"Star Wars Novel Gets Deluxe 20th Anniversary Edition"

Few things in 2025 remind us of our own fleeting time on Earth quite like realizing that *Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith* is now two decades old. But rather than dwell on the passage of time, fans have plenty to celebrate—Lucasfilm has announced a theatrical re-release of the film this May as part of its 20th-anniversary festivities. Even better news? Matthew Stover’s acclaimed novelization of *Revenge of the Sith*, long praised for surpassing the movie itself in emotional depth and narrative complexity, is also getting a special rerelease.

As first reported by Collider, a brand-new Deluxe Edition hardcover of *Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith* will hit shelves this October. This premium edition features eye-catching new cover art, red foil-edged pages, and a removable acetate dust jacket. Perhaps most excitingly, it includes over 170 exclusive annotations from author Matthew Stover, offering readers deeper insight into the creative process behind one of the most revered books in the Star Wars canon.

"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 at Random House World. "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 added, “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—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

Image Credit: Lucasfilm/Penguin Random House

Available October 14
*Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: Episode III – Deluxe Edition (Hardcover)*
Pre-order at Amazon – $60.00

For those unfamiliar with Stover’s take, the *Revenge of the Sith* novelization is often regarded not just as one of the best Star Wars novels, but as one of the strongest entries in the franchise's literary history—even outshining the film itself in many fans’ eyes. While it closely follows George Lucas’s screenplay, the novel expands dramatically on key scenes, subplots, and internal monologues, particularly those of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Count Dooku.

What truly sets the book apart, however, is its innovative use of second-person narration in pivotal moments—a stylistic choice that immerses readers directly into the minds and emotions of the characters. 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...

This level of psychological depth and poetic intensity is largely absent from the film version, which handles the moment with considerably less nuance:

In short—sometimes, the real magic isn't on the screen, but on the page.

The standard paperback and audiobook editions of *Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith* are already available, but if you're a true fan, the Deluxe Edition hardcover drops on October 14—and it's definitely worth adding to your collection. Pre-orders are live now at Amazon.

Want more Star Wars collectibles? Be sure to explore the wide selection available at the [IGN Store](https://www.ign.com/store/star-wars). From limited-edition statues to rare memorabilia, there's something for every collector.