Master and Apprentice (Star Wars ) by Claudia Gray
Master and Apprentice (Star Wars) is a fantastic book that has rekindled my love for the whole star-wars series. Love what Claudia Gray has done with the characters of Obi-wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi Masters who ultimately discover Anakin Skywalker, who according to the prophecies is the Chosen One who can bring in the balance between the Light and the Dark.
Master and Apprentice, released to celebrate twenty years since Phantom Menace came out in 1999 that set off another era of star-wars fandom for us ( born in the 80's who missed the euphoria of the original star-wars trilogy) is actually a fascinating character study of Qui-Gon Jinn, the rebellious and eccentric Jedi Master and Knight who is willing to place his faith in the Force more than just the rules set down by the Council. I absolutely absolutely adored the way in which his character grew from strength to strength. At the heart of it, this book is mainly about the rocky relationship between Qui Gon and his new apprentice, Kenobi who is a stickler for the rules and doesn't want to risk thinking independently, for fear of being judged a rebel. But it also touches upon the nice little political drama riddled with conspiracies against the heir-crown in the far-off the planet of Pijal where princess Fanry is about to be coronated queen and sign the imperial treaty opening up the hyperspace corridor for trade with the Republic. This becomes the basis for all the action and thrill rides that follows up in this absolute roller coaster of a book that explores the Republican Era, before the rise of the Sith Lords threatened to topple the balance of the Universe.
The events of this book explores the politics of this far-off planet called Pijal which is controlled by the Czerka Corporation, a sinister company that controls trade in most of the Universe. The Jedis are sent in based on the request of Rael Avaross, a Jedi himself who had previously apprenticed with Qui-Gon's Master Dooku and thus, counts Qui Gon as a friend. Qui Gon himself is going through too many unanswered questions in his mind, about his own worthiness as a Jedi Master and whether he is failing his apprentice by not guiding Obi-wan enough to find his independent ways and perhaps shine as a Jedi Knight true to his potential. To make his choices worse, he has been offered a chance to join the Jedi-council. Which means, he will have to part ways with his apprentice even before they have had a chance to bond. But first things first, they have to see through their current mission, in what could be their last. To ensure that the imperial treaty is signed and peace on Pijal is maintained.
Things on the planet go quickly from bad to worse as the attacks on the palace and the princess grow steadily more violent. There are many possible suspects, the Czerka officials on the planet, the Jedi jaded with the ways of the Jedi and nursing a guilt about having gotten his previous apprentice killed, the Opposition who may be more than just a theatrical company. It is up to Qui-Gon to crack this mystery before things get blown up out of proportion. He knows that it isn't just the treaty or the safety of the princess at stake. There's also the question of prophecies that Qui-Gon believes in and of course, the mysterious Force that flows through everything and everyone.
What I loved about the book was its deeper immersion and exposition of the Jedi culture - through the ruminations of Qui-Gon on the mysteries of the Force and that of the prophecies that might shape the future of the world and also the various the Master-Apprentice relationships that define the Jedis (Dooku-Qui-Gon, Dooku-Rael in addition to Qui-Got with Obi-wan). Oh don't get me wrong, there is drama aplenty as the Jedi duo fight against mysterious conspirators out to derail the treaty signing on Pijal. But the drama is ably balanced by superb character evolution of both Qui Gon and Obi-wan.
In addition, there are two additional characters who play pivotal roles in the story. The jewel thieves Rahara Wick and Pax Maripher, outlaws and clever pilots who are trying to skim off the corporation with their clever little deception schemes. This is keeping in line with the usual star-wars pairing of a Jedi pair along with a dashing pilot [Han Solo, Lando, Po etc ] Nice backstories for both of them make them shine, especially Pax - a young man brought up by protocol droids and thus has the most abominable social skills but who overcomes his robotic logical outlook on life and friendship to ultimately come good, for his friends. But their story is only the thin silver wrapper to the much deeper proceedings that take on some serious heft when the conspiracies start to thicken on Pijal.
Then there is Rael Avaross himself - another eccentric rebellious Jedi who after having lost his Padawan once, is wallowing in self-guilt and thus makes it his life's mission to protect his new ward, the heir-crown Princess Fanry. An arrogant and pompous man, Rael isn't a man you would come to like but his backstories with Dooku and Qui-Gon are a fascinating read. Obi-wan the young Padawan is struggling to come into his own and certain aspects of his characteristics that flourish later on, are revealed nicely in this book. The story explores in depth the role of Jedis in the Republican Era, that of being negotiators and peace keepers at large. Some of our favourites, like Yodha make their appearances with brief but insightful takes on life. Another favourite of mine, was Dooku - the former Jedi who renounces his Jedi way of life to later become you-know-what. I now want to get my hands on any stories that will bring him to life.
In addition to the altercations and frequent bickering arguments between Obi-wan and Qui-Gon that keeps the tension ratcheting up, the dialogues are crisp and clever and nicely builds up the overall plot. The pacing is slow in the beginning but it picks up nicely past the quarter-mark. The reveal when it comes, hits you with a heavy gut-punch because trust me, you will never see it coming from the far left.
This was my first Claudia Gray Star Wars book and it certainly may not be my last. Claudia gives us incredible insights into her main characters and while Phantom Menace is still eight years away, We clearly understand why Qui-Gon Jin and Obi-wan Kenobi shine the torch for the Jedis, even as rest of the Jedi way dies off or becomes extinct. Master and Apprentice is only the most interesting thread into the Prophecy of the Chosen One, that becomes the basis of the whole prequel series. I finished this on Audible and I thought Jonathan Davis' narration was excellent, the whole studio production making the whole thing very dramatic and alive. Five stars!
Master and Apprentice, released to celebrate twenty years since Phantom Menace came out in 1999 that set off another era of star-wars fandom for us ( born in the 80's who missed the euphoria of the original star-wars trilogy) is actually a fascinating character study of Qui-Gon Jinn, the rebellious and eccentric Jedi Master and Knight who is willing to place his faith in the Force more than just the rules set down by the Council. I absolutely absolutely adored the way in which his character grew from strength to strength. At the heart of it, this book is mainly about the rocky relationship between Qui Gon and his new apprentice, Kenobi who is a stickler for the rules and doesn't want to risk thinking independently, for fear of being judged a rebel. But it also touches upon the nice little political drama riddled with conspiracies against the heir-crown in the far-off the planet of Pijal where princess Fanry is about to be coronated queen and sign the imperial treaty opening up the hyperspace corridor for trade with the Republic. This becomes the basis for all the action and thrill rides that follows up in this absolute roller coaster of a book that explores the Republican Era, before the rise of the Sith Lords threatened to topple the balance of the Universe.
The events of this book explores the politics of this far-off planet called Pijal which is controlled by the Czerka Corporation, a sinister company that controls trade in most of the Universe. The Jedis are sent in based on the request of Rael Avaross, a Jedi himself who had previously apprenticed with Qui-Gon's Master Dooku and thus, counts Qui Gon as a friend. Qui Gon himself is going through too many unanswered questions in his mind, about his own worthiness as a Jedi Master and whether he is failing his apprentice by not guiding Obi-wan enough to find his independent ways and perhaps shine as a Jedi Knight true to his potential. To make his choices worse, he has been offered a chance to join the Jedi-council. Which means, he will have to part ways with his apprentice even before they have had a chance to bond. But first things first, they have to see through their current mission, in what could be their last. To ensure that the imperial treaty is signed and peace on Pijal is maintained.
Things on the planet go quickly from bad to worse as the attacks on the palace and the princess grow steadily more violent. There are many possible suspects, the Czerka officials on the planet, the Jedi jaded with the ways of the Jedi and nursing a guilt about having gotten his previous apprentice killed, the Opposition who may be more than just a theatrical company. It is up to Qui-Gon to crack this mystery before things get blown up out of proportion. He knows that it isn't just the treaty or the safety of the princess at stake. There's also the question of prophecies that Qui-Gon believes in and of course, the mysterious Force that flows through everything and everyone.
What I loved about the book was its deeper immersion and exposition of the Jedi culture - through the ruminations of Qui-Gon on the mysteries of the Force and that of the prophecies that might shape the future of the world and also the various the Master-Apprentice relationships that define the Jedis (Dooku-Qui-Gon, Dooku-Rael in addition to Qui-Got with Obi-wan). Oh don't get me wrong, there is drama aplenty as the Jedi duo fight against mysterious conspirators out to derail the treaty signing on Pijal. But the drama is ably balanced by superb character evolution of both Qui Gon and Obi-wan.
In addition, there are two additional characters who play pivotal roles in the story. The jewel thieves Rahara Wick and Pax Maripher, outlaws and clever pilots who are trying to skim off the corporation with their clever little deception schemes. This is keeping in line with the usual star-wars pairing of a Jedi pair along with a dashing pilot [Han Solo, Lando, Po etc ] Nice backstories for both of them make them shine, especially Pax - a young man brought up by protocol droids and thus has the most abominable social skills but who overcomes his robotic logical outlook on life and friendship to ultimately come good, for his friends. But their story is only the thin silver wrapper to the much deeper proceedings that take on some serious heft when the conspiracies start to thicken on Pijal.
Then there is Rael Avaross himself - another eccentric rebellious Jedi who after having lost his Padawan once, is wallowing in self-guilt and thus makes it his life's mission to protect his new ward, the heir-crown Princess Fanry. An arrogant and pompous man, Rael isn't a man you would come to like but his backstories with Dooku and Qui-Gon are a fascinating read. Obi-wan the young Padawan is struggling to come into his own and certain aspects of his characteristics that flourish later on, are revealed nicely in this book. The story explores in depth the role of Jedis in the Republican Era, that of being negotiators and peace keepers at large. Some of our favourites, like Yodha make their appearances with brief but insightful takes on life. Another favourite of mine, was Dooku - the former Jedi who renounces his Jedi way of life to later become you-know-what. I now want to get my hands on any stories that will bring him to life.
In addition to the altercations and frequent bickering arguments between Obi-wan and Qui-Gon that keeps the tension ratcheting up, the dialogues are crisp and clever and nicely builds up the overall plot. The pacing is slow in the beginning but it picks up nicely past the quarter-mark. The reveal when it comes, hits you with a heavy gut-punch because trust me, you will never see it coming from the far left.
This was my first Claudia Gray Star Wars book and it certainly may not be my last. Claudia gives us incredible insights into her main characters and while Phantom Menace is still eight years away, We clearly understand why Qui-Gon Jin and Obi-wan Kenobi shine the torch for the Jedis, even as rest of the Jedi way dies off or becomes extinct. Master and Apprentice is only the most interesting thread into the Prophecy of the Chosen One, that becomes the basis of the whole prequel series. I finished this on Audible and I thought Jonathan Davis' narration was excellent, the whole studio production making the whole thing very dramatic and alive. Five stars!
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