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Star Wars: Junior Jedi Knights #2
Lyric's World
Anakin and Tahiri are off on an adventure to the distant moon of Yavin 8! There they will help their alien friend Lyric join the "elders," the adults of her race. To do it, she must go through a strange and wonderful change. And when it's over, Lyric won't look anything like her old self!
But Anakin and Tahiri are in for an even bigger surprise. Deep within the covers of Lyric's world are carvings that match the ones they found back in the temple on Yavin 4. If they can read them, they might be able to break the curse of the mysterious Golden Globe and defeat the dark side of the Force!
But Anakin and Tahiri are in for an even bigger surprise. Deep within the covers of Lyric's world are carvings that match the ones they found back in the temple on Yavin 4. If they can read them, they might be able to break the curse of the mysterious Golden Globe and defeat the dark side of the Force!
But there is something waiting for them down in the caves. Something large and dangerous. And it will take more than the Force to defeat it.
113 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
About the author
Nan Fischer
14 books430 followersWelcome to my author page!
Here’s a bit about my books...
Novels under the name Cleo Ballard:
This Is A Lie (Crooked Lane Books/Penguin Random House June 9, 2026)
Novels under the name Nan Fischer:
The Book of Silver Linings (Berkley Publishing, August 15, 2023)
Some Of It Was Real (Berkley Publishing)
Novels under the name Nancy Richardson Fischer:
The Speed of Falling Objects (HarperCollins/Inkyard Press).
When Elephants Fly (HarperCollin/Inkyard Press.
Novels under the name Nancy Richardson:
Middle Grade:
Junior Jedi Knights Trilogy for LucasFilm (Berkeley Press).
Sport Autobiographies:
Feel No Fear, The Power, Passion and Politics of a Life in Gymnastics (Hyperion).
Riding For My Life (LIttle Brown)
Monica: From Fear to Victory (HarperCollins)
A Journey: The Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno (Simon & Schuster)
Nadia Comaneci: Letters to a Young Gymnast (Basic Books)
Winning Every Day with Shannon Miller (Bantam Books).
If you'd like to learn more about my novels, events, or sign up for my newsletter, please visit www.nancyrichardsonfischer.com
Here’s a bit about my books...
Novels under the name Cleo Ballard:
This Is A Lie (Crooked Lane Books/Penguin Random House June 9, 2026)
Novels under the name Nan Fischer:
The Book of Silver Linings (Berkley Publishing, August 15, 2023)
Some Of It Was Real (Berkley Publishing)
Novels under the name Nancy Richardson Fischer:
The Speed of Falling Objects (HarperCollins/Inkyard Press).
When Elephants Fly (HarperCollin/Inkyard Press.
Novels under the name Nancy Richardson:
Middle Grade:
Junior Jedi Knights Trilogy for LucasFilm (Berkeley Press).
Sport Autobiographies:
Feel No Fear, The Power, Passion and Politics of a Life in Gymnastics (Hyperion).
Riding For My Life (LIttle Brown)
Monica: From Fear to Victory (HarperCollins)
A Journey: The Autobiography of Apolo Anton Ohno (Simon & Schuster)
Nadia Comaneci: Letters to a Young Gymnast (Basic Books)
Winning Every Day with Shannon Miller (Bantam Books).
If you'd like to learn more about my novels, events, or sign up for my newsletter, please visit www.nancyrichardsonfischer.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 13, 2020
I have no idea why everybody hates these books. I have so much fun with them. They're like filler episodes in an anime but with Anakin and Tahiri. They're short and sweet and I'm glad they exist.
October 19, 2026
The second book was an absolute delight, because I got to learn about a species that resembles mermaids, and I LOVE mermaids!
کتاب دوم به‌شدت لذت‌بخش بود، چون با گونه‌ای آشنا شدم که شبیه پری‌های دریایی هستن و منم عاشق پری‌های دریایی‌ام.
In this book, Anakin and Tahiri are still trying to unlock the golden sphere, but they’re stuck trying to decipher the symbols carved into the temple.
توی این کتاب، آناکین و تاهیری همچنان دنبال باز کردن گوی طلایی هستن، ولی توی رمزگشایی علامت‌هایی که روی معبد هستن، گیر کردن.
The story begins with Anakin and Tahiri in class. They spot a student sitting all alone and tell her, “Come sit with me and my friend! You can join us for today’s class exercises.”
داستان از اون‌جا شروع می‌شه که آناکین و تاهیری سر کلاسشونن و بعد یه دانش‌آموز تنها می‌بینن و بهش می‌گن: «بیا پیش من و دوستم بشین و بیا تمرینات امروز کلاس رو انجام بدیم.»
And that’s how they meet Lyric, a girl with long red hair who comes from Yavin 8
و این‌جوریه که با لیریک آشنا می‌شن؛ یه دختر با موهای قرمز بلند که اهل یاوین ۸ئه.
Lyric belongs to a species that hatches from eggs and spends some time looking human before eventually developing fins, tails, and gills.
لیریک عضو گونه‌ایه که از تخم بیرون میان و مدتی ظاهری شبیه انسان دارن و بعد باله و دم و آبشش درمیارن.
During the time they look human, they have to be extremely careful of predators.
و توی دورانی که ظاهر انسانی دارن، حسابی باید حواسشون به شکارچی‌ها باشه.
Lyric needs to return to her moon, and Anakin and Tahiri want to help her. She also tells them that the elders of her species know about the symbols.
لیریک باید برگرده به قمر خودش و آناکین و تاهیری هم می‌خوان کمکش کنن. همچنین لیریک بهشون گفته که افراد بزرگ‌تر نژادشون درباره‌ی این نمادها می‌دونن.
Anakin and Tahiri travel to Yavin 8 with Lyric, and I’ve fallen in love with Yavin 8! A moon with an incredibly fascinating species living on it, although there’s also a pretty high chance of dying there.
آناکین و تاهیری با لیریک می‌رن یاوین ۸ و من عاشق یاوین ۸ شدم. یه قمر با گونه‌ای به‌شدت جالب، ولی خب، خطر مرگ هم توش زیاده.
They reminded me so much of turtles.
به‌شدت من رو یاد لاک‌پشت‌ها می‌انداختن.
Anakin and Tahiri manage to take down three terrifying predators there (at the cost of a few bruises, cuts, and, of course, some bites). Then they return to Yavin 4 and go to Luke with another member of the species who is strong in the Force.
آناکین و تاهیری قشنگ از پس سه تا شکارچی ترسناک اون‌جا برمیان (به‌ازای چندتا کبودی و زخم و البته نیش زده شدن) و بعد با یه فرد دیگه از اون گونه که درونش فورس داره، به یاوین ۴ و پیش لوک برمی‌گردن.
It’s pretty obvious that Luke has aged a hundred years because of Anakin and Tahiri, but he’s still incredibly impressed by their abilities.
قشنگ مشخصه لوک از دست آناکین و تاهیری صد سال پیر شده، ولی همچنان به‌شدت تحت تأثیر قدرتشون قرار گرفته.
Anakin and Tahiri made an incredible team, right up until death tore them apart.
آناکین و تاهیری هم‌تیمی‌های فوق‌العاده‌ای بودن، تا زمانی که مرگ از هم جداشون کرد.
While reading this series, I kept seeing the scene of Anakin’s death playing in my head.
وقتی داشتم این مجموعه رو می‌خوندم، قشنگ همش صحنه‌ی مرگ آناکین توی ذهنم پلی می‌شد.
It’s so heartbreaking. So tragic.
خیلی تلخه. خیلی تراژدیه.
An unfinished story.
یه داستان نیمه‌تموم.
Damn me for falling in love with things like this. I honestly don’t even know how to describe just how devastating it is, so you can understand what I mean.
لعنت به من که عاشق چیزای این‌جوری می‌شم. عمق فاجعه رو نمی‌دونم چطوری بگم تا متوجه بشید.
Anyway... Anakin and Tahiri finally figure out the code with the help of the other kid, and BOOM!
به‌هرحال... آناکین و تاهیری بالاخره رمز رو به کمک اون یکی بچه پیدا می‌کنن و بوم!
We’re so close to freeing the spirits!
ما خیلی به آزاد کردن روح‌ها نزدیکیم!
And our old Master Ikrit is keeping an eye on the two of them, too. In a way, he serves as a mentor alongside Luke, even though Luke is worried about them. He feels almost paternal toward Tahiri, and Anakin is his own nephew. He also knows he can’t exactly stop them from doing what they do.
و استاد پیرمون، یعنی ایکریت، هم اون دوتا رو زیر نظر داره و یه جورایی در کنار لوک، حکم مرشد رو بازی می‌کنه؛ هرچند لوک نگرانه. چون هم به تاهیری یه حس پدری داره و هم آناکین خواهرزاده‌ی خودشه. و اینم می‌دونه که نمی‌تونه جلوشون رو بگیره.
And I LOVE the part where Luke worries about how Leia is going to react. You just know Leia will absolutely DESTROY him if anything happens to her kid! But the thing is, it’s not that Luke isn’t looking after them. It’s just that all three of Leia’s children are adventure-seekers.
و عاشق اون‌جام که لوک درباره‌ی واکنش لیا نگرانه. قشنگ معلومه لیا قورتش می‌ده اگه بچه‌ش چیزیش بشه! ولی موضوع این نیست که لوک مراقب نیست، بلکه موضوع اینه که کلا هر سه تا بچه‌ی لیا دنبال ماجراجویی‌ان.
Leia herself had quite a few adventures during her teenage years, too.
خود لیا هم توی نوجوونی حسابی ماجرا داشته.
I have to say, I’m giving this entire series pretty much a perfect rating—not because it’s flawless, but because I love this universe and these characters. I LOVE them, and these days, I spend practically all my time thinking about them. So please understand that I’m not approaching this as a literary critic.
باید بگم که من به کل این مجموعه تقریبا نمره‌ی کامل می‌دم؛ نه چون بی‌نقصه، بلکه چون من عاشق این جهان و کاراکترهام. من عاشقشونم و تقریبا این روزها همش دارم بهشون فکر می‌کنم. پس باید متوجه باشید که من نقد ادبی نمی‌کنم.
And if you love Star Wars, I wholeheartedly recommend this adorable, heartwarming series. But if you don’t, I have to warn you that you’ll probably just be confused and won’t feel any real connection to the story. So don’t bother reading it.
و اگه استار وارز دوست دارید، من این مجموعه‌ی خیلی بامزه و پر از حس خوب رو کاملاً پیشنهاد می‌کنم، ولی اگه نه، باید بگم فقط گیج می‌شید و هیچ کششی احساس نمی‌کنید. پس نخونید.
کتاب دوم به‌شدت لذت‌بخش بود، چون با گونه‌ای آشنا شدم که شبیه پری‌های دریایی هستن و منم عاشق پری‌های دریایی‌ام.
In this book, Anakin and Tahiri are still trying to unlock the golden sphere, but they’re stuck trying to decipher the symbols carved into the temple.
توی این کتاب، آناکین و تاهیری همچنان دنبال باز کردن گوی طلایی هستن، ولی توی رمزگشایی علامت‌هایی که روی معبد هستن، گیر کردن.
The story begins with Anakin and Tahiri in class. They spot a student sitting all alone and tell her, “Come sit with me and my friend! You can join us for today’s class exercises.”
داستان از اون‌جا شروع می‌شه که آناکین و تاهیری سر کلاسشونن و بعد یه دانش‌آموز تنها می‌بینن و بهش می‌گن: «بیا پیش من و دوستم بشین و بیا تمرینات امروز کلاس رو انجام بدیم.»
And that’s how they meet Lyric, a girl with long red hair who comes from Yavin 8
و این‌جوریه که با لیریک آشنا می‌شن؛ یه دختر با موهای قرمز بلند که اهل یاوین ۸ئه.
Lyric belongs to a species that hatches from eggs and spends some time looking human before eventually developing fins, tails, and gills.
لیریک عضو گونه‌ایه که از تخم بیرون میان و مدتی ظاهری شبیه انسان دارن و بعد باله و دم و آبشش درمیارن.
During the time they look human, they have to be extremely careful of predators.
و توی دورانی که ظاهر انسانی دارن، حسابی باید حواسشون به شکارچی‌ها باشه.
Lyric needs to return to her moon, and Anakin and Tahiri want to help her. She also tells them that the elders of her species know about the symbols.
لیریک باید برگرده به قمر خودش و آناکین و تاهیری هم می‌خوان کمکش کنن. همچنین لیریک بهشون گفته که افراد بزرگ‌تر نژادشون درباره‌ی این نمادها می‌دونن.
Anakin and Tahiri travel to Yavin 8 with Lyric, and I’ve fallen in love with Yavin 8! A moon with an incredibly fascinating species living on it, although there’s also a pretty high chance of dying there.
آناکین و تاهیری با لیریک می‌رن یاوین ۸ و من عاشق یاوین ۸ شدم. یه قمر با گونه‌ای به‌شدت جالب، ولی خب، خطر مرگ هم توش زیاده.
They reminded me so much of turtles.
به‌شدت من رو یاد لاک‌پشت‌ها می‌انداختن.
Anakin and Tahiri manage to take down three terrifying predators there (at the cost of a few bruises, cuts, and, of course, some bites). Then they return to Yavin 4 and go to Luke with another member of the species who is strong in the Force.
آناکین و تاهیری قشنگ از پس سه تا شکارچی ترسناک اون‌جا برمیان (به‌ازای چندتا کبودی و زخم و البته نیش زده شدن) و بعد با یه فرد دیگه از اون گونه که درونش فورس داره، به یاوین ۴ و پیش لوک برمی‌گردن.
It’s pretty obvious that Luke has aged a hundred years because of Anakin and Tahiri, but he’s still incredibly impressed by their abilities.
قشنگ مشخصه لوک از دست آناکین و تاهیری صد سال پیر شده، ولی همچنان به‌شدت تحت تأثیر قدرتشون قرار گرفته.
Anakin and Tahiri made an incredible team, right up until death tore them apart.
آناکین و تاهیری هم‌تیمی‌های فوق‌العاده‌ای بودن، تا زمانی که مرگ از هم جداشون کرد.
While reading this series, I kept seeing the scene of Anakin’s death playing in my head.
وقتی داشتم این مجموعه رو می‌خوندم، قشنگ همش صحنه‌ی مرگ آناکین توی ذهنم پلی می‌شد.
It’s so heartbreaking. So tragic.
خیلی تلخه. خیلی تراژدیه.
An unfinished story.
یه داستان نیمه‌تموم.
Damn me for falling in love with things like this. I honestly don’t even know how to describe just how devastating it is, so you can understand what I mean.
لعنت به من که عاشق چیزای این‌جوری می‌شم. عمق فاجعه رو نمی‌دونم چطوری بگم تا متوجه بشید.
Anyway... Anakin and Tahiri finally figure out the code with the help of the other kid, and BOOM!
به‌هرحال... آناکین و تاهیری بالاخره رمز رو به کمک اون یکی بچه پیدا می‌کنن و بوم!
We’re so close to freeing the spirits!
ما خیلی به آزاد کردن روح‌ها نزدیکیم!
And our old Master Ikrit is keeping an eye on the two of them, too. In a way, he serves as a mentor alongside Luke, even though Luke is worried about them. He feels almost paternal toward Tahiri, and Anakin is his own nephew. He also knows he can’t exactly stop them from doing what they do.
و استاد پیرمون، یعنی ایکریت، هم اون دوتا رو زیر نظر داره و یه جورایی در کنار لوک، حکم مرشد رو بازی می‌کنه؛ هرچند لوک نگرانه. چون هم به تاهیری یه حس پدری داره و هم آناکین خواهرزاده‌ی خودشه. و اینم می‌دونه که نمی‌تونه جلوشون رو بگیره.
And I LOVE the part where Luke worries about how Leia is going to react. You just know Leia will absolutely DESTROY him if anything happens to her kid! But the thing is, it’s not that Luke isn’t looking after them. It’s just that all three of Leia’s children are adventure-seekers.
و عاشق اون‌جام که لوک درباره‌ی واکنش لیا نگرانه. قشنگ معلومه لیا قورتش می‌ده اگه بچه‌ش چیزیش بشه! ولی موضوع این نیست که لوک مراقب نیست، بلکه موضوع اینه که کلا هر سه تا بچه‌ی لیا دنبال ماجراجویی‌ان.
Leia herself had quite a few adventures during her teenage years, too.
خود لیا هم توی نوجوونی حسابی ماجرا داشته.
I have to say, I’m giving this entire series pretty much a perfect rating—not because it’s flawless, but because I love this universe and these characters. I LOVE them, and these days, I spend practically all my time thinking about them. So please understand that I’m not approaching this as a literary critic.
باید بگم که من به کل این مجموعه تقریبا نمره‌ی کامل می‌دم؛ نه چون بی‌نقصه، بلکه چون من عاشق این جهان و کاراکترهام. من عاشقشونم و تقریبا این روزها همش دارم بهشون فکر می‌کنم. پس باید متوجه باشید که من نقد ادبی نمی‌کنم.
And if you love Star Wars, I wholeheartedly recommend this adorable, heartwarming series. But if you don’t, I have to warn you that you’ll probably just be confused and won’t feel any real connection to the story. So don’t bother reading it.
و اگه استار وارز دوست دارید، من این مجموعه‌ی خیلی بامزه و پر از حس خوب رو کاملاً پیشنهاد می‌کنم، ولی اگه نه، باید بگم فقط گیج می‌شید و هیچ کششی احساس نمی‌کنید. پس نخونید.
June 13, 2025
1.5 stars
It’s hard to believe a Star Wars book—any Star Wars book—could be this mind-numbingly dull, but Junior Jedi Knights: Lyric’s World manages it with flying beige. This entry in the young reader series grinds to a near halt as it follows a character that adds absolutely nothing to the larger universe except a heavy dose of mediocrity. Even for a children’s tie-in novel, this one feels like it was written with the assumption that young readers don’t want excitement, character development, or, well, anything happening at all.
The plot is essentially a slow, meandering stroll through a bunch of non-decisions and head-scratching dialogue, with characters so thin you’d swear they were holograms. Lyric herself is mostly a narrative vehicle with zero compelling traits beyond being a mermaid and just being… there. No charm, no drama, and absolutely no reason to care. It’s a massive letdown after the slightly more energetic (though still flawed) first book in the “Junior Jedi Knights” series. The pacing is glacial, the stakes are nonexistent, and the writing? Serviceable at best—lazy at worst.
Still, let’s give credit where it’s (barely) due: it’s not quite as offensively terrible as the “Jedi Prince” series by the Davids siblings. That saga of Force-powered glove-wearing Palpatine clones and moon palaces remains unmatched in its bizarre awfulness. At least Lyric’s Story doesn’t have villains named Trioculus and Mount Yoda.
But that’s a low bar to clear.
Unless you’re a completist or handing it to a very bored 8-year-old with no alternatives, feel free to skip this one. Even the Force can’t save it from being a complete snooze.
It’s hard to believe a Star Wars book—any Star Wars book—could be this mind-numbingly dull, but Junior Jedi Knights: Lyric’s World manages it with flying beige. This entry in the young reader series grinds to a near halt as it follows a character that adds absolutely nothing to the larger universe except a heavy dose of mediocrity. Even for a children’s tie-in novel, this one feels like it was written with the assumption that young readers don’t want excitement, character development, or, well, anything happening at all.
The plot is essentially a slow, meandering stroll through a bunch of non-decisions and head-scratching dialogue, with characters so thin you’d swear they were holograms. Lyric herself is mostly a narrative vehicle with zero compelling traits beyond being a mermaid and just being… there. No charm, no drama, and absolutely no reason to care. It’s a massive letdown after the slightly more energetic (though still flawed) first book in the “Junior Jedi Knights” series. The pacing is glacial, the stakes are nonexistent, and the writing? Serviceable at best—lazy at worst.
Still, let’s give credit where it’s (barely) due: it’s not quite as offensively terrible as the “Jedi Prince” series by the Davids siblings. That saga of Force-powered glove-wearing Palpatine clones and moon palaces remains unmatched in its bizarre awfulness. At least Lyric’s Story doesn’t have villains named Trioculus and Mount Yoda.
But that’s a low bar to clear.
Unless you’re a completist or handing it to a very bored 8-year-old with no alternatives, feel free to skip this one. Even the Force can’t save it from being a complete snooze.
May 6, 2024
Another fun adventure with Anakin and Tahiri! Also it has mermaids, so what's not to love?
October 21, 2012
I feel like some of this is written better than the first and other parts are just as bad.
Anakin and Thairi make a new friend named Lyric, who's been on Yavin 4 for longer than the others. She's a Melodie from Yavin 8 and is actually nearly 20 - the age at which her species changes into elders.
They're essentially mermaids.
The two go with her to Yavin 8 to help her and her hatchmates stay safe during their change. The predators of the world are vicious, and are drawn to the Changing.
I wonder how the children even grow, given that their parents can't really leave the water. It's strange, given that they're sentients. And, there doesn't seem to be evil among them - that is, no one has connived against the parents nor other youth.
Another reason why they go to Yavin 8 is because Lyric mentioned that the symbols Anakin was drawing from memory from around the golden globe were also seen on her world. It makes sense, given that the planets are in the same system. But Anakin and Tahiri will follow any and all leads to help the children in the globe.
Peckhum is the Academy's pilot and conveniently has to leave the children alone to fend for themselves (he forgot supplies, my butt). *sigh* Oh and then he's perfectly okay with taking nine year old Sannah (who Anakin and Tahiri determine is Force sensitive) without checking with the adults that it would be okay nor with contacting Luke ahead of time.
Yeah, that sounds "right."
Poorly written
Things that were bad:
- Paper. PAPER. No one should have paper! This was written in 1999 - the 'verse does NOT have paper and this is not new news.
- The Jedi Code. It was written and explained before this book was even thought of, and yet Richardson writes that part of the Code is "believe and you'll succeed." Richerson - the hell?
Anakin and Thairi make a new friend named Lyric, who's been on Yavin 4 for longer than the others. She's a Melodie from Yavin 8 and is actually nearly 20 - the age at which her species changes into elders.
They're essentially mermaids.
The two go with her to Yavin 8 to help her and her hatchmates stay safe during their change. The predators of the world are vicious, and are drawn to the Changing.
I wonder how the children even grow, given that their parents can't really leave the water. It's strange, given that they're sentients. And, there doesn't seem to be evil among them - that is, no one has connived against the parents nor other youth.
Another reason why they go to Yavin 8 is because Lyric mentioned that the symbols Anakin was drawing from memory from around the golden globe were also seen on her world. It makes sense, given that the planets are in the same system. But Anakin and Tahiri will follow any and all leads to help the children in the globe.
Peckhum is the Academy's pilot and conveniently has to leave the children alone to fend for themselves (he forgot supplies, my butt). *sigh* Oh and then he's perfectly okay with taking nine year old Sannah (who Anakin and Tahiri determine is Force sensitive) without checking with the adults that it would be okay nor with contacting Luke ahead of time.
Yeah, that sounds "right."
Poorly written
Things that were bad:
- Paper. PAPER. No one should have paper! This was written in 1999 - the 'verse does NOT have paper and this is not new news.
- The Jedi Code. It was written and explained before this book was even thought of, and yet Richardson writes that part of the Code is "believe and you'll succeed." Richerson - the hell?
May 6, 2020
The writing seems to be more cohesive in this one but it's at the expense of the plot, which is riddled with contrivances. Anakin and Tahiri travel to the moon of Yavin 8 with a fellow Jedi initiate named Lyric. Her species - Melodie - begin like humans and end with their legs fusing into tails like mermaids as they mature; complete with long red hair and a sing-song voice, Lyric is one solo ballad away from being Ariel herself. They must bring her back home because she's about to undergo said change and her species only survive in the special water pools where they were born from, just like little salmon fish. Lyric also just happens to know that the ancient Massassi scribblings that surround the Golden Globe are also present on Yavin 8 and because of this, they somehow get Luke to allow them to go on their own. Seems a little irresponsible to let barely-ten-year-olds with a minute practice of the Force gallivant to distant moons on their own but I digress. Old Peckhum, the Praxeum's resident merchant, goes along, too, but the plot quickly dispatches him because he "forgot" some things at home on Yavin 4.
Tahiri and Anakin decipher the Massassi message to further the Golden Globe arc and while it's not a total waste of time - they end up returning with another force sensitive Melodie named Sannah - it's all just an overly complicated, convenienced, contrived way for them to get done what they need to get done, only this time without the somewhat interesting lineage introspection of the story previous. Even though it's not explicitly stated, you can't tell me the Jedi Praxeum that's been situated on Yavin 4 for nearly a decade doesn't have a library where they could get leads on the Massassi writing. And even though the message states that only children can work to free those inside the globe, does that mean they can't ask adults for help on a question of translation or something similar? It's all very vague.
3 1/2 little space mermaids out of 10
Tahiri and Anakin decipher the Massassi message to further the Golden Globe arc and while it's not a total waste of time - they end up returning with another force sensitive Melodie named Sannah - it's all just an overly complicated, convenienced, contrived way for them to get done what they need to get done, only this time without the somewhat interesting lineage introspection of the story previous. Even though it's not explicitly stated, you can't tell me the Jedi Praxeum that's been situated on Yavin 4 for nearly a decade doesn't have a library where they could get leads on the Massassi writing. And even though the message states that only children can work to free those inside the globe, does that mean they can't ask adults for help on a question of translation or something similar? It's all very vague.
3 1/2 little space mermaids out of 10
November 12, 2022
Lyric's World, the second novel in the Junior Jedi Knights series, is a major improvement over its predecessor. Whereas the first novel seemed to struggle with pacing and plot direction, this second junior novel manages to present something that feels much more like a structured adventure, with a clearer beginning, middle, and end, all while taking greater strides to connect to the developing lore of the Star Wars expanded universe canon.
The most critical narrative developments in this one pertain to the mystery left over from the first novel: the origins and function of the Golden Globe left in the ancient Massassi temple on Yavin 4. Fischer gives Anakin and Tahiri a reason to travel off-world in this novel, and uses the plot points of the first book as a functional call to adventure for this second one. The new adventure contains its fair share of sudden dangers, and while those dangers don't feel authentically original (birds, snakes, rats, and spiders are the major actors here), they fit the novel's plot a lot better than the dreams and rafting of the first book.
Anakin and Tahiri aren't fleshed out too much further in this slim volume, though, and we're introduced rapidly to two characters who receive little attention in light of all the rest that the novel tries to do. Pacing remains a major issue with the book, especially in the chapter structures, which don't serve to help propel the book's plot further or engage readers with meaningful suspense.
Still, in spite of all its flaws, Lyric's World is a much better volume than the first book in the series was, a sequel that absolutely surpasses its first volume.
The most critical narrative developments in this one pertain to the mystery left over from the first novel: the origins and function of the Golden Globe left in the ancient Massassi temple on Yavin 4. Fischer gives Anakin and Tahiri a reason to travel off-world in this novel, and uses the plot points of the first book as a functional call to adventure for this second one. The new adventure contains its fair share of sudden dangers, and while those dangers don't feel authentically original (birds, snakes, rats, and spiders are the major actors here), they fit the novel's plot a lot better than the dreams and rafting of the first book.
Anakin and Tahiri aren't fleshed out too much further in this slim volume, though, and we're introduced rapidly to two characters who receive little attention in light of all the rest that the novel tries to do. Pacing remains a major issue with the book, especially in the chapter structures, which don't serve to help propel the book's plot further or engage readers with meaningful suspense.
Still, in spite of all its flaws, Lyric's World is a much better volume than the first book in the series was, a sequel that absolutely surpasses its first volume.
July 20, 2026
A nice 3.5 on this one graded on a curve of a children’s Star Wars book. I liked this one more than the previous one. I had not known that the golden globe was going to be the objective for what is seeming like the whole series. Yavin8 was a new planet to visit for me and I enjoyed it! Lyric and the other melodies were nice characters. The monsters on the moon were also interesting. It seems like we’re building a little crew of young Jedi going through the books which will be fun. Overall my only real complaint is the repeated description of Anakin’s eye color but it is more humorous than annoying at this point. A nice little EU story.
October 27, 2021
I always love seeing really unique alliens in the Star Wars universe, and the Melodies are no exception. Sure, not everything about them makes sense (how in the world did a species evolve and survive so that their children must live on land while the adults are aquatic?), but on the other hand: Star Wars mermaids!
August 31, 2026
A lot of fun!! This was one of my favorite star wars books as a small child, and even as an adult, it was still very interesting. As an adult, i did find myself wishing that it had taken its time a little more and lingered on some of the interesting worldbuilding, but it went down nice and smooth
April 26, 2018
Not the best book, but it is pretty good for the intended age group, and even somewhat interesting for an adult who is trying to learn about their personalities prior to the NJO.
January 21, 2021
This book was more repetitive than the Golden Globe. I felt this book dragged in places.
January 25, 2021
These definitely have a very different feel from Jude Watson SW (and a lot of SW, honestly), and Nancy Richardson’s not that great of a writer, but I like Anakin and Tahiri. Poor babies.
July 7, 2021
This series is a fun read, good characterisation for Anakin and a good prelude to NJO.
December 24, 2021
3 stars - very short Legends story
January 13, 2023
The series develops the story and relationship of the children incredibly well. I am excited to continue this story and see how it is resolved.
December 21, 2023
A side quest to the primary narrative. Fleshes out some of the rest of the Yavin system, which is a little interesting, but overall, I didn't find this to be the most engaging of adventures.
July 21, 2024
Yavin 8 is really fucked up, huh. Like seriously, in so many ways I have no idea how that species survives. Overall, an alright entry, I can't judge it too harshly on account of it being for children
August 25, 2024
sevmedim değil sadece böyle geçiş kitabı gibiydi fena değildi
January 4, 2025
2 chapters from the pov of a carnivorous space spider is wild
Want to Read
September 20, 2026#204 Legends | The New Republic | 22 ABY | Junior/MG | Junior Jedi Knights
October 11, 2026
Some good ideas but too bizarre.
December 14, 2009
Star Wars Lyric’s World
Grades 3rd-6th
This Star Wars series book was a quick read, only 16 chapters and probably one that students with an imagination will quite enjoy. The author uses a lot of descriptors to help the reader envision the environment that Anakin is in. Girls and boys alike will probably like this book because it is also about friendship and adventure. There are no illustrations in this book which may deter a child who has difficulties reading.
Math/Social Emotional Learning
Math Example: George Lucas has a ton of lesson plans that a teacher can incorporate into any unit of learning. Using a classroom computer have students play Ratt’s race which is a math game
Grades 3rd-6th
This Star Wars series book was a quick read, only 16 chapters and probably one that students with an imagination will quite enjoy. The author uses a lot of descriptors to help the reader envision the environment that Anakin is in. Girls and boys alike will probably like this book because it is also about friendship and adventure. There are no illustrations in this book which may deter a child who has difficulties reading.
Math/Social Emotional Learning
Math Example: George Lucas has a ton of lesson plans that a teacher can incorporate into any unit of learning. Using a classroom computer have students play Ratt’s race which is a math game
December 5, 2016
As noted in the Book 1 review, this a great book earmarked for ages 7-9. My seven-year-old just finished the Potter series so I'm thinking she's past this, but my five-year-old isn't ready for this. Just a light, quick read with all the usual goofy quirks of a kids book (i.e. silly coincidences, luckily-timed events, and farfetched permissions for the child characters). I won't punish any books this series with a low rating because let's face it - I'm 42, and not seven. Frankly, I think a seven year old would love these books as the adventures move along quickly. Much, much better than the Galaxy of Fear children's series.
I'll read the series because it won't take long and perhaps some of the characters will appear in the regular novels.
I'll read the series because it won't take long and perhaps some of the characters will appear in the regular novels.
February 5, 2010
The force is clearly present. The first two books in this series naturally flow together, as Anakin and Tahiri team up in the first book and discover a golden globe. In the second book, they go on an adventure to another moon not only to help out an alien friend in the Jedi Academy, Lyric, survive, but also to learn how to break the curse of the Golden Globe. Along the way, they will battle many fatal creatures in this action-filled story, and it becomes a David & Goliath battle toward the end. Unfortunately, our library only has the first two works of this series. I strongly encourage youth services librarians to give this series a serious look for their library collections.
April 21, 2012
Very Good book. I found it hard to read this series, as it was written for younger children but after talking with my best friend Jane about viewing the story as through the eyes of the children it came to life for me. I am loving it. About to start book 3.
August 17, 2008
you know, i waited a year or more for this book, and let me tell you something, it wasn't worth it.
May 15, 2012
Better than the first book in the series. The exposition is a lot less clunky and repetitive, and the story is more interesting. Seeing new parts of the Star Wars universe is always fun.
April 21, 2015
Alien mermaid sidequest for Anakin and Tahiri leads them through some dangerous times, Luke Skywalker should consider getting them some better babysitters.
Five stars!
Five stars!
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