Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace

If you've seen The Phantom Menace in a theater--and, judging from the 1999 box-office figures, who hasn't?--you've probably been a bit frustrated by the speed with which the fantastic images and creatures fly past. There's no such problem with this book. All the excitement of the Star Wars prequel is there, but this time there's breathing room, a chance to meet the characters, let them walk around in your imagination, hear their thoughts.

Star Wars Episode 2 - Attack of the Clones

Salvatore has done a good job of fleshing out the story of the Star Wars II movie. The book introduces Anakin's mother; her husband; and her stepson, Owen, who will raise the future Luke Skywalker, and describes her capture and the failed attempt to rescue her. If that doesn't appeal, there is always the chapter describing Amidala's family on Naboo, whom viewers never even meet in the film. Perhaps more enticing, the book treats readers to the actual scene of Anakin's vengeful destruction of the Tusken Raider encampment, an action so pivotal to his future course in the Dark Side.

Star Wars Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith

Based on the screenplay of the eagerly anticipated final film in George Lucas’s epic saga, bestselling Star Wars author Matthew Stover’s novel crackles with action, captures the iconic characters in all their complexity, and brings a space opera masterpiece full circle in stunning style.

Unknown Man #89

Elmore Leonard - Unknown Man #89
Detroit process server Jack Ryan has a reputation for being the best in the business at finding people who don't want to be found. Now he's looking for a missing stockholder known only as "Unknown Man No. 89." But his missing man isn't "unknown" to everyone: a pretty blonde hates his guts and a very nasty dude named Royal wants him dead in the worst way. Which is very unfortunate for Jack Ryan, who is suddenly caught in the crossfire of a lethal triple-cross and as much a target as his nameless prey.

Spiderman

David has taken the screenplay and turned it into an entertaining, exciting novel. The famous character has been updated for the 21st century with high-tech weapons and gadgets, and genetically altered spiders. The story traces Peter Parker from his origins as a wimpy high school nerd to a New York City photographer by day and crime-fighting superhero by night. The usual characters are all well portrayed: Peter's longtime love Mary Jane, the gruff newspaper editor J. Jonah Jamesson, Aunt May and Uncle Ben, and, of course, Spidey's nemesis, the Green Goblin. Much of the book centers on the rivals and how they came to be what they are: one seeking redemption and the other revenge.