DVD Corner

Star Wars: Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss Book Review

“Star Wars: Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss” is uneven. 

Written by Steven Barnes, “Star Wars: Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss” takes place after “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace: Episode 1.” After receiving a message/favor from the late Quin-Gon Jinn, Mace Windu ventures to the planet Metagos on a mission of great importance. In the past, a solar storm hit the planet making it uninhabitable and forced the citizens to live in layered underground caverns nicknamed the glass abyss. The planet is ruled by criminals such as an integrated rodian/farakai duo named Chulok and a worm queen named Sybil (who has many, many offspring). The poor suffer under their rule. There are other inhabitants as well including the Sa’ad clan that take care of the silk producing spider-worms known as the Hillians and the fungus creatures known as the Depth Dwellers that have been quarantined off essentially.

Wanting to help the planet and get rid of the criminal element, Mace goes undercover as Solver and ingratiates himself with Chulok and Sybil. He begins to play both sides against one another leading to an all-out war.

There are numerous subplots to be found here involving an assassin (Nala), droids, KinShan Nightbird of the Spinner Clan (who develops a strong bond with Mace), etc.

Given that this is a Mace Windu story, there is plenty of characterization to be found here. Getting to learn about his past before the Jedi took him in, his internal struggles, his Jedi code, warrior skills, Web/Force connections, and his nightmares (which have been caused by someone) allowed readers to get more of an understanding of the Jedi character even if his life changing adventure gets a bit convoluted as the story progresses. It doesn’t quite feel like it matches up with the Mace we see in the films and animated series. It should be noted that there are some fantastic tidbits here involving a Qui-Gon flashback as well as a scene with young Anakin. 

Where the story falters a bit is with Metagos itself. Barnes seems much more concerned with Tolkien level world building (it is very wordy to say the least) than with Windu and a deep plot. One can argue that Metagos doesn’t feel altogether Star Wars, especially with the blatant “Dune” rip-offs throughout (“The silk flows”). The attention to the crime lords and the war element drags on for much too long. The novel could have easily been trimmed down 50 or so pages and would have flowed better.

Overall: It’s always nice to see more prequel era stories, but Mace Windu deserved a stronger story than what ‘Glass Abyss’ provides him. It’s worth a read for SW book lovers, but it is by no means essential.

October 17, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Anakin, Jedi, Mace Windu, QUI-Gon Jinn, Star Wars, Star Wars Books, Star Wars: Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss Book Review