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Review: Legacy of the Jedi by Jude Watson

Posted: Sat Feb 11, 2006 6:46 pm
by feitonglong
Yes, this is a Clone Wars novel and also labelled as Young Adults Fiction... haha... but it was an interesting read as well as I finished the entire novel within the day...

The novel spanned across decades of adventures from Dooku to Anakin. A new character was introduced, Lorian Nod. This was a character 4 generations of Jedi crossed path with. Both Dooku and him started off as Jedi Apprentices in the Temple but however, Lorian was expelled from the Order for a deed he thought Dooku would cover him. (Sorry no spoilers for what deed he did, just a hint though: SITH business) Dooku was shown to be full of himself and never showing others his weaknesses or wrongs. He despised being corrected. Yoda words to him before he left the Temple, "Of you ability sure you are. Yet between sureness and pride, a small step it is..."

When Dooku became a Master with Qui-Gon as his padawan, they encountered Lorian in an attempt to kidnap Senators for ransom. Lorian had became a space pirate, not wanting to join the Agriculture Corp. Dooku made a few mistakes underestimating Lorian's wittiness and skilles, something which he did not want to admit to his padawan. Nevertheless, Dooku was both proud and irritated of Qui-Gon's ability to interact with the living force. "Your flaw is your need for connection to the living Force."

Qui-Gon and Obi-wan crossed path with Lorian once again 32 years later. Lorian had spreaded rumors in order to make use of a situation whereby he could be employed as the Security IC. Both Master and padawan saw through his ploy and managed to put him behind bars. If you had followed the Jedi Apprentice series, you'd know that Qui-Gon and Obi-wan had an awkward relationship in the beginning. Obi-wan was always trying to impress Qui-Gon while the Master was wary of being betrayed again like his first apprentice. We know here that Qui-Gon had decided to put his entire trust in Obi-wan, putting the past behind him. Obi-wan knew he need not impress his Master any longer, just be who he was. "You will be a great Jedi Knight, Obi-wan Kenobi.... If you do have a flaw, perhaps it is simply this: You wish to please me too much."

The Clone Wars had erupted. Obi-wan met Lorian again, with his padawan Anakin, but this time the Republic needed his help to keep hold of s srategic planet. It seemed he had given up his crooked ways and wanted to be redeemed for what he had done in the past. During a meeting with the Separatists Leader Dooku which turned out to be a trap, Lorian had a final showdown with Dooku. He knew Dooku had done what he did back when he was an apprentice. He knew Dooku was now Sith. A desperate attempt to fight Dooku costed him his life. Obi-wan felt that his padawan had changed much since the Clone Wars started however he did not know what else to teach him. He felt that he did not know his padawan anymore. The novel ended with this question in mind after exploring the relationships between the Masters and their Padawans.

Legacy of Secrets

Posted: Sun Feb 26, 2006 8:31 pm
by sithlordcbw
Picked this up in August 2003, felt Watson surpassed herself and did a super job here. Personally, I think its the best Star Wars book she has ever written. The stories flow and interconnect between four generations of Jedi and their Padawans, while the rogue/ally Lorian Nod acts as antagonist/ally in all four short stories. Its over 200 pages, so its a great read.

Best short story: Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan (it's the longest and best)

Worst short story: Obi-Wan & Anakin (as it didnt seem to flow as well)

And Scholastic is compiling Legacy of Secrets, where Legacy of the Jedi and Secrets of the Jedi are being compiled into one paperback novel. I think Secrets was quite weak, the romance was poorly established, and the supporting characters (Talesan Fry) not very convincing. And only 2 generations of Jedi are featured there.

Posted: Mon Feb 27, 2006 10:37 pm
by Jedi Healer
Wow I'd love to get that one! Btw, where did you guys get your books from? I've been searching bookstores for Legacy/Secrets of the Jedi I haven't come across it anywhere!

Re: Legacy of Secrets

Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 11:18 pm
by freefly
sithlordcbw wrote: I think Secrets was quite weak, the romance was poorly established, and the supporting characters (Talesan Fry) not very convincing. And only 2 generations of Jedi are featured there.
i thought it was pretty good :D it was bittersweet & it adds depth to obi-wan's charater (smth i did'nt expect frm a teens' storybook). it rips into your heart seeing how two childhood friends finds love & then giving it all up for the greater good that they can achieve if they remain true to their calling. brace yourself for some heart wrenching moments (esp towards the end of the story). all in all if the romance does'nt work out well for ya, it still provides a good contrast btw obi-wan's & anakin's charater. One learned to live with an open heart, while the other well *cough* did'nt.