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Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights #4
Lightsabers
With a new generation of Dark Jedi being trained at the Shadow Academy, Luke Skywalker decides that it is time for the young Jedi Knights of the New Republic to build their lightsabers, a task that brings both a growth in the power of the Force and deadly peril. Original.
240 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
12 people are currently reading
1390 people want to read
About the author
Kevin J. Anderson
1,037 books3,102 followersYes, I have a lot of books, and if this is your first visit to my amazon author page, it can be a little overwhelming. If you are new to my work, let me recommend a few titles as good places to start. I love my Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, humorous horror/mysteries, which begin with DEATH WARMED OVER. My steampunk fantasy adventures, CLOCKWORK ANGELS and CLOCKWORK LIVES, written with Neil Peart, legendary drummer from Rush, are two of my very favorite novels ever. And my magnum opus, the science fiction epic The Saga of Seven Suns, begins with HIDDEN EMPIRE. After you've tried those, I hope you'll check out some of my other series.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
I have written spin-off novels for Star Wars, StarCraft, Titan A.E., and The X-Files, and I'm the co-author of the Dune prequels. My original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series and the Nebula Award-nominated Assemblers of Infinity. I have also written several comic books including the Dark Horse Star Wars collection Tales of the Jedi written in collaboration with Tom Veitch, Predator titles (also for Dark Horse), and X-Files titles for Topps.
I serve as a judge in the Writers of the Future contest.
My wife is author Rebecca Moesta. We currently reside near Monument, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
August 31, 2021
Bullet Review:
May well be the best of this pretty stellar young adult series. WOW.
Full Review:
When we last saw our group, they had lost their friend, Zekk, to the Dark Jedi Academy led by Brakiss and Tamith Kai. Luke Skywalker realizes he has no choice but to prepare his young Jedi Knights for battle and approves them to make their own lightsabers, but not everyone comes out of this unscathed. Meanwhile Zekk and Norys train on the Shadow Academy, marching ever closer to a Big Showdown.
This may well be the best book of this series. It's still far too early to tell, but the depths the characters go in this book, the lessons they learn and the very permanent changes that happen are absolutely stunning - there are adult books that pull their punches more than this "measly" kid book!
I don't know if spoilers are a thing for a 30 year old book that isn't even part of "Disney canon" anymore, but this is your one and only warning.
I went into this series not really expecting much. Well, that's a lie - I expected cheesy Jacen Dad jokes and really cheesy kid book plots with the blip of "Lightsabers". I read these books when I was a teen and I adored them - but then, I liked "The Crystal Star" when I was younger too! As I've been reading this series, I've mostly found them solid, maybe more than solid, with the exception of "The Lost Ones", which mostly felt like filler surrounding a minor plot element.
And then "Lightsabers" hit and I'm just astounded. This book has stakes. Things happen. People are irreparably changed - and they are made to face that change head on. I'll finally stop being vague and come out with it: the thread of Tenel Ka's loss of arm is the highlight so far of this series. Tenel Ka was a proud young warrior, more willing to trust her physical strength than to spend time 1) constructing a good lightsaber and 2) building her skill in the Force and relying on that innate power as well. She spends time to reflect on her mistakes and then, in yet another astoundingly amazing scene, she realizes that while for Luke it is okay to have a prosthetic arm, for her, it is not right. There is ZERO judgment for either choice - she explicitly says that it's okay Luke did it, but for her personally, "It's just not her thing". WOW people! Mike drop from a nearly 30 year old book! A lesson every single one of us should know, more than ever thanks to the Internet, given to us by a book that could have been bought when Amazon was known for only selling books!
Then we have the incredible scene when Jacen and Tenel Ka finally discuss what happened. Jacen is distraught and feels immensely guilty, and he seeks out an apology. Tenel Ka is honest - she doesn't blame him at all, but she gives him the apology he seeks because it will make him feel better. The way these two young people talk to each other is so amazing and mature - I wish EVERY conversation I've ever had as an adult could be handled with such maturity and openness!
There is a tacked on assassination plot whose perpetrator is pretty obvious for anyone who is reading this half-heartedly to recognize. We also get some scenes with Zekk developing in his own powers, including one where he has to duel someone in zero-g (Ender's Game for the less homophobic, perhaps?) - and yes, he does kill his opponent! It's shocking and brutal, even if bloodless, and you get the impression that this death will weight heavily on Zekk's mind for the rest of his life.
But despite some of the cheesy plot elements, the story is part of what Luke Skywalker says early in the book:
“If you are forced to draw your lightsaber, you have already forfeited much of your advantage. A Jedi trusts the Force and at first, seeks other wars to resolve problems: patience, logic, tolerance, attentive listening, negotiation, persuasion, calming techniques.”
And mostly Tenel Ka's character development. Tenel Ka suffers a real loss, not an imagined one, and she has to deal with the repercussions - who is she without her arm? Is she meant to be a Jedi anymore? What about the two disparate sides of her family? She's always aligned herself more with her mother's Dathomiri people, but does her father's Hapan heritage have a place in her life? And who would have thought that a book 10 and 12 year olds would read would have these massive, life-altering questions in them?!
I don't give out 5-stars lightly; this book more than deserves it.
May well be the best of this pretty stellar young adult series. WOW.
Full Review:
When we last saw our group, they had lost their friend, Zekk, to the Dark Jedi Academy led by Brakiss and Tamith Kai. Luke Skywalker realizes he has no choice but to prepare his young Jedi Knights for battle and approves them to make their own lightsabers, but not everyone comes out of this unscathed. Meanwhile Zekk and Norys train on the Shadow Academy, marching ever closer to a Big Showdown.
This may well be the best book of this series. It's still far too early to tell, but the depths the characters go in this book, the lessons they learn and the very permanent changes that happen are absolutely stunning - there are adult books that pull their punches more than this "measly" kid book!
I don't know if spoilers are a thing for a 30 year old book that isn't even part of "Disney canon" anymore, but this is your one and only warning.
I went into this series not really expecting much. Well, that's a lie - I expected cheesy Jacen Dad jokes and really cheesy kid book plots with the blip of "Lightsabers". I read these books when I was a teen and I adored them - but then, I liked "The Crystal Star" when I was younger too! As I've been reading this series, I've mostly found them solid, maybe more than solid, with the exception of "The Lost Ones", which mostly felt like filler surrounding a minor plot element.
And then "Lightsabers" hit and I'm just astounded. This book has stakes. Things happen. People are irreparably changed - and they are made to face that change head on. I'll finally stop being vague and come out with it: the thread of Tenel Ka's loss of arm is the highlight so far of this series. Tenel Ka was a proud young warrior, more willing to trust her physical strength than to spend time 1) constructing a good lightsaber and 2) building her skill in the Force and relying on that innate power as well. She spends time to reflect on her mistakes and then, in yet another astoundingly amazing scene, she realizes that while for Luke it is okay to have a prosthetic arm, for her, it is not right. There is ZERO judgment for either choice - she explicitly says that it's okay Luke did it, but for her personally, "It's just not her thing". WOW people! Mike drop from a nearly 30 year old book! A lesson every single one of us should know, more than ever thanks to the Internet, given to us by a book that could have been bought when Amazon was known for only selling books!
Then we have the incredible scene when Jacen and Tenel Ka finally discuss what happened. Jacen is distraught and feels immensely guilty, and he seeks out an apology. Tenel Ka is honest - she doesn't blame him at all, but she gives him the apology he seeks because it will make him feel better. The way these two young people talk to each other is so amazing and mature - I wish EVERY conversation I've ever had as an adult could be handled with such maturity and openness!
There is a tacked on assassination plot whose perpetrator is pretty obvious for anyone who is reading this half-heartedly to recognize. We also get some scenes with Zekk developing in his own powers, including one where he has to duel someone in zero-g (Ender's Game for the less homophobic, perhaps?) - and yes, he does kill his opponent! It's shocking and brutal, even if bloodless, and you get the impression that this death will weight heavily on Zekk's mind for the rest of his life.
But despite some of the cheesy plot elements, the story is part of what Luke Skywalker says early in the book:
“If you are forced to draw your lightsaber, you have already forfeited much of your advantage. A Jedi trusts the Force and at first, seeks other wars to resolve problems: patience, logic, tolerance, attentive listening, negotiation, persuasion, calming techniques.”
And mostly Tenel Ka's character development. Tenel Ka suffers a real loss, not an imagined one, and she has to deal with the repercussions - who is she without her arm? Is she meant to be a Jedi anymore? What about the two disparate sides of her family? She's always aligned herself more with her mother's Dathomiri people, but does her father's Hapan heritage have a place in her life? And who would have thought that a book 10 and 12 year olds would read would have these massive, life-altering questions in them?!
I don't give out 5-stars lightly; this book more than deserves it.
January 8, 2021
As exciting and fun as this is, reading it now is heartbreaking, since I know about Jacen’s eventual turn to the dark side, and how it wrecked the Solo and Skywalker families.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2025
Jaina laughed. "I agree with Lowie: it's good to see you holding a lightsaber again, Tenel Ka. For a while I was worried that you thought you were too different from us, that you couldn't be our friend anymore."
"Perhaps for a while I did," Tenel Ka said. "But I have learned that differences can be positive, that they can be blended together to form a stronger whole."
"We are pretty different," Jacen pointed out.
Jaina switched on her amethyst energy blade with a snap-hiss. "But we're all going to be Jedi Knights."
Lowbacca ignited his lightsaber as well. Its shaft glowed a molten bronze.
"Stronger together," Tenel Ka said, raising her turquoise lightsaber high over her head. 😭😭🫂🦋✨🤎🧸🐝🧚♀️🎈🫧💕🌈💙🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶
"Perhaps for a while I did," Tenel Ka said. "But I have learned that differences can be positive, that they can be blended together to form a stronger whole."
"We are pretty different," Jacen pointed out.
Jaina switched on her amethyst energy blade with a snap-hiss. "But we're all going to be Jedi Knights."
Lowbacca ignited his lightsaber as well. Its shaft glowed a molten bronze.
"Stronger together," Tenel Ka said, raising her turquoise lightsaber high over her head. 😭😭🫂🦋✨🤎🧸🐝🧚♀️🎈🫧💕🌈💙🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶
September 21, 2021
I really enjoyed revisiting this series after over a decade; it embodies the kind of heart and soul you'd want from a YA novel about kids with laser swords. I was reminded how much of my younger identity was influenced by Tenel Ka - her stoicism and her dogged determination - and this little book contains one of the best character arcs of her story.
December 11, 2023
This was, without question, the best of the Solo Saga thus far. This shit was great. A lot of big moments in such a short book.
December 6, 2024
According to Luke Skywalker "Ideally, a Jedi took many months to construct a single perfect weapon that he or she would keep and use for a lifetime. Once you build it, the lightsaber will become your constant companion, your tool, and a ready means of defense."
A power source and focusing crystal are necessary to build a lightsaber.
Jaina uses chemistry to grow her own crystals. Jacen uses the Corusca gem he found with Lando. Lowbacca uses a flat focusing lens and spherical enhancement jewel he finds while scavenging. Tenel Ka uses crystals from a volcano that she explored with Lowie.
Luke reminds his students:
"A Jedi should use all available skills and resources."
"A Jedi fights only as a last resort. If you are forced to draw your lightsaber, you have already forfeited much of your advantage. A Jedi trusts the Force and at first seeks other ways to resolve problems: patience, logic, tolerance, attentive listening, negotiation, persuasion, calming techniques."
"But there are times when a Jedi must fight."
"The lightsaber is not just a weapon. It is an extension of yourself."
Jacen tries to distract Tenel Ka with comedy while training. Tenel Ka's lightsaber malfunctions and Jacen cuts her hand off. This is a fact.
Meanwhile, at the Shadow Academy, Brakiss gifts Zekk with a lightsaber similar to Vader's and shares his Jedi knowledge:
"The Force is in all things, from the smallest pebble to the largest star. This is just a glimmer of how Naga Sadow reached out to the stars and delivered a mortal wound some five thousand years ago."
"There comes a time when every Jedi trainee must be tested to the limit."
"The most truly dangerous thing is a Dark Jedi wielding such a weapon."
"Trust in your abilities. Feel the Force."
While a large chunk of this book takes place on Tenel Ka's home turf, my favorite part was the duel between Zekk and Vilas. There's even an Artoo appearance sprinkled in this installment.
Ultimately, Tenel Ka stubbornly decides to live with just one hand and rebuilds her lightsaber using her jewel incrusted Hapan tiara (she is royalty after all). The jedi brats put their lightsabers together like something out of Captain Planet or Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
A power source and focusing crystal are necessary to build a lightsaber.
Jaina uses chemistry to grow her own crystals. Jacen uses the Corusca gem he found with Lando. Lowbacca uses a flat focusing lens and spherical enhancement jewel he finds while scavenging. Tenel Ka uses crystals from a volcano that she explored with Lowie.
Luke reminds his students:
"A Jedi should use all available skills and resources."
"A Jedi fights only as a last resort. If you are forced to draw your lightsaber, you have already forfeited much of your advantage. A Jedi trusts the Force and at first seeks other ways to resolve problems: patience, logic, tolerance, attentive listening, negotiation, persuasion, calming techniques."
"But there are times when a Jedi must fight."
"The lightsaber is not just a weapon. It is an extension of yourself."
Jacen tries to distract Tenel Ka with comedy while training. Tenel Ka's lightsaber malfunctions and Jacen cuts her hand off. This is a fact.
Meanwhile, at the Shadow Academy, Brakiss gifts Zekk with a lightsaber similar to Vader's and shares his Jedi knowledge:
"The Force is in all things, from the smallest pebble to the largest star. This is just a glimmer of how Naga Sadow reached out to the stars and delivered a mortal wound some five thousand years ago."
"There comes a time when every Jedi trainee must be tested to the limit."
"The most truly dangerous thing is a Dark Jedi wielding such a weapon."
"Trust in your abilities. Feel the Force."
While a large chunk of this book takes place on Tenel Ka's home turf, my favorite part was the duel between Zekk and Vilas. There's even an Artoo appearance sprinkled in this installment.
Ultimately, Tenel Ka stubbornly decides to live with just one hand and rebuilds her lightsaber using her jewel incrusted Hapan tiara (she is royalty after all). The jedi brats put their lightsabers together like something out of Captain Planet or Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
January 6, 2010
The Jedi trainees are ready to make their lightsabers, but Tenel Ka is impatient with herself. She rushes the delicate process, and her lightsaber gives out during a training duel with Jacen--and his lightsaber promptly cuts off her arm. Stricken, Tenel Ka returns to her homeworld. She has always defined herself as a warrior, and now she thinks herself useless. But her grandmother's tough love, and her friends' good sense, convince her that she can still be a warrior, and she returns to the Academy to complete her training.
I loved this book. Tenel Ka shines, and the friendships feel real and specific. There's a scene where the twins teach her to braid her hair with only one hand that I remember to this day. And the book doesn't pull back in its portrayal of her grief and feelings of worthlessness. In this book, the characterization IS the plot.
I loved this book. Tenel Ka shines, and the friendships feel real and specific. There's a scene where the twins teach her to braid her hair with only one hand that I remember to this day. And the book doesn't pull back in its portrayal of her grief and feelings of worthlessness. In this book, the characterization IS the plot.
October 21, 2021
Maybe the previous three books lowered my expectations enough for me to better appreciate this one, but I enjoyed this book. The characterization set up along the series finally pays off (though Lowbacca needs his own story; so far, he's been a sidekick, at best), and the authors set up some events with major consequences that drive further character development. This is the first book in the series (and the first in a long time within the entire EU) that's held me captive.
July 24, 2007
I'm totally in love with the Young Jedi Knights books. They're so silly, but they were a big part of my childhood, from about age 10-13. I wanted to be Jaina Solo so badly. XD
April 12, 2023
Picked up a project again I started a while ago: read all the Star Wars book in the order they were published. Placate my inner seven year old (tho these were largely published when I was in my mid-20s and beyond). Oddly, I’ve been enjoying the ‘young reader’ novels more than the ‘adult’ storylines. Simple may always be better for ‘Star Wars.’ And perhaps because the same writers are writing these novels, where the ‘adult’ ones are being handed off, one writer to the next. There seems to be an overarching plot and development going on here, where the doings in the ‘adult’ ones feel more haphazard, book to book. A fun, quick read. Laser swords. Pew, pew, pew!
July 19, 2025
I loved it so much, this is the best one in this series so far.
.
.
.
Jacen gave her a lopsided grin. "Nah. I guess all I really need is for you to accept my apology."
Tenel Ka began to object but stopped herself. Her laughter faded and her expression turned sober. As if it took a great deal of effort, she said, "Apology accepted. I... forgive you, if that is what you desire." Her last words came out in a whisper: "Jacen, my friend." 🥺🥺
.
.
.
Jacen gave her a lopsided grin. "Nah. I guess all I really need is for you to accept my apology."
Tenel Ka began to object but stopped herself. Her laughter faded and her expression turned sober. As if it took a great deal of effort, she said, "Apology accepted. I... forgive you, if that is what you desire." Her last words came out in a whisper: "Jacen, my friend." 🥺🥺
August 5, 2025
i really liked how they handled tenel ka's disability. she's my favorite character in this series. also i kinda like how they also showed zekk's falling to the dark side and didn't left his development off screen. it was pretty good. i think it was the best book of this series so far!!
June 18, 2024
Some small pacing issues. Otherwise fantastic. Great character development, the story advances, more world building, ect. Great addition to the universe, and I'm really loving these characters.
December 9, 2024
A real banger
August 13, 2018
I remembered this as my favorite of the Young Jedi Knights books when I read them as a kid, and it did not disappoint.
All the young Jedi trainees are tasked by Luke to build lightsabers of their own. Then they practice and spar with each other. Tenel Ka, the no-nonsense redhead with shared heritage as both a Dathomir witch and a Hapan princess, does not take the greatest care when making her saber, thinking her physical prowess more important than her weapon. Her saber flickers off in a duel between her and Jacen (Han and Leia's son who totally has a crush on Tenel Ka), causing him to accidentally cut off her left arm above the elbow.
She is rushed to Hapes, where her grandmother tries to convince her to stay, learn to be a proper politician/princess instead of a Jedi. At first Tenel Ka is dazed and going along with things. But then she makes the decision to not get a robot arm installed. I remembered this moment as being very interesting, and was wondering how I would like it as an adult. It's done very well, and doesn't claim that people with or without prosthetics are better or worse, more or less "human". What's important is choice. Tenel Ka chooses not to "fix" her disability, but instead learns to not take her skills for granted. After exciting exploits and such, she does go back to the Jedi Academy in the end, and builds a new lightsaber. There is also the thread of her having resisted her Hapan heritage, but in the end she is more able to accept all parts of herself, and her new lightsaber is built using a rancor tooth from Dathomir for its hilt, and gems from a Hapan tiara as the crystal.
Raven was sure Tenel Ka would be ok because she could just get a robot arm. I said nothing, and he was quite surprised when she declined to do so. We talked about her character a lot in this book. The previous YJK books were all fun kids books, but they didn't have very much to say. This one really explores some unexpected themes, and doesn't shy away from darkness and major character changes. We'll see how the last two books pick up from this.
All the young Jedi trainees are tasked by Luke to build lightsabers of their own. Then they practice and spar with each other. Tenel Ka, the no-nonsense redhead with shared heritage as both a Dathomir witch and a Hapan princess, does not take the greatest care when making her saber, thinking her physical prowess more important than her weapon. Her saber flickers off in a duel between her and Jacen (Han and Leia's son who totally has a crush on Tenel Ka), causing him to accidentally cut off her left arm above the elbow.
She is rushed to Hapes, where her grandmother tries to convince her to stay, learn to be a proper politician/princess instead of a Jedi. At first Tenel Ka is dazed and going along with things. But then she makes the decision to not get a robot arm installed. I remembered this moment as being very interesting, and was wondering how I would like it as an adult. It's done very well, and doesn't claim that people with or without prosthetics are better or worse, more or less "human". What's important is choice. Tenel Ka chooses not to "fix" her disability, but instead learns to not take her skills for granted. After exciting exploits and such, she does go back to the Jedi Academy in the end, and builds a new lightsaber. There is also the thread of her having resisted her Hapan heritage, but in the end she is more able to accept all parts of herself, and her new lightsaber is built using a rancor tooth from Dathomir for its hilt, and gems from a Hapan tiara as the crystal.
Raven was sure Tenel Ka would be ok because she could just get a robot arm. I said nothing, and he was quite surprised when she declined to do so. We talked about her character a lot in this book. The previous YJK books were all fun kids books, but they didn't have very much to say. This one really explores some unexpected themes, and doesn't shy away from darkness and major character changes. We'll see how the last two books pick up from this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2017
This is the best so far.
I like that this starts with Luke practicing a random new routine he came up with and musing on current issues. We get the time frame (a few months after the previous book) and the fact that he has brought a group of fighters to Yavin to help against the Shadow Academy.
It doesn't help that we don't see these fighters.
The reader is also teased more that the leader of the Shadow Academy just might be the not-so-dead Palpatine.
Luke feels rushed to push the training of the older students - well, he says all students, but I really can't see the newbies being accelerated to Jedi Knights just yet. I also wonder about those other cohorts for the first time ever.
But before anything can happen, lightsabers must be built. And, due to their experience levels (not just with the Force but with the Shadow Academy), Jaina, Jacen, Tenel Ka, and Lowie are among the ones chosen to create the weapon.
Tenel Ka's desire and arrogance at wanting to show her physical strength leads to devastating and near-fatal results. She learns a lesson the hard way.
A lesson that carries on through the book. Her three friends learn of her Hapan heritage after she's swept back to her home planet, and Luke manages to get the teens to stay on Hapes for a month.
But before then, we really see the PTSD, self-hatred, self-pity, self-consiousness...all of that and more in each of the kids in different ways. It's done perfectly yet not over-the-top. It's a very sad first half of the book, but the emotions are spot-on.
I love that Tionne understands their pain and works with them on accepting the past and coping with the emotional consequences.
On Hapes, it's hilarious to see how Luke talks to Ta'a Chume. We learn of assassination attempts and unfortunately don't really see TK's parents. It's beautiful to watch TK come alive though as she shows her friends - especially Jacen (<3) - her home.
I like that this starts with Luke practicing a random new routine he came up with and musing on current issues. We get the time frame (a few months after the previous book) and the fact that he has brought a group of fighters to Yavin to help against the Shadow Academy.
It doesn't help that we don't see these fighters.
The reader is also teased more that the leader of the Shadow Academy just might be the not-so-dead Palpatine.
Luke feels rushed to push the training of the older students - well, he says all students, but I really can't see the newbies being accelerated to Jedi Knights just yet. I also wonder about those other cohorts for the first time ever.
But before anything can happen, lightsabers must be built. And, due to their experience levels (not just with the Force but with the Shadow Academy), Jaina, Jacen, Tenel Ka, and Lowie are among the ones chosen to create the weapon.
Tenel Ka's desire and arrogance at wanting to show her physical strength leads to devastating and near-fatal results. She learns a lesson the hard way.
A lesson that carries on through the book. Her three friends learn of her Hapan heritage after she's swept back to her home planet, and Luke manages to get the teens to stay on Hapes for a month.
But before then, we really see the PTSD, self-hatred, self-pity, self-consiousness...all of that and more in each of the kids in different ways. It's done perfectly yet not over-the-top. It's a very sad first half of the book, but the emotions are spot-on.
I love that Tionne understands their pain and works with them on accepting the past and coping with the emotional consequences.
On Hapes, it's hilarious to see how Luke talks to Ta'a Chume. We learn of assassination attempts and unfortunately don't really see TK's parents. It's beautiful to watch TK come alive though as she shows her friends - especially Jacen (<3) - her home.
November 10, 2020
"Hey, aren't you supposed to die?" - Jacen Solo
In this book Han and Leia's son cuts the arm off of the girl he has a crush on on accident. This is the inciting incident that starts her character arc for this book.
What even is this story? I think it's supposed to be the journey of how team good guys and team bad guys get and train with their lightsabers. It's supposed to show the juxtaposition of how the dark side and light side approach the deadly weapon. However, I believe the book demonstrates the opposite of the desired effect. By the end of the story, the light side kids gleefully chop sapient beings into bits, stomping on heads and tossing bodies out windows, while the dark side kid is terrified of killing, accidentally kills another dark side kid, and gets a promotion. It truly paints our heroes in a terrible light.
The story is competently written, and Tenel Ka's development is very interesting to read, but holy cow the wanton murder by these literal children was incredibly off putting. This is my least favorite in the series so far and is a troubling path for the narrative to follow.
In this book Han and Leia's son cuts the arm off of the girl he has a crush on on accident. This is the inciting incident that starts her character arc for this book.
What even is this story? I think it's supposed to be the journey of how team good guys and team bad guys get and train with their lightsabers. It's supposed to show the juxtaposition of how the dark side and light side approach the deadly weapon. However, I believe the book demonstrates the opposite of the desired effect. By the end of the story, the light side kids gleefully chop sapient beings into bits, stomping on heads and tossing bodies out windows, while the dark side kid is terrified of killing, accidentally kills another dark side kid, and gets a promotion. It truly paints our heroes in a terrible light.
The story is competently written, and Tenel Ka's development is very interesting to read, but holy cow the wanton murder by these literal children was incredibly off putting. This is my least favorite in the series so far and is a troubling path for the narrative to follow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2019
This book starts off with an early shock. The character building in this is fantastic! Each character really came to life in this one. Tenal Ka and Jacen especially take the spotlights in this one. The emotions these two have, about each other, themselves and what happened had me very connected to every page of this book.
I loved learning more about lightsabers and how they are made. Most interesting. Lowbacca takes a backseat in this one. I like his character but in each book he keeps getting a bit pushed off to the side it seems. And for once, Emteedee is not overly "annoying", compared to past books. I so want to learn more about Hapes now!
I loved learning more about lightsabers and how they are made. Most interesting. Lowbacca takes a backseat in this one. I like his character but in each book he keeps getting a bit pushed off to the side it seems. And for once, Emteedee is not overly "annoying", compared to past books. I so want to learn more about Hapes now!
January 18, 2018
This was a great Star Wars book that showed that it's not just the Force or a Lightsaber that goes into making someone a Jedi.
December 18, 2022
The Young Jedi Knights series only continues to get better with the fourth book in the series, Lightsabers. In previous installments, lightsabers have been the topic of a lot of discussion, as the main characters struggle with differentiating the weapons from toys. Admittedly, lightsabers are freaking cool, but the Star Wars universe has long given it symbolic meaning, and one of the greater explorations in this particular series has been the importance of the Force as philosophy and the maturation of its younger characters as they come into the mastery of the Force and themselves.
Lightsabers represents both a culmination of the series' themes so far as well as another thematic exploration of the meaning of carrying a lightsaber. Far from being a phenomenal toy, these weapons are incredibly dangerous, and the sobering events of the novel clearly demonstrate why it's so important to learn their utility but also to learn why they should only be drawn as a last resort.
Even if the book only focused on the utility and terrible obligation lightsabers represent, it would be a great book, but it doesn't stop with just one message. Wrapped up in this novel is also an exploration of what it means to be a warrior, to rely on one's self and to rely on the Force, and it takes a deep look at how personal tragedy shapes someone's sense of self. In the wake of the single major disaster in this novel, the characters of the book have to figure out who they are in relation to what happened, taking responsibility over the event and taking ownership of what comes next. The contrast between Luke's academy and Brakiss' apprentice, too, demonstrates the philosophical differences between how violence is taught and internalized by the dichotomy of the Force.
Anderson and Moesta don't just "get" what Star Wars is really about; they actively work to refine these stories into cogent philosophical statements about power and the responsibility needed in order to wield it wisely. This series is resolutely the best Star Wars of the early-to-mid-'90s, and it's because it never loses sight of the lessons we can learn through the fantastic in literature.
Lightsabers represents both a culmination of the series' themes so far as well as another thematic exploration of the meaning of carrying a lightsaber. Far from being a phenomenal toy, these weapons are incredibly dangerous, and the sobering events of the novel clearly demonstrate why it's so important to learn their utility but also to learn why they should only be drawn as a last resort.
Even if the book only focused on the utility and terrible obligation lightsabers represent, it would be a great book, but it doesn't stop with just one message. Wrapped up in this novel is also an exploration of what it means to be a warrior, to rely on one's self and to rely on the Force, and it takes a deep look at how personal tragedy shapes someone's sense of self. In the wake of the single major disaster in this novel, the characters of the book have to figure out who they are in relation to what happened, taking responsibility over the event and taking ownership of what comes next. The contrast between Luke's academy and Brakiss' apprentice, too, demonstrates the philosophical differences between how violence is taught and internalized by the dichotomy of the Force.
Anderson and Moesta don't just "get" what Star Wars is really about; they actively work to refine these stories into cogent philosophical statements about power and the responsibility needed in order to wield it wisely. This series is resolutely the best Star Wars of the early-to-mid-'90s, and it's because it never loses sight of the lessons we can learn through the fantastic in literature.
February 27, 2020
This is, without a doubt, the best of the Young Jedi Knights Books(that I've read). Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta did a great job balancing an interesting plot, huge character development, and humor that had me laughing out loud. It was so well written(and short) that I read it all in 1 sitting, a rareity for me. Well done indeed.
Reading this after reading most of the Legacy of the Force series makes me feel for Jacen, Jaina, and particularly Tenel Ka. I think that she's had one of the most interesting stories in all of Star Wars. Her insistence on doing things alone, followed by her reckless lightsaber construction and subsequent loss of her arm, to her realizing that she needs to work with her friends and utilize all possible advantages, not just the ones she likes. She really made this book compelling and shows her as a standout character for the series.
Some of Jacen's jokes were worse than mine(and that's saying something), but some of his jokes made me literally laugh out loud. Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta really know how to write humor and fun stories well.
While this book is "campy" and has some lines of dialogue that make me groan, it's so fun reading it because I can feel the excitement and joy that they had writing this, which doesn't always happen in media tie in fiction stories.
Also, Jaina and Lowbacca were underutilized in this book, but it's ok since it really needed to feature Tenel Ka and Jacen.
Overall, absolutely solid book. It's by no means anywhere near some of the adult books, but good nonetheless. 9.0 out of 10! First middle grade(Young Jedi Knights) book to reach 5 stars for me.
Reading this after reading most of the Legacy of the Force series makes me feel for Jacen, Jaina, and particularly Tenel Ka. I think that she's had one of the most interesting stories in all of Star Wars. Her insistence on doing things alone, followed by her reckless lightsaber construction and subsequent loss of her arm, to her realizing that she needs to work with her friends and utilize all possible advantages, not just the ones she likes. She really made this book compelling and shows her as a standout character for the series.
Some of Jacen's jokes were worse than mine(and that's saying something), but some of his jokes made me literally laugh out loud. Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta really know how to write humor and fun stories well.
While this book is "campy" and has some lines of dialogue that make me groan, it's so fun reading it because I can feel the excitement and joy that they had writing this, which doesn't always happen in media tie in fiction stories.
Also, Jaina and Lowbacca were underutilized in this book, but it's ok since it really needed to feature Tenel Ka and Jacen.
Overall, absolutely solid book. It's by no means anywhere near some of the adult books, but good nonetheless. 9.0 out of 10! First middle grade(Young Jedi Knights) book to reach 5 stars for me.
May 23, 2019
This is more like a 3.5, but since I fairly enjoyed Lightsabers I went ahead and rounded up to a 4 star review.
I complained in the last book that I was getting sick of the Shadow Academy showing up and ruining everything. I’m happy to say that, while they are, once again present (and, actually, this entire series leads up to Anderson’s other New Republic Star Wars books, so that makes sense), their actions and their subplot makes sense. Plus, they don’t seem nearly as inept and bumbling this time around.
Luke does some dumb stuff like letting the young jedis make lightsabers with hardly any training (which leads to some disastrous consequences) but other than that, what happens with the main characters is fun and engaging. There’s a really good chase scene and some pretty dark moments throughout the book...or at least dark by Star Wars standards.
I complained in the last book that I was getting sick of the Shadow Academy showing up and ruining everything. I’m happy to say that, while they are, once again present (and, actually, this entire series leads up to Anderson’s other New Republic Star Wars books, so that makes sense), their actions and their subplot makes sense. Plus, they don’t seem nearly as inept and bumbling this time around.
Luke does some dumb stuff like letting the young jedis make lightsabers with hardly any training (which leads to some disastrous consequences) but other than that, what happens with the main characters is fun and engaging. There’s a really good chase scene and some pretty dark moments throughout the book...or at least dark by Star Wars standards.
May 30, 2023
Lightsabers by Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta. This is book #4 from the Young Jedi Knights middle grade series.
With the threat of the Shadow Academy training Dark Jedi, Luke determines that it is time for his students at the Jedi Academy to build their own lightsabers.
While continuing their training and building their lightsabers, Jacen, Jaina, Lowbacca, and Tenel Ka are becoming more attune with the Force. But, one of them will face a challenge that will test their belief in themselves.
Meanwhile, their friend Zekk, now a student at the Shadow Academy, is facing a challenge of his own.
I enjoyed the quick short chapter pacing and the storyline was very engaging. I really liked this one and would highly recommend it. I gave it 4 stars.
With the threat of the Shadow Academy training Dark Jedi, Luke determines that it is time for his students at the Jedi Academy to build their own lightsabers.
While continuing their training and building their lightsabers, Jacen, Jaina, Lowbacca, and Tenel Ka are becoming more attune with the Force. But, one of them will face a challenge that will test their belief in themselves.
Meanwhile, their friend Zekk, now a student at the Shadow Academy, is facing a challenge of his own.
I enjoyed the quick short chapter pacing and the storyline was very engaging. I really liked this one and would highly recommend it. I gave it 4 stars.
November 25, 2019
How many of you before Harry Potter was OK for adults to read, said you were buying it for your kids? Young adult fiction is often considered a lesser book because it is directed at teens and younger. This can be misleading as Potter fans will tell you. I have read a fair amount of Star Wars novels and to date, the "Young Jedi Knight" series has been the most entertaining of the group. The latest which I have finished is "Lightsabers." It was exciting, made laugh, and cringe in panic. I have a much better understanding of its' lead characters due to scenes like the building of each individual's lightsaber. This fifty+ year old gives a solid 4 stars to this Star Wars entry.
July 28, 2024
Wow. I'd forgotten just how good this was.
We get to see a proper look at Hapes for the first time (and its unique dangers)! Tenel Ka and Jacen becoming closer, some serious growth for all of them, each character putting a bit of their personality into their lightsabers, political subterfuge, there's so much about this which is great. Oh, and while it gets cut short abruptly (of course, as per the plot), this is the first time in a while we've seen actual Jedi training.
The B-plot - Zekk's vignettes - aren't the greatest, but of course serve as later setup.
We get to see a proper look at Hapes for the first time (and its unique dangers)! Tenel Ka and Jacen becoming closer, some serious growth for all of them, each character putting a bit of their personality into their lightsabers, political subterfuge, there's so much about this which is great. Oh, and while it gets cut short abruptly (of course, as per the plot), this is the first time in a while we've seen actual Jedi training.
The B-plot - Zekk's vignettes - aren't the greatest, but of course serve as later setup.
June 12, 2025
so many cool moments in this one!!!
tenel ka losing her arm and her struggle? chef's kiss.
the fight between zekk and vilas? amazing.
ta´chume? omg i love that woman.
she literally says this to a child: "The first shot is for an attacker, the second shot... well, sometimes it is preferable not to be taken alive."
the whole montage of the knights making their lightsabers? incredible.
tenel ka breaking her tiara and using the pieces to make her final lightsaber as a metaphor of her accepting her heritage? jaw-dropping.
so far, the best one yet!
tenel ka losing her arm and her struggle? chef's kiss.
the fight between zekk and vilas? amazing.
ta´chume? omg i love that woman.
she literally says this to a child: "The first shot is for an attacker, the second shot... well, sometimes it is preferable not to be taken alive."
the whole montage of the knights making their lightsabers? incredible.
tenel ka breaking her tiara and using the pieces to make her final lightsaber as a metaphor of her accepting her heritage? jaw-dropping.
so far, the best one yet!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2017
I've read the full Young Jedi Knights series, but this is by far my favorite - the cover art (by Dave Dorman) was the first time I ever paid attention to any kind of cover art or Star Wars art. I still fangirl over this series and the artwork, so I had to share this with the Goodreads community. Grab these before Disney wipes them from the shelves. Jacen and Jaina Solo are classic characters, IMHO - far beyond Kylo Ren will ever be.
January 6, 2024
The book continues to explore the lives of a new generation of Jedi being trained to succeed and Sith being trained to hate. This book lacks because it cannot strike a balance between exploring these two worlds simultaneously. Additionally, the lives of the trainees in the Shadow Academy are over simplified and their plight and growth left largely unexplored. It prevents me from becoming fully engrossed in the interplay between these parties.
April 25, 2024
A really good book that's not afraid to explore a darker topic in a solid way. I've always thought a big weakness was never properly exploring Luke after the loss of this hand, where this explores a loss like that much better. It is a good blend between struggling with an injury but not being made completely useless.
The only issue is that the mystery isn't very good when there's just one subject.
The only issue is that the mystery isn't very good when there's just one subject.
May 22, 2024
Another minisode-feeling adventure. I think the focus has improved since the previous entry in the series with this one. The overarching story still progresses slowly, and when the action starts, the pace of storytelling vanishes, but the action is probably spot on for the target demo. I do have to acknowledge the character building efforts, though. There is something building which could be compelling (and, of course, Jacen-related things, but I don't know if we get those in this series).
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