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This special hardback novel will bridge the gap and whet the appetite of fans for the long awaited Episode 11. In the story, Anakin Skywalker is now twelve and a star apprentice at the Jedi Temple. His Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi is concerned about Anakin's darker instincts. But he has no idea what is soon to come. On a mission to defeat an evil space pirate with a tie to Anakin's slave past, Anakin shows his jedi gifts.but his actions also foreshadow the darker fate that awaits him.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

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Jude Watson

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5 stars
369 (32%)
4 stars
359 (31%)
3 stars
333 (29%)
2 stars
73 (6%)
1 star
14 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Shadowdenizen.
829 reviews45 followers
January 22, 2016
Pre-Read Thoughts: As Star Wars continues to barrel forward with their movies and "new canon", I'm finding myself looking back more and more to the Prequel Era, and thinking about the great chracters that were created that were used poorly (Grievious, Darth Tyranus, Darth Maul, etc.), and "what could have been".

So, my trekking to read obscure Prequel-Era fiction has led me here; the "Jedi Quest" YA series that fills in some of what happened to Anakin between Episode 1 & Episdoe 2.

While I'm not expecting Shakepseare, I'm hoping these will at least be fun, decent reads, with mybe a nugget of truth/wisdom about what shaped Anakin into Darth Vader.

Read & Review to come!
***

Post-Read:
Well, I mostly enjoyed this. It was a quick, fast-paced YA novel. I would have liked something a little deeper, perhaps, but that's just wishful thinking on my part.

While I felt that the voice of Anakin was slightly "off" (at least for me), it did a pretty good job of showing the core of anger that Anakin has that they dind't really do a good job of identifying in Episode I, and largely glossed over in Episode II and III.

Also, seeing Anakin on Ilum hunting for lightsaber crysals was kinda neat, since (NERD ALERT!) in our new Star Wars "Force and Destiny" RPG campaign our party is currently on their way to Ilum to find crystals to craft our own lightsabers.

I'm certainly intrigued by this enough to continue the series. A qualified 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 because of my relatively newfound love for the Prequel-Era novels and comics.)
Profile Image for Jim C.
1,779 reviews35 followers
December 1, 2019
This book is a YA book and is part of the old canon timeline. This takes place between Episode I and Episode II. In this one, we deal with space pirates that are dealing in the slave trade. This ties in with Anakin as we all know that he was a slave in the first movie.

I liked this first book of this series. I am not expecting great literature in these books. I am expecting to be entertained and these books to tie in with the overall arc and this book accomplishes that. When dealing with Anakin as a subject matter, the reader is expecting some kind of foreshadowing or trait that leads him to becoming Darth Vader. I thought the author succeeded with this as we get to see Anakin's anger at being a slave and it still affects him. This was the strength of the novel. The past does shape how a person behaves in the present and does affect his behavior in the future. The only flaw for me in this book is the length. It was too short and I believe this could have been one of the many novels that exist in this universe.

I just came off a different series in this universe that in the middle of it I stopped reading. It was meant for the younger generation so I believe that was the reason I could not continue. This beginning of this series has me excited and I am not sure if it the actual quality of the book or more coming of that series that I did not care for. Either way, I am looking forward to continuing this series and exploring Anakin as a padawan.
Profile Image for vicky..
431 reviews202 followers
April 10, 2020
this is... just sad.

anakin is always afraid and angry, remembering his time as slave and then being slaved again?? obi-wan is anxious, worried and always thinking about qui-gon :(

at least their banter gave me life. i love them so much.

i also like when star wars book show the duality of obi-wan being OK TIME TO OVERTHINK THIS!! to:

“Now for the weapons system,” he said.
“Do you know how to disable it?” Anakin asked.
Obi-Wan grinned. “Sure. I’ll use a trick Qui-Gon taught me.” He raised his lightsaber overhead and then slashed down onto the control panel. Smoke rose and metal sizzled. He aimed a second blow, then a third. Soon the control panel was completely demolished.

he!!!!
Profile Image for elef.
139 reviews8 followers
December 21, 2025
this book made me like anakin skywalker i can't believe that
Profile Image for Genevieve Grace.
976 reviews116 followers
January 27, 2020
Here we go again. I'm not surprised Obi-Wan looked so ancient in ANH, despite being merely in his fifties. He's essentially one tangled knot of deepening anxiety throughout Anakin's entire apprenticeship, and who can blame him?

This adventure has the Jedi Council plunging twelve-year-old Anakin into a slavery debacle as, like, his second or third mission. I, historically, am a pro-Jedi partisan, but the Council really come off as truly unhelpful and bordering on deliberately malicious. Obi-Wan is doing his BEST, okay, and Anakin is doing... something.

They both clearly care for each other deeply already. Anakin struggles a lot, and Obi-Wan wants to help him so much. He compares Anakin's impetuousness and rashness to his own as a child, and to Qui-Gon's. I think that what he doesn't see, though, is the desire for control and power in Anakin that was never present within him as a padawan. Since Anakin has known real oppression and exploitation, power is always going to mean more to him than to other Jedi, who have been raised with it all their lives.

I love the scene on Ilum where Qui-Gon's ghost comes to Obi-Wan. Of course Obi-Wan would completely misunderstand the message he's trying to communicate. I'm glad for this proof that Qui-Gon did try to speak to Obi-Wan first, before speaking to Anakin like in Rogue Planet.

Also, what was the deal with the ghost of Darth Maul building Anakn's lightsaber for him?
Profile Image for Kat V.
1,182 reviews9 followers
March 10, 2022
When I was a kid these books came out right when I was starting to read adult material and I regret not reading them then. I don’t have the same fondness and nostalgia as I do with some other books. I highly recommend reading the Jedi Apprentice series prior to starting this one. The plot is a little predictable but the brilliance is in the characters and their thoughts and actions. Worth a reread for sure.
Profile Image for Sarah Musser mcalister.
466 reviews8 followers
August 19, 2022
I have read a few other books in this series, and I liked this one the best. Recommended to any fans of Star Wars.
Profile Image for Anya.
11 reviews
December 16, 2023
A book that is clearly written for a younger audience. The writing style is simple and short, the story has a very fast pacing. But the way the characters interact with each other and get a moment to shine and regret reminds me of the Clone Wars episodes of my youth. I get the same feeling of excitment and shock reading this as I did when I was 8 years old and my lifelong love for STAR WARS started. From a narrative perspective the writing style makes sense from Anakins POV, who is not only young but also not incredibly well spoken. Often times the simple words do their work and hit the right emotions. But the book left me wishing for a longer, deeper explored story...especially when the book took turns and spoke from Obi Wans POV. But all in all it is a fun and suprisingly dark adventure to read if SW is your childhood like it was mine.
Profile Image for Darian.
304 reviews125 followers
July 3, 2020
that was some quality ani/obi content
2,783 reviews44 followers
October 2, 2022
Anakin is in his early teen years and rapidly becoming a true Jedi knight. However, he is still a boy, so he is lacking in the superb mental discipline that is characteristic of a Jedi. Obi-Wan does his best to keep his occasionally rebellious Padawan under control, but he is not always listened to. In this case a slaver named Krayn has been raiding planets for some time in order to have labor for his spice works. Obi-Wan and Anakin are given the task of infiltrating Krayn’s operation in order to learn the specifics so that it can be shut down.
Getting inside Krayn’s ship is fairly easily done, but when they encounter some slaves, Anakin remembers his youth where his mother and he were slaves. Therefore, he picks an inappropriate time to disobey Obi-Wan and Anakin is enslaved in the spice works. It is a brutal place where slaves are often severely punished, poorly fed and frequently worked to death. Anakin seems to have no hope until he receives aid from an unusual source. Since Obi-Wan knows where Anakin is held, he poses as a consultant in order to infiltrate the planet.
Written at the YA level, this book is a solid element of the print thread of the Star Wars story. It portrays Anakin as he most certainly would be at the age of twelve. Extremely talented and capable in the Jedi arts, yet impulsive and emotional as he grows into the role of a Jedi knight. The action moves well and there are hints regarding his dark and twisted future.
Profile Image for Lisa Muchmore.
110 reviews
April 6, 2024
This was soooo good. Felt like I was reading a kids show episode arc. Sobbing over Obi Wan and Anakin’s relationship..again.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,136 reviews115 followers
February 3, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up. The prose may not be the best, but it still packs a punch. I enjoyed getting to see Anakin build his lightsaber and struggle. Obi-wan has much to learn about teaching a Padawan. Obi-wan is still grieving the loss of Qui-gon, and has idealized him in his mind. I understand some of the secrecy required, but the lack of clear communication on all levels in the Jedi Order is exasperating.
Profile Image for Jacob Vanden Avond.
13 reviews
March 29, 2016
Really good book, very interesting. I think I would have liked it a little bi more if it was longer, but it was still good.
Profile Image for Jenifer.
301 reviews1 follower
August 16, 2019
A story between Episodes 1 and 2.

Anakin is now 13 years old and is moving forward in his Jedi training. His master, Obi-Wan, and himself are assigned a delicate task that will test Anakin's training and his loyalty.

This book was a short story, but well written. I enjoyed the dynamic between Obi-Wan and Anakin right away. You really felt their relationship was real. I also liked how this story almost set up the path for Anakin to start distrusting the Jedi that eventually leads to his becoming Darth Vader.

There are moments when you can see the clear strings being pulled to lead Anakin down that path of the Dark Side. They main meat of the book revolves around a slave trader, Krayn, and his own relationship to Anakin. The fact that Anakin himself was once a slave plays a huge role as well.

I enjoyed the story overall, despite how short it was, because it really set up the start of when Anakin really began down that path towards the Dark Side of the Force. Obi-Wan sees it at the end, but practically ignores it or pushes those feelings down in order to keep his word to Qui-Gon and not fail in his training of Anakin.

I thought it was a well thought out story that just hints at what else is going on within Anakin's mind and heart. It was done very well.
Profile Image for Saimi Korhonen.
1,328 reviews56 followers
September 5, 2019
3,5/5!

I've been meaning to re-read the whole Jedi Quest series for a long time and now, finally, I started it! I don't remember much of anything that happens in these books, so I'm excited to re-live them now years after reading them for the first time as a kid.

Path To Truth was a solid start to the series. These books are very easy to read, very fast and very short, so you if you are looking for an in-depth analysis of the galaxy and multi-layered mysteries, you will not get it from this series. These stories' main focus is on the relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan, and their individual characters. I think they were both written very well in this. Anakin's past as a slave was addressed in this book, as were his traumas relating to it. The antagonist of this story is a slaver, so there was quite a bit about Anakin, his past and his anger that stems from that past. That was all very fascinating to read about.

I also really love the character of Siri, and I think she had a cool arc in this book, though I wish we'd gotten to explore it more, but, since this is Anakin and Obi-Wan's series, it's not surprising or overly disappointing that we didn't. But I'm happy to be reading about her again.

I'm excited to continue with this series!
Profile Image for Graff Fuller.
2,053 reviews32 followers
July 11, 2024
Star Wars: Legends - Path To Truth by Jude Watson - First book in the Jedi Quest middle grade series

Challenging, dark, mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.

Fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5 Stars

Anakin going "undercover", while Obi-Wan searches for answers with the Jedi Council.

There are glimpses in this story...where we see our two favourite Jedi...trying to do their best, within the confines of their areas of influence. Anakin, trying to do the best thing for the people...and putting himself in "harm's way", while Obi-Wan sees the difficulties that he otherwise never understood...when Qui-Gon was dealing with the Jedi Council.

They both have their strengths and weaknesses, but in this story...they work out...but each of them grow in their respective areas of struggle (within the Force, and being a Jedi) under unfamiliar and unfavourable circumstances.

It was a fun romp. Not the highest of highs, but a good time to be back in this galaxy and fighting against the Dark Side.
Profile Image for Tinita125.
297 reviews
January 28, 2021
Bueno bueno bueno, hello there! Es la primera vez que leo un libro de Star Wars y la verdad me gustó. Nada mejor que consumir contenido de los personajes que tanto amo!
Particularmente cualquier historia que tenga a Anakin y Obi wan como personajes principales es una win win situation para mí.
Es interesante porque en la historia se puede ver como ambos tienen muchas dudas. Anakin tiene mucha dificultad para controlar sus emociones y miedo a no llegar a ser un jedi decente. Por otro lado, Obi se la pasa pensando en Qui Gon y en que es lo mejor para Anakin.
Siempre soy muy biased y la verdad es que tengo sentimientos de amor y odio con Obi wan, siento que no supo muy bien como ayudar a Anakin y se mando muchas cagadas. Me pareció hermoso ver como estaba tan preocupado por él y como lo defiende del consejo.
Siempre voy a pensar que la historia de Anakin Skywalker es tragedia pura, pero me ilusiona saber que hay tanto por leer y mas facetas que descubrir de él, no solo el canon.
Profile Image for Brad.
828 reviews
June 2, 2020
Remember in Phantom Menace, Anakin was the cute 7 year old slave. Then we next saw him in the Attack of the Clones and he was a teenage Padawan. This series of books traces the Jedi training than Anakin went through, and of course a few adventures thrown in for good measure.

This being a Young Adult book, the story is fast, and there is no over building of tension or characters. It also ties in with the previous series by Jude Watson "The Jedi Apprentice" where Obi Wan was the padawan to Qui-Gon.

This story rated around 2.5 stars but I rounded up to 3 as it was quick! Obi-Wan and Anakin are sent by the Jedi council to escort a ship to keep them safe from a pirate attack by a known slave trader. Does Anakin want to stop slavery? Does Tatooine get a bit warm in summer?
Profile Image for Swati Shah.
62 reviews
January 30, 2024
This book was shockingly good, I didn’t expect such depth and emotional insight. I was on the verge of tears for half of it.

I love the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin in this book. We see so much of Obi-Wan’s thoughts and fears and worries but also he sees the inherent goodness of Anakin. I don’t feel like this is always the case in how Obi-Wan is written.

I also loved how this book really understands Anakin’s generosity. The way he connects with other people, his instant desire to help when he can. This is the tragedy of Anakin Skywalker.

I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
1 review
July 29, 2024
I enjoyed this thoughtfully crafted novel by Jude Watson. It introduces familiar Star Wars characters such as Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. But it also introduces new topics such as the story of Anakin between Episodes 1 and 2. This book is really good to read if you love Star Wars and the prequel trilogy. It really goes in depth about Anakin's training and Obi-Wans mentorship. And don't worry because if you loved this book, the author has plenty more "Path to Truth" books about Anakin and Obi-Wans adventures. Anyways to wrap it up, this is why I really liked Jude Watson's series "Jedi Quest: Path to Truth"!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
71 reviews
February 13, 2025
I’m still undecided whether I want to read all of Jedi Quest, but I thought I’d try it out.

Much in keeping with the previous series, the plot manages to conveniently separate Master from Apprentice so that the kid (in this case Anakin) can have dangerous adventures their responsible adult would otherwise protect them from (and it’s now Obi-wan’s turn to be that responsible adult, good luck Obi-wan try not to let the middlegrade tropes get you down).

It was fairly entertaining, but due to length and the fact that it’s leading up to RotS, we don’t get to delve into the deeper emotional ramifications. And we definitely don’t get to fix anything! Yay dramatic irony.
Profile Image for Julie.
3,520 reviews51 followers
September 24, 2018
Somehow I forgot to put this in Goodreads.... I thought tying this book into Anakin's background as a former slave was pretty interesting. I also liked the Siri/Zora angle. Everything about this series definitely hammers home Anakin's anger, fear, doubt, and emotional instability which is always a little....... well, let's just say, it seems easier and more obvious to write him that way when you already know what will happen to him.
Profile Image for J.B. Mathias.
938 reviews3 followers
March 3, 2023
This was a great story, I love the Jude Watson series that began as Obi Wan as Qui Gons Apprentice and continue here with Obi Wan as Anakins master. I always felt Obi Wan needed to be a central character in Episode 1 more than he was and these series do just that. Story was short but well executed, tied into the canon nicely and connected to the Jedi Apprentice series as well. Characters were well developed for a short story geared to kids and was still enjoyable as an adult.
Profile Image for Alyce Caswell.
Author 18 books20 followers
June 11, 2023
I've always found it odd that this book isn't the first official title in the Jedi Quest series and was seemingly published as a one-shot, but perhaps TPTB were testing the waters. They didn't need to be so cautious - Jude Watson always delivers. It might not carry #1 on the cover, but this instalment is incredibly strong and immediately highlights the differences between Obi-Wan's firm bond with Qui-Gon and his tenuous connection with Anakin. Bonus Siri Tachi!
Profile Image for loppu.
42 reviews
July 7, 2022
Miten kukaan voi kirjoittaa näin hyvän kirjan?! Anakin on mahtava, samoiten Zora. I love it! Myöskin pidän Obi-Wanin luonteesta, joka ilmestyy useasti juuri oikealla tavalla lukijalle. Vähän häiritsi, että hänkertoja (voi myöskin olla joku muu, koska en kovin hyvin tunnista kertojia) vain siirtyi eri hahmolle kesken luvun. Myös se, kun Anakin sai valomiekkansa oli mahtavaa!!
Profile Image for Heather.
224 reviews
November 16, 2022
I very much wish that I had had the chance to read this series as a kid. I did not have the privilege but I am sure glad to be reading them now.

Such a great story. I think any PT fan or Anakin fan should take a chance on beginning this series. I have enjoyed it so much. I really cannot wait to continue this series.
Profile Image for Albert Kleppin.
18 reviews
January 24, 2025
For a kick-off to the Jedi Quest series, this does everything it needs to and more. Tying in perfectly to the previous series Jedi Apprentice and the film it's set closest to, The Phantom Menace, this develops the characters extremely well, and ticks the checklist that other Anakin and Obi-Wan adventures set in this timefrime aren't always able to for me.
Profile Image for Lisa.
640 reviews12 followers
October 3, 2017
These young readers books do an amazing job at character development. Anakin is trapped between the kind young boy he was and the fearful arrogant young man he will become and Jude Watson does a masterful job at showing this.
Profile Image for Roz.
343 reviews12 followers
August 15, 2019
The Jedi continue to be not super great about slavery and especially about dealing with Anakin's past as a slave.

Jude Watson continues to shallowly deal with complex problems at the expense of the story as a whole.

About what I'd expected, to be quite honest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

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