"WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S TRAGEDY OF THE SITH'S REVENGE: Star Wars Part the Third," by Ian Doescher, Quirk Books, $14.95, 162 pages (f)
"In time so long ago," begins our play, "in a vengeful galaxy far, far away."
Author Ian Doescher brings the sixth addition to his William Shakespeare's Star Wars retellings in the same hilarious and entertaining way readers have come to expect from the previous books.
"Tragedy of the Sith's Revenge: Star Wars Part the Third" follows the movie "Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith," detailing "the fall of the House of Skywalker." The Jedi are at war, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi must face General Grievous, and Anakin Skywalker finds his way to the dark side of the Force at the hands of the secret Sith Lord Chancellor Palpatine.
Star Wars fans, Shakespeare fans and readers who delight in cleverness are sure to enjoy what Doescher has done with this popular story. Following the same format as the previous books, "Tragedy of the Sith's Revenge" is written in the form of a play, complete with entry and exit cues and act dividers — with the addition of excellent artwork.
While Doescher's work is sure to make readers laugh out loud, it shouldn't be brushed aside as merely a parody. Doescher's writing and observance of Elizabethan style is well done and impressive. Master Yoda's voice remains recognizable, even with its Shakespearian flair, R2-D2 retains his lines with all his "meep-ing" and "beeping," and even Chewbacca sneaks in a line.
"Tragedy of the Sith's Revenge," which was released Sept. 8, is sure to be a treat for readers.
"Tragedy of the Sith's Revenge" contains no swearing, violence or sexual content.
Hikari Loftus is a graduate of the University of Utah. She blogs at FoldedPagesDistillery.blogspot.com.