Rating: 
Summary: Interesting to read the book after seeing the movie
Review: I normally don't read books after I've already seen the movie, and especially not books based on a screenplay. But since I like Star Wars, I thought I would make an exception with this book.It went a little slowly since I already knew the story, but I did enjoy it the whole time. The book was pretty much right in line with the movie, but there is a some extra information in the book that you don't get in the movie, such as a better picture of Annakin's life before the Queen and her entourage show up on Tatooine, and a better understanding of the relationship between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, and a more in-depth explanation of the Sith, and their background. If you're a Star Wars fan, you'll probably like this whether you've seen the movie or not.
Rating:
Summary: The Beginning
Review: Terry Brooks works around George Lucas' script to give an expanded view that a movie can't. Reading this helps fill in all those holes that were there in the movie and what gave it such a poor rating by the critics. Eventually we will see a re-edited version of the movie the would match the book, sometime in the future
Rating: 
Summary: Better than average movie adaptation
Review: You know you are in the hands of a capable writer when he manages to acheive the impossible: Making Jar Jar interesting.
Terry Brooks takes time to flesh out characters and exposition. The reader is thankful for it, especially when it came to Darth Maul and the reasons why the Jedi Counsel had reservations about Anakin. Not to mention out of all the Star Wars novels out there, Brooks has been able to explain the force in practical and economic terms.
The only downside: It's still a movie adaptation. No doubt those reading this review have seen the movie a few times. That's the problem. I found myself glancing over familiar bits of action in order to get to the exposition. The very same exposition why one would want to read the book in the first place. You will not be disappointed, enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Great Characterizations and Background Information
Review: I enjoyed reading this novelization of the movie even more than seeing the movie. This book gave depth and background to the characters that was missing in the movie. The movie was more enjoyable to watch after reading this book.
Rating: 
Summary: Fair Book.
Review: This book is okay in some parts. But usually it's just boring. You're going to want to read it only one time. That's it.
Rating:
Summary: good characterizations
Review: This novelization expands on Anakin's character in particular, and reveals the intended scope of the film. To better understand Skywalker, I highly recommend the _Jedi Quest_ series, beginning with _Path to Truth_ about how he builds his legendary blue lightsaber. Another great series is _Jedi Apprentice_, which details the relationship between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. They are written for younger readers, but their psychological focus on those characters is unparalleled in Star Wars writing. It helped me care about Qui-Gon, in particular, in a way that _Phantom Menace_ did not.
Rating:
Summary: Terry Brooks saves part of this dreary beginning.
Review: Ever heard the expression - "The book was better than the movie?" This time around, it appears to be true (see my review on the movie for an example) and the only writer who could save Lucas' loss of storytelling is Terry Brooks. There is a difference between this book and the others -the quality of the writer. I have been a fan of Star Wars since I was 4 years old and The Phantom Menace, as a movie, held so few good moments that it isn't timeless. The book is written in a mature fashion similar to the original "A New Hope" story. What I mean by this, and I'm not talking about gore, sex, and anything else that wouldn't be graphic in the Star Wars Universe, is that the story is told intelligently. The review seems to favor the author, rather than the story, but bear with me. You've seen the movie, liked it or didn't, I don't know. Anyone reading this review has a general idea in either case of the story. That stated, the only thing left to comment on is the life that Terry Brooks has brought to a shifty and often lifeless screenplay. That is a writers job and he did it well. I recommend seeing the movie, but before giving up all patience with the Prequel series, read the novel. The Force May Be With You ... again... ***The reviewer is author of: Amber Spirit: Poems & Stories (Hats Off Books, 2001) and a frequent magazine contributor & short story contest judge.
--This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition
Rating:
Summary: Good, but could have been better
Review: I thought that this book was all right. It gave far more detail than any other novelization of The Phantom Menace that I have read so far. There were a few parts that weren't in the movie that I think were added just to take up space, but as far as description goes I recommend this.
Rating:
Summary: The best of the six.
Review: Star wars - The Phantom Menace was an excellent book. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys science fiction novels which are action packed. Troughout the story there was never a dull moment. It was full of dazzling action scenes which were very detailed and kept my attention. Another good feature about this book is the many vivid details that I could see, such as the desription of the people and the landscape. I felt like I was running through the desert with the Jedi knights in Tatoonie. The last reason that I would recommend this book for geting four stars is because it's the beginning of the six star wars and shows the life of Darth Vader as young child before he goes to the Darkside. Overall this was a great.
Rating:
Summary: The first book always [stinks]
Review: As many of you would agree, the first book to ANY trilogy always [stinks]. The first book would always have to explain everything and get you tuned into the whole deal. I read the book and I was satisfied. Although I don't think Terry Brooks did his best, this is still a good book. Jar Jar Binks and Darth Maul- again, as many of you know- were probably the worst characters in any of the Star Wars movies. They were put in the story to keep it from boring anyone. The main point of the Phantom Menace was to introduce Anakin Skywalker and to reveal his potential powers. Jar Jar was put in to produce the comedy while Darth Maul gave Obi Wan and Qui Gon a reason to do the famous saber fighting. Although Brooks could have done better, he still did an excellent job in writing the boring first book. I'd recommend this book to anybody, especially young readers.
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