The Changing of the Guard, a young reader novel, represents the eighth installment in a series exploring the escapades of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker during the period between Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace and Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones.
- ISBN 0439339243 ; Published in March of 2004 by Scholastic , this edition is a 160-page paperback.
- ISBN 1417640650 ; Released in February 2004, this school/library binding edition contains 152 pages and is published by Tandem Library Books.
- ISBN 0606313028 ; This 152-page school/library binding edition was published by Sagebrush Corporation on August 26 , 2004.
- ISBN 3833210729 ; A German paperback edition with 172 pages, published in November 2004 by Dino Entertainment.
Romin, a planet rife with wickedness and moral decay, serves as a haven for galactic criminals, notably the Republic's nemesis, the malevolent scientist Jenna Zan Arbor.
To thwart Zan Arbor's wicked schemes, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and fellow Jedi must infiltrate Romin, adopting the guise of a band of rogues. In this lawless environment, the Jedi must become masters of duplicity to ensnare a master of deceit.
Jenna Zan Arbor, a nefarious scientist, has found refuge on Romin. Roy Teda, the planet's tyrannical ruler, provides sanctuary to criminals in exchange for substantial bribes. Obi-Wan and Anakin team up with Siri and Ferus, assuming the identities of the Slam gang, aiming to enter Romin and apprehend Zan Arbor.
Upon their arrival, they are contacted by Joylin, the leader of the Romin citizen resistance. They strike a deal to assist the resistance in overthrowing the oppressive regime in return for Zan Arbor's secure removal from the planet. However, when the plan crumbles, the Jedi receive a communication from the escaped Teda and Zan Arbor, who request a meeting.
With their Slam-gang facade exposed, the Jedi are forced to confront Teda's forces until a Jedi rescue team arrives, including Master Mace Windu, a member of the Jedi High Council. Returning to the capital, the Jedi approach Joylin, only to discover she was bribed by Zan Arbor to facilitate her and Teda's escape. Although the two criminals flee the planet, Anakin manages to place a tracking device on their ship.