Customer Reviews

The Shattered Peace (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 10)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Well, things have definitely changed in the world of Jude Watson's JA series.

After the important events of two books ago, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are far closer and more secure. They are being sent to the worlds of Rutan (high-tech and rather arrogant) and Senali (low-tech and at-one-with-nature). A tradition dictates that the two sovereigns of these planets exchange their children at a young age, for the sake of relations between them. Except now Prince Leed of the Rutan doesn't wanna go home.

His father is furious, and wants the Jedi to intervene. But what can they do when a young man makes a mature decision that could lead to war?

After the events of "Defenders of the Dead," I thought that she was inaccurately portraying the young Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi--but instead she used this to make Obi-Wan mature in matters of patience and thoughtfulness. Qui-Gon gets teased a bit about being imperfect, but this is very good to read. I was genuinely surprised by the end twist--I didn't see that coming at ALL.

I thought the Rutan and Senali lifestyles were a bit too cliched and the ending a bit too easy for all concerned, but if everything were truly realistic the conflict would go on for hundreds of pages. In addition, the writing is an excellent example of poetic prose, even if Leed tends to repeat himself. I think Ms. Watson is definitely maturing further as a writer.

This is a highly enjoyable entry in a great series. If you're a fan of Obi-Wan, check it out.

Lightsabers are arguably one of the finest inventions/adaptations that science fiction has created. It is also true that they can be used as weapons, but that is as a last resort. Physical confrontation, combat, is never preferable, defense is first, offensive use the last and most regrettable of options.

This 10th episode will not please action fans. In truth there is more of that brand of event in the preview that is included for episode 11 "The Deadly Hunter". The character that is introduced but not named is interesting, is this her first appearance, or not? Unfortunately again, a wait is required.

The irony of this series is that the premises by which the Jedi conduct themselves are often more consistent than other books, or even the films. In this book Jude Watson stays very close to the concepts of peace, restraint, patience, and control of anger. I enjoy a good saber fight as much as the next fan. Obi-Wan VS. Maul was a classic that will be hard to match, but the necessity of the fight was plain, there was no other opportunity, no alternative.

I did think the book was a bit slow, but put it in the perspective of THE JEDI Master Yoda the book is perfect. When has he used violence, when has he ever drawn a saber, does he even have one? These books are for all fans even though directed at younger readers. The messages they teach are positive, and as always it is Yoda who sets the mission, and whose "voice" guides the actions of his Knights.

There is more to these books than some give credit for, and there are those that will think I take them too seriously. However when reviewing what is published for the consumption of Children, these books surpass much of their competition. It is this age group that begins reading on their own. As always, due to the fact that Star Wars has transcended one generation to the next, the book also leaves common ground between those of us who were there when Episode IV opened, as well as those for whom Episode I was their start.

Not action packed, but fairly well done, and the teaser for the next looks very promising.

Well, I was a bit disappointed. I was hoping for an actionpacked book but I found a repeat on #4 and #5. Don't get me wrong! Agreat book! I like the sudden twists and how much the Jedi use theirlightsabers (Even for the littlest things! ) This book was grrrrrreat,like all the others but lacking action! From the review from "TheDeadly Hunter" the next book will be higher than ourexpectations! These books are WAY too short! I finished this book inliterally 20 minutes! A very fast book and it seems kind of rushed. Soif you're waiting for action, don't get your hopes up! Hang in there!Another one's coming soon! PLEASE VOTE YES ON MY REVIEW!

I liked it, I really did. Don't get me wrong at all. There was a lot of action, lots of lightsabre swinging and dart shooting on the part of Drenna. And Jude Watson managed to tie in Obi's experience on Melida/Daan without appearing to beat the subject to death. Qui admits that he has just as much to learn about being as Master as Obi has to learn about being a Padawan. They are starting to talk to each other, which is also a bonus, although Obi is afraid that if he reveals his true feelings, Qui will be reminded of the M/D disaster and won't like him anymore. They have a nice moment when Qui assures him that he won't hold his thoughts against him and opinions do not necessarily lead to actions.

Along with all the action, there was also an equal amount of dialogue and discussion, which was nice, although the plot was a little slow starting out. If there was an option, I'd really rate it a 4.5/5, but since I couldn't I decided I'd round up instead of down :)

I liked the comparisons the author draws between the two worlds - they appear so different on the surface, but when you get right down to it, all people are basically the same. Both sets of parents are afraid for their children, but they channel their fear in different ways, making them appear different. The moral lesson is clear, but that's okay since the book was written for a young audience. Yoda's phrase from the movie rings throughout - fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering. A nice tie in, I thought.

All in all, a nice story with a compact ending. And they all lived happily ever after...

The Shattered Temple is a beautiful display of Jude Watson's many talents. Her description of the ocean world Senali is brilliant; you can almost feel the spray in your face and see the sun glinting of the waves. As always Watson gives us wonderful views into the characters' thoughts, and emotions. It is very satisfying to know that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are building their Master/Padawan relation stronger and stronger with each mission; The Shattered Temple really displays this. I recommend this book for anyone who loves vivid description, heart-wrenching decisions, happy endings, and, of coarse, Star Wars.

Four words: Not enough lightsaber battles! True, that sounds rather pathetic from a book reviewer, but consider this, 'The Shattered Peace' is all about Jedi and their peace-keeping abilities, not their magnetism to break-neck action. (Not to say that this book doesn't have action...) Now, if you're wanting to have the end spoiled for you, you've come to the wrong place! I'm going to limit myself to saying that Qui-Gon Jinn is able to salvage the situation with some help from his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Jude writes masterfully, getting the book to build tension early, not allowing you a reading break for fear of missing something important. Twists and turns along the way, shock you as they shock Obi-Wan. Not surprisingly, Qui-Gon Jinn expected a few of them. Older Jedi take away all the fun...

Compared to the other books of the Jedi Apprentice Series, this one has much less raw emotion on the parts of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, leaving older readers wondering if that was the end of the emotional trip for the two.

Not to worry, though. This book holds a preview of the next chapter in the series, No. 11, 'The Deadly Hunter', and I must say, it looks like a thrill ride compared to this one!

So! If you're wanting a fantastic, unbelievable read... Wait for the next book. If you're just wanting a fun and entertaining read, get this one. And that's all she wrote.

In The Shattered Peace, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon must travel to the planets Rutan and Senali in order to help them avoid war. For years the firstborn children of the royal families were exchanged in order to promote peace, they thought that the kings would not attack the other planet if their children were there. But Leed, the prince of Rutan, wishes to remain on Senali. His father, King Frane, insists that he is being brainwashed and sends Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Taroon, his second son, to Senali to find him. They arrive on Senali and Leed tells them that he is not being brainwashed and that he truly loves it there. After Leed agrees to face his father, he is kidnapped by a mysterious group of Senalians with clay smeared all over their bodies. Qui-Gon is forced to tell King Frane, who immediately threatens to declare war if Leed is not found and brought home. Now Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan must figure out who is behind this in order to prevent war between the two planets. This book wasn't the best but it was still really good. But the only thing Obi-Wan did was think about how much he was reminded of the incident on Melida/Daan.

As like all the books, I loved this one. My only problem is that it wraps up too quickly. I can understand why though. It bothers me to see that it takes so long to write so little. But, I can understand that also. Anyway, I love the story, the series, and most importantly - Obi-Wan! Keep up the good work Watson!

The planet of Senali started out as a colony to the planet of Rutan, but after a long and bloody war, Senali managed to break free. To prevent further hostilities, the ruler of each planet agreed to send his or her oldest child to be raised on the other planet from ages seven to sixteen. It is now time for Leed, heir to the Rutan throne, to leave Senali and return to his home planet. However, Leed has come to prefer the way of life on Senali to that of his native planet, and does not wish to take his place as the king of Rutan. Leed's father threatens to declare war on Senali if his son does not return home. But Qui-Gon Ginn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, who have been sent to find a peaceful way to end the dispute, doubt that the king will actually declare war - until Leed is kidnapped. Now they are given an ultimatum - find Leed within twelve hours, or the king will order his troops to attack Senali. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan is torn between remaining neutral and helping Leed, whose dilemma reminds him of his own that took place on Melidda/Daan. This was an excellant addition to the series that I highly reccomend to all Star Wars fans, regardless of their ages. I am fifteen and was immensely entertainted by this book.

Obi-Wan Kenobi and his master Qui-Gon Jinn are sent to keep the peace between the planets Rutan and Senali. But they have more than enough on their hands when conflict arises between the two rulers. For many years, the firstborn children of the rulers of the planets are exchanged at a certain age. Instead of promoting peace this time, the planets are on the brink of war. Leed, the firstborn heir to the throne of Rutan, does not want to go back to his home planet and his father will stop at nothing to get him back. Will Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan be able to bring peace and keep the situation from turning to war and bloodshed?

For a children's series, each and every Jedi Apprentice book is jam-packed with excitement and suspense, at the same time giving you time to think. I love how the author makes it so even older people can read the books! "The Shattered Peace" has a flowing plot, not giving in to meaningless subplots or too much action. The ending is quite unexpected and more satisfying that I had at first thought it would be.

This series explains a lot about how Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan first meet. Their beginning is far from simple and all smooth-sailings, which would be pretty monotonous if it was. Though the books are said for ages 9-12, like many other reviewers I agree that the Jedi Apprentice Series are for anybody. Extremely well-written, the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the main characters are very well put down into words. I also like the different array of humans and aliens which are portrayed, both good and bad.

Plust check out the new Jedi Quest series, dealing with the master and apprentice duo of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. Another Star Wars Series I recommend and like a lot are the Young Jedi Knights series. The stories are about Jacen and Jaina Solo (twins of Han and Leia Solo), and their friends as they journey on the road to becoming Jedi Knights. More on the teenager level of reading. For adult readings, a few selections I enjoy reading are "The Thrawn Trilogy", "Rogue Planet", "The Jedi Academy Trilogy", "The Corellian Trilogy", and "The Truce at Bakura".