The Clone Wars aren't going well for the Jedi who are forced by circumstances to lead clones into battle.

Last Stand on Jabiim takes us to a remote planet with vast mineral resources. The forces of the Republic battle with Separatist forces for supremacy, but the Jedi are outnumbered and outmatched. With their numbers diminishing, they are dealt a mighty blow with the apparent death of Obi-Wan Kenobi.

OK, we know he isn't really dead, but it's a dramatic twist nonetheless ... if you discount the fact that Kenobi's apprentice Anakin Skywalker as well as all of the other Jedi in the vicinity should have been able to sense whether or not Kenobi was really dead or alive. Oops!

Still, anyone who favors the "wars" part of Star Wars and the Clone Wars will love this book, which focuses almost solely on brutal, bitter fighting, with heavy losses and scenes of uncommon bravery on both sides. Written primarily by Haden Blackman, the story doesn't shirk at the blunt realities of combat, and the artwork by Brian Ching captures every nuance of the action.

Anakin also must come to terms with his undying hatred for the Tusken peoples who murdered his mother in a short but touching coda written by John Ostrander and drawn by Jan Duursema.

This is a very strong chapter in the Clone Wars series. Don't miss it!