Rating: 
Summary: Intrigue, Battle, and Motive
Review: As the Clone Wars rage on, the planet Ord Cestus is caught between Republic and Separatist forces. The planet's main export is battle droids, which it delivers to any side willing to pay. The Republic embargoes Cestus's droids leading them to the brink of economic collapse. The Separatists make "an offer they can't refuse" to bail them out of the crisis. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine sends Jedi Masters Kit Fisto and Obi-Wan Kenobi with a squad of clone trooper commandos to convince Cestus's leaders to refuse the offer. Try as they might, Obi-Wan and his force are thwarted by an unknown enemy who is one step ahead of them. Should they fail, Palpatine will send a Republic fleet to burn Ord Cestus to ashes. The Jedi and clone troopers must defeat the hidden enemy and convince Ord Cestus to remain with the Republic before it is too late for all.
I really enjoyed this book because not only was it fast paced and full of action, but it delved deeply into the thoughts and motivations of the main characters. The clone trooper commander, A-98 "Nate," was really brought to life. Prior to this book I had viewed the clone troopers primarily as cannon fodder. Barnes let us see into the hopes, dreams, fears, and expectations of the clone troopers. They are "human" after all. He also shed some light on the somewhat uneasy relationship between the Jedi and the clone troopers that they command. I also liked the book because Anakin was not present. I learned more about Obi-Wan as a Jedi Knight - not a Jedi Knight tethered to his Padawon. The suspense built up throught the story making it an enjoyable and easy read. It also foreshadowed Chancellor Palpatine's true nature. His threats of ravaging a non-compliant world would later be realized with Alderaan.
Rating: 
Summary: Underwhelming
Review: 2.5 stars rounded to 3.
There is nothing in this book that is really bad, however nothing is really great. The biggest problem is that Barnes is taking pieces from various media and dropping them in without any backstory for those who haven't experienced the media the characters appeared in. I speak primarily of Asajj Ventress apparently from the Dark Horse comics, and the X'Ting apparently from a novella 'The Hive'.
When put together, these pieces fit disjointedly and really harm the continuity and flow of the book, making it difficult to get interest in continuing on, or in caring for the characters.
As for the story, well it is both Shatterpoint Lite, and Hard Contact. Jedi go to a planet to solve a problem and find lies and deceit. Stover did this better in Shatterpoint. We see one clone trooper picked out to develop and after having read the absolutely superb Hard Contact, it seemed shallow and forced the way it was done here.
The actual Cestus problem was really meaningless, and very little time given to it. Again, the book seemed a series of unrelated vignettes that Barnes wanted to explore but he just couldn't pull them into a cohesive work. Instead the read is left a little befuddled wondering what he read, and more importantly, why he read it.
Rating:
Summary: Lame
Review: After reading Shatterpoint this was a disappointment. While I did like the treatment of the clone soldier, I thought the treatment of Obiwan was just plain dumb. If the Jedi were that easy to fool, what made them so great? Also, the reactions of the Regent were unrealistic.
Still, if you're a Star Wars fan it's worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: A very solid entry into the developing clone wars saga
Review: First off i am a long time fan ofstar Wars perticularly star wars novels. I havehad mixed feelings on mst of the Str Wars writtings ever since Del Ray took the publishing rigts.(if yo are only intrested in The Cetus Deception please skip this section) The NJO siries was a good chang of pace for a while howeer i started feelin too unrealistic after a while, (yes even for Star Wars) I throughl enoyed Tatoiene Goast by Troy Denning, his brding the classic charecters with those of the new films was flawless.Thoose who are still true to the charecter of Star Wars and not the special effects, don't pass this one up. Mathew Woodrin Stover's Shatteoint, did a great job making Samuel Jackson's role in the teo new films, have more hn one demention. Although this book draled on way o long and some of te situaitions we'e just there so Stover could writeanther actionscene with the purple lightsaber wielding waror. A good start for the clone wars novel sirie. (also try Traitor one of the better NJO boks by Stover) AND NOW WE COME T THE CETUS DECEPTION:
Written by Steeve Brnes who actually wrote some great Twilight Zone Eposodes. The story is actuall quite well developed. Barnes sheds light on astr wars race that, to my knolladge, before his novel never exsted. The X'Ting of Cets, pushed back from thier homeland by human entrepenues, thre race ravagd by diseese. One of the more intresting concets is that they actually swich beetween male and female over the course of a hree ear cycle.
II will not tell you much of the story, so as not to give away the ending. But a few of the charecters are, Aiji Ventress, count Duku's dark side apretess. Obi-Wan Kenobi the sta of the sow. Kit Fisto, a Waer World jedi maste,(who uses the force to push therpio down in The Atack of he Clones). Snoil a malussc alienn senetor the brains behnd h operaition. Nate a clone trooper, perhaps Barn's biggest acomplishment was speading light on the philosophy of ones sole purpouse to fight, but culd he love? Te Cetus Deception would be a strong stand alone read however, o more undestand why Asaji Ventress wants so much to kill Obi-Wan,I would pick up a copy of the Graphic Novel Clone Wars volume Two.
Rating: 
Summary: An Excellent SW Debut for Steven Barnes
Review: Not having read any of Barnes' previous novels, i was not quite sure what to expect in this book. However, Steven managed to create a truly excellent addition to the Star Wars library. Obi-wan's struggle to stop the bio-droid factories while avoiding wholescale slaughter is one of the best political sub-plots ever to appear in a Star wars novel. Asajj Ventress also makes an impressive debut in this book, and her battle with Obi-wan at the end is very well-choreographed. The centerpiece of this book is the evolution of Nate, an ARC trooper serving under Kenobi, into Jangotat, a brave individual who makes a spectacular sacrifice. Kudos to Barnes for adding several new alien species to the SW pantheon, particularly the X'ting. Hopefully the rest of the Clone Wars series can offer as much enjoyment as this book did.
Rating:
Summary: Best clones ever...
Review: Not only is Steven Barnes a great sci fi author, but he is also a superb martial artist. His background adds very interesting insight into the clone soldiers who really come to life in this book. They are seen as unique, honorable, interesting, and very human. Lots of bushido elements if you are looking for them. In one chapter the Jedi teach some basic techniques (e.g., movement, breathing, concentration) that seem highly reminiscent of sanchin kata to Nate, the main clone in this story. I suppose only us goofy martial arts types would notice that, but I think it is kind of cool. Anyone who lives in Washington State will recognize the name of the spaceport too. All in all, Barnes really makes this Star Wars tale interesting, believable, and fun to read. I only wish it was longer...
Rating: 
Summary: This is not The Cestus Deception
Review: Please note that the reviews quoted here are for the full-length novel "The Cestus Deception."
"The Hive" is a side-story - a novella.
Rating:
Summary: Well-Written & Intriguing addition to the Star Wars mythos
Review: Star Wars: The Cestus Deception by STEVEN BARNES is the first Clone Wars novel to come out since last years' Mace Windu book Shatterpoint. The Cestus Deception brings together, everyone's favorite investigative Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi along with Kit Fisto (the Jedi that knocked over C-3PO'c battle droid body). The two Jedi are sent on a mission to the world of Cestus, which has been bringing out a new type of droid known as the JK (for Jedi Killers). While Kenobi attempt to bring Cestus back into the Republic fold, Fisto along with 3 Clone Troopers attempts rally the desperate farmers and miners in a fight against corporate oppressiom. Filled with double and triple crosses, this book is certainly interesting and while it is full of surprises, this story truly holds the readers attention and is well-crafted. Most intriguing are the chapters regarding an ARC Clone Trooper Captain known as Nate. This is the first look in to the mind of a clone trooper and while Barnes is a little obvious with where the character ends up, his journey is both interesting and insightful. Overall, I give this book a high 5 stars. Anyway read and enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Great stuff
Review: Steven Barnes foray into the Star Wars universe is a wonderful book. He provides a very interesting look into the mind of a "clone" warrior that provides a lot of food for thought. His battle scenes are well written, while the politics provide the usual Star Wars back stabbing and intrigue. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Amazing
Review: Steven Barnes is one fantastic author!!!! I absolutely loved his book! All Starwars or Sci-Fi fans should read this book. This is the first book of his i have read, but will not be the last. Great work Steve!
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