Author:Alan Dean Foster

In the years since the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, the Republic has continued to crumble and, more and more, the Jedi are needed to help the galactic government maintain order. As Star Wars: Episode II opens, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have just returned from a mission on a world called Ansion. Written by beloved Star Wars veteran Alan Dean Foster, and starring a new character from the Episode II, The Approaching Storm tells the story of that daring mission. The Republic is decaying, even under the leadership of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who was elected to save the galaxy from collapsing under the forces of discontent. On the tiny but strategic planet of Ansion, a powerful faction is on the verge of joining the growing secessionist movement. The urban dwellers wish to expand into the prairies outside their cities - the ancestral territory of the fierce, independent Ansion nomads. If their demands are not met, they will secede - an act that could jump-start a chain reaction of withdrawal and rebellion by other worlds of the Republic. At the Chancellor's request, the Jedi Council sends two Jedi Knights, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luminara Unduli, to resolve the conflict and negotiate with the elusive nomads. Undaunted, Obi-Wan and Luminara, along with the their Padawans Anakin Skywalker and Barriss Offee, set out across the wilderness. Many perils lie waiting to trap them. The Jedi will have to fulfil near-impossible tasks, befriend wary strangers, and influence two great armies to complete their quest, stalked all the while by an enemy sworn to see the negotiations collapse and the mission fail.
This novel is for fans of mind games, rebels, heartache and intrigue.
—— USAToday.comA gripping Romeo-and-Juliet exploration of deception, espionage, revolution, the greater good and love conquering all—with the aid of magical green lights and a peculiar little locket.
—— Kirkus reviewsThe story flames up into cinematic and fiery battles that promise sequels. Class issues and an important election are primary themes, giving this dystopian adventure debut immediate ties to the present.
—— Booklist OnlineThis gripping novel is a powerful, sensual story of forbidden love fighting to survive in the face of corruption, cruelty, deception and political intrigue.
—— BooktrustTaut and beautiful poems.
—— Edna O'Brien , GuardianBrave, generous and very moving.
—— Mark Sanderson , Sunday Telegraph[It] amazed me...great, heartfelt, monumental book.
—— Toby Litt , New StatesmanEach image of Sharon Olds' searing Stag's Leap brands itself on retina and heart - how will I ever forget the "Tiny Siren" found by accident in the washing machine?
—— Gerda Stevenson , Morning StarThe most powerful piece of writing I've encountered in decades... The raw emotion of break up transcends every known cliché thanks to her generosity of spirit and the awe-inspiring choreography of her language.
—— Laura George , Image MagazineI read this poetry collection with my heart in my mouth.
—— Jamie Quatro , GuardianI treasure this collection of poems: so beautiful, so personal, so revolutionary. Every time I return to this book I find a line, a stanza that I understand better, differently, appreciate just a little more.
—— Cherie Jones , GuardianA devastating tale of subterfuge, poverty and privilege set in the cobbled streets of Victorian London.
—— Daily RecordMagnificent, bringing the Dickensian streets to grubby, teeming life
—— Eithne Farry , Daily MailCements his reputation as an accomplished and challenging novelist… Though it takes place 130 years ago, the questions that The Streets poses about how, as a society and individuals, we tackle deprivation arguably remain just as pertinent
—— Peter Stanford , IndependentQuinn blends his history, his political concerns, his ideals, his plot and his characters elegantly, with a light hand and the pace of a thriller
—— Louisa Young , Daily TelegraphQuinn’s most mature novel yet… His picture of poverty’s shaming, dehumanizing effect is powerful, and the recurrent call for pity heartfelt. Ms Eliot and Mr Dickens would surely approve
—— Holly Kyte , Sunday TelegraphAnthony Quinn is a terrific storyteller. He has a thrilling knack for turning familiar periods of history into something surprising and often shocking, and for making the fortunes and misfortunes of his characters matter
—— Juliet Nicholson , Evening StandardDisplays the unsentimental yet powerful flair for romance that characterized his previous novel, Half of the Human Race. Perhaps most exciting of all, there is a sense that he is still writing within himself
—— Tom Cox , Sunday TimesQuinn brings the period in question vividly to life: his research is exemplary, and his subject absorbing
—— Lucy Scholes , ObserverAll the ingredients of an upmarket page-turner
—— Max Davidson , Mail on SundayAmbitious, gripping and disturbingly well done
—— Kate Saunders , The TimesBeyond its splendid feel for the era’s chat and patter, the novel pits philanthropy and opportunism, ideals and selfishness, bracingly at odds
—— Boyd Tonkin , IndependentThis novel is refreshingly different and contains a cornucopia of wonderful material and evocative descriptions
—— Good Book GuideThe best book I’ve read in ages… You have to read it.
—— Hilary Rose , The Times






