"Deceived," by Paul S. Kemp, was a typical "Star Wars" novel--fast-paced, action-packed, and laced with adrenaline. The thing that separates "Deceived" from the rest of the pack is the fact that the action takes a backseat to the development of the characters. Kemp does a great job of making you sympathize with both the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Malgus, and the scoundrel, Zeerid. Although the plot was thoroughly predictable, the relationship between Zeerid and Aryn adds a spice of tension to the relational way Kemp's characters relate--as does Malgus's relationship with Eleena, a Twi'lek slave. Overall, "Deceived" was a quick, action-jammed adventure, but it had a group of engaging characters that created an atmosphere of introverted, self-evaluation in the reader.