In the outlying systems, where the Trade Federation maintains a stranglehold on shipping routes, tensions are boiling over—while back in the comfort of Coruscant, the hub of civilized space and seat of Republic government, few senators seem inclined to investigate the problem.

But the greatest threat of all remains unknown to everyone except three members of the Trade Federation, who have entered into a shadowy alliance with the Sith lord Darth Sidious.

While writing the novel, Luceno was granted access to parts of the screenplay drafts and concept art of Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

As such, Cloak of Deception marked the first appearance in the series' chronological timeline of almost all of the new characters from Attack of the Clones, including the Techno Union, and other Separatists.

The back cover of the book features an opening crawl similar to those at the beginning of the Star Wars films: After a thousand generations of peace, the Galactic Republic is crumbling.