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Star Wars Disney Canon Novel
Padawan
Obi-Wan Kenobi struggles with his place in the Force as a young Padawan in this coming-of-age adventure!
Obi-Wan Kenobi really wants to be a good Padawan. The best Padawan, even. But that’s feeling more and more impossible with his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn. All of Obi-Wan’s friends are off training to be real Jedi, getting mission experience, while he’s still on Coruscant, practicing his forms and sitting in silent contemplation. Ever since Qui-Gon’s former master, Dooku, left the Order, it feels like Qui-Gon has been too busy trying to connect with the Force or arguing with the Jedi Council to properly train his Padawan.
When Obi-Wan finally convinces Qui-Gon to take him on a mission to a remote planet once explored by an ancient Jedi, his master doesn’t show up the morning they are to leave—so Obi-Wan impulsively takes off by himself. Upon arriving on the mysterious, lush planet, he encounters a group of teenagers with no adult supervision—and who all seem to have some connection to the Force. Free from the constraints of the Order, Obi-Wan joins them in their daring adventures, but the Padawan side of him keeps questioning the teens’ strange relationship to the Force, and to the verdant planet around them, and what all of it might mean to his future. Obi-Wan will test the limits of his relationship to the Jedi and to the Force in this exciting, yet soulful exploration of one of Star Wars’ most enduring heroes.
Obi-Wan Kenobi really wants to be a good Padawan. The best Padawan, even. But that’s feeling more and more impossible with his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn. All of Obi-Wan’s friends are off training to be real Jedi, getting mission experience, while he’s still on Coruscant, practicing his forms and sitting in silent contemplation. Ever since Qui-Gon’s former master, Dooku, left the Order, it feels like Qui-Gon has been too busy trying to connect with the Force or arguing with the Jedi Council to properly train his Padawan.
When Obi-Wan finally convinces Qui-Gon to take him on a mission to a remote planet once explored by an ancient Jedi, his master doesn’t show up the morning they are to leave—so Obi-Wan impulsively takes off by himself. Upon arriving on the mysterious, lush planet, he encounters a group of teenagers with no adult supervision—and who all seem to have some connection to the Force. Free from the constraints of the Order, Obi-Wan joins them in their daring adventures, but the Padawan side of him keeps questioning the teens’ strange relationship to the Force, and to the verdant planet around them, and what all of it might mean to his future. Obi-Wan will test the limits of his relationship to the Jedi and to the Force in this exciting, yet soulful exploration of one of Star Wars’ most enduring heroes.
410 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2022
313 people are currently reading
5499 people want to read
About the author
Kiersten White
64 books13.8k followersKiersten White is the #1 New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning, and critically acclaimed author of many books for readers of all ages, including the And I Darken trilogy, the Sinister Summer series, the Camelot Rising trilogy, Star Wars: Padawan, Hide, Mister Magic, and Lucy Undying. She also has a very large tortoise named Kimberly, which isn't relevant, but she wanted you to know.
Visit her online at kierstenwhite.com.
Visit her online at kierstenwhite.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 865 reviews
May 19, 2025
Padawan is a YA Star Wars novel by beloved author, Kiersten White. It is Canon and putting it in timeline order, this falls after Dooku: Jedi Lost and prior to Master and Apprentice.
I have really been looking forward to this release and for one main reason: MORE OBI-WAN!!!
At the time this story begins, Obi-Wan and his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn, are residing in Coruscant, the home of the Jedi Temple and the Galactic Senate.
Obi-Wan is becoming increasing frustrated with his position. He longs to be a great Padawan to Qui-Gon, but Qui-Gon is so distracted, he's not making it easy for young Obi-Wan to feel confident in his training.
Most frustrating to Obi-Wan is how powerless he feels. While his contemporaries are all out on missions throughout the galaxy with their Masters, gaining experience and first-hand knowledge, he is stuck in the capital endlessly studying and meditating.
Something has to give. He wants so much more than this. What is the point otherwise?
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon weren't paired up in the usual way. They were actually brought together by Master Yoda. Perhaps it was a mistake.
After Qui-Gon's own Master, Dooku, leaves the Jedi Order rumors begin to fly that Qui-Gon may be considering the same move himself.
This obviously causes great concern for Obi-Wan. What will happen to him if his Master leaves the Order?
In spite of all of the concerns, Obi-Wan is still desperate to make it work with his Master and he eventually gets Qui-Gon to agree to go on a mission to a remote planet.
On the morning they are set to depart, however, Qui-Gon doesn't show. Obi-Wan, young, impulsive and fed-up, decides to go on the mission solo. He is getting out of Coruscant one way or the other.
Along with a droid, A6, Obi-Wan sets out to find the distant planet once explored by Orla Jareni. Yep, you read that right, we are now getting connections to the High Republic-era.
I really enjoyed this story. Getting to spend this much time deep-diving into the growth and development of one of my all-time favorite characters was an absolute treat.
This is definitely a coming-of-age story and I thought it was really well done. Obi-Wan is questioning everything about his commitment to the Jedi, his connection to the Force and the workings of the galaxy in general.
The experience he gains on this mission is crucial to his development as a Jedi. Obi-Wan questioned himself a lot and having the freedom to explore by himself really helped to build future success for his character. He couldn't have become who he does without this experience.
I'm really glad that we had the opportunity to get this additional content involving Obi-Wan's development and his relationship with Qui-Gon.
White did a great job with this one. A must read for fans of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon!
Thank you so much to the publishers, Disney LucasFilms Press and Disney Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review.
I did listen to the audiobook for this one and as always, Star Wars audiobooks are listening gold. There are so many great sound effects and narration. Highly recommend!!
I have really been looking forward to this release and for one main reason: MORE OBI-WAN!!!
At the time this story begins, Obi-Wan and his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn, are residing in Coruscant, the home of the Jedi Temple and the Galactic Senate.
Obi-Wan is becoming increasing frustrated with his position. He longs to be a great Padawan to Qui-Gon, but Qui-Gon is so distracted, he's not making it easy for young Obi-Wan to feel confident in his training.
Most frustrating to Obi-Wan is how powerless he feels. While his contemporaries are all out on missions throughout the galaxy with their Masters, gaining experience and first-hand knowledge, he is stuck in the capital endlessly studying and meditating.
Something has to give. He wants so much more than this. What is the point otherwise?
Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon weren't paired up in the usual way. They were actually brought together by Master Yoda. Perhaps it was a mistake.
After Qui-Gon's own Master, Dooku, leaves the Jedi Order rumors begin to fly that Qui-Gon may be considering the same move himself.
This obviously causes great concern for Obi-Wan. What will happen to him if his Master leaves the Order?
In spite of all of the concerns, Obi-Wan is still desperate to make it work with his Master and he eventually gets Qui-Gon to agree to go on a mission to a remote planet.
On the morning they are set to depart, however, Qui-Gon doesn't show. Obi-Wan, young, impulsive and fed-up, decides to go on the mission solo. He is getting out of Coruscant one way or the other.
Along with a droid, A6, Obi-Wan sets out to find the distant planet once explored by Orla Jareni. Yep, you read that right, we are now getting connections to the High Republic-era.
I really enjoyed this story. Getting to spend this much time deep-diving into the growth and development of one of my all-time favorite characters was an absolute treat.
This is definitely a coming-of-age story and I thought it was really well done. Obi-Wan is questioning everything about his commitment to the Jedi, his connection to the Force and the workings of the galaxy in general.
The experience he gains on this mission is crucial to his development as a Jedi. Obi-Wan questioned himself a lot and having the freedom to explore by himself really helped to build future success for his character. He couldn't have become who he does without this experience.
I'm really glad that we had the opportunity to get this additional content involving Obi-Wan's development and his relationship with Qui-Gon.
White did a great job with this one. A must read for fans of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon!
Thank you so much to the publishers, Disney LucasFilms Press and Disney Audio, for providing me with copies to read and review.
I did listen to the audiobook for this one and as always, Star Wars audiobooks are listening gold. There are so many great sound effects and narration. Highly recommend!!
August 19, 2022
Obi-Wan debating whether he might be biromantic, asexual or both was NOT on my 2022 bingo card but GURL, I’m living.
Listen, this year is OBI-WAN’s year, and no one can tell me otherwise. With the release of Brotherhood and the Obi-Wan Kenobi show, getting a YA novel that explores Padawan! Obi-Wan and the struggles and insecurities he faced during his first years with Qui-Gon was the cherry on top of the cake.
Kiersten White’s first Star Wars book is all about Obi-Wan struggling to find his place as a newly appointed Padawan to Qui-Gon Jinn. While all his friends seem to make great teams with their masters and regularly go on exciting missions, he is stuck with a Jedi who prefers to ‘meditate’ and remain at the Jedi Temple. When Obi-Wan discovers a hidden map leading to a mysterious planet in the Temple Archives, he convinces Qui-Gon to get to the truth of the matter. But when they are finally set to leave, Qui-Gon is nowhere to be found. Frustrated and determined, Obi-Wan sets out alone, determined to prove himself but he gets more than he’s bargained for when arrives at Lenahra and discovers a group of wild-running, seemingly Force-wielding teenagers and a planet on which something feels very, very wrong with the Force.
Despite its faults, I enjoyed this book. It feels a bit like a continuation of the Jedi Apprentice series that first introduced us to an Obi-Wan who struggled a lot, dealing with angst and doubts over whether he was fit to be a Jedi.
In a similar style, Padawan is very much about those themes. At times, this book felt like a constant question mark with pages upon pages of Obi-Wan’s internal monologue over whether he is destined to become a Jedi Knight, whether he is the padawan Qui-Gon deserves, why his connection to the Force feels stunted and why for God’s sake he just can’t get himself to ‘relax’ just enough to meditate properly. Occasionally, his constant self-doubt and questioning felt a bit on the nose. We get it, our boy is ANGSTY.
Some reviewers remarked that this book does an absolute disservice to Qui-Gon, but I don’t see how? First of all, it was never marketed as another Master and Apprentice story and the blurb makes it quite clear that the majority of the book would be spent focusing on Obi-Wan being on his own and away from the Jedi Order and his master. Second, I don’t think White painted Qui-Gon as “standoffish, selfish and uncaring”. He simply wasn’t in the book long enough to leave that kind of impression, at least not on me. Do I wish there had been more Qui-Gon? Yeah. But it’s fine the way it turned out because this book is really about Obi-Wan and his self-discovery of who he is meant to be, away from his master, the other Jedi and the strict rules of the Order.
When Obi-Wan lands on Lenahra and meets a band of misfit teenagers, I was both invested and entertained. I always like meeting new (side) characters in Star Wars books that come with their own past, backstories, and struggles. My favourite was probably Audj, the group’s leader and her non-binary Changeling partner. I did struggle a bit imagining what they all looked like because the group consisted of a variety of different alien species, and White’s descriptions of their outer appearance were… lacking.
The Lenahra plot is very predictable, with the reader waiting for the characters to catch up. It didn't take away from the fun, but you have to know what you are getting into. It’s a YA novel after all, and not a high-stakes whodunnit or action-packed thriller.
There are some cool references in this one as well, some of them I’m not sure I understood. I think some might actually be referring to the Jedi Apprentice series, but it’s been so long since I read those books and I never finished reading the whole series so that’s that. I did enjoy Dexter making an appearance though, I always liked him and it’s kind of nice we finally got him and Obi-Wan meeting each other for the first time on page. I also loved whenever White wrote that Obi-Wan tugs at his Padawan braid whenever he is thinking about something. We all know it’s the precursor to the *beard stroke*. 🥺🥺
Overall, this is a perfectly fine Star Wars book that I picked up because and mostly enjoyed because of Obi-Wan. I don’t think I would have given this a 4-star rating if not for my favourite Jedi in existence. Not sure whether I will re-read it soon given how repetitive it was in some instances but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
Listen, this year is OBI-WAN’s year, and no one can tell me otherwise. With the release of Brotherhood and the Obi-Wan Kenobi show, getting a YA novel that explores Padawan! Obi-Wan and the struggles and insecurities he faced during his first years with Qui-Gon was the cherry on top of the cake.
Kiersten White’s first Star Wars book is all about Obi-Wan struggling to find his place as a newly appointed Padawan to Qui-Gon Jinn. While all his friends seem to make great teams with their masters and regularly go on exciting missions, he is stuck with a Jedi who prefers to ‘meditate’ and remain at the Jedi Temple. When Obi-Wan discovers a hidden map leading to a mysterious planet in the Temple Archives, he convinces Qui-Gon to get to the truth of the matter. But when they are finally set to leave, Qui-Gon is nowhere to be found. Frustrated and determined, Obi-Wan sets out alone, determined to prove himself but he gets more than he’s bargained for when arrives at Lenahra and discovers a group of wild-running, seemingly Force-wielding teenagers and a planet on which something feels very, very wrong with the Force.
Despite its faults, I enjoyed this book. It feels a bit like a continuation of the Jedi Apprentice series that first introduced us to an Obi-Wan who struggled a lot, dealing with angst and doubts over whether he was fit to be a Jedi.
In a similar style, Padawan is very much about those themes. At times, this book felt like a constant question mark with pages upon pages of Obi-Wan’s internal monologue over whether he is destined to become a Jedi Knight, whether he is the padawan Qui-Gon deserves, why his connection to the Force feels stunted and why for God’s sake he just can’t get himself to ‘relax’ just enough to meditate properly. Occasionally, his constant self-doubt and questioning felt a bit on the nose. We get it, our boy is ANGSTY.
Some reviewers remarked that this book does an absolute disservice to Qui-Gon, but I don’t see how? First of all, it was never marketed as another Master and Apprentice story and the blurb makes it quite clear that the majority of the book would be spent focusing on Obi-Wan being on his own and away from the Jedi Order and his master. Second, I don’t think White painted Qui-Gon as “standoffish, selfish and uncaring”. He simply wasn’t in the book long enough to leave that kind of impression, at least not on me. Do I wish there had been more Qui-Gon? Yeah. But it’s fine the way it turned out because this book is really about Obi-Wan and his self-discovery of who he is meant to be, away from his master, the other Jedi and the strict rules of the Order.
When Obi-Wan lands on Lenahra and meets a band of misfit teenagers, I was both invested and entertained. I always like meeting new (side) characters in Star Wars books that come with their own past, backstories, and struggles. My favourite was probably Audj, the group’s leader and her non-binary Changeling partner. I did struggle a bit imagining what they all looked like because the group consisted of a variety of different alien species, and White’s descriptions of their outer appearance were… lacking.
The Lenahra plot is very predictable, with the reader waiting for the characters to catch up. It didn't take away from the fun, but you have to know what you are getting into. It’s a YA novel after all, and not a high-stakes whodunnit or action-packed thriller.
There are some cool references in this one as well, some of them I’m not sure I understood. I think some might actually be referring to the Jedi Apprentice series, but it’s been so long since I read those books and I never finished reading the whole series so that’s that. I did enjoy Dexter making an appearance though, I always liked him and it’s kind of nice we finally got him and Obi-Wan meeting each other for the first time on page. I also loved whenever White wrote that Obi-Wan tugs at his Padawan braid whenever he is thinking about something. We all know it’s the precursor to the *beard stroke*. 🥺🥺
Overall, this is a perfectly fine Star Wars book that I picked up because and mostly enjoyed because of Obi-Wan. I don’t think I would have given this a 4-star rating if not for my favourite Jedi in existence. Not sure whether I will re-read it soon given how repetitive it was in some instances but I enjoyed it nevertheless.
April 24, 2023
this was fine, i kinda struggled to get through it but i enjoyed the bits of kenobi questioning his sexuality
June 2, 2023
Actual rating is 2.5 stars.
This book is about Obi-Wan as a padawan. He is not exactly taking to his relationship with his master Qui-Gon. He feels that his other padawan friends are ahead of him in their learnings to become a Jedi. So a young Obi-Wan takes a tantrum and goes off on a mission by himself.
The one word I would use to describe this book is serviceable. It is fine for this universe but in the end it really adds nothing to the lore. I can guarantee in the future when this book is referenced I will say I read it but cannot remember what it is about. Nothing will stick with me. As for my rating you can see that some aspects worked while other didn't. I can say this for everything including the main character. Of course Obi-Wan is going to have an existential crisis during his time as a padawan and as a young adult. Who doesn't? I just never felt the true drama of this while reading this. I lay that at the feet of the author. I don't think her writing works for me. I don't want to say it is juvenile but I believe it needs a more mature nature to it. This sort of read like a young reader's book. Even the crisis of this book felt that way with her writing. I never felt like plots and characters were given their proper due. They work fine but were never enthralling. I also felt several threads were forced like the connection to The High Republic series or the first meeting with a character.
In the hands of a different author I believe this exact story could be so much better. There is nothing wrong with this story. But it is nowhere near gripping which this character and story deserves. It is like you turn on your television and watch a program for the first time. At the end you say it was okay. You are in no hurry to watch the next episode and you would watch it if you have nothing better to do. That is how I feel about this book.
This book is about Obi-Wan as a padawan. He is not exactly taking to his relationship with his master Qui-Gon. He feels that his other padawan friends are ahead of him in their learnings to become a Jedi. So a young Obi-Wan takes a tantrum and goes off on a mission by himself.
The one word I would use to describe this book is serviceable. It is fine for this universe but in the end it really adds nothing to the lore. I can guarantee in the future when this book is referenced I will say I read it but cannot remember what it is about. Nothing will stick with me. As for my rating you can see that some aspects worked while other didn't. I can say this for everything including the main character. Of course Obi-Wan is going to have an existential crisis during his time as a padawan and as a young adult. Who doesn't? I just never felt the true drama of this while reading this. I lay that at the feet of the author. I don't think her writing works for me. I don't want to say it is juvenile but I believe it needs a more mature nature to it. This sort of read like a young reader's book. Even the crisis of this book felt that way with her writing. I never felt like plots and characters were given their proper due. They work fine but were never enthralling. I also felt several threads were forced like the connection to The High Republic series or the first meeting with a character.
In the hands of a different author I believe this exact story could be so much better. There is nothing wrong with this story. But it is nowhere near gripping which this character and story deserves. It is like you turn on your television and watch a program for the first time. At the end you say it was okay. You are in no hurry to watch the next episode and you would watch it if you have nothing better to do. That is how I feel about this book.
August 28, 2022
I liked:
- the beauty of Lanahra with its Power cycle, blue plants and wild beasts. It reminded me of the planet Obi-Wan and Anakin visit in the second Jedi Quest book.
- the character of Zae-Brii. Shapeshifters have been woefully underutilised in Star Wars and I've always wanted to see more of them since Zam Wessell first appeared in Attack Of The Clones (she was my favourite character in that movie as a kid and I wish she hadn't died so soon).
- Audj! I grew up the eldest sibling so I could relate to her dynamic and overprotectiveness with the younger ones, and especially her feelings of inadequacy when she realised the world she was used to wasn't what it seemed.
That's it.
The writing is abhorrently juvenile. It reads very Middle Grade, which would've been fine if that were the target audience the book was marketed for rather than YA. Jude Watson wrote for younger children and her prose was better than this. The MCs are in their mid-teens but they speak and act much younger than they really are.
The Jedi Temple is no longer a religious monastery, but Space Hogwarts. There is Gryffindor-Slytherin rivalry and petty bullying between different clans of younglings, despite these kids being raised to suppress their emotions and respect all life.
"Bolla scowled. The Rodian and Obi-Wan had never gotten along. As younglings, they trained in separate clans, and it was hard not to feel competitive with each other."
Why would the Jedi encourage the harboring of these negative feelings by keeping this kind of hierarchy in place?
A lot of these problems aren't the fault of the author, but rather the entire YA Disney canon and their current obsession with making the Jedi 'relatable' for younger audiences. I put down Into The Dark for this very reason. Why would teenage space monks be having a house party with alcoholic drinks that are merely 'frowned upon'?
The adult Jedi are portrayed as incompetent fools who don't notice a Padawan flying away from the temple for days on his own and possibly dying. Neither do they care about a Master completely neglecting his apprentice; if the Council are so averse to Qui-Gon's methods then why would they force him into taking on Obi-Wan as a Padawan?
The author seems to have taken quite a bit of inspiration from Harry Potter. Apart from the obvious Hogwarts parallels, there's another scene where Obi-Wan has to escape some sort of plant by relaxing and it reminded me very much of HP1 (the movie, not the book). This isn't a criticism by the way, just something I took note of.
The story kicks off with a Deux Ex Machina where an irate Obi-Wan storms into an unused room at the Temple only to find a ✨super secret ✨ map behind a chair that was left behind by a ✨super special Wayfinder✨ (who is apparently from the High Republic, perhaps I'll have to give those books another go at some point).
Worst thing is, the plot isn't at all bad once you get past the ridiculous conveniences and it might actually have been a decent coming-of-age tale set in the SW universe if it didn't feature completely OOC versions of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. They could have been replaced by any random Master-Padawan duo set in the High Republic era and the story would be no different. Every reference and cameo from the movies felt shoehorned in and unnatural.
For example - there is some foreshadowing to future events written so heavy-handedly it feels condescending. Obi-Wan scoffs at the idea of getting into a relationship with a politician. Obi-Wan is certain he'll never have a Padawan as bad as himself. Obi-Wan hopes to see Dex again later on. Cue that terrible sitcom laughter track as he winks to the audience. Could it be any less subtle? Are we, the readers, supposed to be idiots who can't take a hint?
Congrats Story Group, you've Jake Skywalker'd Qui-Gon. He's written as the most standoffish, selfish and uncaring Master with no justification for his awful behaviour. In Jedi Apprentice, he had reason to be so distant after what happened to his first Padawan, but thanks to Disney that's no longer canon 🙄. We're supposed to believe that after three years of apprenticeship Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are still strangers to each other and haven't been on a single mission together?
What is this anxious, doubtful, droid-loving and nervous wreck of a fanfic OC who's replaced Obi-Wan? He's essentially (a flat version of) Anakin but with everything that made the latter so compelling not present.
Furthermore, Obi-Two'sthis person isn't Obi-Wan character arc in this book (where he learns to respect all life and let go of his pride) makes no sense given what we see in later media, particularly Episode 1, where we see him behave pridefully and snobbishly (is that a word?) towards those he deems lesser such as Jar Jar and young Anakin.
Siri appears in the beginning of the book and I'm not sure how I feel about that yet. I always preferred her to Satine but having the two of them coexist in the same canon feels strange. Especially because she doesn't feel like the same person in the JQ books, though neither does anybody else in this novel.
Dexter Jettster's first meeting with Obi-Two in the new canon occurs here and it is SO FORCED. His and Obi-Two's interactions never conveyed any warmth; there was no hint of future friendship and they parted ways essentially still strangers. Which means that there'll probably be ANOTHER tie-in book detailing their bond later. Because Dex is one of Kenobi's closest friends and even knows about Satine in Brotherhood, perhaps his most jealously guarded secret.
Which begs the question - why was their first meeting included here in the first place outside of pure fanservice? If it has no effect on their relationship and overall plot?
Furthermore it made the galaxy feel even smaller. Are the odds of this random miner dude ending up in a diner close to the Jedi Temple later on not just a little too ridiculous?
I did wayyy too much highlighting while reading to fully jot down every note but here are just a few of the most baffling quotes word for word:
"Meba's ears drooped in her version of a puzzled frown. "I don't know. We only keep a log of who's coming in on non-Jedi ships. Not who's going out.""
This makes no sense at all. Surely there are droids monitoring the entire temple?
"Zae-Brii chased various younglings around, helping them wash faces and brush teeth."
These kids who've been stuck on a deserted planet for a decade apparently have the resources to brush their teeth every night. Sometimes it's best to leave out mundane details like this because they make you start to question everything about the galaxy at large.
"The woman had high, sharp cheekbones and nearly colorless eyes in a colorless face..."
What kind of description is that??? Also I had to search up several alien species on Wookiepedia because I literally could not picture the characters. We don't know what sixteen-year-old Obi-Wan looks like because the author forgot to give him even a brief physical description. (Yes, I know he's splashed right on the cover but that image looks exactly like twenty-five-year-old Ewan McGregor in Episode 1).
Overall this was a forgettable and skippable story that might appeal to young teenagers but the audience is extremely limited. I wouldn't recommend unless you're really desperate for more Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon content, no matter how out of character the portrayals are (and Qui-Gon is barely in this by the way).
1.5 stars.
- the beauty of Lanahra with its Power cycle, blue plants and wild beasts. It reminded me of the planet Obi-Wan and Anakin visit in the second Jedi Quest book.
- the character of Zae-Brii. Shapeshifters have been woefully underutilised in Star Wars and I've always wanted to see more of them since Zam Wessell first appeared in Attack Of The Clones (she was my favourite character in that movie as a kid and I wish she hadn't died so soon).
- Audj! I grew up the eldest sibling so I could relate to her dynamic and overprotectiveness with the younger ones, and especially her feelings of inadequacy when she realised the world she was used to wasn't what it seemed.
That's it.
The writing is abhorrently juvenile. It reads very Middle Grade, which would've been fine if that were the target audience the book was marketed for rather than YA. Jude Watson wrote for younger children and her prose was better than this. The MCs are in their mid-teens but they speak and act much younger than they really are.
The Jedi Temple is no longer a religious monastery, but Space Hogwarts. There is Gryffindor-Slytherin rivalry and petty bullying between different clans of younglings, despite these kids being raised to suppress their emotions and respect all life.
"Bolla scowled. The Rodian and Obi-Wan had never gotten along. As younglings, they trained in separate clans, and it was hard not to feel competitive with each other."
Why would the Jedi encourage the harboring of these negative feelings by keeping this kind of hierarchy in place?
A lot of these problems aren't the fault of the author, but rather the entire YA Disney canon and their current obsession with making the Jedi 'relatable' for younger audiences. I put down Into The Dark for this very reason. Why would teenage space monks be having a house party with alcoholic drinks that are merely 'frowned upon'?
The adult Jedi are portrayed as incompetent fools who don't notice a Padawan flying away from the temple for days on his own and possibly dying. Neither do they care about a Master completely neglecting his apprentice; if the Council are so averse to Qui-Gon's methods then why would they force him into taking on Obi-Wan as a Padawan?
The author seems to have taken quite a bit of inspiration from Harry Potter. Apart from the obvious Hogwarts parallels, there's another scene where Obi-Wan has to escape some sort of plant by relaxing and it reminded me very much of HP1 (the movie, not the book). This isn't a criticism by the way, just something I took note of.
The story kicks off with a Deux Ex Machina where an irate Obi-Wan storms into an unused room at the Temple only to find a ✨super secret ✨ map behind a chair that was left behind by a ✨super special Wayfinder✨ (who is apparently from the High Republic, perhaps I'll have to give those books another go at some point).
Worst thing is, the plot isn't at all bad once you get past the ridiculous conveniences and it might actually have been a decent coming-of-age tale set in the SW universe if it didn't feature completely OOC versions of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. They could have been replaced by any random Master-Padawan duo set in the High Republic era and the story would be no different. Every reference and cameo from the movies felt shoehorned in and unnatural.
For example - there is some foreshadowing to future events written so heavy-handedly it feels condescending. Obi-Wan scoffs at the idea of getting into a relationship with a politician. Obi-Wan is certain he'll never have a Padawan as bad as himself. Obi-Wan hopes to see Dex again later on. Cue that terrible sitcom laughter track as he winks to the audience. Could it be any less subtle? Are we, the readers, supposed to be idiots who can't take a hint?
Congrats Story Group, you've Jake Skywalker'd Qui-Gon. He's written as the most standoffish, selfish and uncaring Master with no justification for his awful behaviour. In Jedi Apprentice, he had reason to be so distant after what happened to his first Padawan, but thanks to Disney that's no longer canon 🙄. We're supposed to believe that after three years of apprenticeship Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are still strangers to each other and haven't been on a single mission together?
What is this anxious, doubtful, droid-loving and nervous wreck of a fanfic OC who's replaced Obi-Wan? He's essentially (a flat version of) Anakin but with everything that made the latter so compelling not present.
Furthermore, Obi-Two's
Siri appears in the beginning of the book and I'm not sure how I feel about that yet. I always preferred her to Satine but having the two of them coexist in the same canon feels strange. Especially because she doesn't feel like the same person in the JQ books, though neither does anybody else in this novel.
Dexter Jettster's first meeting with Obi-Two in the new canon occurs here and it is SO FORCED. His and Obi-Two's interactions never conveyed any warmth; there was no hint of future friendship and they parted ways essentially still strangers. Which means that there'll probably be ANOTHER tie-in book detailing their bond later. Because Dex is one of Kenobi's closest friends and even knows about Satine in Brotherhood, perhaps his most jealously guarded secret.
Which begs the question - why was their first meeting included here in the first place outside of pure fanservice? If it has no effect on their relationship and overall plot?
Furthermore it made the galaxy feel even smaller. Are the odds of this random miner dude ending up in a diner close to the Jedi Temple later on not just a little too ridiculous?
I did wayyy too much highlighting while reading to fully jot down every note but here are just a few of the most baffling quotes word for word:
"Meba's ears drooped in her version of a puzzled frown. "I don't know. We only keep a log of who's coming in on non-Jedi ships. Not who's going out.""
This makes no sense at all. Surely there are droids monitoring the entire temple?
"Zae-Brii chased various younglings around, helping them wash faces and brush teeth."
These kids who've been stuck on a deserted planet for a decade apparently have the resources to brush their teeth every night. Sometimes it's best to leave out mundane details like this because they make you start to question everything about the galaxy at large.
"The woman had high, sharp cheekbones and nearly colorless eyes in a colorless face..."
What kind of description is that??? Also I had to search up several alien species on Wookiepedia because I literally could not picture the characters. We don't know what sixteen-year-old Obi-Wan looks like because the author forgot to give him even a brief physical description. (Yes, I know he's splashed right on the cover but that image looks exactly like twenty-five-year-old Ewan McGregor in Episode 1).
Overall this was a forgettable and skippable story that might appeal to young teenagers but the audience is extremely limited. I wouldn't recommend unless you're really desperate for more Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon content, no matter how out of character the portrayals are (and Qui-Gon is barely in this by the way).
1.5 stars.
August 4, 2022
5 stars out of spite bc SOME OF YALL cant behave. “boo hoo obi wan likes boys” get a grip. go pay your taxes or at least contribute to society in some way shape or form instead of whining about a fictional 16 year old ginger boy in space. jesus.
anyways.
obi wan is my little skrunkly and i loved that we got to see this little snippet of such a pivotal point in his earlier years
anyways.
obi wan is my little skrunkly and i loved that we got to see this little snippet of such a pivotal point in his earlier years
July 28, 2022
This book just sucks the writing is boring and there’s a dumb plot point that goes against Star Wars canon implying Obi Wan is lgbtq when in Canon he resists his relationship with Satine because of his adherence to the morals of Jedi order so why would an author write him flirting and implying he’s Bi. Everyone loved his struggle with his desire for a relationship with the mandalorian Satine. Nobody wants this it’s just LGBT pandering. It doesn’t read like a good star wars novel it just feels like a crappy fan-fic with character shipping and all.
Want to read
June 27, 2022Pretty excited for this one after watching Kenobi every week!
July 30, 2022
Obi-Wan and the Lost Boys.
So, this was much less about Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and more about Obi-Wan learning to move past his worries and doubts and connect fully with the force for the first time in his life. Obi-Wan went on a solo mission after finding a forgotten planet in the Achieves by a Jedi named Orlo. I haven't read enough of the High Republic to know who she is.
Obi-Wan landed on the planet and met a bunch of other teenagers who had been stranded on the planet by themselves after their parents all died, and they use a power similar to the Force, of course called the Power, which is a substance that is produced by the planet and grants increased physical abilities.. Their evil uncle returns to harvest the power, and is quickly crushed to death by rocks in a cave.
I liked it quite a bit, it was a solid story, but I doubt I'll read it again.
So, this was much less about Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and more about Obi-Wan learning to move past his worries and doubts and connect fully with the force for the first time in his life. Obi-Wan went on a solo mission after finding a forgotten planet in the Achieves by a Jedi named Orlo. I haven't read enough of the High Republic to know who she is.
Obi-Wan landed on the planet and met a bunch of other teenagers who had been stranded on the planet by themselves after their parents all died, and they use a power similar to the Force, of course called the Power, which is a substance that is produced by the planet and grants increased physical abilities.. Their evil uncle returns to harvest the power, and is quickly crushed to death by rocks in a cave.
I liked it quite a bit, it was a solid story, but I doubt I'll read it again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
June 8, 2022*googles how to be as cool as Charlie Bowater*
jk my stick figure skills could never
jk my stick figure skills could never
January 8, 2023
Obi-Wan is canonically bisexual now so I can't thank Kiersten White enough for writing this. Also, this was just a great Star Wars book.
July 25, 2022
This is another fine adventure in the Star Wars universe. In fact, if I had to use one word to describe this book, it would be "fine". There is nothing really bad in this book. However, there is nothing that really sets it apart in the Star Wars mythos. Yet it is still a fun adventure to read, particularly if you are a younger reader. Older readers will probably bristle at some things in this book though.
What I think worked best in this book's favor is the writing of Obi-Wan himself. I know, shocking that a book about Obi-Wan would have its best atribute be its writing of Obi-Wan. Well, what works so well here is that Kiersten White really gets the insecurities and fears that the other authors have established in Young Obi-Wan. This book does work well as a companion to Master and Apprentice, which both explore some of the same themes. I think that Master and Apprentice is MASSIVELY better, but this book is still a good companion nonetheless.
One thing this book also gets write is its scenes in the beginning in the Jedi Temple. Kiersten White is able to add tiny elements of exploration to the Temple, allowing the reader a peak behind the proverbial curtain. We see it all through Obi-Wan's perspective, but its still fascinating.
While Qui-Gon is present in the book, it is only for a very little amount of time. This really is Obi-Wan's time to shine. The entire mission in this book is Obi-Wan by himself, and the themes explored are based around the idea of Obi-Wan operating without his master to guide hiim.
An alternate title for this book could have been "Obi-Wan and the Lost Boys". A high majority of the book takes place on this planet with no adults and really only a group of abandoned children. This story unfolds in a way that is very predictable, and yet it is still fun. I mentioned earlier how adults might bristle at reading this book. I think their main problem will be the predictability of the plot. This works perfectly if you're a young teenager, but adults will find this boring and uninspired most likely.
Also, while some themes work well, such as Obi-Wan's exploration of what it means to be a Jedi, other themes are not explored well. Particularly there is a theme about environmentalism that is really heavy handed. Likewise, there is a theme about power and how it corrupts. Not to give anything away, but Power LITERALLY corrupts in this book. Again, heavy handed, but still entertaining. As such, this book reads more like a longer middle grade book than the standard YA book.
Part of what this book lacks is a sense of necessity. Many fans (including me) have been clamoring for a book/series about Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Satine from this era. Many fans are also hopeful to see books continuing the themes explored in the Jedi Apprentice series. This book instead tells a much smaller, contained story that almost could have featured any other Jedi, not necessarily Obi-Wan.
There are some great references in the book that I thought were clever. There is also one character apparance that I was excited to read and definitely worked in context. You can definitely tell that Kiersten White had conversations with fellow members of "Team Trash Compactor", specifically Mike Chen.
Overall, this is a perfectly adequate book. It is an enjoyable read, but there's not really anything in it that would make me actively search to pick it up immediately afterward. I am happy that I read it, and I might reread it for the podcast or for a reread later down the line, but otherwise I probably won't revisit it again. 6.5 out of 10.
What I think worked best in this book's favor is the writing of Obi-Wan himself. I know, shocking that a book about Obi-Wan would have its best atribute be its writing of Obi-Wan. Well, what works so well here is that Kiersten White really gets the insecurities and fears that the other authors have established in Young Obi-Wan. This book does work well as a companion to Master and Apprentice, which both explore some of the same themes. I think that Master and Apprentice is MASSIVELY better, but this book is still a good companion nonetheless.
One thing this book also gets write is its scenes in the beginning in the Jedi Temple. Kiersten White is able to add tiny elements of exploration to the Temple, allowing the reader a peak behind the proverbial curtain. We see it all through Obi-Wan's perspective, but its still fascinating.
While Qui-Gon is present in the book, it is only for a very little amount of time. This really is Obi-Wan's time to shine. The entire mission in this book is Obi-Wan by himself, and the themes explored are based around the idea of Obi-Wan operating without his master to guide hiim.
An alternate title for this book could have been "Obi-Wan and the Lost Boys". A high majority of the book takes place on this planet with no adults and really only a group of abandoned children. This story unfolds in a way that is very predictable, and yet it is still fun. I mentioned earlier how adults might bristle at reading this book. I think their main problem will be the predictability of the plot. This works perfectly if you're a young teenager, but adults will find this boring and uninspired most likely.
Also, while some themes work well, such as Obi-Wan's exploration of what it means to be a Jedi, other themes are not explored well. Particularly there is a theme about environmentalism that is really heavy handed. Likewise, there is a theme about power and how it corrupts. Not to give anything away, but Power LITERALLY corrupts in this book. Again, heavy handed, but still entertaining. As such, this book reads more like a longer middle grade book than the standard YA book.
Part of what this book lacks is a sense of necessity. Many fans (including me) have been clamoring for a book/series about Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, and Satine from this era. Many fans are also hopeful to see books continuing the themes explored in the Jedi Apprentice series. This book instead tells a much smaller, contained story that almost could have featured any other Jedi, not necessarily Obi-Wan.
There are some great references in the book that I thought were clever. There is also one character apparance that I was excited to read and definitely worked in context. You can definitely tell that Kiersten White had conversations with fellow members of "Team Trash Compactor", specifically Mike Chen.
Overall, this is a perfectly adequate book. It is an enjoyable read, but there's not really anything in it that would make me actively search to pick it up immediately afterward. I am happy that I read it, and I might reread it for the podcast or for a reread later down the line, but otherwise I probably won't revisit it again. 6.5 out of 10.
July 30, 2022
I have nothing nice to say about this book. Just skip this one and go read Jude Watson's Jedi Apprentice series instead. None of the characters make sense. It doesn't expand the lore. The prose is passable at best. There is no tension and no stakes. Qui-gon is even worse in this book than in the Jedi Apprentice series, not called out for it, treated as wise, and has no known explanation for why he is the way he is. Let alone for why he didn't want a Padawan. Its mentioned and never explored. It's simply a plot contrivance to get Obi-wan to run away. Book, for making Obi-wan a boring, inept, mess of a damsel in distress who gets hit on repeatedly, I dub thee one of the most contrived pieces of nonsense I've read in a bit with the exception perhaps of The Death of Mr. Wickham, which I will probably finish and rant about tomorrow.
July 26, 2022
Star Wars Padawan by Kiersten White offers a good science fiction tale.
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the fact that it doesn't attempt to upend Star Wars cannon or give us the "everything you think you know--is wrong," line.
it is a good story deftly told and looks at Obi-wan in his days as a young Padawan under Qi-Gon. It explores the fact that children who can connect with the force are taken from families at a very young age and trained in the Jedi Temple. It explores family and siblings, living up to the expectations of others and ourselves.
The story itself is described "Angered by his master's abandonment, Obi-Wan sets out on the mission alone, determined to prove himself. On a mysterious planet he encounters a pack of feral, Force-wielding teens who seem to be the planet's only inhabitants. As he experiences wild freedom with them and wonders if this isn’t the life he was meant for, Obi-Wan can’t escape the nagging sense that something is wrong with the Force there." And it is a fun and engaging story.
there were a few beats in the story that sort of missed for me--mostly scenes where we are waiting for the characters to catch up with the readers but they weren't that jarring and passed fairly quickly.
Overall, #StarWarsPadawan was a fun, quick read. Thanks to #NetGalley,
One of the things I enjoyed about this book was the fact that it doesn't attempt to upend Star Wars cannon or give us the "everything you think you know--is wrong," line.
it is a good story deftly told and looks at Obi-wan in his days as a young Padawan under Qi-Gon. It explores the fact that children who can connect with the force are taken from families at a very young age and trained in the Jedi Temple. It explores family and siblings, living up to the expectations of others and ourselves.
The story itself is described "Angered by his master's abandonment, Obi-Wan sets out on the mission alone, determined to prove himself. On a mysterious planet he encounters a pack of feral, Force-wielding teens who seem to be the planet's only inhabitants. As he experiences wild freedom with them and wonders if this isn’t the life he was meant for, Obi-Wan can’t escape the nagging sense that something is wrong with the Force there." And it is a fun and engaging story.
there were a few beats in the story that sort of missed for me--mostly scenes where we are waiting for the characters to catch up with the readers but they weren't that jarring and passed fairly quickly.
Overall, #StarWarsPadawan was a fun, quick read. Thanks to #NetGalley,
Want to read
July 30, 2022I was literally just thinking "God I wish Kiersten White would write a Star Wars book", my dreams have been answered! The summary reminds me of the Jedi Apprentice books but I have faith in Kiersten White to not make this just a retread of that.
October 9, 2022
3.5 stars
This a cute YA Star Wars novel that has some good all ages appeal. I appreciated the lack of romance (no love triangles!) but I wished there had been more Qui Gon Jinn. Kenobi was a little whiny, but that might be obligatory for any YA coming of age story.
This a cute YA Star Wars novel that has some good all ages appeal. I appreciated the lack of romance (no love triangles!) but I wished there had been more Qui Gon Jinn. Kenobi was a little whiny, but that might be obligatory for any YA coming of age story.
Want to read
March 15, 2022When Charlie Bowater designs a cover, the book goes in my tbr.
July 27, 2022
This YA Star Wars novel about young Obi Wan Kenobi contains content parents may want to be aware of. It’s spelled out extensively in the linked article, to include pictures of the physical pages, in which “the novel featured a scene which saw the future Jedi legend question his sexuality, considering the possibility that he is either bisexual and/or asexual – someone who has little to no interest in sex – after being hit on by a male ally.”
https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/0...
https://boundingintocomics.com/2022/0...
August 14, 2022
dnf at 43%
I tried. I had hopes that it'd get better, that the writing and I would get along, but that clearly didn't happen as it's now on my dnf shelf.
I tried. I had hopes that it'd get better, that the writing and I would get along, but that clearly didn't happen as it's now on my dnf shelf.
May 8, 2023
He was ready for a future as a Jedi, but right now, today, he was a Padawan.
It was May the 4th, I had just finished a book and was trying to decide my next read when I thought, hey it's Star Wars day, let's read a Star Wars book. And what better than Kiersten White's Padawan?
Obi-Wan is beloved by all - if you don't like him, I don't know what to say. So I was excited to see what White would bring to his history because not much is known about Obi-Wan's teenage years. Here, we get to see him as Qui-Gon Jinn's young padawan, just fresh out trying to navigate his way through training. He's determined to prove himself and feels like Qui-Gon is not allowing him to do that. So when a mission comes up to search a hidden planet, Obi-Wan jumps on it and ends up going alone.
I adored teenage Obi. Yes, he threw himself into these stupid positions but underneath all that bravado was a lonely kid. He felt he didn't fit in, that no one understood him. He didn't feel at one with the Force and was afraid he never would. I loved that we got to see that side of him because the Obi-Wan we all know is confident and sure of himself. Here, he's just a lost little kid trying to figure out who he is and what he wants. This was definitely a coming of age story but it also felt very real and part of the Star Wars universe. Loved it.
It was May the 4th, I had just finished a book and was trying to decide my next read when I thought, hey it's Star Wars day, let's read a Star Wars book. And what better than Kiersten White's Padawan?
Obi-Wan is beloved by all - if you don't like him, I don't know what to say. So I was excited to see what White would bring to his history because not much is known about Obi-Wan's teenage years. Here, we get to see him as Qui-Gon Jinn's young padawan, just fresh out trying to navigate his way through training. He's determined to prove himself and feels like Qui-Gon is not allowing him to do that. So when a mission comes up to search a hidden planet, Obi-Wan jumps on it and ends up going alone.
I adored teenage Obi. Yes, he threw himself into these stupid positions but underneath all that bravado was a lonely kid. He felt he didn't fit in, that no one understood him. He didn't feel at one with the Force and was afraid he never would. I loved that we got to see that side of him because the Obi-Wan we all know is confident and sure of himself. Here, he's just a lost little kid trying to figure out who he is and what he wants. This was definitely a coming of age story but it also felt very real and part of the Star Wars universe. Loved it.
September 23, 2022
I was so looking forward to this book, cause it’s based on my favorite Star Wars character…Obi-wan. But, I have to say…this didn’t match what we know of him already and felt like a different character altogether. The writing wasn’t that good. This is the lowest score of Star Wars that I’ve read so far…even Phasma in my opinion was better. And the pandering to the PC crowd with a character going by “them” and Obi-wan questioning his sexuality isn’t really needed. Write a story that feels authentic and authentically Star Wars and stop pandering for “wokeness” and money and it would have been a lot better.
May 5, 2022
I was lucky enough to acquire an ARC of this book at the Texas Library Association conference recently. It was the book I was most eager to get a copy of, and it did not let me down. I will have a brief video up describing the book on my YouTube channel tomorrow and I hope that you will pick up a copy of the book because I know you will enjoy it.
September 14, 2022
Decided to stop at twenty percent... I'm not enjoying the way Obi-Wan is portrayed, at all, let alone to say of Qui Gon, and it's making it really hard to get into and enjoy the book. Probably being a die hard fan of the Jedi Apprentice series also scalds me a bit on this one. 🤷🏻♀️
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1636739475i%2F5520447._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
December 29, 2023
Teenage Obi-Wan was filled with so much anxiety and angst through 90% of this book. The little bit of character development at the end was pretty good, though!
May 2, 2024
A fun little adventure with a young Obi-Wan Kenobi, dealing with self doubts and finding his place in the universe.
3.5/5 stars
(The book had 217 pages, not 305 as listed here)
3.5/5 stars
(The book had 217 pages, not 305 as listed here)
April 13, 2023
DNF at 25% so I am reviewing it (for me I review if I made it at least 10% in).
I loved this book up until page 103. Then they introduce a character that is referred to as a “they.” Upon further research I discovered this wasn’t because Obi-Wan didn’t know for sure yet if it was a boy or girl, that was it’s pronoun. And another passage hints that Obi-Wan and another character are possible bi/gay respectively.
Content like that unless it’s used to show that this lifestyle is sinful are huge “no’s” for me. Very disappointing.
I loved this book up until page 103. Then they introduce a character that is referred to as a “they.” Upon further research I discovered this wasn’t because Obi-Wan didn’t know for sure yet if it was a boy or girl, that was it’s pronoun. And another passage hints that Obi-Wan and another character are possible bi/gay respectively.
Content like that unless it’s used to show that this lifestyle is sinful are huge “no’s” for me. Very disappointing.
September 10, 2022
obi-wan is a baby 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭❤
November 12, 2022
*3.5 stars* obi-wan is one of those characters that everyone loves, but even more for the people who don’t ever feel like they are ever in the right place. padawan is all about obi-wand journey as a 16 year-old finding out what his true purpose is as a jedi, and figuring himself out. i really liked how obi-wan was portrayed and written in this novel, reading the origins of his abandonment issues and anxiety was so so sad but well done. the characterization of obi-wan was probably the best part of the story. i also thought it was super fun getting to read him and dex’s first interaction, obi-wan having to think about what a romantic relationship could possibly mean for him, and just more of him questioning his relationship with qui-gon. and of course the high-republic nod/mentions of characters was so fun.
now onto the things i disliked, the story itself. i found the plot very boring until the last 50 pages, and i really just did not care enough about the plot for the mystery of the planet to intrigue me. i also thought that the ending with qui-gon was a little boring and i wish we got more of an ending of you know what i mean.
now onto the things i disliked, the story itself. i found the plot very boring until the last 50 pages, and i really just did not care enough about the plot for the mystery of the planet to intrigue me. i also thought that the ending with qui-gon was a little boring and i wish we got more of an ending of you know what i mean.
June 4, 2022
(review of ARC!!)
2022 is the year of Obi-Wan Kenobi. With the release of Mike Chen’s Brotherhood this past May and the first half of the new Obi-Wan Kenobi show off to an amazing start, we cannot get enough of this iconic Jedi. Kiersten White’s Padawan is the next addition to this line of Kenobi content, chronicling part of Obi-Wan’s time as a Jedi Padawan. I absolutely devoured this book (I laughed and I cried. I love it when Star Wars can make me do both). White does a stellar job nailing down Obi-Wan’s characterization, giving readers a brand new story while still maintaining the familiarity of a character we’ve been following for 45 years.
Padawan serves as the perfect companion to Claudia Gray’s Master and Apprentice (2019), channeling Obi-Wan’s inner conflict surrounding his place in the galaxy. When we first meet Obi-Wan in A New Hope, he is the mentor figure, so it is interesting to explore his time as a student. Teenage Obi-Wan is full of self-doubt like most people his age, but he also possesses the desire to prove himself as a capable student. One of Obi-Wan’s strengths is his ability to connect with other people, no matter the situation. This is displayed beautifully in Padawan as Obi-Wan sets off on his first mission without the guidance of his master. Everything Obi-Wan accomplishes on Lenahra is due to his empathy and compassion for others. He exemplifies everything a Jedi Padawan should be, even if he doesn’t believe it at first.
White also did an amazing job with creating Lenahra as an immersive setting. One of my favorite parts of Star Wars is getting to explore new planets and I could picture everything very clearly while I read this book. I loved getting to know the Lenahrans. The diverse cast of new characters brought life and mystery to the story. Their connection to Lenahra sparks an interesting conversation surrounding environmentalism in both the Star Wars universe, but also our own.
If you’re a Kenobi fan, this is the book for you.
Also, to any High Republic fans (like myself): you won’t want to miss this one!
2022 is the year of Obi-Wan Kenobi. With the release of Mike Chen’s Brotherhood this past May and the first half of the new Obi-Wan Kenobi show off to an amazing start, we cannot get enough of this iconic Jedi. Kiersten White’s Padawan is the next addition to this line of Kenobi content, chronicling part of Obi-Wan’s time as a Jedi Padawan. I absolutely devoured this book (I laughed and I cried. I love it when Star Wars can make me do both). White does a stellar job nailing down Obi-Wan’s characterization, giving readers a brand new story while still maintaining the familiarity of a character we’ve been following for 45 years.
Padawan serves as the perfect companion to Claudia Gray’s Master and Apprentice (2019), channeling Obi-Wan’s inner conflict surrounding his place in the galaxy. When we first meet Obi-Wan in A New Hope, he is the mentor figure, so it is interesting to explore his time as a student. Teenage Obi-Wan is full of self-doubt like most people his age, but he also possesses the desire to prove himself as a capable student. One of Obi-Wan’s strengths is his ability to connect with other people, no matter the situation. This is displayed beautifully in Padawan as Obi-Wan sets off on his first mission without the guidance of his master. Everything Obi-Wan accomplishes on Lenahra is due to his empathy and compassion for others. He exemplifies everything a Jedi Padawan should be, even if he doesn’t believe it at first.
White also did an amazing job with creating Lenahra as an immersive setting. One of my favorite parts of Star Wars is getting to explore new planets and I could picture everything very clearly while I read this book. I loved getting to know the Lenahrans. The diverse cast of new characters brought life and mystery to the story. Their connection to Lenahra sparks an interesting conversation surrounding environmentalism in both the Star Wars universe, but also our own.
If you’re a Kenobi fan, this is the book for you.
Also, to any High Republic fans (like myself): you won’t want to miss this one!
March 17, 2023
Set in 41 BBY
It was (unfortunately) an ok read. And (sadly) I'm being generous here. Mainly because this is a character I really liked since I was a kid, and here we don't get that character. We get a story written for teenagers I guess, which I guess they would like? Maybe? I wanted to like the story, but it's not that interesting, there were some good moments but to get to those moments, there was plenty of Obi Wan being a kid and bitching and crying about everything, constantly feeling not good enough and not worthy of Qui-Gon or being a Jedi.
I would get that being mentioned once or twice, like, we get it, he's a teen and he doesn't trust himself, there's no need to mention this every other page for half a book, so unless you're in a group called Readers With Amnesia, then this will get too repetitive too fast. The worst thing is it felt nothing like Star Wars, especially if you come from the Legends era novels, this isn't an adult read.
I didn't have any problems with characters and whatnot, and the main plot was good and interesting at first, and I was really excited for the adventure Kenobi was to embark to, without questioning how's and why's with all the conveniences about the story and Obi Wan being able to leave the temple unnoticed and not followed by anyone. But, there was no payoff, the whole plot wasn't fun and pretty much nothing happened. The only thing I liked and felt something at all was that Dex makes an appearance and that was a nice surprise. Other than that, Obi Wan didn't feel like Obi Wan most of the time, the kids were boring, the main villain was nothing to write home about and the whole story was written like a YA novel which I'm not a huge fan of.
If you really need to read about Obi Wan, read something else, if you really need to read everything that includes Obi Wan, then by all means.
TL/DR: It was ok, just an adventure for teenagers that doesn't feel like Star Wars.
It was (unfortunately) an ok read. And (sadly) I'm being generous here. Mainly because this is a character I really liked since I was a kid, and here we don't get that character. We get a story written for teenagers I guess, which I guess they would like? Maybe? I wanted to like the story, but it's not that interesting, there were some good moments but to get to those moments, there was plenty of Obi Wan being a kid and bitching and crying about everything, constantly feeling not good enough and not worthy of Qui-Gon or being a Jedi.
I would get that being mentioned once or twice, like, we get it, he's a teen and he doesn't trust himself, there's no need to mention this every other page for half a book, so unless you're in a group called Readers With Amnesia, then this will get too repetitive too fast. The worst thing is it felt nothing like Star Wars, especially if you come from the Legends era novels, this isn't an adult read.
I didn't have any problems with characters and whatnot, and the main plot was good and interesting at first, and I was really excited for the adventure Kenobi was to embark to, without questioning how's and why's with all the conveniences about the story and Obi Wan being able to leave the temple unnoticed and not followed by anyone. But, there was no payoff, the whole plot wasn't fun and pretty much nothing happened. The only thing I liked and felt something at all was that Dex makes an appearance and that was a nice surprise. Other than that, Obi Wan didn't feel like Obi Wan most of the time, the kids were boring, the main villain was nothing to write home about and the whole story was written like a YA novel which I'm not a huge fan of.
If you really need to read about Obi Wan, read something else, if you really need to read everything that includes Obi Wan, then by all means.
TL/DR: It was ok, just an adventure for teenagers that doesn't feel like Star Wars.
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