The Approaching Storm, penned by Alan Dean Foster, serves as the introductory novel within the broader Star Wars Legends continuity, specifically leading into the events of the prequel trilogy film, Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. Del Rey initially released it as a hardcover edition on January 29, 2002, followed by the initial paperback publication in January of 2003.
Amidst the watchful gaze of the entire galaxy, two Jedi masters, accompanied by their respective apprentices, confront overwhelming challenges in their endeavor to safeguard the Republic….
Set in the period following Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, the Republic's stability continues to erode, increasing the reliance on the Jedi Order to maintain order within the galactic government. As Star Wars: Attack of the Clones begins, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker have just concluded a mission on Ansion. Written by Alan Dean Foster, a respected author in the Star Wars universe, The Approaching Storm recounts the details of this perilous assignment, introducing a new character from the film._
Despite Supreme Chancellor Palpatine's election to rescue the galaxy from the growing unrest, the Republic faces continued decline. On the strategically important planet of Ansion, a significant faction is considering joining the rising secessionist movement. These urban inhabitants seek to expand into the surrounding prairies, which are traditionally the territory of the fiercely independent Ansion nomads. Should their demands remain unmet, they threaten secession, potentially triggering a wave of withdrawals and rebellions across the Republic's worlds.
In response, the Jedi Council, upon the Chancellor's request, dispatches Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luminara Unduli to mediate the conflict and engage in negotiations with the elusive nomads. Accompanied by their Padawans, Anakin Skywalker and Barriss Offee, Obi-Wan and Luminara venture into the wilderness. Numerous dangers await them as they strive to complete seemingly impossible tasks, forge alliances with wary strangers, and influence two opposing forces, all while being pursued by an adversary determined to sabotage the negotiations and ensure the mission's failure.
Even with Supreme Chancellor Palpatine at the helm, elected to prevent the galaxy's collapse amidst growing discontent, the Republic is deteriorating. On the small but strategically vital planet of Ansion, a powerful group is nearing the decision to join the burgeoning secessionist movement. Acting on the Chancellor's directive, the Jedi Council sends Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luminara Unduli, along with their Padawans Anakin Skywalker and Barriss Offee, to stabilize the planet's population. The Jedi must accomplish near-impossible tasks, gain the trust of cautious strangers, and sway two major armies, all while being hunted by an enemy dedicated to the failure of the negotiations and the mission...
Occurring right before the events of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, Jedi Master Luminara Unduli, along with her Padawan Barriss Offee, journey to the planet of Ansion to ensure its continued allegiance to the Galactic Republic and prevent its defection to the growing Separatists. Following an assault on the two female Jedi by a band of mercenaries, they are promptly rescued by Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice Anakin Skywalker. The quartet of Jedi then embark on a quest to engage with Ansion's governing body, aiming to secure their commitment to the Republic. However, their efforts are complicated by the schemes of Soergg Vosadii Bezhin, a resident Hutt on Ansion, who advocates for the planet's alignment with the Separatists. Despite these challenges, the four Jedi overcome numerous obstacles, aided by two clanless Ansionians, former associates of Soergg, whose perspectives are realigned through Barriss's healing abilities derived from the Force. Navigating Ansion's diverse wildlife, Anakin, Obi-Wan, Luminara, and Barriss facilitate a peace accord between two Ansionian clans, bolstering support for the Republic. Overcoming further machinations by Soergg the Hutt, the Jedi ultimately persuade Ansion to vote in favor of remaining with the Republic. The prologue features Shu Mai, and the epilogue includes a cameo by Shu Mai and Count Dooku.
- ISBN 9780345443007 ; Published on January 29 , 2002 ; Published by Del Rey ; US hardcover [1]
- ISBN 9780435443009 ; Published in 2002; Published by Del Rey; US hardcover, Science Fiction Book Club edition (17062) [6]
- ISBN 9780345442994 ; Published in January 2003 ; Published by Del Rey; US paperback [2]
- ISBN 9780307795717 ; Published on June 28 , 2011 ; Published by Del Rey; US eBook [3]
- ISBN 973-7780-11-6 ; Published in 2004 ; Published by Editura Amaltea , 288-page Romanian hardcover ( Apropierea furtunii )