Cloak of Deception

2001 novel by James Luceno

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Cloak of Deception

Author| James Luceno
Cover artist| Steven Anderson
Language| English
Series| Canon C
Subject| Star Wars
Genre| Science fiction
Publisher| Del Rey

Publication date

| Hardcover:
June 1, 2001
Paperback:
June 25, 2002
Publication place| United States
Media type| Hardcover & Paperback
Pages| Hardcover: 342
Paperback: 368
ISBN| 0-345-44298-9 (hardcover)
ISBN 0-345-44297-0 (paperback)
Preceded by| Darth Maul: Saboteur
Followed by| Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter

Cloak of Deception is a 2001 novel set in the Star Wars galaxy. It is a prequel novel occurring before the events of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. The book was written by James Luceno. The cover art was by Steven Anderson. The book takes place 32.5 years before Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Narration for the audio version was performed by Alexander Adams. The paperback version included a 15-page excerpt of Enemy Lines: Rebel Dream.

## Synopsis

[edit]

The Galactic Republic is in a state of decline, mired in greed and corruption and tangled in bureaucracy. In the outlying systems, where the Trade Federation maintains a stranglehold on shipping routes, tensions are boiling over—while back in the comfort of Coruscant, the hub of civilized space and seat of Republic government, few senators seem inclined to investigate the problem. And those who suspect Supreme Chancellor Valorum of having a hand in the machinations are baffled—especially when Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi foil an assassination attempt on the Chancellor.

With the crisis escalating, Valorum calls for an emergency trade summit. As humans and aliens gather, conspiracies sealed with large sums of money run rampant, and no one is entirely above suspicion. But the greatest threat of all remains unknown to everyone except three members of the Trade Federation, who have entered into a shadowy alliance with the Sith lord Darth Sidious. While the Federation will be content with more money and fewer problems, Sidious has grander, far more terrifying plans.

## Writing

[edit]

While writing the novel, Luceno was granted access to parts of the screenplay drafts and concept art of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. As such, Cloak of Deception marked the first appearance in the series' chronological timeline of almost all of the new characters from Attack of the Clones, including the Techno Union, and other Separatists.

### Opening crawl

[edit]

The back cover of the book features an opening crawl similar to those at the beginning of the Star Wars films:

> After a thousand generations of peace, the Galactic Republic is crumbling. On Coruscant, at the center of civilized space, greed and corruption riddle the Senate, beyond even the abilities of Supreme Chancellor Valorum to remedy. And in the outlying systems, the Trade Federation dominates the hyperlanes with its gargantuan vessels.

> But now even the Trade Federation finds itself assailed from all quarters, preyed upon by pirates and raiders, and victimized by terrorists, who demand an end to the Federation's tyrannical practices.

> It is a time that tests the mettle of all those who strive to hold the Republic together—none more than the Jedi Knights, who have long been the Republic's best hope for preserving peace and justice…

## External links

[edit]

* Amazon.com Listing
* Official CargoBay Listing
* Cloak of Deception on Wookieepedia, a Star Wars wiki

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Star Wars Legends novels (1976–2014)

Film novelizations|

* From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker (1976)
* The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
* Return of the Jedi (1983)
* Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999)
* Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002)
* Episode III – Revenge of the Sith (2005)
* The Clone Wars (2008)

Series|

* The Han Solo Adventures (1979–80)
* The Lando Calrissian Adventures (1983)
* Thrawn (1991–98)
* Jedi Prince (1992–93)
* Jedi Academy (1994)
* Callista trilogy (1995–97)
* Young Jedi Knights (1995–98)
* The Black Fleet Crisis (1996–98)
* X-wing (1996–12)
* Galaxy of Fear (1997–98)
* The Han Solo Trilogy (1997–98)
* Boba Fett (1998–06)
* Jedi Apprentice (1999–02)
* The Rising Force
* The New Jedi Order (1999–03)
* Darth Maul (2001–14)
* Jedi Quest (2001–04)
* Dark Nest (2004)
* Republic Commando (2004–09)
* The Last of the Jedi (2005–07)
* Legacy of the Force (2006–08)
* Darth Bane (2006–09)
* The Force Unleashed (2008–10)
* Fate of the Jedi (2009–12)

The Old Republic series|

* Fatal Alliance (2010)
* Revan (2011)
* Annihilation (2012)

Standalone|

* Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1978)
* The Truce at Bakura (1993)
* The Courtship of Princess Leia (1994)
* The Crystal Star (1994)
* The New Rebellion (1996)
* Shadows of the Empire (1996)
* I, Jedi (1998)
* Rogue Planet (2000)
* Cloak of Deception (2001)
* The Approaching Storm (2002)
* A Forest Apart (2003)
* Tatooine Ghost (2003)
* Survivor's Quest (2004)
* Labyrinth of Evil (2005)
* Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (2005)
* Allegiance (2007)
* Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor (2008)
* Millennium Falcon (2008)
* Death Troopers (2009)
* Crosscurrent (2010)
* Knight Errant (2011)
* Scoundrels (2013)
* Crucible (2013)

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