Star Wars: Jedi Quest, Book 1: The Way of the Apprentice

By: Jude Watson

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Fourteen-year-old Anakin Skywalker is strong in the ways of the Force. His lightsaber skills are exceptional, and his piloting is legendary. He should be an ideal Jedi apprentice. And yet, there is so much he still has to learn. It is up to Obi-Wan Kenobi to teach him these things.

But on a mission to a planet threatened by a toxic disaster, Obi-Wan and Anakin are separated. Anakin and three other apprentices - one of them his rival - must work together in order to survive. Anakin's instincts are clear...but are they right?

Anakin Skywalker's destiny will determine the future of a galaxy. These are the events that form his fate.

More in the Jedi Quest series we have. And listen to all of our Star Wars titles you can!©2009 Jude Watson (P)2009 Listening Library

Came for the nostalgia stayed for production value

Would you listen to Star Wars: Jedi Quest, Book 1: The Way of the Apprentice again? Why?

Yes I would. I first read this story back when I was in middle school. My school library had it and while my memory is a little foggy subject, I am pretty sure it was the very first Star Wars book I finished that wasn't a novelization of the movies. So I told myself to check it out for nostalgia's sake. It was even better than I remembered with the audible production enhancing the already good experience. So yes, I would definitely check out the book that introduced me the Expanded Universe again. In fact, I just may recommend it to new generation Star Wars fans from my old school next time I go there.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters. They were all written remarkably well for a book leaning on the short side of the spectrum. I really enjoyed how they interacted with one another. Like Obi-wan and Siri who have been on numerous missions together during the Jedi Apprentice series set earlier in the chronology. It shows here that they are a great duo when they need to pair up for a mission.

Anakin and Tru's friendship developed organically and I liked how it progress through story. Darra had quite some entertaining choices of words when speaking that made her character enjoyable and more relatable to younger readers; which is the targeted demographic at the end of the day.

Jude Watson also writes young Anakin really, really well. You can really feel the essence of the character from Episode I & II while empatizing with his troubles and aspirations, even if you can't bring yourself to agree with his opinions and decisions all the time.

And Ferus Olin...where to begin? I enjoyed him quite a bit as a character on its own, but it was his rivalry with Anakin that made for the best interaction between two characters in the entire book. That last chat they had near the end cemented Olin's place as a character to watch out for.

What about Jonathan Davis’s performance did you like?

I have listen to plenty of Star Wars audiobooks narrated by Jonathan Davis. Some of my favorite legends books from the Prequel Era were narrated by him, like Star Wars: Kenobi and Maul: Lockdown and ahis Lords of the Sith performance in the Canon continuity was excellent. So I am happy to say that he mantained the high performance standards I have come to expect from him in this book. Every character felt distinctive in their own ways and like always, he makes an excellent impression of Prequel era Obi-wan.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and given the short length compared to most Star Wars unabridged productions I probably would have but the electricity shut down in my neighborhood while I was about a third of the way through I had to save the battery power of my cellphone. The interruption was corrected in my next sitting.

Any additional comments?

I don't know if Audible and Disney realize the potential gold mine they have in their hands. The Jedi Quest series is a fantastic Star Wars book series for younger readers. Only its first 4 books have an audible production from what I see. I already recommended my old school to buy the physical copies of the first 4 books because most of the elementary and middle school have been devouring what Star Wars books and comics are available there since The Force Awakens and Rogue One movies greatly increased their interest in the franchise. But really, Audible could certainly benefit from producing unabridged productions for the rest of the short novels. Besides, the New Canon Star Wars books is currently much smaller than the Legends continuity and most of the audio productions that are in existance from the new conttinuity are not really for younger readers.

For example, I had a blast listening to Lords of the Sith but even I was horrified at the last command Emperor Sidious gave Lord Vader in the story. Kids and young teens would end up with nightmares instead and possible get turned off from more Star Wars books, at least for a while. Audible could really use some great SW books aimed at younger kids and teens and the Jedi Quest series would be great for that.

P.S. The canon Servants of the Empire tetralogy aimed at the demographic I was talking about would also fit the bill while remaining unbridged and not overly long. Kids would love it as well.

For kids and adults

Great book for kids and also fun for adults who are into the Star Wars universe. Especially if someone has a soft spot for the dynamics of Obiwan and Anakin's Master-Padawan relationship!

Like A Episode of Clone Wars...

If you are a fan of the clone wars series id listen to this, though set some time after Phantom Menace. Also hits close to home as its about a toxin taking over a planet. The moral is also a good one and the Jedi Characters are preety cool.

Fun Star Wars children's story

I am looking forward to listening to this book with my own son. The story can help teach lessons of teamwork and friendship.

Off to a great start!

This is the first book in the Jedi Quest series. You can certainly tell that the author of this book knows and respects the lore that came before it. It fits in well with the greater universe.

I listened to this years ago, but coming back to it now, it just holds up so well. Definitely a recommend, and especially for the Jedi minded out there.

This is a young adult series, and though there is death and dire circumstances, the Jedi never kill anyone. Instead, there is more of an emphasis on arrests, diplomacy and due process, which is appropriate for this age range.

This approach fits naturally with the role of the Jedi and blends well with some pretty adult circumstances.

And there is a not so subtle lesson about treachery behind good intentions and how destructive self-centeredness can be. The unfolding plot has some interesting overlaps with current circumstances and reminds us not to be blind to how terrible we can be to each other by not listening.

Some would say I’m reaching with that last statement, but these are usually the folks who have opinions about everything. Hard to listen when you think you know already. ;)

Highly recommend! Looking forward to the next one!

Good story but short

I liked it but it is quite sort. Do not use your credit buy it with cash when it is on sale.

It goes over one mission when Anakin was a padawan.

Thought it was ok but short

This was a short story, it should have been longer. The story should have focused on a few missions not just one.

prologue

Very good background in the struggles both master and padawan experienced during their relationship growth

Great book for kids.

This is an ideal book for kids. I even enjoyed it.
I just like Star Wars.

Son loved it

Any additional comments?

My 9 year old son really enjoyed this story. He whipped thru listening to this in 2 days! He loved the sound effects in between chapters. We're on to book #2!