Lucasfilm and Random House Audio have released new audio and digital/print versions for the two titles from The Essential Legends Collection.
What is the The Essential Legends Collection?
Before discussing both titles, I’ll clarify what The Essential Legends Collection is. Star Wars had many stories before being acquired by Disney.
These stories were told in books, comics, and videogames. When Star Wars became part of Disney, most of said stories were removed from the official canon timeline.
That doesn’t make these books worse or completely irrelevant. They’re often a great way in which you can get to know more about characters and the original vision behind them.
Both Cloak of Deception and Labyrinth of Evil were written by James Luceno. James Luceno is responsible for some iconic Star Wars novels, including: Darth Plagueis, Tarkin, Catalyst, and Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader.
Cloak of Deception and Labyrinth of Evil received brand new audiobook variants today, as well as an updated digital version. Physical versions will likely be released in the future, but an official date is yet to be announced.
Since both of these titles are from the prequel era, the music and sound effects are often taken from these three episodes. If Episodes I-III are your favorite ones, you’re in for a treat.
Star Wars: Cloak of Deception
Cloak of Deception takes place before the events of The Phantom Menace. The Trade Federation is slowly forcing more and more systems into one-sided terms that only benefit them.
After a long period of peace, the Jedi Order and Republic have created a symbiosis that benefits the Galactic Senate more than anyone. Jedi refuse to get “too political” while always being the first in line to deal with problems that threaten the peace.
As a result, corruption has spread like a disease. Unsurprisingly, senators have no urgency to investigate the Trade Federation problem. Everyone has a theory, but the only ones who know the truth behind everything are the three Neimoidians who just allied with a certain Sith Lord/Senator.
The original version of the audiobook was released in 2009 and was narrated by Alexander Adams.
The new audio version is narrated by Jonathan Davis. The highlight of this audiobook is without a doubt Davis’ impression of Qui-Gon Jinn. It’s not just the similar voice but the combination of wisdom, calmness, and even slight defiance towards the Jedi Council that makes his impression so memorable.
Jonathan Davis’ previous work includes Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: Rogue Planet, Star Wars: Kenobi (Amazon affiliate links), and small appearances in games like Red Dead Redemption and Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Amazon Affiliate links. Learn what this means.
Star Wars: Labyrinth of Evil
After the Clone Wars officially began in Attack of the Clones, both the Galactic Republic and the CIS have been constantly trying to undermine the opposite side’s power and influence across the galaxy.
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker manage to capture Nute Gunray on his homeworld, but he manages to escape. However, they stumble upon a prize that could be worth a lot more: information that leads to the mysterious Darth Sidious.
Every location the Jedi visit takes them to a new place, each time getting closer to the Republic’s enemy. They have to get out of multiple deadly situations. Something that makes them believe they’re very close to the target.
As a surprise to no one, Sidious is always one step ahead of the Jedi. In reality, he’s just playing with them and planning something big that will put an end to the Jedi Order and the Republic once and for all.
Marc Thompson is the man responsible for narrating the audiobook. Thompson has read dozens of Star Wars stories; my favorites being all 3 phases of the High Republic.
While his impressions aren’t as precise as others’, he’s capable of conveying every bit of emotion during the most intense moments. Especially those centered around pain, anger, sadness, and violence.
Amazon Affiliate links. Learn what this means.
