambos acabam por ficar juntos . É interessante analisar o crescimento de Anakin ao lado de Padmé e perceber até que ponto este “amor” pode ou não ter contribuído para a queda de Anakin . Não é um dos meus casais favoritos e, a meu ver, o Anakin consegue tornar-se muito possessivo e algumas vezes agressivo (devido à instabilidade emocional e temperamento imaturo), levando Padmé a ter de ser a constante voz da razão na relação de ambos.

Finalizando com a minha Conclusão Final: Tal como muitos fãs de Star Wars mencionam, “Star Wars: O Ataque dos Clones não sabe o que quer ser". Por um lado, temos uma narrativa política e de ação e, do outro lado, temos uma história que baseia-se num drama romântico” entre o imaturo Anakin e a preocupada Padmé. Apesar de concordar com a afirmação, também devo dizer que os eventos narrados nesta obra são de extrema importância para os eventos seguintes no universo de Star Wars. Ian Doescher fez, mais uma vez, um trabalho excelente e o inglês utilizado, apesar de ser diferente do inglês atual em questões gramaticais, é totalmente compreensível e intensifica ainda mais o conceito de “Ópera Espacial”. Foi uma leitura fluída, rápida e as ilustrações são soberbas (e em maior quantidade do que o livro anterior). Com tudo isto, resta-me recomendar esta obra a todos os fãs de Star Wars, em especial a todos aqueles que gostam de juntar um pouco de amor e paixão a ação e aventura!
Profile Image for Aeroniel.
48 reviews7 followers
August 21, 2023
Even better than the first one! I couldn’t stop smiling while reading it
Profile Image for Rheathebookwormdreamergirl.
217 reviews27 followers
January 5, 2025
4.5/5 Stars! This was honestly so much fun! I love Star Wars, and the way Doescher transforms these make me soooo happy and it's just a lovely geeky read!
5,870 reviews144 followers
May 3, 2021
William Shakespeare's The Clone Army Attacketh is written by Ian Doescher and inspired by William Shakespeare and Star Wars: The Attack of the Clones. It is the second chronologically or fifth published in the William Shakespeare's Star War series.

It is generally viewed that the prequels are rather dreadful compared to the original trilogy and the second film being the penultimate of likability and desirability, and I would not disagree with that statement. However, I found loving this interpretation of Star Wars: The Attack of the Clones more than I thought I would, but not as much as I did the first in the prequel.

For the most part Doescher is rather faithful to the source – except it is more humorous than I remember the original film, but I think this might be par for the course with this series. Again, I will freely admit that I'm no Elizabethan English or Shakespearean expert, but I find that the transformation of the dialogue into Elizabethan English was rather well done. Again, I wouldn't call Doescher Shakespeare, but he is awfully close.

There is one quibble that I have to mention is some of the monologues or soliloquies of Anakin Skywalker to his love Padmé Amidala at first they seem rather unnerving and when they do get together it seemed like a total romantic love debauchery. It is further enhances to the oddness that in one scene Padmé starts musing how Anakin is still a little boy and ends up saying he's a man and that she's in love with him – a little more transition may have been needed, because it felt disingenuous to me.

All in all, William Shakespeare's The Clone Army Attacketh was written rather well and a very interesting rendition of Star Wars: The Attack of the Clones written in Elizabethan English.
Profile Image for Natalie.
3,387 reviews120 followers
May 5, 2018
I was most skeptical about reading this Shakespeare Star Wars because the movie Attack of the Clones has quite possibly the LEAST believable romance ever, not to mention the fact that Anakin is whiny and annoying and Padme could have been the inspiration for Katy Perry’s “Hot ‘n Cold” when it comes to her feelings for Anakin.

This was one thousand times better in play form. I actually liked Anakin - even the scene where he talked about the sand (you KNOW the one I mean) was bearable. I also loved the reference to MacBeth. Maybe I shouldn’t have burst out laughing at such a tense time in the story, but it worked perfectly!

The romance was much better as well. They actually had some interactions that weren’t pure cheese. Padme seems stronger and more independent in this one, and everyone sounds smarter with all the clever wordplay.

I also love Yoda’s haikus. Like this one:

“Mmm, a planet whole
Master Obi-Wan hath lost.
Such embarrassment!”

Once again, the whole thing was hilarious and wonderful. I am really enjoying this series. I hope Ian Doescher does some other Shakespeare series once Star Wars is done. I’m laughing already just imagining Star Lord and Drax speaking in iambic pentameter!
Profile Image for Kevin.
28 reviews14 followers
August 21, 2015
I won a copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.

As a long time Star Wars fan, an English major, and an armchair enthusiast of the Bard, Doescher's adaptations of the Star Wars screenplays have been irresistible since I first saw "Verily, A New Hope" in my local library last year.

Like the other Shakespeare Star Wars books I've read, "The Clone Army Attacketh" was a enjoyable, funny and short read. I really enjoyed the interactions between Anakin and Obi Wan. Plus R2-D2's comments are always worth the read. That said, I did have one issue with it. The romantic scenes between Anakin and Padame were rather creepy and progressed far too rapidly (even more so than in the movie, where at least we had the actor's physical attraction to work with and cutscenes to indicate the passage of time).

Overall, I'm giving "William Shakespeare's The Clone Army Attacketh" a solid four out of five stars. Give it a try, it's well worth the read.
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