Master & Apprentice

I started to tear up reading the quote from Qui-Gon on the back. Star Wars has always done this to me, but there's something magical here. It has been 20 years since Phantom Menace. That was the first SW movie I saw in theaters that wasn't the special editions of the original trilogy. I'm a child of the prequels and Clone Wars. There is no doubt you'll enjoy this if you are too! Everyone should enjoy this Master/apprentice dynamic that we simply didn't get enough of in the movie. I was beyond thrilled every second I was reading this mostly because it was from a mostly untouched time set before Phantom Menace.

As someone who gobbled up all the old Star Wars books that have now passed into Legend... it seems to me that there has never been a better time to travel to the Galaxy far, far away.I read this book in two days, a new record for me.Gray, somehow, just seems to get Star Wars... at least what is most important to me about Star Wars... which is heart, specifically the mystery of the heart and of the universe.The characters are great, the situations on the large scale and small scale are all understandable and believable, the psychologies and philosophies are likewise well written and have weight. No straw men here.Please please please Claudia... you GET the turmoil and difficulties of striving to do the right thing along with the dangers of attempting to grasp at control to make sure it’s done. The humility that you write into the character of Qui-Gon, seems simply the way George Lucas envisioned him to be.... and gave me something I never knew I wanted... to know Qui-Gon MORE.Please please please... if at all possible... write more books about the Jedi...I believe that the Force wills it. ☺️

Claudia Gray’s “Master and Apprentice” begins with the troubled apprenticeship between Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan struggles to adapt to Qui-Gon’s unique interpretation of Jedi rules and his unorthodox approach to problems. Qui-Gon can see the bright future his apprentice will have, but doesn’t feel that he’s the best teacher. When the Jedi Council offers Qui-Gon a position on the council, the possibility that Qui-Gon will transfer Obi-Wan to another master for training so he may accept the offer further strains their partnership. Before Qui-Gon can make a decision, however, the two must travel to Pijal, where the reclusive government is about to undergo sweeping changes as the Czerka Corporation opens a hyperspace corridor nearby. Since the princess is only 14, the Jedi Rael Averross has been acting as the regent due to his neutrality for the last eight years following the tragic death of his padawan. Recent terrorist attacks threaten the forthcoming change from an absolute to constitutional monarchy as well as the construction of infrastructure for the hyperspace corridor, so the Pijali government requests an investigation by the Jedi. Averross apprenticed with Count Dooku prior to Qui-Gon and personally vouches for him to lead the investigation.In exploring Qui-Gon’s unorthodox methods, Gray focuses on his fascination with Jedi prophecy. The discovery of a fool’s gold type of kyber crystal evokes one of these prophecies: “When the kyber that is not kyber shines forth, the time of prophecy will be at hand” (pg. 117). Other prophecies run through the novel, such as “she who was born to darkness will give birth to darkness” (pg. 229), possibly a reference to Leia and Ben Solo, as well as “he who learns to conquer death will through his greatest student live again” (pg. 288), which may refer to Emperor Palpatine’s forthcoming return in “Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker.” Quoting one of Qui-Gon’s aphorisms, Obi-Wan says, “People are more than their worst act” (pg. 116), contributing to the belief in redemption that runs as a throughline in the “Star Wars” saga. The story further helps to explore themes from “The Phantom Menace” as the Czerka Corporation relies on slave labor, somehow skirting the laws of the Republic and establishing Qui-Gon’s feeling that the Jedi Council, in obeying its mandate of nonintervention, has allowed evil to flourish at the margins of society (pg. 212). Qui-Gon enlists the help of Rahara Wick, a formerly enslaved person turned jewel smuggler, to help him search for the Pijali Opposition unnoticed. Both Rahara’s experience and Czerka’s attempts to codify slavery as a punishment for most crimes on Pijal (pg. 188) help to show the corruption and moral lapses in the twilight of the Republic.Previous authors have examined Obi-Wan Kenobi’s apprenticeship with Qui-Gon Jinn, in particular Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson in the “Jedi Apprentice” series, though this is the first novel in the new “Star Wars” canon to examine the period prior to “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.” In helping to link the prequel-era stories together, Gray not only includes the references to kyber crystals and Jedi prophecy, she also includes flashbacks to Qui-Gon’s apprenticeship with Dooku and shows Obi-Wan learning to ride a veractyl, one of the creatures he rode in “Revenge of the Sith” (pg. 151), and reflecting on the Guardians of the Whills in a reference to “Rogue One” (pg. 243). The idea of a Jedi acting as planetary regent as well as the characterization of Averross recalls some of the best elements of the 1990s Bantam “Star Wars” novels, like Corran Horn. Gray previous wrote three of the best character studies in the new “Star Wars” canon – “Lost Stars,” “Bloodline,” and “Leia: Princess of Alderaan” – and this is more of the style fans expect of her. A great addition to the new “Star Wars” canon.

I've been very much looking forward to this, having greatly enjoyed the author's previous Star Wars offerings. That having been said, this is arguably her best work in the Star Wars universe thus far. Most impressive to me is how she perfectly captures Qui-Gon and Obi-wan's (and Dooku in his brief appearances) manner of speaking and even mannerisms. It is clear that she has spent a great deal of time researching this material. This book is by no means, however, a return to the prequel era simply for the sake of doing so. It greatly expands one's understanding of Qui-Gon and Obi-wan's relationship and greatly expands our knowledge of the Jedi prophecies, in addition to delivering an engrossing and enjoyable story. Master & Apprentice is simply a delight to read.

I was a little disappointed in this book. It was ok and good in most places. I think my main problem with the book is having read the entire Jedi Apprentice series I had a very different picture in my mind of Qui Gon Jinn and Obi Wan. This being a new universe this could be forgiven, and Claudia Gray does a very good job with her own characters, but for me she just did not seem to Qui Gon and the Jedi right for me.My problem with the Jedi was they seemed to need rescuing as much as the who they went on to rescue. I agree with Qui Gon they acted more like political enforcers the guardians of justice. In fairness the Samuri that the Jedi are based did that their Shogun's word as the law without question, but as a Star Wars no.The story is good but a bit slow, and does need a heavy dose of action. The parts that were good to great are things with young Qui Gon and Dooku. The book does give a reason Qui Gon was so obsessed with Anakin being the chosen one, the steps of Dooku's eventual turn, as well Obi Wan's dislike for flying.A good prequel to Episode 1, but not my favourite versions of the main characters. Good new editions (of her own characters), and possible a prophecy for the future but we will have to see how that one plays out.

I’m a big fan of both Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and I found their master and apprentice relationship really interesting in this novel, even if the story itself felt a little uneventful at times.The character development is excellent, as is the dialogue between the two. They feel like the two Jedi we meet in Episode I. Claudia Grey has always been an excellent character writer and clearly understands these two.I found the notion of both Jinn and Kenobi feeling like they had failed each other to some degree within their relationship really interesting. Jinn in particular comes across as a very confident Jedi in Episode I, so it was fascinating to see that this was not always the case. Really good character development.Although I very much enjoyed the book, the story does feel quite slow at times and then everything seems to happen awfully quick at the end, in terms of plot points being wrapped and bit too conveniently.I didn’t see the ‘who done it’ plot twist coming at the end, which is a testament to the quality of the author, but it did all feel a little bit inconsequential once the events had transpired.If you’re a fan of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, I do recommend this novel. There are some nice character moments and interesting exchanges which really flesh the characters out. Another Jedi, Rael Aveross, is also an interesting character - essentially a Jedi who loves and holds on to attachments, with a dark past.If you’re looking for a more action packed Star Wars novel, then I suggest looking elsewhere, but Master & Apprentice is still an interesting character read, worthy of it’s place in the new canon.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were two of my favourite charecters in the prequels. So I was looking to this novel and I was not disapointed.After reading this novel I love the charecters even more.Qui-gon was ahead of his time and for me should of been the head of the coucil. Some of the exspanded novels realy do not paint yoda in a great light.You can see why Obi-wan became one of the best in the order.Loved there whole Master and Apprentice ark showing us a different side of the Obi-Wan charecter than what we are used to.Master And Apprebtuce I feel is very well writren an enjoyable read a must for and star wars fan.

Set a few years prior to the events of ‘The Phantom Menace’, this novel focusses and, indeed, expands upon the first ‘typical’ Master and Padawan relationship introduced in Star Wars.It is concerned with a period when both Qui-Gon and Obi Wan are questioning their relationship, Qui-Gon believing he is failing his student whereas Obi Wan is beginning to wonder if his Master’s somewhat unconventional approach to being a Jedi is proving detrimental to them both.They are forced to acknowledge these concerns when Qui-Gon is offered a position on the Jedi Council that would result in him relinquishing his Padawan. Before, Qui-Gon can reach a decision, however, the two of them are sent as representatives to the world of Pijal where they are to oversee a young princess come of age and ascend to the throne.With their mission involving conspiracy, terrorists and a corrupt megacorporation, there is plenty of political intrigue and action to make the main plot entertaining and interesting. The strength of the novel, however, lies in its characterisation of Qui-Gon Jinn and the exploration of his relationships with his fellow Jedi.Qui-Gon is the main focus of the story, a relatively rare occurrence for the character. Much comes from his perspective. The novel covers a period of events that see him somewhat at odds with his Padawan, an old friend, the Jedi Council and the teachings of his old master, Dooku. Looking at his role as mentor to Obi Wan and his own time as a Padawan as well as the relationship between Dooku and Averros (Dooku’s Padawan before Qui-Gon and Qui-Gon’s friend), allows for plenty of comparison that provides a good exploration of the master/padawan dynamic. Averros’ tutoring of Princess Fanry coloured by the regrets of losing his own Padawan provide another perspective for looking at this area.All this and the various concerns it entails for the characters is woven into events on Pijal, exerting an influence upon them as they move towards a climactic conclusion.In the process the novel offers a look at pre-Sith Dooku and some of his reasoning for his later separation from the Jedi. It also expands upon the dichotomy of the Jedi and the Republic turning a blind eye to continuing slavery in the galaxy despite it being proclaimed illegal.Offering a look at the Republic and the Jedi before ‘The Phantom Menace’ which enriches the Prequal Trilogy, Claudia Gray has once more produced one of the stronger novels from Disney’s new canon.

Master and Apprentice was a fantastic book looking at the relationship between Obi Wan Kenobi and Qui Gon Jinn before the events of the prequel trilogy. It was a fantastic way to get to know where the characters started out. At the start of this story their relationship as Master and Apprentice is very much on the rocks, to the extent of even considering assigning Kenobi to a new Jedi Master. It really delves into their oposite traits, particularly looking at how they each react to the rules of the Jedi.There are multiple plot lines running throughout looking at terrorism and slavery in particular, but what really took centre stage to me were the prophecies and how they linked to the plot and further plots within the canon stories. There were lots of Easter eggs within these parts of the book, which I just loved to work out each one and what they may mean. This also highlighted religion within the Jedi Order, reminding us they aren't just the military force we see in the other stories. Each Jedi has a different reaction to prophecies, which illustrates their individual personalities, aswell as their connections with the force and the Jedi Order.I loved seeing Qui Gon and Obi Wan's relationship develop and though they are by no means perfect by the end of the book, as we see in episode 1, this book shows how well they can work together too. Throughout the book there are flashbacks to when Qui Gon was younger, as apprentice under Dooku, it really creates comparisons in the bond with his own apprentice. All of the characters go through so much developmentin this book, the plot feels second to this, in the best way possible, as your learn to love the characters with all there flaws. There are strong themes of family in this book, particularly found family. I'm used to reading, and watching, so many Star Wars stories about forbidden love within the Jedi Order. It was interesting that this reflected onto the more paternal feelings between the Jedi Masters and their Padawans. They are told not to be distracted by these feelings and emotions they have for others, usually romantically, but it also shows how Masters, quite understandably, fill a more parental role. It takes different forms in all of the characters, and sometimes not for the best.Overall I thought this was a brilliant novel, with such complex relations between its characters, with plenty of development whilst still being a fast paced read.