On January 29th, "The Approaching Storm" by Alan Dean Foster will be hitting stores. If you're into Episode II at all, then you'll want to take note of this book. It leads directly into the film and there will be a quick reference to the adventure on Ansion on screen. The following will also be noteworthy to anyone who has been following prequel news:

This book features the first appearance of Count Dooku. He is briefly mentioned as having fallen away from the Jedi ideals at the beginning of the book, and then he has a surprise cameo himself later on. It is brief, but noteworthy.

Luminara Unduli and her Padawan Barris Offee are heavily featured in TAS. Offee is shown to be compassionate and a skilled healer. Unduli is portrayed as being a seasoned Jedi who is adept at moving things with the Force. Obi-Wan defers to her often in the book during their mission.

Anakin Skywalker is one of the central characters. Throughout the book he longs to return to his mother while at the same time trying to become more powerful as a Jedi. The relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin is shown as it will be leading into Attack of the Clones. Anakin also starts showing the first signs of becoming Darth Vader during the book.

The book is about the Jedi trying to prevent the planet Ansion from seceding from the Republic. Leading the initiative to get them to secede is Shu Mai, president of the Commerce Guild. She is also heavily featured and will be a character seen in the movie.

In a scene foreshadowing events in Episode II, Anakin laughs at the suggestion that Yoda could be formidable with a lightsaber. He believes that Yoda is only proficient in technique and ineffective in a battle due to his size. Barris Offee counters that Yoda could, in fact, kick butt.

Those are the bulk of the Episode II references. This is a story you will probably be interested in picking up. To check out our first in a series of reviews of The Approaching Storm, click here.