The Way of the Apprentice

Star Wars: Jedi Quest #1

by Jude Watson

This first volume in the Jedi Quest series begins an adventure that takes place between Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Episode II: Attack of the Clones. Strong in the ways of the Force, fourteen-year-old Anakin Skywalker is an ideal Jedi apprentice. But despite his legendary piloting and lightsaber skills, he has much to learn from Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. When Obi-Wan and Anakin are separated during a mission, Anakin and the other apprentices—including his rival—must work together to survive.

Genres: Star Wars, Science Fiction, Fiction, Young Adult, Fantasy, Childrens, Adventure

Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[D. B. Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought I should finally meet Siri, Ferus, and Tru after I have practically memorized their wookieepedia pages. This is a tiny little kids book, obviously, but it's full of sweet sweet information.

• Anakin is trying so hard! Obi-Wan is trying so hard! It warms my whole heart and soul and also makes me sad.

• Tru Veld is a true homie.

• Obi-Wan and Anakin already have a "don't ask, don't tell" system in place. Thirteen-year-old Anakin goes to the lowest levels of Coruscant for nameless purposes every night? Obi-Wan somehow knows, and doesn't want to hear any details. They have... so much practice under their belts already for the "I totally don't know about your 'secret' marriage haha" situation later.

• I can't believe Siri shows up to the Jedi Council wearing a catsuit?

• Ferus so far hasn't done anything wrong besides be popular and smart.

• That part where Obi-Wan is like, "Anakin will reach us" and the other Jedi is like, "Through an impassable rock wall????" and then Anakin SMASHES THRU THE CAVE WALL WITH A DROID TANK HE STOLE AND MOWS DOWN 50 DROIDS AT ONCE and Obi-Wan is like, "....Yes."

• Ferus has, for some reason, a RED LIGHTSABER? What does this mean?

• Obi-Wan's inner monologue listing all the good things about Anakin being at the temple and then ending with something like "but he is missing one thing. He is not loved. :(" Like MY GOSH, KENOBI. I'm howling. Obi-Wan cares about Anakin so much. He's already made the jump from "when I am free of him" in Rogue Planet to, four years later, people saying he is blinded by affection.

• When Ferus is always saying "no sweat" so finally Darra tells him, "If you say 'no sweat' again I will bite you," and Ferus says,"Okay, some sweat."

• When Anakin's like YOU DON'T WANT TO FIGHT ME, BUDDY!!!! and Tru's like "Uh, of course I don't. I'm waiting for you to do the right thing" and Anakin's like... Oh...

• You can truly see why Anakin hates Ferus even though he hasn't done anything wrong. Like, he's handsome, he has an Anime Protagonist Single White Lock of Hair, he's talented, he's a natural leader. He probably has one single ear pierced and smokes space cigarettes while wearing 6 jackets at once. What a guy. Truly an icon.

Edit 1/28/2020: Had to re-read this because I forgot to take screenshots last time. 🙄

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars ...

Well written,
but a rather dull plot.

[Jim C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is part of the Legends timeline. This series is about exploring Anakin Skywalker as a padawan. In this one, Anakin and Obi-Wan have to team up with other padawans and Jedi masters as they are sent to a planet that is facing disaster because of a released toxin. There is more to this than just an industrial accident.

This is the first book of this series (there is a prequel before this one) and I believe I am going to enjoy this series. This series and this book are meant for children. Out of all the series that I have read for the younger audience in this universe this series is shaping up to be the best. They can be enjoyed by all. This book explores whether Anakin can play with others and delves into how he started his training so late into his young life. I liked this look into him as it hints at how Anakin has feelings that are not the Jedi way. As for the story I liked it as it was a different take on an invasion.

I might be biased because Anakin/Darth Vader is my favorite character in this universe so any background on him is a plus for me. That being said I do believe this book is more developed than other children books in this universe and I look forward to continuing this series.

[Shadowdenizen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series kinda "Does it" for me.

Sure, the writing is simplistic, but that's not necessarily a bad thing! In fact, it actually allows me to become more invested in the plot and characters if I don't have to parse the meaning behind some obscure word or verbose sentence.

And, despite the robustness of the Star Wars Universe, it really is Anakins saga, from beginning to end. (The shadow of Anakin/Darth Vader even looms larger over the new moves thus far), so it's always good to get more info and a fresp perspective on this fascinating character.

Hence the 4 star rating.

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This premiere novel in the kiddie space opera Jedi Quest series, written by longtime Star Wars author Jude Watson aka Judy Blundell, has a few traits going for it. First off, there were many years between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, so curiosity about the events in between made me want to check it out. Also, a more complex novel and better-known characters made this more enjoyable than any of the Jedi Apprentice books, save for the two "special editions". So, suffice it to say: Anyone who has enjoyed other "kiddie" books set in "a galaxy far, far away" will probably like The Way of the Apprentice.

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 1 out of 5]

Set in 27BBY

Bad.

Falls short of expectations, and I expected it to be somewhat mediocre and simplistic, but this one took the cake. Despite the "promising" premise, I mean, it's Anakin's training years, the execution lacks depth and fails to fully engage. Character development is non-existent, and the plot struggles to maintain a compelling pace. The writing style, while accessible and easy to read, lacks the richness expected from a Star Wars story. Unfortunately, this installment doesn't live up to the standards set by the franchise

[S— · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a good YA! Written through a perspective of a mentally disturbed youth who's doomed to become a villain. This novel however further illustrates how the process of making an enemy of society often starts at school through taunting and bullying, as well as teachers picking favourites. In combination with mental illness the result is far from impressive.

Many young adults can very well relate to this, instead of having a generic chaotic morally good protagonist we have a hopelessly romantic selfless individual with a traumatising past who wants to do good at school (and in the future, save the world, although he has a morbid view of human rights {which I share}, a right to not die) and know that they can achieve. . . just to get dismissed, mocked, and bullied at school by another who is more behaved in terms of manner as well as by the popular guy's followers at school and other mentors. Softhearted and desperately emotional people are like, they blurt the shit out what they are not supposed to say, they wear their hearts on their sleeves. They care too much. Which is why mentors don't take them seriously thus do not give them an equal opportunity. That only worsens the situation. This is a case of a broken outcast (soon to be a bipolar psychopath) vs. a star student who is lawfully good.

Considering zodiac signs as personality types, Anakin would have been Scorpio and Ferus Leo. Anakin is water while Ferus is fire. Both are of raw potential and sheer power. Water is all about emotion and mystery in a heart while fire burn through everything, even a spectator nearby would feel the heat. Water and fire are like cooling overwhelming sensation vs. heat. Except that Anakin is hot water, a boiling ocean, not just a normal water spirit. It burns as bad as fire while maintaining its fundamental quality.

Ferus accuses Anakin of lying to Obi-Wan at the end of the novel but Anakin is not lying. His version of truth is not as the same as Ferus. He does learn a Jedi lesson and learn to submit. Just not to his bully. But to his friend. Tru Veld. Whereas Ferus automatically & naturally views himself in the role of leadership and views Anne as a challenger. Why the heck would an individual willingly submit to a bully. He listens to Darra's diplomatic suggestions. He feels threatened & overwhelmed by high potential people like Obi-Wan, Luminara, and Tru. But he doesn't hate those people because they aren't bullies, unlike Ferus. Anne doesn't pick a fight with anyone unless they pick a fight with him first. Saying that he has a pretty high tolerance until he snaps. Good thing during this time Tru is pulling a Jem Carstairs calming Anne without pushing him down.

Although it must be acknowledge that society creates the worst villains out of caring-too-much people through many factors as stated, Darth Vader's past does not excuse deeds he has done however plunging a red lightsaber through Ferus Olin's heart (during the Rebels prison breakout some time between TESB and RotJ if I'm not wrong) is one I DO NOT antagonise AT ALL. It's only a matter of time for a bullied to snap and possibly get back at the bully if they can. And sure as heck if they can they will.

I have so much to say about this novel but I am wordless for now because it's been a long time since a YA book hit me in the heart. Little tid bits more, it's Siri Tachi who first says fuck the dress code which pisses Mace Windu off to no end seeing that Jedi dress code is very important. Her being a star Jedi and powerful Jedi Master breaking this rule might be the reason of Aayla's crop top, Ahsoka's tube top, Anakin's Sithy apparel, and Vos' sleeveless garb.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series once before, 6 years ago, and I really enjoyed. I'm re-reading it again and I still find myself pretty entertained. There are a lot of low star ratings for this book and the following ones. I don't quite understand why. It's a children's series, so you have to keep that in mind while reading. Regardless, I still find the content mature enough to enjoy. I think I just really agree with Watson's take on Anakin and Obi-Wan. I think she stays true to the characters while adding extra depth to them from the inner monologues. Her original characters are a touch "mary-sue/gary-stu" but not so much where it's grating.

Anyone else out there actually enjoyed this series? I'd love to hear from you.

[vicky. · Rating 2 out of 5]

"You are thinking of Qui-Gon." Anakin's voice was soft.
Startled, Obi-Wan turned to his Padawan. "How did you know?"
"Your face. It changes." Anakin shrugged. "Some knot inside you loosens. Something smooths out. I it happening."
"Stop being so perceptive," Obi-Wan chided gently.
"Now you are not thinking of him at all," Anakin replied, mischief in his eyes. "The knot is back."
"And you have tied it," Obi-Wan answered, accessing the Council room door.

:')))))

[rina.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for Anakin’s characterisation alone and his thought about sand 😂
Joke aside, that was a quick and easy nostalgic read. Loved the developing rivalry between Anakin and Ferus and how Obi-Wan reacted to Anakin’s behaviour.

[TheGeeksAttic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Wars: Jedi Quest: The Way of the Jedi was written by Jude Watson, and published by Scholastic. This Star Wars Expanded Universe young reader tale takes place during the Rise of the Empire Era, 27 years BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin).

SUMMARY:
An emergency situation on Radnor is unfolding. The Jedi Council will send four jedi teams to assist in the toxic disaster overtaking the skies. The small planet is known for its weapons research and development. Many people have become ill and have died in one of the major cities, but there is another, twin city that has not yet been hit, it's just a matter of time. The governing body and all those who could afford to leave, have abandoned their homes and fled the planet. There are no local transports left for relief, so the jedi are to deliver and distribute medication on the planet.

One the ground, the Jedi Teams are broken into 2 teams, the Jedi Masters and the Padawans. The Masters will go into the contaminated zone to distribute the medication. The padawans, are to stay in the uncontaminated area to keep it secure. Kenobi's biggest fear during the separation, is not knowing how Anakin will work with others.

While the teams are separated, the each uncover the truth behind the toxic spill and must battle their way out of some violent situations. Anakin's biggest challenge in all that he faces, is setting aside his pride.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:
I enjoy the plot of this book, a disaster story that feels almost apocalyptic for a while. It's a story about working together in tough situations. When the masters are separated from their apprentices, they trust that they will be able to maintain their unity through the force. This story offers an excellent test for Anakin, when Kenobi is separated from him on a dangerous Jedi mission.

Witnessing Kenobi be a teacher to Anakin in his youthful years was enjoyable. The book really shows that Anakin has to learn to overcome his selfish desires and be humble, to be able to work as a unit. Jude Watson is a pro when it comes to the chemistry between Anakin and Kenobi.

The young jedi padawans learning how to work together amid chaos; a predictable formula. I can see how some - the ultra pick-apart readers - might compare this to a Scooby-Doo type of tale. However, I found this story to be absolutely incredible for a young reader novel. Jude Watson does an excellent job with the character development and the plot structure.

It's mentioned in a brief description that one of the Jedi has a red lightsaber! It through me off a moment, but I truly loved it (clearly written before a decision was made that just blue and green were it).

Do I recommend that you pick up and read Jedi Quest: The Way of the Apprentice? 100% yes!

RATING:
I give this young reader book, an A+.

[Psijic · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/10.

As before, with some 160 pages, it's rather predictable what will happen. In the grand scheme of things, I really appreciate that though. Why would every Jedi mission be incredibly complex? Most crimes are brutally simple, but not as simple to solve. It's easier to break a vase than to put it back together. And given the target audience, I have to say these books are absolutely perfect to get a child more into reading, especially with it being so many novels, so I will definitely keep those hehe.

So instead I approach these novels as engaging stories showing more places of the galaxy, for one, almost like sightseeing (which may be a bit cynic given how the first novel was about slavery and this one about a virus outbreak lol but you know what I mean). Just some minor stepping stones for Anakin, but accumulated, well, the very sum of his being. As it is, in life, even for the Chosen One.

And the characters are just splendid. Beautiful characterizations of Anakin and Obi-Wan. The story is a bit better than the one of its predecessor, but just by virtue of having more Jedi granting more colorful interactions. More characters to appreciate. Tru Veld is sweet. and this is my first time reading about Ferus Olin, as popular as he is, and I'm very intrigued about the development of these characters.

Good stuff.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Scholastic series of YA Lucasverse novels continues to surprise me, punching above their weight with their quality and insight and depth. Credit to author Jude Watson, who manages more with a compact package than many adult novels are able to achieve in three times the word count. It's also impressive how these books manage to make me enjoy the prequel era much more than I usually do...a minor miracle.

[Cress · Rating 4 out of 5]

If only Obi-Wan and Anakin could communicate properly. 😔

[Amy H. Sturgis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Jude Watson's Jedi Apprentice series and the many insights it provides on the relationship between Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, during the key years of Obi-Wan's apprenticeship.

The Jedi Quest series (which, like the Jedi Apprentice series, now is considered Legends, not canon) follows Anakin Skywalker's apprenticeship with Obi-Wan in between Episode I and Episode II. While Watson foreshadows Anakin's fall well and points out some tragic fault lines inherent in the mentor-student teamwork between Master and Padawan (despite genuine effort on the parts of both characters), I simply don't find the chemistry between the two as compelling as in the Jedi Apprentice series. The JA series ultimately is about lessons learned and is tragic only in so far as it is cut short by Qui-Gon's untimely death; the JQ series, due to what comes later with Anakin's fall, must be about lessons left unlearned, and the watching-a-train-wreck sense of fatality is never far away.

That said, there are some golden character moments in this first novel in the series, usually related to Obi-Wan's thoughts of his lost Master. Here is a favorite:

The mission teaches when I cannot.

Qui-Gon's words again. Obi-Wan had come to realize that in addition to preparing him to be a Jedi Knight, Qui-Gon had prepared him to be a Master as well. He had often let him in on his thought processes, even on his own struggles to be a good Master. Qui-Gon's advice often rose in his mind, centering and calming him, much as Qui-Gon himself had done.

Over the years since Qui-Gon's tragic death, Obi-Wan had come to know how even searing grief could leave behind not only sorrow, but peace. It had been one of the great lessons of his life.

"You are thinking of Qui-Gon." Anakin's voice was soft.

Startled, Obi-Wan turned to his Padawan. "How did you know?"

"Your face. It changes." Anakin shrugged. "Some knot inside you loosens. Something smooths out. I see it happening."

"Stop being so perceptive," Obi-Wan chided gently.

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may be a little Star Wars saturated lately. This book was an entertaining mindless read. It isn't listed as Canon in the Star Wars Universe so I didn't even feel like I had to pay close attention to any of the story. And it is just what I needed, plain entertainment without trying to fit it into the puzzle of the larger universe.

Very juvenile, though that is the intent, I think. Definitely written to the young teenage reader. It was a short book, and took me so little time to get through. Its been sitting on my list for some time now, and I am just trying to grab all of the short books on my lists and cruise through them quickly! (These sure are helping my 2019 reading challenge/goal!!!)

So yeah, I could recommend this book to any young Star Wars fans, though with all the books now announced as Canon, it may be better for us fans to keep up with those ones first, eh?

[blank]

Jude Watson is actually a pretty good author, but the Finnish translation seems rushed and could be a lot better and smoother. However, it's not terrible. The little nods to the Jedi Apprentice series and the parrallels reveal a bit more of the differences of the many characters.

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

extremely deep sigh…..reading this kinda makes me want to kill mys—[train horn passes by] but I’m gonna finish all ten of them if it’s the last thing I do. I’ve created a very robust complicated color coded highlighting system with obw specific bits, anakin specific, them combined, general bits, and jedi specific bits, bc I am insane

anyway welcoming myself to the epitome of doomed by the narrative sparkling heart emoji

*

He was devoted to his Master, yet sometimes Obi-Wan’s earnestness could really get in the way. Anakin didn’t believe in breaking Jedi rules. He just wanted to find the spaces between them.

It was moments like this that he lived for. The night air, so crisp in his lungs. Danger so near. The Force around him. If he could hang in the air forever like this, he would.

“You are thinking of Qui-Gon.” Anakin’s voice was soft.
Startled, Obi-Wan turned to his Padawan. “How did you know?”
“Your face. It changes.” Anakin shrugged. “Some knot inside you loosens. Something smooths out. I see it happening.”
“Stop being so perceptive,” Obi-Wan chided gently.
“Now you are not thinking of him at all,” Anakin replied, mischief in his eyes. “The knot is back.”
“And you have tied it,” Obi-Wan answered, accessing the Council room door.

“Great landing,” Anakin told her. Obi-Wan just sighed.

Obi-Wan didn’t second-guess decisions, but he suddenly wished Anakin were with him.

“Do you know how to do that?” Darra asked.
“Sure,” Anakin replied.
“It can’t be that easy,” Darra said.
Anakin grinned. “I didn’t say it was easy. I said I could do it.”

“Anakin will reach us.” Obi-Wan’s voice was steady.
“Through sheer rock?” Soara asked.

A loud banging rang through the canyon. The battered and bent hatch on top of the bridge popped open, and Anakin emerged. He waved.
“Yes,” Obi-Wan said. “He will get through sheer rock. If he has to.”

[Kieran McAndrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summoned by Masters Yoda and Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Padawan Learner Anakin Skywalker are sent to assist in a planetary catastrophe. When Obi-Wan realises the plague is a prelude to invasion, they must work with others from the Jedi Order to protect the planet.

Watson's first chapter in the 'Jedi Quest' series has an intriguing story aimed at younger readers, which focuses well on the challenges of growing up within strict rules.

[Kayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been in the worst reading funk ever. It took me most of the month to read this book, which is less than 200 pages. I think this is a case of it's me, not the book. If I was in a better state of mind, I think I would have enjoyed it a little bit more.

[Brett]

Fun reads for kids who like Star Wars.

[Judah · Rating 2 out of 5]

BORED.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got kind of fed up with this book at times, was bored at others..

[Chad · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Jedi vs Covid

[Meegy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really short little audiobook, great to get a break from the bigger stuff. Not a huge Star Wars fan, but enjoyed this book.

[Sierra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, easy listen! I enjoy hearing about younger Jedi and this series does a great job of highlighting them without the story itself being very juvenile. Jude also has a nice way of showing the audience Anakin's perspective and making him a sympathetic character, while we all know deep down his mindset is flawed.

[Darryl Dobbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ten adventures that help us get to know Anakin Skywalker, as well as the relationship between he and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Getting to know Anakin made me like him. The movie failed to do that, but watching the movie after these books really did make it better.

I'll just review the 10 novellas here.

Anakin loves gadgets and has a knack for putting things together, building on what Phantom Menace tells us. He loves fiddling with gadgets in his spare time and that’s pretty much all he does in his early teen years. He doesn’t make friends because he holed himself in his room and tinkered with droids. Plus the kids his age were intimidated – and a little jealous – because he was ‘the chosen one’. He was exceptionally gifted and this was obvious to all.

As Anakin grows older and gains experience from the quests, he grows more confident in his abilities. His anger and impatience increase. He makes friends, but becomes extra hard on himself if/when he fails them. He blamed himself for the death of a Jedi Master, Yaddle (same species as Yoda, introduced to us in earlier books), and for a serious injury to a fellow Padawan (Darra Thel-Tanis). He takes the events very personally, which drives him to be more perfect, which in turn increases the negative reaction (read: Dark Side) whenever he fails.

Anakin makes a Padawan friend, Tru Veld, and a Padawan enemy, Ferus Olin. But Ferus doesn’t do anything wrong, he’s just a very good and focused student and Anakin feels competitive and never really gives him a chance. In the end, Anakin’s actions – or rather, his inaction – nearly cost Tru his life and Ferus left the Jedi order. Tru’s friendship ended there. Another push towards the Dark Side. As a series, if you don’t mind an easy read, this is a good one. Great for kids aged 10-14 for sure.

[Luke Ewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anakin has to save a planet from a toxic disaster with the help of another padawan and a rival. They found out that the leader betrays the planet and that the planet nearby attacks the city and wants all the people to get off because of the toxic chemicals. They use MTT (battle tanks that store droids) to attack their masters and the padawans split up to teams. Anakin and Tru get on the MTT and stop it from killing the Jedi Masters.

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

EDIT: reread it just because I could when I found it on Prime Reading. Still love Jude Watson’s books. And Darra. She’s awesome.

Technically a reread, but when I first read it about six years ago, I only read half the series. It's surprisingly well written. It's Star Wars, so theologically it's not fantastic, but there are still good morals. And Obi-Wan. And Jude Watson makes me like Anakin more than George Lucas ever did. And I like Darra. Well developed characters all round.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like it that Anakin was able to make friend's with Tur. Anakin ability to fix the droids homing device sow that they cud find the raiders. I love the way that Anakin was able to crash through the wall in the MTT to save the others.