Star Wars: Master and Apprentice by Claudia Gray, narrated by Jonathan Davis.
An unexpected offer threatens the bond between Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as the two Jedi navigate a dangerous new planet and an uncertain future in the first canon Star Wars novel to take place before the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.
A Jedi must be a fearless warrior, a guardian of justice, and a scholar in the ways of the Force. But perhaps a Jedi’s most essential duty is to pass on what they have learned. Master Yoda trained Dooku; Dooku trained Qui-Gon Jinn; and now, Qui-Gon has a Padawan of his own. But while Qui-Gon has faced all manner of threats and danger as a Jedi, nothing has ever scared him like the thought of failing his apprentice.
Obi-Wan Kenobi has deep respect for his Master but struggles to understand him. Why must Qui-Gon so often disregard the laws that bind the Jedi? Why is Qui-Gon drawn to ancient Jedi prophecies instead of more practical concerns? And why wasn’t Obi-Wan told that Qui-Gon is considering an invitation to join the Jedi Council - knowing it would mean the end of their partnership? The simple answer scares him: Obi-Wan has failed his Master.
When Jedi Rael Averross, another former student of Dooku, requests their assistance with a political dispute, Jinn and Kenobi travel to the royal court of Pijal for what may be their final mission together. What should be a simple assignment quickly becomes clouded by deceit and by visions of violent disaster that take hold in Qui-Gon’s mind.
As Qui-Gon’s faith in prophecy grows, Obi-Wan’s faith in him is tested - just as a threat surfaces that will demand that Master and apprentice come together as never before or be divided forever.
I did the same thing that I did for Queen's Shadow. I bought a hardcover special edition at Celebration Chicago last year and I downloaded the audiobook, because I like the music and sound effects included. And I read along as I listened.
I really enjoyed this book, but let me get the things I didn't like out of the way. These little things knocked off a star in the rating.
- No character, especially Jedi, in the Star Wars universe, in the films or other mediums says "By the Force" or "Thank the Force." Actually, it's a big pet peeve of mine when I see it written in fan fiction.
- The voice for Mace Windu was totally off. Which was a let down because the other voices were spot on. I don't know what that accent was.
- Young Obi-Wan's love of flying felt out of character.
Ok, so on to the likes!
- Great voice work for Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Dooku, and Rael Averross (a new character).
- I loved the flashbacks with Dooku and studying the prophecies.
- I loved any discussions and debates the Jedi had about prophecies, and how wanting to control the future lead to the Dark Side.
- I loved Rael's renegade Jedi attitude and disregard for the Jedi Code, especially when it came to celibacy. Now I want to read a fan fiction where he became Anakin's teacher because things would have turned out WAY differently.
- I really liked Rahara and felt such sympathy for her.
- I found the idea of performance artist demonstrators really amusing.
- One of my favorite things were seeing the fault lines in the Jedi Order because it makes their downfall understandable. Like how they would serve the government of the Republic over being guardians of justice. Also, how some of their methods of raising young Jedi are wrong. I made a lot of bookmarks.
- I loved the little preludes to The Phantom Menace.
Like the plight of the enslaved people that Czerka corportation owned.
The Chosen One prophecy.
I am sure Qui-Gon learned from the young princess to look closer next time, and don't underestimate her.
Everything tied together to well. Sometimes the pacing was a bit slow, but I liked the plot of story and the conclusion of it. I had so many suspects and was actually surprised by the twist.
4 out of 5 Prophecies.