Star Wars Classic Novel Gets 20th Anniversary Edition

Few things make you confront the passage of time in 2025 like realizing Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith turns 20 this year. But there's good news – the film returns to theaters this May as part of Lucasfilm's anniversary celebration. Even better, Matthew Stover's acclaimed Revenge of the Sith novelization gets a 20th anniversary rerelease (available for preorder on Amazon).

As reported by Collider, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith will receive a Deluxe Edition hardcover this October. The edition features new cover art, premium upgrades like red foil-edged pages, a removable acetate jacket, and over 170 new annotations by Stover.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to publish this deluxe edition of the Revenge of the Sith novelization," said Tom Hoeler, Editorial Director at Random House World. "Collaborating with Matthew Stover and Lucasfilm to create this fully annotated edition has been incredible. Among 50 years of Star Wars books, this novel stands apart. Even among film adaptations, its approach to translating characters and story from screen to page remains unique. Twenty years later, it remains as essential and influential as ever. This stunning keepsake edition perfectly celebrates two decades of Revenge of the Sith."

Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: Episode III - Deluxe Edition (Hardcover)

$60.00 at Amazon

For those unfamiliar with Stover's novelization, it's widely considered one of the best Star Wars books ever published – many argue it surpasses the film itself. While following George Lucas's screenplay, the book expands scenes and subplots while offering deeper insight into characters like Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Count Dooku. Its distinctive second-person narration creates a reading experience unlike other Star Wars novels.

Consider this powerful passage depicting Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader:

And you rage and scream through the Force to destroy your tormentor, but you're but a shadow of your former self – more machine now than man. Like a painter gone blind or composer gone deaf, you remember your power but can only grasp echoes of it. Your fury destroys only machines and equipment around you. Ultimately, you can't harm your tormentor. Eventually, you stop wanting to. The darkness becomes your only companion – understanding, forgiving, embracing you. And so your fiery heart consumes itself in endless flame.

Compare this nuanced passage to the film's version of the scene:

Sometimes, great books offer deeper experiences than their film counterparts.

The Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith novelization is currently available in paperback and audiobook formats, with the Deluxe Edition hardcover releasing October 14. Preorder your copy on Amazon today.

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