Review: Master & Apprentice
Quick Summary
Pros: The book centers around a tense situation that is filled with excitement. Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi shine throughout the read and learning more about them is great. The minor characters are well written and interesting as well.
Cons: Some small pieces of the story rely a bit too much on chance or coincidence
Overall: This is a fun book with plenty of great characters. The main narrative offers all of the thrills and excitement that typically come with Jedi adventures. However, the characters are where the book really shines, offering character development to familiar faces while newer characters also become interesting. This book is good overall but will particularly appeal to fans of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Story
The bulk of Master & Apprentice, by Claudia Gray, focuses on a tense political situation shrouded in mystery. This involves encounters with a violent extremist group, fighting for the rights of underprivileged people, and dealing with the ambition of a greedy corporation. It is complex Jedi business that suits the Star Wars universe. All of this comes to a head in an epic conclusion that I absolutely did not see coming but seriously enjoyed anyway. Some small pieces of the story rely a bit too much on chance or coincidence but, for the most part, the read is enjoyable.
While the storyline is compelling, the main reason to read this book is the characters. The book primarily focuses on Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, elaborating on them as individuals but also as a team. This uncovers a lot about both characters: how they were trained in different ways, how they initially did not work well together, and how they developed the sensibilities that are on display in The Phantom Menace.
Alongside them, this book also has plenty of minor characters that have some time in the spotlight. The personal stories and development surrounding Rael Averross and two gem thieves are great to see, as they add additional layers of well-written emotion into the work. Plus, there are a few scenes that allow readers to see Yoda and Count Dooku from a different perspective. All in all, this book’s characters are wonderful and add a lot to the book.
Continuity
Master & Apprentice takes place at some point before the events of Episode I- The Phantom Menace. However, the book’s final chapter takes place immediately after the events of Episode I- The Phantom Menace.