Few things in 2025 remind us of the relentless march of time quite like realizing that *Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith* first hit theaters two full decades ago. But instead of letting that realization sink in too deeply, fans can rejoice—Lucasfilm is marking the film’s 20th anniversary with a special theatrical re-release this May. And if that wasn’t enough to get excited about, Matthew Stover’s acclaimed novelization of the film is also getting its own deluxe rerelease. You can already preorder it on Amazon.
As reported by Collider, a brand-new Deluxe Edition hardcover of *Revenge of the Sith* will arrive this October. This upgraded edition features striking new cover art, red foil-edged pages, and a removable acetate dust jacket for collectors and longtime fans alike. Beyond its premium presentation, the book also includes more than 170 all-new annotations penned by author Matthew Stover himself.
“We couldn’t be more excited to publish this incredible deluxe edition of the *Revenge of the Sith* novelization,” said Tom Hoeler, Editorial Director of Fiction and Special Projects for Random House Worlds. “It has been thrilling to work with author Matthew Stover and Lucasfilm to create a fully annotated edition that gives readers unprecedented insight into the creation of this masterpiece. Across nearly 50 years of Star Wars books, it stands alone, and even among film novelizations, its approach to adapting characters and story from screen to page is unique. Two decades later, this novelization is as essential, enduring, and influential—on readers and creators—as it has ever been. Bringing the book back to hardcover in a stunning deluxe keepsake edition is a perfect way to celebrate 20 years of *Revenge of the Sith.*”
The *Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith* Deluxe Edition hardcover releases October 14 and is now available for preorder. Priced at $60, this collector’s item is designed to stand proudly on any fan's bookshelf.
If you've never had the chance to read Matthew Stover’s *Revenge of the Sith* novelization, now’s the perfect opportunity. Widely considered one of the finest entries in the broader Star Wars literary universe—and arguably superior to the film itself—the novel expands dramatically on George Lucas’ screenplay. It dives deep into key scenes, explores nuanced subplots, and offers an intimate psychological portrait of Anakin Skywalker’s fall, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s inner conflict, and Count Dooku’s machinations.
What truly sets the book apart is its bold narrative structure, which frequently uses second-person narration to immerse the reader directly in the emotional and mental states of its central characters. Take, for example, the harrowing moment when Anakin awakens as Darth Vader:
*And you rage and scream and reach through the Force to crush the shadow who has destroyed you, but you are so far less now than what you were, you are more than half machine, you are like a painter gone blind, a composer gone deaf, you can remember where the power was but the power you can touch is only a memory, and so with all your world-destroying fury it is only droids around you that implode, and equipment, and the table on which you were strapped shatters, and in the end, you cannot touch the shadow. In the end, you don't even want to. In the end, the shadow is all you have left. Because the shadow understands you, the shadow forgives you, the shadow gathers you unto itself—And within your furnace heart, you burn in your own flame.*
Now compare that with how the movie handles the same scene:
There’s no substitute for the depth and richness found in the written word.
The standard paperback and audiobook editions of *Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith* are already available, but fans won’t want to miss out on the exclusive Deluxe Edition. Don’t forget to check back here for more exciting Star Wars announcements and updates.
