Matthew Stover's Star Wars: Shatterpoint, the first in a new Clone Wars saga of novels, is a well-executed adventure story as well as a soul-searching personal journey. Mace Windu is developed into a full, three-dimensional hero with a lot of flaws which makes him far more entertaining than the somewhat flat character seen on-screen. The reader learns of his Force ability to see the "shatter point" of a situation, meaning he can "see" the breaking point of any person, event or situation. A mixed blessing at best.

Depa Bilaba, a member of the Jedi Council, has vanished on the mysterious jungle world of Haruun Kal. When reports of gruesome war atrocities reach Coruscant, Windu is disturbed to learn Depa may be responsible. Has she fallen to the dark side... or something much worse? Since Depa was originally Windu's Padawan, he is compelled to make a solo trek to this world to uncover the truth, even though he knows he will not like what he fines.

The fact that the tale deals with war does put a heavy down note on the novel, especially with some of the tragic twists. Unfortunately this book has little to do with the Clone War itself, dealing instead with "The Summertime War", which has been raging on this generic jungle planet for years. George Lucas obviously wants nothing too major revealed until Episode III is released, so the story does have the flavor of filler.

But what saves it is the brilliant character development Stover puts into all the protagonists. Depa is a well-formed portrayal of a warrior beaten past the breaking point by a situation she can't control. Hints are revealed of her noble past, paralleling how far she has fallen.

Kar Vastor, the "villain" of the story is more an embodiment of the futility of war. He was born from it, it's all he knows and all he does. His raw, animal savagery is a nice contrast to Windu's stoic emotions.

Then there's the Clone Troopers. Stover captures their unwavering commitment to duty, while still having them appear as individuals about whom one can care. It's a pity there's so little of them featured in the story.

But it's Mace Windu who really comes alive on the page, from his eternally furrowed brow to the guilt he feels whenever he sees a Clone Troopers face... apparently Jango Fett was admired by the children of this world. He also suffers dreams of failure. Windu blames himself for not killing Count Dooku on Geonosis, the shatterpoint that would have prevented the entire Clone War in the first place.

But in the end, Star Wars: Shatterpoint is a solid adventure and well worth the read. LucasBooks continues to add more depth to the Star Wars universe with characters and events that are memorable and intriguing. Mace Windu Fans will not want to miss this one.