There is a great disturbance in the Force... From the sleek ships of the glimmering Coruscant skyscape to the lush gardens of pastoral Naboo dissent is roiling. The Republic is failing even under the leadership of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine elected ten years earlier to save the crumbling government. Separatists threaten war & the Senate is hopelessly divided unable to determine whether to raise an army for battle or keep the fragile peace. Anakin Skywalker has come of age in a time of great upheaval. The nineteen-year-old apprentice to Obi-Wan Kenobi is an enigma to the Jedi Council & a challenge to his Jedi Master. Time has not dulled Anakins ambition nor has his Jedi training tamed his independent streak. When an attempt on Senator Padm- Amidalas life brings them together for the first time in ten years it is clear that time also has not dulled Anakins intense feelings for the beautiful diplomat. The attack on Senator Amidala just before a crucial vote thrusts the Republic even closer to the edge of disaster. Masters Yoda & Mace Windu sense enormous unease. The dark side is growing clouding the Jedis perception of the events. But even as the Republic falters around them Anakin & Padm- find a connection so intense that all else begins to fall away. Anakin will lose himself-and his way-in emotions a Jedi sworn to hold allegiance only to the Order is forbidden to have.