The official novelization of the movie, Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, is the book Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, penned by R. A. Salvatore. Del Rey published it on April 23, 2002. This book features expanded movie scenes, deleted scenes, and brand-new scenes not in the film. The paperback version has 32 storyboard pages displaying art from the First Battle of Geonosis, an intro written by Rick McCallum, and a sneak peek at Matthew Stover's novel, Shatterpoint. Jonathan Davis narrated the audiobook version.
A significant disruption is felt in the Force…. From the polished starships above Coruscant to the serene landscapes of Naboo, discontent is brewing. The Republic is failing, even with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine at the helm, who was chosen ten years prior to rescue the failing government. Separatists are threatening war, and the Senate is deeply divided, unable to decide whether to create an army for battle or maintain the fragile peace. This deadlock, if broken, could plunge the galaxy into chaos.
Anakin Skywalker, both mischievous and determined, and brave to a fault, is maturing during a period of great turmoil. Obi-Wan Kenobi's nineteen-year-old apprentice is a puzzle to the Jedi Council and a challenge for his master. Anakin's ambition remains strong, and his Jedi training has not diminished his independent nature. When an attempt on Senator Padmé Amidala's life reunites them after a decade, it becomes clear that Anakin's strong feelings for the beautiful diplomat have not faded.
The attack on Senator Amidala, occurring just before a critical vote, pushes the Republic closer to the brink of collapse. Masters Yoda and Mace Windu sense a growing unease. The dark side is intensifying, obscuring the Jedi's understanding of events. Unbeknownst to the Jedi, a quiet unrest is escalating into a deafening roar as soldiers prepare for battle. Amidst the Republic's struggles, Anakin and Padmé discover a deep connection that overshadows everything else. Anakin risks losing himself and straying from the Jedi path, bound by the Order's strict rules against such emotions.
Twenty-year-old Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi's apprentice, is brave to the point of recklessness and fiercely independent, coming of age during a time of significant upheaval. The attempted assassination of Senator Padmé Amidala before a crucial vote brings the Republic to the edge of disaster. Unbeknownst to the Jedi, a subtle discontent is escalating into the thunderous preparation of thousands of clone troopers for the ultimate battle. The dark side is growing stronger. Masters Yoda and Mace Windu sense a deep unease…as the impending clash between dark and light threatens to engulf them all in a devastating wave of war.
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The relationship between Padmé and Anakin is explored with more depth.
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On Naboo, after Anakin plays a prank on Padmé, they engage in playful wrestling. While Anakin possesses greater physical strength, Padmé's beauty, strength, and superior combat skills give her the advantage in the movie. She defeats him after a brief struggle, smiling. In the novel, Anakin uses his superior strength to overcome Padmé.
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The Lars family is introduced, and their subplot leads up to their appearance in the movie. The novel reveals how Cliegg Lars lost his leg and develops the relationship between Shmi Skywalker , Owen Lars , and Beru Whitesun .
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Anakin's childhood experience of sparing a wounded Tusken Raider, as depicted in Terry Brooks' Episode I novel (which wasn't in the film), is briefly mentioned in the Episode II novel (and similarly absent from the Episode II film).
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In the Petranaki arena battle, the nexu that attacks Padmé survives longer than in the film. It pursues her as she rides the reek alongside Anakin, and then attacks the spear-wounded acklay. While it's mentioned that all three execution monsters die during the Jedi-droid battle, the acklay's death is the only one described—Obi-Wan kills it, as in the film.
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During Anakin's duel with Count Dooku on Geonosis, Anakin briefly wields his green lightsaber in addition to the blue one Obi-Wan gave him. The film shows Count Dooku cutting Anakin's green blade in half, forcing him to use his blue lightsaber. Conversely, the novel recounts Count Dooku severing Anakin's blue blade, compelling him to use his green lightsaber.
- ISBN 0-345-42881-1 ; April 23 , 2002 , Del Rey , 336 pages, hardcover
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- ISBN 0-345-42882-X ; April 2003 , Del Rey, 368 pages, paperback
- ISBN 8372459479 ; 2002, Amber , 262 pages, Polish paperback
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