Star Wars: Stealth

Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit #1

by Karen Miller

Planet by planet, darkness creeps across the galaxy. Among warriors and generals, among ordinary beings living in far-flung worlds, the fear will not go away: We are losing this war. 
Anakin Skywalker feels it, too. The Separatist Alliance, with ruthlessness and treachery, is beating the Republic to every strategic target. But after a costly clash with General Grievous for the planet Kothlis, Anakin has a mission that will focus his anxious mind. Alongside Obi-Wan Kenobi, he is posing as a long-lost native of Lanteeb, an impoverished world on the Outer Rim. This seemingly unimportant planet has drawn the interest of the Seps—and Anakin and Obi-Wan soon discover the disturbing reason: A scientist enslaved by General Lok Durd is drawing on Lanteeb’s one natural resource for a devastating bioweapon. Now Anakin and Obi-Wan have entered the eye of a storm. Their presence has been exposed, Lok Durd’s plans unveiled, and a fight has begun for survival behind enemy lines—and a chance of winning a war that must be fought at any cost.

Genres: Star Wars, Science Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Fantasy, Adventure, Space Opera

395 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. Please see this thread for more details.

Also writes as "K.E. Mills"

Lord, do you really want to know?

Oh, all right.

I was born in Vancouver, Canada, and came to Australia with my parents when I was 2. I think. Dad’s an Aussie, Mum’s English, go figure. Talk about Fate and Destiny. But three passports come in handy.

I’ve always lived in Sydney, except when I didn’t. After graduating with a BA Communications from the then Institute of Technology (now University) a few years ahead of Hugh Jackman, dammit, talk about rotten timing, I headed off to England and lived there for 3 years. It was interesting. I worked for a bunch of nutters in a community health centre and got the sack because I refused to go do EST with them (you stand in the middle of a circle and thank people for hurling verbal abuse at you for your own good, they said, and then were surprised when I said no), was a customer services officer for DHL London (would you believe at one time I knew every single airport code for every single airport in the world, off by heart?!?), got roped into an extremely dubious life insurance selling scheme (I was young and broke, need I say more?) and ended up realizing a life-long dream of working professionally with horses. After 18 grueling months I woke up, and came home.

Since then I’ve done customer service in the insurance and telecommunications industries, been a training officer, PR Officer in local government, production assistant in educational publishing, taught English and Business Communication at TAFE, been a supervisor and run my own sf/fantasy/mystery bookshop. Money for jam, there! I also managed to squeeze in a Master’s Degree in Children’s Literature from Macquarie University.

I used to have horses of my own, and spent lots of time and money showing, breeding, training and judging, but then I came off one time too many and so a large part of my life ended.

When I’m not writing I’m heavily involved in the Castle Hill Players, my local community theatre group, as an actor, director, prompt, stage manager (but not all at once!) and publicity officer.

I’m a story junkie. Books, film, tv ... you name it. Star Wars, Star Trek, Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica (the new series), Stargate, Firefly, X-Men, Buffy, Angel, Supernatural, The Professionals, Forever Knight, Due South, The West Wing, The Shield, Sandbaggers, Homicide, Wiseguy, The Shield, The Closer ... and the list goes on. And that’s just the media stuff!

I love music. While writing I listen primarily to film soundtracks, because they’ve been written primarily to evoke emotional responses in the listener. This helps access emotion during tough scenes. Plus, the music is pretty. At least the stuff I listen to is. Favourite film composers include Hans Zimmer, Alan Silvestri, James Horner and John Williams. Vocalists I enjoy are Josh Groban, Russell Watson, Sarah McLachlan, Simon and Garfunkel , Queen, The Moody Blues, Steeleye Span, Meatloaf, Mike Oldfield ... anyone who can carry a tune, basically.

In short, I’m an only child with an overactive imagination, 3 dogs, 2 cats and not enough hours in the day. I don’t drink, smoke, or do enough exercise. I make periodic stabs at eating properly. Chocolate is my besetting downfall.

So that’s me. You can wake up now ...

Reviews

[Ghostrunner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cliffhangers are always annoying, but this book was mostly about Obi-Wan getting progressively more wounded and exhausted and filthy with every new chapter and being very stoic about it while literally every other character yells at him to get medical attention. And I'm very into that.

[vicky. · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is not a review this is just me writing down everything i loved about this (which is everything? lol)

-ashoka being basically anakin's little sister SHE CARES SO MUCH
-anakin being an emotional disaster as usual. he feels everything and feels responsible for everyone
-this bit!!!:

They cheered each other up, those two. No matter how dire the straits, Anakin and Master Kenobi always managed to find a joke, a laugh, some way to ease the tension and pressure of the moment. Between the two men lay absolute trust. Absolute faith. Now, they were equals.

-OBI-WAN CALMING DOWN ANAKIN JUST BY SAYING HIS NAME. OBI-WAN MAKING ANAKIN LAUGH!!!!!!
-obi-wan sassy and snarky personality, and then saying he wants to meditate. the duality of a man.
-OBI-WAN CAREFULLY CONTROLLING AND REPRESING HIS EMOTIONS BECAUSE HE'S AN EMPATH THAT FEELS TO MUCH!!! I CRY!!
-ashoka being literally the child of anakin and obi-wan.
-jedis using the force literally to check everything and everyone in a battle, and anakin and obi-wan using it to check on each other?? feelign what the other is feelign? and talKing????
-"if he (obi-wan) gets hurt again, Anakin'll blame me, I'll bet" ASHOKA KNOWS THEY MARRIED.
-obi-wan getting hurt and anakin healing him... then bickering because obi-wan doesn't want to go to medcenter... i love hurt/comfort domestic fics.
-mechanic!anakin.
-bail organa and obi-wan friendship... i actually like bail and can understand better why he was chosen to raise leia.
-anakin only feeling like he can be himself with padmé and palpatine, one who genuinaly loves him and the other manipulates him...but at the same time saying he only trust those two and obi-wan... OBI-WAN THINKING THAT HE UNDERSTANDS THAT ANAKIN NEEDS EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS!!! FEELING IN A WAY THAT HE FAILED HIM AS A MASTER!! BUT ALSO BEING PROUD OF HIM AND EVERYTHING HE ACCOMPLISHED!!! ANAKIN NOT COMPLETELY OPENING UP TO OBI-WAN BECAUSE HE DOESN'T WANT TO BE LECTURED ABOUT HIS EMOTIONS AND ATTACHMENTS!!
-

"...And sometimes I can’t imagine who I’d be today if not for you. Though you frequently drive me to distraction, Anakin, I cannot deny this: knowing you has made me a better Jedi.”
Silence. In Anakin’s wide eyes, astonishment. A shy, uncertain pleasure.

HELLO??
-FUCK THE JEDI CODE
-anakin, obi-wan, bail and padmé just.. having dinner? the domesticity.
-

"Warmed, Padmé watched her husband and his best friend exchange wicked smiles. It helped her a great deal to know that the difficulties of the past were put behind them, that they’d found such solid ground upon which to stand as equals. She wasn’t sure if Obi-Wan understood what he meant to Anakin. How much his regard mattered. How far Anakin would go to keep him safe."

y'all hear that? that's the sound of me crying.
-"...As Anakin made a face at Obi-Wan, and Obi-Wan indulged in a sly, teasing smile..." SOBS-
-obi-wan: the code forbids attachments and i must be the perfect jedi.
also obi-wan: this is my BEST friend anakin whom i love and trust above all others, this is my friend bail and my childhood friend taira and...
-anakin saying his chilhood dream was freeing all slaves IM EMO.
-

Obi-Wan frowned. “You could try not being quite so flippant.”
Anakin grinned. “Nervous?”
“I have a healthy respect for the challenges that lie ahead of us, yes,” said Obi-Wan carefully, “but I’d not go so far as to characterize that as nervous.”
“Don’t worry,” he said, still grinning. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

ANAKIN'S FAVORITE PASTIME IS TEASING OBI-WAN MY HEART

-O B I - W A N ' S A C T I N G S K I L L S.
-using the force for healing. using the force to disappear. i love the force.
-obi-wan being a "a warm dark glow in the force, steadfsat and unfaltering".
-ANAKIN AND OBI-WAN HAVING ENTIRE CONVERSATIONS JUST BY LOOKING AT EACH OTHER AND SMALL TOUCHESSS
-

“If I might make a suggestion, Master Skywalker?”
“By all means, Master Kenobi.”

<3
-

Obi-Wan indulged in his own swift smile. Yes. They were indeed working in sync. And he realized then how much he’d missed this. Had missed Anakin and the way they could read each other without the need for clumsy words. They were a better team than even he and Qui-Gon had been. And while he understood completely the need for them to unravel their partnership—not only because of the war, but also because Anakin was a Jedi Knight now, with his own responsibilities, still … he felt sharp regret.
Working without Anakin was like working half blind.

WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
-anakin implying that obi-wan is his family. ok.
-"Nobody in his life could rile him like Obi-Wan. And nobody could make him feel so lucky to be called friend." THEY-
-"Innocent lives were depending on him. Obi-Wan was depending on him. Letting him down was unthinkable." at which point do i stop crying.
-anakin saying that what he does best is fix broken things. this is actually pretty good foreshadowing because anakin breaks the code constantly because he wants to save everything and everyone and believes the jedi should do more, that he can do more, but he's not allowed to.
-"If they hadn't needed to keep everything so clandestine, Anakin would have indulged in forty fast backflips to celebrate getting out of those stifling vents in one piece." hero of the republic, general and jedi knight, anakin skywalker for y'all
-anakin arguing with obi-wan: stop asking about my mom i don't want to to about my past drop it.
anakin one minute later: why does obi-wan never talks about what happened to him? why is he so subdued? he should tell me :(
-

"And I’m not unsympathetic.”
That was true. He wasn’t. But he was coldly capable of denying sympathy and compassion if the task at hand required him to be hard. Obi-Wan Kenobi was a far more complicated man than a first glance would suggest."

obi-wan being appreciated, i love it.

anyways im trash for anakin and obi-wan.

[Genevieve Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just gotta re-read these and Wild Space every so often to fully ground myself in the Obi-Wan and Anakin Dynamic™.

This duology has everything. Obi-Wan and Anakin being so in sync that they're literally almost one person. Obi-Wan and Anakin being so at odds that they are mere inches from killing one another. Ahsoka having her own adventure. A continuation of the Bail Organa/Obi-Wan friendship from Wild Space. War crimes. Yoda being REAL shady.

Some highlights:

• The legendary Bail/Padme/Anakin/Obi-Wan dinner party. The charming domesticity is matched only by the intense awkwardness caused by the web of lies almost everyone knows about but can't acknowledge out loud. Also, it's VERY funny to think about how this occasion would have looked to Leia, had she known about it.

• All the post-Zigoola symptoms that Obi-Wan refuses to acknowledge.

• Honestly, I do really like Taria Damsin even though she's a little bit of a "cool Jedi," and her existence adds to the ever-growing ranks of Obi-Wan's many love interests.

• Anakin's mechanic skills JUMP out in this book, from him literally re-designing the Republic's line of Venator-class cruisers, to him flying a ground speeder that's not even built to fly.

• ALL THE USES OF THE FORCE! You really get to see how the Jedi live their lives submerged in it.

• Obi-Wan hurting himself by acting a whole lot more Slytherin than his true nature wants him to act.

• Outsider POV. Bant'ena Fhernan's evaluation of Anakin and Obi-Wan is SO interesting to me, both their personalities and their unearthly Jedi abilities. The way she sees both of them is fascinating.

• Anakin: The Jedi are a lot of things, but family isn't one of them.
Obi-Wan, neutrally: I see.
Anakin: WAIT NO that's not what I MEANT—

• Anakin Skywalker: Jedi Temple Distance Force-Leap Record Holder

• Obi-Wan's acting skills. Why is he so good at pretending to be a yokel, but when he goes to settle on Tatooine everybody within 100 miles knows that he's some kind of a fugitive stranger within 2 days?

• What I refer to as "The Bant'ena Fight" but what is really just Anakin and Obi-Wan's eternal, basic difference. They have been fighting this fight since the day Anakin became Obi-Wan's apprentice, and continue to fight it until Mustafar. Anakin is compassionate and right about the hypocrisy of the Jedi, Obi-Wan is pragmatic and right about the danger Anakin puts himself in by allowing his issues to run rampant over his self-control. It's a huge, vital expression of characterization, and it's just such a mess. They are both caught in a cycle of trying to reach out to each other and not being able to.

• "Working without Anakin was like working half-blind."

[Jonathan Koan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Karen Miller really understands the characters from the Clone Wars, and her ability to tell long form stories with these characters and formula is fantastic.

This book focuses on Obi-Wan and Anakin as they not only battle Grievous in the beginning of the novel, but they have to sneak onto a Separatist planet to find out the plans of Lok Durd. It presents both the action and the intrigue that made the TV show so great.

Several other characters are present and written well, such as Yoda, Bail, Ahsoka, and Rex. I will say that Yoda has 1 moment at the end of the novel that seems out of character, but otherwise they were all written well.

I really enjoyed the new characters of Taria Damsin and Bant'ena Fhernan. Both of them were excellent additions to the cast.

Unfortuantely, this book didn't have anything in particular vaulting it up into the top tier, it simply was an entertaining story.

Overall, 8 out of 10.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Miller’s high regard and curiosity concerning Obi-Wan Kenobi is quite charming. In her second Star Wars book, Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth, every character has a lot to shoulder in the war, even (and especially) Obi-Wan.

Ahsoka has more to consider as Anakin’s Padawan than the teachings of the Jedi Order. She cares for his well-being and has learned how to read her Master’s emotions to help herself navigate and deal with his temperament. Anakin struggles with the responsibilities of being the Chosen One. What he feels they should do, what he should do as such a prominent figure, conflicts often with the wider doctrine of the Jedi, not to mention how delicately he juggles his forbidden relationship with Padmé. Obi-Wan still wrestles with his misgivings as a teacher and his emotions over the health of a dear friend. It’s clear, though, that as Bail Organa brings a frightening new element in the war to the Jedi’s attention, this cast of extraordinary beings have rather ordinary problems.

All things considered: Obi-Wan and Anakin, for as much as they remain larger than life figures, symbolic of the Jedi Order and its potential, are still forced to deal with their very human emotions and drama. After a harrowing skirmish on Kothlis, Anakin and Obi-Wan are forced to realize they both need some much needed rest. Obi-Wan is still running a bit ragged from his encounter on Zigoola; Anakin and the entire galaxy agree. The pair are sent to Lanteeb anyway--a planet of no consequence until recent Separatist actions pique the Republic’s curiosity. Their physical wounds may be healed, but Anakin and Obi-Wan learn the hard way: some scars never go away.

Gambit: Stealth is the first in a two-part mini arc that ends on a bit of a cliff-hanger. While the Lanteeb mission propels the action forward, the dynamic between Anakin and Obi-Wan is the strongest undercurrent of the novel. As Karen Miller reminds us, it’s rare at this point in the timeline for Obi-Wan and Anakin to run around together as they often did as Master and Apprentice. This realization is poignant when Obi-Wan considers his regret over Anakin; he wonders if Anakin ever really learned anything taught to him or if he’ll ever learn. He frequently reminded himself he was no longer Anakin’s Master--that old relationship is over, however much Anakin remains forever respectful of Obi-Wan.

Miller strategically removed Ahsoka from the narrative. This helped move us away from just seeing Anakin as a Jedi Knight (with a Padawan) to consider his new role and relationship with Obi-Wan. The two can now face each other as adults, so to speak. Anakin’s undergone his right of passage and, while not an equal yet, is able to meet his former Master’s gaze without the guilt or shame associated with having done something wrong. Obi-Wan’s displeasure is the least thing from his mind. On this new, more level playing field, their dynamic comes to us as a war of values and beliefs.

Obi-Wan is the consummate, duty-bound Jedi: cool, professional, objective, detached. Anakin is demonstratively compassionate, always willing to help someone in need; his emotions are close to the surface where Obi-Wan’s are tightly controlled. Anakin always feels the need to be involved. I think what Karen Miller does best--what she showed us in Wild Space--is her talent for creating character studies by placing two disparate personalities together and seeing what happens. In this case, two very different Jedi--one raised traditionally, the other not--ultimately come head-to-head in an argument fundamental to the the job description.

Obi-Wan learns quickly that old habits die hard. As he fights the urge to teach lest he offend Anakin’s sensibilities and abilities as a Jedi Knight, he also works to understand the qualities in himself that have made him so different from his former Padawan. I loved the phrase Miller uses when she reminds us, “Obi-Wan Kenobi was a far more complicated man than a first glance would suggest” (p. 386). We learn, too, the dimensions of Obi-Wan’s psyche that are just as warm and inviting as Anakin, but honed through years of rigorous discipline growing up surrounded by other Jedi. Obi-Wan’s emotions are always checked by caution and propriety, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have them. He just deals with them differently. Karen Miller helps make this obvious through many touching scenes where Anakin is characteristically tormented and driven by his feelings, watched by Obi-Wan who must always remind him that the first thing about being a Jedi is prioritizing.

The two have never been more different, have never been more in tune to each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Miller captures their relationship wonderfully. They banter and feed off each other’s unspoken body language; they disagree and argue over intentions and dogma. Ultimately, they’re very respectful of each other and mindful of the consequences each action or word may bring.

I was impressed before with the fresh perspective Miller brought to the Star Wars universe. With Gambit: Stealth she reminds readers what she does best is unearth the mechanics that drive characters like Obi-Wan to act as he does. I don’t think we could ask for a more staunch supporter of such a wry manipulator.

As pleased as I was about this book, I am curious about one thing: if Star Wars has skittles, does that mean they have Starburst or Twix bars, too?

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was unique. I've read cover blurbs that give away the set up of the book, but never before have I read one, as Stealth has, which gave away the entire plot. Granted, this book was just a four hundred page setup for the second book of the series, but you'd think they'd leave the reader some suspense.

Okay story and writing. Tired of the repetitious Anakin and Obi-Wan arguments. Glad to see Ahsoka growing. Hard to believe only Bail Organa sees Anakin and Padme's relationship, but that's SW canon, so . . . . Interesting that so many of the expended universe novels portray the Jedi as clueless buffoons, if not outright villains.

Written like a youth story, rather than adult, but it's hard to tell with the SW universe.

[katie :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent day for bail oragana stans

[Dave-Brendon Burgh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact that Karen is a damned good writer and storyteller doesn’t have to be discussed or explained; her Empress trilogy really impressed me, and (as I’ve said to many people) The Falcon Throne is, in my honest opinion, better than what GRRM has given us with ASoIaF. And Karen has written more than one Star Wars novel (The Clone Wars: Wild Space, was her first) and I really enjoyed what she did with Obi-Wan and Bail Organa, but damn, in Stealth, Karen really opened up – I haven’t read any other Star Wars novel which so deeply explores and explains the characters of Obi-Wan and Anakin. Not only is the tale fast-paced, with great action scenes, thrills and intrigue, and true Star Wars-moments, but Karen managed to make it really clear why Obi-Wan and Anakin respected and trusted each other so much, as well as showing us the depth of their bond. When I finished the book (and I still have to read Siege), I was struck with an incredible sadness, because the betrayal’s of Revenge of the Sith hit harder than even George Lucas could achieve (and I’m a huge fan of GL). I kind of wanted to somehow travel to Obi-Wan and Anakin and beg them to disappear, to leave the war and everything else behind. 🙁 Damned good book, and right up there with Star by Star and Traitor.

[Addyson Huneke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obi-Wan and Anakin argue way too much. And I feel like all of Anakin’s flaws were shown and none of his good qualities. Just the parts of him that we know are going to lead to him turning to the Dark Side. We get it. Anakin will be Darth Vader one day. He and Obi-Wan don’t always agree philosophy-wise. There is no reason to shove that in the readers’ faces every other page. Also really didn’t like the addition of another love interest for Obi-Wan. Come on. You can’t pay me to believe Obi-Wan had THAT many female friends when he was younger that became “a little more than a friend”. Especially when that “a little more than a friend” is so lack-luster as a person. Also felt Obi-Wan was painted in a pretty bad light as well. All in all, this book just didn’t do it for me.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying how Miller fleshes out the character of Obi Wan. Also, how she (and other authors) flesh out Anakin's fall to the Dark Side. In this book you see the attachments and emotions that drive that fall. If you are a Star Wars dork like I am, this is a great read.

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in 21BBY

A decent adventure that sees Anakin and Obi-Wan on a mission to some distant planet of no relation to the republic or of need, to anyone but Dooku, because of some thing they mine over there that he can make some kind of poison and our team has to stop him. Lots of good moments because of our known characters, along with Ahsoka and a new friend she makes over there, but overall just a simple story plot that won't be something to remember and wanna go back to.

At the end of the day, if you were to read this story without Skywalker, Kenobi and Ahsoka, but with some new characters, it wouldn't change a thing and it wouldn't be as interesting because of the names.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

idk why it took me a month to read this but Karen Miller really puts my boys through the ringer. also was living for the dinner party with Bail, Padmé, Obi-Wan, and Anakin where Bail was giving swinger vibes. honorable mention to the moments when Anakin and Bail got the ~burning desire~ for their wives and told us about it. Some of Anakin and Obi-Wan's convos make me stare off into the sunset. What a ride. -1 star for not giving me updates on clones injured at the beginning of the novel.

[Shawn Fahey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this one being a young adults Clone Wars TV tie-in. My only real problem was how out of character Obi-wan felt in almost every moment.

[Iset · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, this book is a bit of an odd one because it’s such a mixed bag.

It opens with a highly dramatic battle in which our protagonists are on the back foot and must use their ingenuity and skills to overcome the odds. It’s a good way to open a story, with just one problem. It bears no relation whatsoever to what happens in the rest of this book or its sequel, and doesn’t tie in to the main plot. That’s… less than great. As enjoyable as the action is, it is disconnected from this story and makes you wonder as a reader, what was the point? Aside from, you know, trying to evoke readers’ nostalgia by replicating the opening to Episode III and get us invested by getting the adrenaline pumping. The difference is there it actually had a significant tie-in to the main plot, here it’s just a way to dramatically open the story. I’m given to understand that author-publisher disputes with Karen Traviss suddenly extended this planned one book into two, and that feels very obvious, not just in the way that the dramatic opening takes up a quarter of the book but has no bearing on the main plot, but in the way the middle drags and it takes such a long time to set up the plot, and then the book cuts off extremely abruptly in order to set up the second half of the duology.

One of the things I disliked about Karen Miller’s previous book, The Clone Wars: Wild Space, was that she wrote our protagonists wildly out of character. I was thus pleasantly surprised – perhaps I should more accurately say, grateful and relieved – to find that here she has a much better handle on their personalities and mannerisms. Obi-Wan and Anakin sound like Obi-Wan and Anakin, and their interactions with each other provide a lot of the entertainment in this book. But, again, there’s a cloud to this silver lining. As another reviewer has mentioned, Miller will get their voices just right, but then drag out the conversations for too long, as if she doesn’t quite know how to close them out, so then it becomes decidedly out-of-character again with repetition of things already said and descending into petty bickering. This doesn’t feel like Obi-Wan and Anakin at all. An exception to this is Yoda. He just never felt like Yoda at all to me, and I was shocked when he ordered Obi-Wan and Anakin to lie. I know what the stakes are, but it is never a good idea to do what he advocates: it is only going to be far worse when the truth comes out. Our unwilling scientist could easily be so bitter about it that she decides to help the Separatists willingly, or spreads word of Jedi untrustworthiness and deception across the galaxy, turning even more people hostile against them. This is a terrible, idiotic piece of advice.

I didn’t like the original character of Taria Damsin either. Look, I think it’s incredibly stupid for the prequel era Jedi Council to ban romantic relationships. It’s false causality, and undoubtedly creates far more problems than it prevents – but if I accept that this is the world the prequels live in, then it makes no sense give a by-the-book Jedi like Obi-Wan dozens of ex-girlfriends with no consequences of his future in the Order being put in danger. I’m not saying it’s totally implausible that he felt romantically for someone once – this is why I think forbidding love is dumb, as it’s just naturally going to happen – but Siri and Cerasi were enough. Those were plausible, a product of hectic adolescence and probably the kind of thing that the Council forgives in hormone-fuelled Padawans all the time. But more? It seems very un-Obi-Wan-like and extremely implausible that heretofore unmentioned and never-to-be-mentioned-again old flames just pop up out of nowhere. Worse, it turns him into more of a ladies’ man than Anakin, which kind of ruins the tension between them over Anakin’s love of Padme. Also, Taria honestly verges on being a Mary Sue. Verges on, I stress, only because she hardly has any scenes in this book. But she has a deep and close connection with a well-established character, Ahsoka craves her approval after meeting her all of a hot minute ago, and she has special coloured eyes and hair that apparently are natural and not dyed, oh plus she’s suffering from a super rare terminal disease that makes everyone sympathise with her but barely slows down her Jedi duties. Hmmm. The whiff of Mary Sue is definitely in the air. I guess I’ll have to get on with the sequel in order to see if that cloud breaks into a full-on Sue-storm.

4 out of 10

[Sophie_The_Jedi_Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are a treasure trove. I feel like I've unlocked some hidden corner of SW. I can't get enough of these Clone Wars books - not only do they heavily feature Obi-Wan and Anakin, but Ahsoka and Rex are here too! And Bail plays a large role, as does Padme. I love all of these characters and their dynamics tremendously, and this series has become a favorite of mine.

I can't recommend the audiobooks enough. The sound effects add so much to the battle scenes, as does the music. And the full-cast narration breathes so much life into the dialogue. These books read like extended TCW episodes.

The plot of this book is the first of a two-part story. I jumped into the second one almost immediately after finishing this. As always, there's another Separatist threat to the Republic, and Anakin and Obi-Wan are once again sent out to try and save the galaxy.

There were some great new characters introduced in this book. Bant'ena the biochemist was deep and conflicted, and I liked Taria, Obi-Wan's old friend from the Temple. I especially enjoyed Taria and Ahsoka's developing friendship. Ahsoka needs more female friends and role models.

These books have given me exactly what I always want from Star Wars. There's so much focus on Anakin and Obi-Wan's dynamic in here, and I LOVE it. Intense character studies and lots of dialogue are my weakness. It's so, so good.

5/5 stars. Onto book two!

[Adam Annaratone · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's better than Wild Space. There's a good amount of action and suspense. However, the story does drag at points not anywhere near as bad as Wild Space did. Wild Space is referenced at times which made me glad I suffered through that already, since I would've been disappointed if I went back to that book after listening to this one. I wish this book had more non-jedi characters. My favorite series of Star Wars novels are the Republic Commando books because you don't know who will live and die. Oh well I have Siege left to go.

[☮ morgan ☮ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Control the amount and the speed of what you're seeing and feeling. You must never let it control you. That way lies madness, and a fall to the dark side."

I loved this and I cannot wait for the next one.

[victoria.p · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable Anakin and Obi-Wan banter and hijinks, with some occasionally painful foreshadowing.

[Ro (Jane)]

Meh. I like action, and this book was 90% talking, 10% action.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Last things first: the cliffhanger is flarging mean. Leaving them in that state, even for book one of two? Ouch.
Although because this is a book that cannot alter the ultimate fate of the two characters in question and because I have a bunch of stuff on my plate and coming up soon, I am not going to run out and immediately score part two. Hopefully, I'll get to it before I forget too much, though.
The depth of character development, of emotion, in this book impressed me. The author really gets into the character's heads. What she does makes Anakin's eventual fall seem all the worse. The dialogue is brilliant. While I could hear the actors saying the words in my mind, those words were also better than what was in the movies--how the characters we know and love (or however we feel about them) should speak.
The author's descriptions of the Jedi use of the Force, the way they exist within it, are right up there with the best depictions I've ever seen, up there with Matthew Stover and Steven Barnes. The way Anakin and Obi-Wan work together never sounded better.
The situations/plot--okay, it's Clone Wars, it's the threat of a weapon of mass destruction (in this case, a biological weapon and thankfully not another version of a Death Star)--nothing that surprising. But things keep moving. And I'm not sure if this is the reaction the author was going for; but despite being given reasons to feel sympathy for Dr. Fhernan, the Corellian scientist the bad guys pushed to create the weapon under some pretty awful circumstances, I still don't like her--and it's not just because of what she decides to do about the Jedi. It'll be interesting to see how that plays out.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

May the Fourth be with you! It’s unfortunate that the Ahsoka Tano character (Anakin’s Padawan) was ever created, but that isn’t Miller’s fault. Luckily, Ahsoka isn’t in the novel too much. I really liked Miller’s first SW novel, Wild Space, but felt the first third of the book didn’t need to be there. It’s the same in this case: the scene on the ship sets up only part of the plot, and is longer than necessary. The rest of the story follows Anakin and Obi-Wan as they investigate a hunch by Bail Organa on a distant planet. I very much liked the relationship that Obi-Wan and Bail developed in Wild Space, but the portrayal of Obi-Wan’s relationship with Anakin in Stealth seems really contrived; their dialogue seems forced, with Obi-Wan being bitchy and Anakin being the immature teenager – even though he is now a full-fledged Jedi Knight. I also didn’t realize that this was the first of a 2-parter, and definitely isn’t a stand-alone novel.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2 stars for the story plus 1 star for the audio.

This was just okay for me. I'm no expert on Star Wars, let alone Star Wars books. I can only say I've watched the movies and I have read one book. So with that little disclaimer, I didn't love this.

It read like youth fiction. With teenagers, I have read a lot of YF over the years and some of it is very well written, so I'm not slamming YF by throwing this book into it. I was just so tired of Anakin and his constant whining. It never ended. That annoyance bled into everything including the discord between Anakin and Obi-Wan. That too was so over done.

There were a few other characters, as well, who suffered from Anakin's same affliction. I wish the dialog didn't fall flat because that would have helped the character development.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Years after I listened to the second book in this series and had to piece together what had happened previously on the fly I was finally able to circle back and take in this first part.

On the whole I enjoyed it quite a lot, the characterizations of Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Padme rang pretty true to what we got to see of them in the Clone Wars TV series and were expanded upon and intensified in the way only a long-form novelization can.

And who knew that this kriffing barve could make for such a menacing villain?



Worth the listen, and, although now technically a "Legends" book, I'd say it's close enough to the TV series, and therefore Canon, to make little difference.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love star wars books and this was no exception! The relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan is always fun to follow.

[lelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC.

[TheGeeksAttic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth was written by Karen Miller. This novel is part of the Expanded Universe, a.k.a. Legends. This tale takes place during the Rise of the Empire era, during the clone wars, 21 years before the battle of Yavin.

SUMMARY:
General Grievous continues his reign of terror across the galaxy. Republic Forces are hit hard by the separatists in the battle of Kothlis. In the battle, the Republic learns that their warships are infected with a virus, which take over their computers and communications. Such a massive disruption had to have been accomplished at the Republic Shipyards.

Chancellor Palpatine urges the Jedi Order and select members of the senate to place a permanent unit of Jedi and Republic troops on Kothlis. Yoda and Bail Organa aren't thrilled with this suggestion. Especially when Palpatine asks that the best of the best are sent there; removing them from the frontlines of the war!

Bail Organa comes to Obi-Wan with top-secret news regarding the Separatists. He has a gut feeling that they are harvesting resources on the planet Lanteeb. Further research reveals that the Separatists are very likely developing a bioweapon! Only a handful of folks will know of this, and the secret mission that follows to verify such claims.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:
One reason you must always take reviews lightly, is because we all have our own opinions, our own likes and dislikes. I heard that this book was one of the worst. So I went in cautiously, expecting disappointment. Yet, I actually enjoyed this story.

Karen Miller does a really good job expressing the inner emotions of our characters. These Clone Wars books really show us the mental/emotional decline of Anakin Skywalker. We see Anakin act reckless and defiant. He truly is controlled by his emotions and has a hard time with self control. Kenobi is frustrated with his old Padawan, but he knows there isn't much he can really do, Anakin is a Jedi Knight now, and is trekking his own path.





Kenobi is tired, at least that's what everyone keeps telling him. Kenobi and Bail Organa have a good conversation, a bond clearly was formed between them through the events of Wild Space. I do like that they have formed a friendship, that Bail truly trusts Kenobi.

Ahsoka is so concerned about her relationship with Anakin. She feels like a shadow, but feels like she's also a protector of him. She wants his approval, wants to keep the chosen one safe.

Palpatine doesn't hold back in showing some of his cards in screwing over the Republic. wanting to send the best troops to Kothlis, to remain, out of the fight. Such an obvious move to weaken the Republic on the frontlines.

The relationship between Palpatine and Anakin is strong, Palpatine continues to lure the boy in, acting as a father figure. Palpatine reveals that he knows of Anakin & Padme's relationship, ensuring that he will keep it a secret. One really good thing that these Clone Wars books reveal, is the building relationship between Palpatine and Anakin.

The story brings Anakin and Kenobi together to work undercover on Lanteeb. They hope to find out the secrets of the Separatists. They stumble upon Dr. Bant'ena Fhernan, who is forced to work for the Separatists. Kenobi and Skywalker meet with her, it's a strange "rescue attempt." We get a lot going on in her head, she's grateful but also very rude. If she dies, many could live, but also die... if she lives, many will die. Kenobi contemplates killing her, which is very out of character. We run through a list of ways he thinks of killing her, including bursting her heart in her chest.







Karen Miller takes liberty with changing character traits. This is aggravating and obnoxious. Yoda tells Kenobi to lie to Dr. Fhernan about her families safety. Anakin and Obi-Wan have a big argument about it. Kenobi had a relationship in his youth with another Jedi that went beyond mere friendship. His old love, Taria Damsin, makes an appearance in this novel, and she's dying from a terminal illness.

I really feel then Anakin has a hatred for Kenobi, the relationship between them really isn’t a brotherhood, but of tolerance. Nobody is disappointed in his old Padawan, and Anakin is constantly frustrated with his old master.


Do I recommend this book? If you're a fan of the Clone Wars, I'd have to say yes!

RATING: This book receives a 3/5 stars, or a C+.

[Katrin von Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read a Clone Wars era novel. "Cone Wars Gambit: Stealth" by Karen Miller seems a little different from the books I've read in the past. Spoilers follow.

The book starts off with a bang by throwing the reader right into the beginning of an exciting battle over the planet of Kothlis. Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and the rest of the Republic fleet dispatched to defend the planet's important Spynet soon make the horrifying discovery that General Grievous has blocked their communications. With their communication systems down, the Jedi must rely on their skills and intuition to coordinate the battle in the air as well as on the ground. After the grueling encounter, Kothlis is saved by the Republic, but the fleet is badly damaged and needs to return to Coruscant for repairs.

While Ahsoka goes with the wounded clone troopers, Anakin and Obi-Wan head to Coruscant for some much needed rest. There, they are approached by Bail Organa, who wants them to head to the planet Lanteeb, a seemingly unimportant mining planet that has been taken by the Separatists.

Upon arriving at the captured planet, the Jedi discover that there is more at stake than initially realized: Lanteeb's only profitable mineral, damotite, is being used to develop a bioweapon by an unwilling scientist, Bant'era Fhernan, and the despicable General Lok Durd. They soon find themselves trapped, unable to get off the planet and pushing themselves to their limit to escape the Separatists at every turn.

The plot itself is very appropriate for a Clone Wars novel, focusing on one planet and how it affects the outcome of the war overall. The ruthless desperation of the Separatists, as well as the diminishing hope of the Republic is very well portrayed and there always seems to be the sense that something bigger is brewing on almost every front, be it combat or politics. Miller seems to have a good grasp of what's going on in the Galaxy Far Far Away and how even a seemingly insignificant planet could impact everyone.

However, that being said, the book feels very unfinished; I get the sense that this was initially meant to be one book that was stretched into two...and it shows. Certain plot elements that are brought up early, such as the communications jam and the infiltration of the Republic's shipyards, seem to be forgotten about halfway through the story and are never resolved. The novel ends on a cliffhanger with Anakin and Obi-Wan escaping into the darkness after a harrowing ambush. Simply put, nothing is really resolved. Sure, in a duology there are unresolved plotlines that carry from one book to the next, but usually each book accomplishes something. This one seems to be largely setup: the beginning and part of the middle of a story, but no end. This isn't a short book - it's 395 pages long, and it doesn't feel like there's quite enough story here to adequately fill the pages.

The pacing also proves to bog the story down. The opening is truly exciting; Miller really excels at writing both space battles and ground combat. Every author has their writing niche, so to speak, and this very much seems to be Miller's. The ending is also fast-paced and action-packed, as are a few other encounters peppered throughout "Stealth." Between these sections, though, the story gets very boring. Although the time spent on Coruscant is important, it lasts way longer than it should. Many pages are devoted to the characters sharing their feelings and rehashing arguments; it quickly becomes tiresome to hear the same things rehearsed again and again by the same characters and the book would have been better (and shorter) had some of this been edited out. There were times when I was eagerly tearing through the pages, needing to know what happens next; alternatively, there were also instances where I had to put the book down because I was too bored with yet another discussion or seeming filler event.

In regards to canon characters, Miller does a fantastic job with getting their psyche and characteristics down. Anakin is perfectly tortured, talented, and caring about all that are under his command; he continues to be haunted by the death of his mother and his slaughtering the Sand People on Tatooine. Obi-Wan faces his own issues and doubt concerning how good of a master he was to Anakin. The relationship they share is wonderfully captured here: they joke with one another and sometimes fight, yet it is clear that they have a tender, brotherly bond. There are a lot of great moments with these two. My one complaint would be that they're a little too quick to share their feelings with one another, which leads to the issue of oft-repeated discussions bogging down the story. Otherwise, these two are given a portrayal that is very much in-character.

The other canon characters are also accurately presented. Miller seems to like Bail Organa, which is great since she writes him so well (and I don't recall seeing him in too many books before this). Padme seems more or less true to her character. I haven't run across Ahsoka in any of the novels yet and haven't watched the "Clone Wars" television series, so I have no idea how her portrayal measures up (I personally didn't care for her, but that possibly isn't Miller's fault). There were very few disappointments as far as the canon characters were concerned; they were a joy to read!

The author's original characters, however, aren't quite as easy to buy as the canon characters. There seemed to be a running theme with the original characters: they were taken slightly too far. Taria Damsin struck me as a Mary Sue, which made reading about her unbearable sometimes. She's one of Obi-Wan's former girlfriends, has oddly coloured hair, oddly coloured eyes, is a member of an alien species that looks very similar to humans, is very adept in what she does, is tragically ill with a disease that doesn't seem to affect her abilities, and has a quirky attitude that people love. My issue with her is that she has too much going on; had Miller picked a couple of these traits and toned down the rest, Taria may have been an interesting character. Instead, she's yet another painfully overdone female in the "Star Wars" universe.

The other prominent author-added character, Bant'era Fharen, is slightly more interesting. She's a scientist, captured by Lok Durd and forced to work on his bioweapon. She struggles with the events of her capture and losing loved ones as well as the guilt over working on such a terrible project. Though Bant'era manages to put things right in the end, she suffers a lot before that point. While perhaps not the best character to grace the Galaxy of Far Far Away, she demonstrated enough internal turmoil to be interesting in this setting. Unfortunately, the trend of going too far emerged with Doctor Fharen, too: a lot of what Bant'era actually says comes off as a person "trying" to be a scientist, rather than someone who really is a scientist. I've known plenty of scientists, and none of them speak with as much jargon as Bant'era frequently uses. With both of her original characters, Miller went a bit overboard with trying to convince us that they were special in some way, rather than letting the characters speak for themselves.

I haven't read the author's other Clone Wars novels and, as I said earlier, I haven't seen the "Clone Wars" television series, so I have no idea if Lok Durd is Miller's creation or not. I found him to be taken a little too far, as well. Obviously, he's not the mastermind behind the Separatist plots, but I found it difficult to believe that he could orchestrate anything with how easily he flew into a rage and lashed out at everything around him. Also, why are all Nemoidians incompetent?

On a random note, everyone seems to use the word "barve" at the drop of a hat. It doesn't matter who is speaking or whom is being spoken about, but "barve" is used by practically every character to describe an antagonist. It simply doesn't read particularly smoothly when every character is using this same word (Bail, Padme, Anakin, Obi-Wan, and others).

Overall, "Stealth" is hardly the worst "Star Wars" book out there, but it's also not the best. It's entertaining and has some amazingly written action scenes, but the novel often felt like it was initially meant to be one novel that had been expanded into two. The pacing is a bit off with some characters rehearsing the same discussions over and over. Miller has a great grasp on the canon characters, but her original characters are a bit much. I can certainly say this: I'm eager to read the second book in the duology. A solid 3 stars.

This review is also posted on Amazon.com.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book suffers from what almost every book set in this time period suffer from which is inconsistent powers. Jedi character would go from absolutely manhandling hordes of droids in one scene and then in the next, they talk about how it would be certain death if a handful of droids detected them. Force abilities have always been inconsistent, but in this book they can hide themselves in the force. Not just make them less noticeable. Completely hide them from view so nobody can see them. Miller tells how Anakin, with no training, was able to hide his podracer from his opponents. . This kind of power seems like it would've been valuable to the Jedi in other circumstances.

This book was decent but I didn't get into it. A little too much was focused on the morality of war that doesn't sound terrible, but Anakin took a pretty ridiculous angle that got annoying. Essentially he argued that they shouldn't lie to the scientist because lying is wrong, although this would put the lives of millions and maybe billions in danger.

I can't remember if it was introduced in this book or one of the previous, but I don't like the introduction that Jedi can have sex, they just can't get attached. This seems way too far outside of how the Jedi Order's view on relationships and attachment.

I think it would've been a better decision if Miller made the scientist, Bant'era Fharen, more likeable/sympathetic. Her stubborn refusal to even consider that it is absurd to put the lives of 10-15 of her friends above the potential vicious murder of billions at the hand of her virus.
She actually feels pride when she succeeds with her virus and tests it on a rodent, which dies horribly. At this point, halfway through the two books, I would prefer than Fharen dies after being exposed to her own virus.

The biggest problem I had with this book is that it seemed like much of the plot didn't need to happen. They infiltrate the base and witness the scientist proving the efficacy of the virus and Lok Durd is right there. What stops them from busting out of the air vents and capturing them both? We never really hear a good reason or what their alternative plan is. Instead, they just putting off coming up with an actual plan. Worst of all, they don't even seem to care the Durd could've backed up or sent the formula for the virus elsewhere. Why is that not a huge deal to them? Even if they stop them this time, they can just try again or create the virus in many different places if they know how to make it. But the scientist tells them that he wouldn't do that, so they put their trust in her and risk the lives of billions.

Also, don't read the blurb on the back. It is less a blurb than a near complete plot summary.

[Cudahy Family Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Wars The Clone Wars: Gambit – Stealth is the first in a duology by Karen Miller, and also takes place after the Clone Wars novels: The Clone Wars, Wild Space, and No Prisoners.

The book takes into account what happened in Wild Space (also written by Karen Miller). Obi-Wan is still feeling the effects from Zigoola and will forever be touched by darkness even though he didn’t descend into the dark side himself. We also get to see more of the great friendship that has formed between Bail and Obi-Wan.

After an initial battle against the Separatists over who will control the planet, Kothlis, and a short stay on Coruscant, Obi-Wan and Anakin (despite running ragged from the constant fighting) take on a stealth mission to Lanteeb, to find out just what is taking place there. What could the Separatists possibly want the planet for?

Lanteeb takes the plot forward with the evil that is taking place there but it’s the connection and banter between Obi-Wan and Anakin that keep you coming back for more. Obi-Wan recognizes that he has failed Anakin as a master in very meaningful ways. Anakin had a terrible past as a slave that he has not come to terms with and because he came to the Jedi Temple at nine, he has the need for deep connections and love from other people. Obi-Wan, having been raised in the Temple since infancy, has no idea how to handle these strong feelings from Anakin. He has tried his best and in being a very good friend to Anakin, instead of being completely cool and aloof, has helped him tremendously but Obi-Wan never seems to truly understand. If instead of trying to change Anakin and make him suppress all these emotions, the Jedi had worked with them, they might have had less of a ticking time bomb in Anakin.

All of this is beautifully shown through how Obi-Wan and Anakin interact throughout their mission, how they see the people they come across, and how they feel they should move forward knowing the things they do.

Gambit – Stealth being part of a duology ends on a cliffhanger that I’m eager to see what happens next and how Obi-Wan and Anakin pull through.

[Ksenia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ I've been meaning to finish this book for quite some time because I read its sequel, Siege, years ago, and had a lot of fun with it. And, unfortunately, Stealth is the definition of a 'this meeting could have been an email' novel. Reading it has been a chore, and I felt like it dragged on for forever. Now, I know that these book tie-ins are just official fanfiction, targeted at the audience as general as possible, but still they are usually quick and fun and to the point. Stealth made me understand why abridged versions of books exist: it is way too long, unnecessarily so, and unbelievably repetitive. Anakin and Obi-Wan go through the same set of actions, face the same issues, and have the same argument 50 times over, while the plot is at a standstill. You can't even immerse yourself into the bleak atmosphere this novel is trying to present or the complicated morality behind wartime decisions, because everything is comically over-explained and on the nose. There were some very good scenes sprinkled throughout this sea of tedium, but they are no panacea.

I do think that Karen Miller is a good writer, she knows how to organically incorporate the expansive and contradictory worldbuilding of the Star Wars universe into her narratives. I also think she writes the best Anakin of the Clone Wars era, with all his appeal and all his hypocrisy - the good, the bad, and the ugly, as well as the best dynamic between Anakin and Obi-Wan, past Anakin's apprenticeship and before the Fall. I would still recommend picking up Siege, as a much better, much more exciting book. All you need to know about the events of Stealth you could easily read in a plot summary format and avoid wasting your time.