The Star Wars expanded universe grows ever richer with the new audiobook addition of “Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth,” an exciting tale written by acclaimed sci-fi author Karen Miller and vividly brought to life through Jeff Gurner’s narration. Set in the midst of the Clone Wars, this action-packed story follows Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker on a dangerous undercover mission that will test their skills as Jedi and push their bond to the limit.
As the book opens, the Jedi Knights are dispatched by the Council to the Outer Rim planet of Lanteeb to investigate a mysterious communications breakdown with a secret outpost there. This remote Lanteeb colony is populated solely by clones originally intended for the Jedi Shadow program, whose covert operations training and pure genetic makeup make them ideal for secret missions without direct Jedi oversight. However, Obi-Wan and Anakin soon discover tensions running high among the paranoid and unsupervised clones who have operated autonomously on Lanteeb for years, cut off from guidance and tempered wisdom of the Jedi.
After braving a asteroid field to land undetected on Lanteeb, the Jedi encounter the tight-knit community of clones known as Lok Revenants, led by the pragmatic Commander Knol Ven’nari and his second-in-command, the volatile assassin Keyven. Unaccustomed to Jedi interference, the Lok Revenants view the newcomers with suspicion as they investigate the mysterious communications sabotage. Obi-Wan urges patience and diplomacy, hoping to forge an alliance with Ven’nari, while the headstrong Anakin pursues his own reckless agenda that threatens to undermine their mission.
When a shocking assassination rocks the Lok Revenant ranks, long-brewing tensions explode into chaos. Obi-Wan works desperately to prove the Jedi’s innocence and prevent a civil war among the Revenants, while Anakin’s impulsive actions endanger them both. Even as deeper conspiracy unravels around them, and the elusive saboteur continues sowing discord, Obi-Wan struggles to restrain and advise his increasingly independent Padawan who may be falling prey to the dark side.
Miller’s forceful prose and Gurner’s dramatic narration lend vivid dimension to legendary characters like Obi-Wan and Anakin, exploring the complexities of their relationship as mentor and student. Their philosophical differences escalate amidst the lawlessness of the Outer Rim, foreshadowing the divisions that will ultimately tear them apart. Gurner’s pacing and voicing capture all the excitement of Miller’s dynamic action sequences, from stealth infiltrations to full-throttle space dogfights.
The audiobook introduces some memorable new characters as well, including Commander Ven’nari, brought to life through Gurner’s gravelly baritone, a compelling mentor-like figure who forges a nuanced connection with Obi-Wan. Keyven’s cocky and sardonic voice, portrayed in crisp accents by Gurner, perfectly encapsulates his ruthless ambition and maverick instincts. A.I. narration and sound effects heighten the interstellar ambience, transporting listeners to the far-flung settings of aquatic planets and asteroid field space battles.
Miller’s world-building expands the Clone Wars period as Palpatine manipulates galactic turmoil, and populations like the Revenants operate in the deep shadows far from Jedi oversight. Obi-Wan’s struggles offer insight into the ideological divides growing within the Order and the Republic itself. By contrasting his devotion to duty and protocol with Anakin’s explosive independence, Miller explores the complex factors that will ultimately unravel the Jedi Order and bring the Chosen One over to the dark side.
With mounting danger and thrilling twists at every turn, “Star Wars: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth” adds an electrifying new chapter to the legendary saga. Karen Miller weaves a compelling glimpse at this volatile period through the lens of the two most famous Jedi caught in the turmoil. Jeff Gurner’s voice talent animates the memorable new characters and relationships added to the rich Star Wars galaxy. This audiobook is an absolute must-listen for Star Wars fans of all ages.
