Master & Apprentice (Book Review)

Claudia Grey has been heralded as one of Disney Star Wars' premiere authors. Her latest tale of a galaxy far far away is Master and Apprentice; a chronicle of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn before the events of The Phantom Menace as they work on their own relationship while navigating a thick political maze.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are presented as incompatible. Obi-Wan does his best to adhere strictly to Jedi protocol whereas Qui-Gon, famously, doesn't much care to do so. One of the most fascinating things the novel offers is a look into Jedi Prophecy and the stance the Order has on observing said Prophecy.

During flashbacks we get to see Qui-Gon's time as Dooku's apprentice and Qui-Gon's relationship with a disgraced and gruff Jedi; Rale Averross who was also trained by Dooku. These sections provide us with a nice teaser leading up to Dooku: Jedi Lost.

There is a duo of jewel thieves that play a substantial role in the story named Pax and Zahara, who provide an "odd couple" style comedic relief.

The books pacing can tend to drag, but this is not a damning flaw. The political intrigue, tension between Kenobi and Jinn, looks into the past about Dooku, Jedi practice, and the mystical elements of the book are entrancing. Getting to see the great Obi-Wan Kenobi at such a young uncertain time in his life is a treat and one I hope we see more of. Not unlike Queen's Shadow we get a very emotional and melancholy epilogue that acts as a satisfying book end.

Master & Apprentice has some mild pacing issues but it's new take on a classic dynamic sets apart from other works in the cannon. I give Master & Apprentice a 3.5 out 5.