Master & Apprentice

A little over three years ago, I was introduced to author Claudia Gray through her first Star Wars book Lost Stars. It was a great tale that provided new intrigue to my favorite universe in all of fiction, and became my favorite book as a result. Since then I've been reading A LOT of the new canon Star Wars novel, and while several have been really good, I've been mostly excited for Gray's novels whenever I hear them announced. So I was pretty hyped when I heard about Master and Apprentice, a book not only written by her, but was set before any other point in the current canon. Let me say personally, I was not disappointed at all. Master and Apprentice is another great story in her already impressive literary resume. The film dives into the pre Phantom Menace era and gives great insight into what shaped certain events that the actual films failed to capture. We are treated to a very well written mystery, that shakes things up and has us frequently saying to ourselves "Wait a minute..." or "Ah, that makes sense now". But for me, the most important part of any work of fiction is characterization and we get A LOT of that here. Though the novel describes itself as a trial between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan (more on that later), the real dynamic is between the former and new character Rael Aveross. Through these two, we get a lot of clarity of Jinn's past and it's one of the best aspects of the book. Nevertheless, Kenobi still has an interesting arc himself, one that does resolve in a satisfying way. There are a handful of other interesting character who I won't say any more about, but are definitely ones I would love to hear more about in future stories and comic spin-offs. Also the world Pijal that most of the book takes place on is yet another wonderful new planet in the Star Wars galaxy that the little kid in me would love to be a part of. If I had one issue with the book, however, it's not with the story itself but rather the way it was described. The novel was marketed as a story about the relationship between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan being put under pressure during a severe assignment. That is featured, don't get me wrong, but it isn't as prevalent as you would likely believe. It feels more like a sub-plot than anything else, falling under the main plot as well as the aforementioned back story between Qui-Gon and Rael Aveross. It kind of reminded me of my first new canon novel "Lords of the Sith", which was described as Darth Vader and Palpatine's attempts to quell a resistance movement, when in actuality that storyline was really only in the last third. Now having said that, what is the main focus is still fantastic. It may have overshadowed what I was expecting to be first and foremost, but I still greatly enjoyed diving into that mystery and seeing these new characters. So in my mind, that makes up for the flaws just fine, though I'm not sure how others will react. In my opinion, this is Claudia Gray's second best Star Wars novel (Lost Stars still tops the list for me), and I'll be looking forward to anything else she adds to the ever growing canon. Highly recommended!

I have read Claudia Gray's other Star Wars books and they have not been favorites of mine. When I first heard about this book, I had hoped John Jackson Miller would be writing, since he did such a stellar job on the legends book Kenobi. This book undoubtedly grew from the short story of the same name that was included in From A Certain Point of View, which I thought was one of the best stories in that book. I have read a number of books on the Jedi Master and Padawan relationship by author Jude Watson. Though they were designed as youth books, her Jedi Quest, Last of the Jedi and contributions to Jedi Apprentice were excellent. This is the first Claudia Gray book that I actually enjoyed for the most part. The prophecies as a theme were interesting and there were some great characters in the book, most notably Rael Avaross, the grizzled veteran Jedi. There were a number of twists and turns that were genuine surprises. I loved the exploration of differing viewpoints on between Rael, Qui-Gon and young Obi-Wan, forcing each one to grow. The surprise invitation was a surprise, as was who opposed it. One thing I wasn't pleased with was some of the conversational language. Seriously, "getting laid" was a phrase used several times throughout the book, and I felt this is not a term that would be used in the Star Wars universe. The legends books kept the illusion beautifully. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audiobook. The veteran Star Wars narrator Jonathan Davis beautifully handles the narration and character voices. His Qui-Gon is wonderful and his Obi-Wan is so good, you would swear it was Ewan McGregor. He was brilliant on the legends book Kenobi as well. Even his Yoda was spot on. A great canon book for Jedi lovers like me.

A short background of me and Star Wars (SW): I've been a fan since nearly the beginning. I've read/enjoyed well over a hundred books, comics, novellas, games, etc... a drop in the veritable ocean of SW media, but still more than most. While my favorite SW novels are mostly from those of the old EU, Master & Apprentice has managed to edge it's way into that exclusive list. It was that good! M&A was a bit of a perfect storm for me in that it checked my boxes of enjoyment for a SW book: 1. Prequel-era timeline 2. Featured favorite characters 3. Focused on Force lore. I know there's sizable portion of fans who say their favorite Gray book, or SW book in general, is Lost Stars, but I found that to be not much more than a SW Romeo and Juliet. M&A however is SW through-and-through IMHO. To each their own! Here we get lots of detail on prophecy, more Qui-Gon, more Dooku, more Obi-Wan... all of which I felt was overdue in this context. The story-line and new characters didn't enthrall me as much as I would've liked (another roguish Jedi...?), and there was some new tech that didn't fit into the SW universe very well to me (nanites and full body personal shields - Trek anyone? ), but that didn't matter to me as much as the other points I did like. What separates SW from general sci-fi is the Jedi and the Force, which is of course what makes it sci-fantasy, and M&A has that in abundance. If you're a SW fan who likes stories that focus more on the Force-related elements, I highly recommend getting this one, even those who aren't a big fan of the new canon. Many people will of course compare this story to the beloved Jedi Apprentice series in Legends, which was where we got most of our Qui-Gon material until recently, and I can say that Master and Apprentice does not trample on those stories, so pick them both up!

My adolescence was spent devouring Star Wars book after Star Wars book in the old Expanded Universe—all those books now published under the Legends line. I read about my heroes making peace with the remnants of the Empire, flying around in X-wings, courting one another, taking down Grand Admiral Thrawn, founding a Jedi Academy, raising a new generation of Jedi, and dealing with all of the pain, heartache, and drama that came along with it. I’ve not been enamored with any of the newer Del Rey offerings, until Master & Apprentice, that is. This is nearly everything I want in a Star Wars novel, and I loved it. Claudia Gray writes a fast-paced tale focused on Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, the titular master and apprentice. True to the form of all the greatest Star Wars novels, what makes this novel work is the interactions of the characters. Jinn and Kenobi serve as excellent foils for one another. Qui-Gon is hardly a rule follower, and his tendency to bend the rules of the Jedi Order runs afoul of Obi-Wan’s much more obedient tendencies. It’s interesting to watch Qui-Gon attempt to open his padawan’s mind to the realities of the universe while at the same time watching Obi-Wan’s own struggles with how to relate to his masters. We also get some interesting flashbacks to Qui-Gon’s own days as a padawan with his master, Dooku. There are plenty of lightsabers, fun uses of the Force, and at least one cool scene with a star fighter, to complement the excellent characterizations. There’s also some interesting politics and references to well-known worlds from the Star Wars universe, like Alderaan and Naboo. Even more tantalizing, there are a number of references to ancient Jedi prophecies. Obviously, this ties into the prequel trilogies assertion that Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One—that’s tropey and a bit boring, honestly. But some of these prophecies, I’m convinced, apply or will apply to the new movies as well, which makes them interesting. There’s hardly anything I didn’t like about this novel. Personally, I think Star Wars is at its best when there are Sith to balance the Jedi. This is true if for no other reason than lightsaber battles are the coolest battles. That couldn’t be the case here, given the timeframe it takes place in, when everyone is convinced the Sith have been extinct for a couple millennia. Because we know both the main protagonists survive, it also lacks a little tension in some scenes here and there. That’s the disadvantage to writing about the earlier history of two characters we already know. In the larger picture, however, these are fairly minor criticisms. Claudia Gray has done a fabulous job with Master & Apprentice and I’m hoping for more Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan shenanigans. This became an instant favorite for me. It’s Star Wars at its best, and it makes me want to go reread my old favorites and hope for some new favorites set in the Old Republic era. Recommended for hardcore fans and folks who’ve only seen the movies. 9/10 4.5/5 stars. 5 – I loved this, couldn’t put it down, move it to the top of your TBR pile 4 – I really enjoyed this, add it to the TBR pile 3 – It was ok, depending on your preferences it may be worth your time 2 – I didn’t like this book, it has significant flaws and I can’t recommend it 1 – I loathe this book with a most loathsome loathing

First off: this is one of the best Star Wars books I have ever read… and I have gone through dozens and dozens. After a quick and hairy escape from an angry Hutt, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan head back to Coruscant to await a new mission from the Jedi council. Each spends a bit of time contemplating the nature of their relationship. They are an odd couple: Obi-Wan is looking for clear succinct answers and Qui-Gon has a tendency to be obtuse and cryptic. Two actions occur quickly in succession: Qui-Gon is offered a seat on the Jedi Council and the pair is immediately given a mission to help a planet in the midst of dangerous terrorist attacks. Two things are causing friction on the planet of Pijal. They are close to a change of government from a monarchy to a representative democracy and they are about to open of a new hyperspace lane that will connect them more readily to the greater galaxy. The pair of Jedi enter these conflicts with the future of their partnership at risk if Qui-Gon joins the council. This knowledge hangs over their heads as they try to find a way to help this world to a peaceful resolution. Yes. This is a book about a Jedi mission in the days of The Republic. But at its core, Master & Apprentice focuses on the line of Jedis, from Dooku to Qui-Gon to Obi-Won and the Skywalkers. The nature of the relationship between teacher and student is explored like no other Star Wars book I have read. Gray introduces a controversial new Jedi named Rael Averross, who was given the position of regent on Pijal after an incident with his padawan and incidentally, he was Dooku’s apprentice before Qui-Gon. Besides a few episodes of Clone Wars and some scenes in the Prequels, I don’t know much about Dooku’s character, yet this book elevates him to a Jedi who had a lot to offer his apprentices before he turned to The Dark Side. The mission is filled with palace intrigue, a great mystery to solve, and several unforeseeable twists. The Jedis have to wade through several moral ambiguities; they continually ask the questions: What is the true nature of the Jedi mission? Side note: There’s one small bit about riding an animal and force-bonding that I found awesome. Highly recommended for any Star Wars fan. This is an incredible work that looks at a place in the timeline not nearly explored enough. The prospect of “filling in the blanks” would be a hard task for any writer, but Gray does it with perfection in this novel.

This book has been one of the first Star Wars productions (other than those done by Dave Filoni), to feel like Star Wars since George Lucas sold to Disney. Star Wars Episode I: the Phantom Menace released in May 1999. At the time I was 13 1/2, and unfortunately, my dad for the most part, has no longer been a part of my life since. While many people at the time despised the Phantom Menace, young teenager me found a father figure in it: Qui-Gon Jinn. This novel focuses around that character that helped pull me through a rough time in my life. Some might say that is a bit crazy, but that’s to disregard the entire meaning behind Star Wars (a flaw far too common amongst fans). Star Wars has never been about ships and laser-swords. Star Wars has been about family, and about a deep philosophical connection to the galaxy around us. It is about balance, the Yin and Yang of our own Light and Dark sides that reside in all human beings. Lucas created Star Wars for children as they transitioned into adult hood. This novelization by Claudia Gray captures that essence, perhaps no more so than the following quote from the novel: "It matters which side we choose. Even if there will never be more light than darkness. Even if there can be no more joy in the galaxy than there is pain. For every action we undertake, for every word we speak, for every life we touch--it matters. I don't turn toward the light because it means someday I'll 'win' some sort of cosmic game. I turn toward it because it is the light." QGJ. Star Wars had a huge impact on my life. The sale of it to Disney felt like I lost a surrogate mentor of sorts. Perhaps the last decade has been the “dark times”, but this novel is “a new hope” to remind us of the time “before the empire.” If you’re looking to capture that love of Star Wars that has been lost the last decade, I highly recommend this novel. May The Force Be With You.

"Master & Apprentice" , the newest novel in the Star Wars series, focuses on the relationship between Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his young apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Trouble is brewing in the galaxy. Jedi Knight Rael Averross has been serving as the Regent to princess Fanry, of the planet Pijal. Only fourteen years old, Fanry has finally come to her coronation. But there are problems. It is reported that a group of terrorists have their eyes set on taking control of the planet. A new hyperspace line is due to open, and the Czerka Corporation continues to have an influence on the planet, as well. All of these scenarios have led Aveross to reach out to the Jedi council for assistance. The council decides to send Qui-Gon and Kenobi to assist. But Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon have their own issues to work through. Recent events have caused their relationship to become distant, and Qui-Gon has been offered a seat on the Jedi council, meaning that he could no longer train Ob-Wan. Despite these differences, the two Jedi set off for Pijal. Qui-Gon believes in prophecy, and his visions have shown him a potentially dangerous end to their mission. But, with the assistance of two rogue jewel smugglers, they press on. Will their efforts be enough, and can Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon overcome their strained relationship in order to succeed? I'm a big fan of the Star Wars novels, and I enjoyed reading this one. I've always liked Qui-Gon Jinn, and it was good to read about him again. The other characters are well-developed, and the story itself is full of action and excitement. I believe the prequels don't get the credit they deserve from Star Wars fans, but this book does a good job with the story setting being in the prequel era. Highly recommended.

I constantly wish you could give half stars here, as this really is a great read that delves deeper into the relationship between Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. Although what glimpse we get into their lives from The Phantom Menace is small, we do recognize there's a good, synced atmosphere between the two of them. That wasn't always the case, as this book portrays. Prior to discovering Anakin Skywalker, the two butted heads more than not and a simple mission to help sign a treaty to open a space corridor in an outlying system of the galaxy is what brings them farther apart and then, intrinsically, closer together. The reason I would have shaved off half a star is simply because the storyline is a tad predictable. It's good, don't get me wrong, and there's a good ebb and flow to the story, but I don't find myself to be the most creative person on the planet and I found the plot a bit obvious. That's just me, though! You might not, and I don't intend to give anything away. Regardless, the characters, the dialogue, the witticism, everything in this book falls perfectly into the Star Wars universe. You can read it pretty quickly, too, which is ideal as a lot of the times the plot circles back around on itself to prior characters that were only briefly mentioned. A great book for any Star Wars fan for the train, the beach, the couch--anywhere. Please note, if you haven't at LEAST watched The Phantom Menace, there is a spoiler at the end that could ruin the movie for you! Be warned. :)

The parts with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are good, but the side characters are just so boring.

This book is awesome! Since the first pages you feel hooked to the plot and then you have to read more soon because you need to know more about it. The writing is so intriguing you will read it in the blink of an eye. I love Claudia Gray's writing so much!!

If you have ever wondered about it, read this novel. It is an Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon novel, but make no mistake - this is an Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon novel from Qui-Gon's point of view (for the most part). The title could refer to them or another Master-Padawan pair, or simply refer to a single character. There in lies the beauty of it. I read 'Lost Stars' first and liked Claudia Gray's writing style, and immediately started this one. While 'Master and Apprentice' doesn't quite achieve that level of masterful storytelling in the galaxy we have come to love, it nevertheless is an intriguing tale and a total page-turner. Two novels in, I feel Gray does a better job writing new characters, and her understanding of the lore sometimes feels a tad lacking, but she still manages to retain the essence of the old characters and the world in moments where it counts. The twist, while not a total shock, was well done. The novel gets better as it goes on, and in quite a few ways serves to enhance our understanding of events that we know will unfold.

I enjoyed this book a lot. It took me right back into the Star Wars universe with many of the beloved and known characters. The story was thrilling and gave lots of deeper info into the Jedi order, prophecies and the minds of both Qui Gong and Obi Wan. I’m sure I’ll read this again or get the matching audio book so I can listen to it. If you enjoy the Star Wars universe, I highly recommend this book

I found this book very brilliant to read, the fact that it's not just Qui-Gon-Jinn but it's also a massive story line as if it's like, who is the murderer? sort of thing, anyway Obi-Wan-Kenobi is up-to date to, as he has the look of Ewan McGregor in the 39-40 BBY, eight years prior to Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. And Qui-Gon-Jinn has something to hide from his Padawan, yet it all begins on the Planet Teth where Qui-Gon-Jinn and Obi-Wan-Kenobi are still not in sync with each other, Qui-Gon-Jinn still thinks that he needs more training, where as it's easier for him to focus in between fire shots in a battle. Obi-Wan-Kenobi is slightly more off guard and slower than his Master we find out that they are after Wanbo The Hutt, that is they threaten him and plan to take the Crime Lord back to Couracant, that is until his Majordomo. Comes into it, Thurible, and has Qui-Gon-Jinn's Padawan at gun-point, swapping back around and shaking hands on it, and putting matters aside, the Jedi Council back on Couracant does have news for Qui-Gon-Jinn, that is if he will take this one in a life time pleasure. for Qui-Gon-Jinn to be seated on the Jedi Council, he is not sure for if he does this, then he loses Obi-Wan-Kenobi, yet he does want to be seated on the Jedi Council, yet the Jedi Council asks Qui-Gon-Jinn and Obi-Wan-Kenobi that they have a final mission together to be in sync for their bond is not good, and that is to go to Pijal. Where it has been under attacked by an unknown terrorist group, but the Jedi Council hasn't asked them of it, an old friend of Count Dooku's, first Padawan, and Qui-Gon-Jinn's, who is older now and his name is Rael Aveross, Former Jedi Knight and Regent to the next heir to Phijal's throne, that is Princess Fanry. Who is fourteen years old, but Rael Aveross thinks Halin Azukka is the Oposition who are the terrorists, trying to attack the Princess, and requires Qui-Gon-Jinn's help, other than that, you will notice that there are four or five (I didn't count them) Before moments when Qui-Gon-Jinn is fourteen years old-fifteen years old as his missions are in wars and terrorists threats. But mainly, he is inspired with prophecies of the force, both Sith and "the Chocen One" but Count Dooku to take him on as his second Padawan, is intrigued as well, we can tell why! But Rael Aveross is a young Jedi Knight who helps Qui-Gon-Jinn, these are good moments to read. You also have jewel thieves on the Meryx, you have, Rhara Wick, who was on the Planet Hosnian Prime, and at the age of five, she ended mining on the Hosnian Facilities, that is until Czerka Corporation ended blasted down on the miners and caught them as slaves. Rhara Wick ran away, as far as she could and met, Pax Miripher who on Couracant, as a kid was in an open locker and was raised by eighty-two, or eighty-eight droids and ended up speaking like one, but mainly cared for Rhara, and after leaving Alderann, they were usally heading for Rodia to get paid. But thought to go to Pijal and get a Kyber Crystal, yet there is a plan to get rid of the Princess, and in a few days, Queen Fanry but who is it out of many characters, well you will see as a good read, At least Count Dooku comes in now and again and you get to know more about Rael Aveross as well. And how Count Dooku was as a teacher and why Qui-Gon-Jinn was interested in all these prophecies, just to tell readers that I like to put in my reviews, the names of all the Planets, but mostly the main Planets and the the Characters, with their background, just in case anybody is confused about it.