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"The
final volume in the Jedi Apprentice series
(the Special Editions notwithstanding) allows a retrospective
look at the progress Obi-Wan has made since becoming Qui-Gon’s
Padawan. The maturation is impressive and Watson has done it
gradually, almost innocuously, over the course of 18 books –
really quite an accomplishment.
"The mission that the two Jedi are sent on draws parallels with
several others, including Melida/Daan, Kegan and Rutan/Senali, with
a conformist state being sabotaged by the planet’s youth while two
neighbouring planets teeter on the brink of diplomatic collapse.
Obi-Wan uses the links to assess his own progress, as does Qui-Gon,
and in this sense, there is some limited closure here, with Qui-Gon
being pleased with Obi-Wan’s growth and Obi-Wan acknowledging the
profound influence of his Master’s tutelage. There are also
murmurs and whispers of future events – references that fans will
no doubt pick up on and enjoy.
"The plot draws to a conclusion in a relatively predictable
way, but it is moderately enjoyable. The entire series could also be
described in this manner, with many things being quite formulaic
(particularly the plots) but nevertheless staying on the right side
of average. Watching the bond between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan develop
was extremely worthwhile, giving insight into the connection between
them that exists in The Phantom
Menace, whilst some (sadly, I do only mean “some”) of the
places and characters Watson introduces to the Expanded Universe are
entertaining.
"Mildly variable in quality, the worst that could be said about
the Jedi Apprentice series is that it
occasionally courts mediocrity, whereas most of the time it is quite
satisfactory reading and a welcome chronicle of Obi-Wan’s Jedi
training."
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