Few things in 2025 hit quite like realizing that *Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith* has officially turned 20 years old. But rather than dwell on the passage of time, fans have plenty to look forward to: the film is returning to theaters this May as part of Lucasfilm’s anniversary celebration. Even better news? Matthew Stover’s acclaimed novelization of *Revenge of the Sith* is also getting a special 20th-anniversary re-release. You can already preorder your copy on Amazon.
As first reported by Collider, a new Deluxe Edition hardcover of the novelization will arrive this October. This upgraded edition features fresh cover art, red foil-edged pages, and a removable acetate dust jacket. But more importantly, it includes over 170 all-new annotations from 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 Matthew Stover and Lucasfilm to create a fully annotated edition that gives readers unprecedented insight into the creation of this masterpiece."
He continued, “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*.”
Available October 14
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: Episode III – Deluxe Edition (Hardcover)
$60.00 at Amazon
If you’ve never read Stover’s take on *Revenge of the Sith*, now is the perfect time to start. The novel is widely considered one of the best entries in the *Star Wars* literary universe—and many believe it surpasses the movie itself. While the plot largely follows George Lucas’ screenplay, Stover expands upon key scenes and subplots, diving deep into the inner lives of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Count Dooku. What really sets it apart, though, is its use of second-person narration—an artistic choice that adds an intense, immersive quality to the storytelling.
Consider this haunting excerpt from Anakin’s transformation into 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. 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 to how the film handles the same moment. It’s easy to see why so many fans say the book offers a richer, more emotionally resonant experience.
The standard paperback and audiobook editions of *Revenge of the Sith: Episode III* are available now, with the Deluxe Edition set to release on October 14. Don’t miss your chance to own this collector’s item—[ttpp] is live now for preorders on Amazon.
Looking for more *Star Wars* collectibles? Be sure to check out the wide selection available on the IGN Store.
