Star Wars: Attack of the Clones - Anakin: Apprentice

Star Wars Legends: Novels

by Marc Cerasini

An exciting original prequel adventure! This Step 4 Jedi Reader bridges Anakin Skywalker’s life between Episodes I and II, informing young fans of what happened to Anakin during his Jedi training between the two films.

Genres: Star Wars, Fiction, Childrens

48 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 2002

About the author

Best-selling author, Marc Cerasini has spent time on the New York Times and USA Today best-seller's lists. His writing spans from children's picture books and young adult novels to adult mystery and military nonfiction. Along the way, he's managed to ghostwrite for Tom Clancy.

Reviews

[Dimitris Papastergiou · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in 22BBY

This story is the moment when Obi-Wan communicates the imperative mission to safeguard the Queen of Naboo, Padmé. The storyline beautifully intertwines Anakin's reflections on their initial encounter in Tatooine, offering glimpses into his experiences between Episode I and II. The reader is seamlessly guided through Anakin's journey, culminating in his readiness to reunite with Padmé after a span of significant years.

[Curtis · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 3-year-old did not find the story very engaging (minus the chapter about Darth Maul of all characters lol) but she really enjoyed the illustrations. I did too. There are some really nice paintings of a young Anakin and Obi-Wan together at the Jedi Temple.

[Jorie]

I wonder what the eBay seller thought when I purchased their copy of Anakin: Apprentice...?

Although this book was initially written for younglings back in 2002, in 2o21 this book exists for nostalgic (and sardonic) adults. Post-Disney's acquisition of Star Wars, there hasn't been any Anakin-specific media made for little children - the Obi-Wan show might change this, but there isn't a market for Anakin (pre-Vader) right now. Kids today haven't grown up with his story like they have Rey's and Kylo's.

I grew up with the prequels. I love Attack of the Clones. I love Anakin.

So I didn't face any competition getting this book. It isn't a hidden gem, but I got some good laughs and groans out of it:

- The illustrations looked like they came from a WASP children's Bible
- The illustrations of pre-teen Anakin mash-up Jake Lloyd's and Hayden Christensen's features as if they were morphed together in a teleporter accident
- Anakin has to face his fears in a cavern on the ice planet of "Ilum" (totally different than Hoth...) à la Luke on Dagobah, and instead of fearing losing his loved ones or being unable to control his temper, his greatest fear is apparently... Darth Maul? And the summation of Darth Maul's appearance is as simple as, "You know you want to be evil!"
- Darth Maul is referred to as "The Sith who killed Qui-Gon", implying that neither Obi-Wan nor Anakin learned his name - it makes a strange sort of sense, but is incredibly goofy to me
- Anakin keeps a creepy journal of personal Padmé drawings (You in danger, girl)
- "Life as a Padawan learner was much better than life as a slave." (Mentions of Shmi, who is still a slave: 0)
- The illustration of Anakin giving Obi-Wan a thumbs up that literally bookends the story

But I did unironically love how Anakin jumped into every race and flying competition he learned about. It built off of his established podracing, and made it seem like he needed very little encouragement before going "I'll take them myself" and flying off to battle in the climax of A New Hope. It made a bridge between Anakin the child and Darth Vader - chef's kiss.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice short read. The illustration is very good.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anakin getting into trouble in this book. Good to be able to read in between the movies.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool Kids' book about Anakin's journey during his early temple years.