Review: Kenobi

Kenobi by John Jackson Miller

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Book Info: Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy/Space Opera
Reading Level: Adult
Recommended for: Star Wars fans, those who enjoy space opera and are familiar with the background story line
Book Available: August 27, 2013 in hardcover, Kindle and audiobook formats
Trigger Warnings: violence, massacre of a group of raiders

My Thoughts: I have read a number of very good Star Wars novels over the years, such as the Rogue Squadron books, and the Jedi Academy. This was not among the best of them, but it was a fairly entertaining story. The main problem I had with this one is that the protagonist was too far into the darkness. I never felt like there was much hope of redemption, and I must prefer a more shades-of-grey situation to the dark vs. light that is fairly strong in this book.

Nonetheless, I found the book both highly readable and very enjoyable. One sees a more mature Obi-Wan than how he was presented in the movies Episode I through III, but not quite the venerable oldster we see in Episode IV. I would love to read more of the details from his point of view through the entire stretch of time. I would love to have a better idea of how he came to the ideas that, “Sometimes it takes losing everything to find the right path,” and, “... wise people never make desperate decisions.” I'm quite certain Master Yoda planted those seeds, and they were amply watered with Anakin's blood, but there are hints of other stories under the blanket about which I would like to learn more.

We also learn quite a lot about the Tusken Raiders (aka Sand People) and their thought processes and way of life in this book, which is really neat. I need to go to Wookiepedia and look up pictures of some of the aliens mentioned in this book so I can see them better in my head.

Those who aren't fans of Star Wars, or who haven't at least seen the movies, will likely be a bit lost in this book, but I enjoyed it quite a lot. I certainly made me want to go back and re-read some of the other Star Wars books sitting around here. If you're a fan of Star Wars and would like to spend some time in Obi-Wan's head and/or learn more about the Tusken Raiders, then check this very cool book out.

Disclosure: I received a paperback ARC from the Amazon Vine program in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: In this original novel set between the events of Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV A New Hope, Obi-Wan Kenobi comes to the aid of the residents of Tatooine during his exile. But he struggles with his new mission when he realizes that protecting Luke Skywalker—the last hope of the galaxy—means setting aside his compassion and his Jedi warrior training, for the future of the galaxy lies not with Obi-Wan Kenobi, but with a mystical desert recluse known only by the name of Crazy Old Ben.



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