Rating: 
Summary: As with most books, better than the movie.
Review: As a life long Star Wars fan, I debated on whether to read this when it first came out (before the movie did) or wait for the movie. I decided to read it first and was not disappointed! I saw the movie on the first day but enjoyed the book so much more. I recently read this book again after watching the VHS version and was once again more excited while reading the book. It does so much more to develop the characters and you catch things they didn't necessarily focus on in the movie. And if you are a huge fan, these little trivia tidbits are invaluable. And if you are not a fan, why are you reading this review anyway? Just kidding. May the Force Be With You All!
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully written!
Review: This book is great! For those that have seen the film, this book adds a lot of character development and background. Being able to "get into a character's mind" is very helpful in understanding what is really going on. It's easy to get into, and Brooks' style is easy to understand and follow.It also adds a lot of things not seen in the film. Anakin has a close encounter with a Tusken Raider, and the story starts with the Podrace briefly mentioned in the film where he wrecks Watto's pod. A definate must-read for fans of Star Wars, this is not just a movie put into words, rather it's an expansion on what Lucas has given us visually.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than most novelizations, much added
Review: Brooks largely succeeds in adding to the movie's storyline and characters rather than simply recited its script in novel format. Nearly all the characters' thoughts, feelings and motives have been enhanced beyond what was apparent in the film. Although in places (mostly the first half), too little is enhanced, there are a large number of improvements. Anakin's admiration for Padme and how he reacts to it makes more psychological sense, Sideous' motives for the Trade Federation's attack are clearer, and Obi-Wan receives much needed strengthening as a primary character. A few scenes have been altered, whether from Brooks trying to improve upon them or because he worked from an unfinished script. Strict fans of the movie may have a hard time reconciling, but in each case the changes are justifiable and often enhance the story. Brooks seems to have rushed the ending judging by poorer, more excited language, but his climax and resolution are almost as enjoyable as the film's. A fine attempt at a novelization, certainly better than most.
Rating: 
Summary: Oh, How the Mighty have Fallen...
Review: I'm generally fond of Brooks' work... But his characterizations here leave a small, yet large, amount to be desired. 1. For example, the notion that Obi-wan Kenobi would begin to feel personal anger against his mentor Q.G. Jinn because of the latter's slam-dunking Anakin past the objections of the Jedi Council; I find this really hard to believe.* In this, Brooks displays an unpardonable lack of insight into the bond formed between an older man and his younger protege, (and of humanoid relations, generally). Not only had Obi-wan been raised by his mentor, he also had been initiated into the arcane practices and disciplines of a highly moral, SPIRITUAL order, taught martial self-defense, and quite likely his life had been saved on several occasions by the older man. Father, guide, and companion to the younger man, who can seriously entertain the sort of reaction Brooks describes from a man with "the deepest commitment, the most serious mind"? The strong mythological element in SW clearly casts the Jedi into the role of Spiritual warriors, a la the Knights Templar and certain Alchemists, (e.g., Paracelsus). That is, "becoming a Jedi is not an easy challenge" precisely because it involves a life of substantial INNER PURITY. Brooks completely misses the point on this one, unwittingly derogating and belittling the powers of the order to something akin to Spiderman. 2. Brooks also appears to be confused on the notion of a laser - lasers are coherent light photons, NOT electrons, as Brooks seems to suggest (final Jedi battle). 3. In fairness, the difficulty no doubt is having to apply his excellent talents to characters not of his own creation, and so by default any description becomes a second-hand portrait, with "something not-quite-right around the mouth". Overall, the book's OK for an alternate, if not compelling, angle on what goes on in the film. *Obi-Wan was obviously zealously concerned for his Master's reputation with the Council, and unable to understand his insistence on the boy's training. But PERSONAL rancor? Not in THAT galaxy!
Rating:
Summary: You Are There!
Review: Alexander Adams does an excellent job of reading the unabridged version. His characterizations are clear (as are the special effects) and easy to recognize (a must when narrating a long story). Brooks does a great job in filling out the characters (something the movie fails to do) and you get a real sense of being there. The "race" was especially good. 9.5 hours. Well worth the purchase price.
Rating:
Summary: Some new parts!
Review: This is the movie we all saw. It was definetely a cool book, because it explains a lot of stuff that some people couldn't understand in the movie. Plus, there's some parts in the movie where you have NO idea what they said. For example, on the Trade Federation battleship at the beginning, remember Nute Gunray saying "Distract them, I will contact Lord Sidious."? Exactly! I had to turn on my captioning on my TV before I understood what he said. Plus there's new cool parts. That's what kinda makes you pulled into the book.
Rating:
Summary: This was an interesting book!
Review: This was not an extroadinarily well written book, but it was fun. You should get the copy with the handsome face of Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan on it!
Rating:
Summary: I went, I bought..I loved it!
Review: I bought the paperback and man is it great..the book has so much more detail than the movie..and the movie is great..but the book had me seeing a mental movie in my head of all the things not written in the movie..if you liked the movie..READ THE BOOK..seriously..it has alot more to visualize..i give this two thubs up! lol
Rating: 
Summary: A Fairly Good Adaptation
Review: In the book, Terry Brooks adds a little bit more then you see in the movie. Actually, the beginning of the book describes a scene entirely different from the movie, and this was a very nice touch. Brooks is very descriptive in his writing style, and the amount of detail used is phenominal. The story had a lot of different characters involved, and Brooks did a good job of making sure they all got their fair share of time in the sun. His use of dialogue is very appropriate as he never dwells on anything too long, and he adheres to the movie quite nicely. All in all, the book is a nice, quick read, and a definate must for all Star Wars fans.
Rating:
Summary: As Good As The Movie
Review: The book Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is an exellent book. It is about two warriors sent by the jedi council to try and settle an agreement with the trade federation, things go nasty and they have to escape in the queen's transport. Along the way they pick up two other very important characters. The rest however, is for you to find out. The details the Terry Brooks puts into the characters and into the setting is AMAZING! He goes into more detail about the characters and even give some ssecerets away that the movie does not. The way he describes the adventures of Qui- Gon- Jinn, Obi Wann Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker lives up to the movie in every detail. It is a great book, even if you ave seen the movie. You don't have to like Sci-Fi to like this book, i know that now from experience. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys reading.
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