The Cestus Deception

This was a book that nearly snuck in under the radar. After a cancellation of another Clone Wars novel, it was unclear when the next book would come out. Therefore, about a year after Shatterpoint–the first Clone Wars novel–hit shelves, The Cestus Deception finally arrived. It was historic in two ways.

Not only does The Cestus Deception mark the first Star Wars novel written by Steven Barnes, but it is also the first Star Wars book written by an African-American author. And what a debut it was.

The overall plot is that Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Kit Fisto, along with a detachment of clonetroopers are sent to the planet Ord Cestus to dissuade the government, run by a corrupt corporation, to cease production of a lethal new droid model, which the Confederacy of Independent Systems is intent on using to destroy the Jedi. Obi-Wan's mission is to attempt a diplomatic response, but a saboteur with a hidden agenda makes sure that diplomacy fails. The novel proceeds in a race against time to resolve the situation before millions perish, as Obi-Wan finally realizes his mistakes, and nearly pays for it with his life.

Though the novel contains a fairly small cast of characters, Barnes concentrates mostly on a clonetrooper designated A-98 or ‘Nate' for short. It's interesting to note that it was Barnes's idea to delve into the psyche of a Grand Army Republic trooper. Readers are treated to the realization that these troops are most certainly not droid army machines. They have feelings, emotions, and everything else you would expect from human beings.

The novel also deals with Obi-Wan Kenobi, and his internal struggle to deal with a fairly major oversight. Barnes switches back and forth between Obi-Wan and Nate, without dwelling on any particular subject for an inordinate amount of time. In fact, unlike other authors, who build dramatic tension by switching to another character/scene at the moment of a major event, Barnes instead stays with that character until they get a chance to ‘breath', if you will. Though this decreases the buildup of the climax, it's a refreshing change of pace. Readers will find it nice to read a book with a plot that doesn't jerk them around.

Barnes does a superb job in this novel of getting into character's heads, without preaching, and yet makes the point that a person is more than the sum of their parts. There is an underlying philosophical message here that's hard to identify, but makes the reader appreciate the writing on a whole new level.

Barnes will not only surprise readers, by surpassing expectations of a Star Wars author, but in fact sets the bar higher than ever before. This reader will certainly be seeking other works by Steven Barnes, and is proud to place The Cestus Deception on the bookshelf.