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Star Wars: The Last of the Jedi #9
Master of Deception
The penultimate installment to Jude Watson's Star Wars: The Last of the Jedi series. The planet of Alderaan is a peaceful one… and Senator Bail wants to keep it that way. But the presence of the Empire is starting to cast a shadow over their tranquility - as spies and traitors infiltrate the corridors of power. Alderaan holds a secret - a secret on which the future existence of the Jedi depends. Under strict instructions from the Emperor, double agent Ferus Olin must both uncover this secret and protect it. What he discovers raises dark questions from his own past - and puts him in direct conflict with another former Jedi… the sinister Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 10, 2016
Bullet Review:
I'm being generous with this rating. I finished it easily in a not quite 2 hr flight and yet I still struggled and forced myself to read this.
I don't exactly blame the author; much of it is that I am far too old to be the target audience.
There are things that drive me nuts. How easy Top Security rooms are to break into. How a not quite 1-year-old can say "Memali not fall". (I don't care if she's Force sensitive!) How yet one more person must learn Vader's real identity. The scrappy teenaged character. How all Alderaanians are good wholesome people and if they are bad, it's the Empire's fault. Who smash flowers because smashing flowers and kicking puppies are what bad guys do.
For kids, this doesn't matter so much, but for adults? Maybe some can overlook, but not me.
Kudos to Watson for creating so many female characters. Now let's make one of them the major character with a POV.
I'm being generous with this rating. I finished it easily in a not quite 2 hr flight and yet I still struggled and forced myself to read this.
I don't exactly blame the author; much of it is that I am far too old to be the target audience.
There are things that drive me nuts. How easy Top Security rooms are to break into. How a not quite 1-year-old can say "Memali not fall". (I don't care if she's Force sensitive!) How yet one more person must learn Vader's real identity. The scrappy teenaged character. How all Alderaanians are good wholesome people and if they are bad, it's the Empire's fault. Who smash flowers because smashing flowers and kicking puppies are what bad guys do.
For kids, this doesn't matter so much, but for adults? Maybe some can overlook, but not me.
Kudos to Watson for creating so many female characters. Now let's make one of them the major character with a POV.
July 17, 2015
I love the fact that the series has avoided becoming "the story of the rebellion," although I wonder how much Disney's "Star Wars: Rebels" has looked at Ferus Olin's story for inspiration for some plots and characters. At the same time, this book also suffers from being one of the story-between-stories, like a few of the others. The thing that saves this book is the revelation experienced by Ferus, that should definitely make the series finale an intense read. Again, I wonder exactly what kind of lasting implications the dark side will have for Ferus, as he skirts dangerously close to it, an interesting plot thread, that I'm worried will not get adequate exploration. I'm very interested in seeing where the last book of this series goes, and ultimately ends.
March 12, 2025
Star Wars: Legends: The Last of the Jedi 09 Master of Deception by Jude Watson, Judy Blundell
challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
I keep saying this, and I believe that it is true...the Star Wars movies/TV series/novels are happening in our very time period, in this VERY near galaxy. Ugh.
Living in early 2025, we are seeing a "leader" turning OUR republic into a facsist regime. Our very own POTUS is acting like an emperor, and for the most part, getting away with it.
There IS a resistence, but the guardrails are OFF this time around, and he's doing real damage.
Oh, but some might say, "Star Wars isn't political." Well, I don't know what you've been watching and reading...it is DEFINITELY political, and it should be a warning to us all.
Andor Season Two is about to be released, and it is right on time, to help the population see the disfunction of our own CURRENT government, and to resist these abuses of power.
Now, for this story...specifically, I love how they brought Bail and Breha Organa into this story...and the pleasant planet of Alderaan.
Also many other great characters, like Dexter Jester & Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The current cast of characters that are little known in the movies and TV series...or not known at all, since this is Legends/Extended Universe and NOT Canon (Disney Canon), but so many great side quests and lynch-pin moments that put things into action...that we've experienced in the other forms of media...through the years.
Ferus Olin, a person who's heart is in the right place, but has been put into the dubious position of playing a double agent. This is ultimately going to turn out poorly, and it's like watching a train wreck in slow motion, just hoping we can avert it, but knowing it's still going to happen. Ugh.
And the other character that I've been enjoying is Trever. A street urchin, who found his way to Ferus, but has taken a seperate path, but fighting against the Empire's rule...in a special way.
So good. One last book in The Last of the Jedi series, called Reckoning. I reckon I'll start reading it...soon.
challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
I keep saying this, and I believe that it is true...the Star Wars movies/TV series/novels are happening in our very time period, in this VERY near galaxy. Ugh.
Living in early 2025, we are seeing a "leader" turning OUR republic into a facsist regime. Our very own POTUS is acting like an emperor, and for the most part, getting away with it.
There IS a resistence, but the guardrails are OFF this time around, and he's doing real damage.
Oh, but some might say, "Star Wars isn't political." Well, I don't know what you've been watching and reading...it is DEFINITELY political, and it should be a warning to us all.
Andor Season Two is about to be released, and it is right on time, to help the population see the disfunction of our own CURRENT government, and to resist these abuses of power.
Now, for this story...specifically, I love how they brought Bail and Breha Organa into this story...and the pleasant planet of Alderaan.
Also many other great characters, like Dexter Jester & Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The current cast of characters that are little known in the movies and TV series...or not known at all, since this is Legends/Extended Universe and NOT Canon (Disney Canon), but so many great side quests and lynch-pin moments that put things into action...that we've experienced in the other forms of media...through the years.
Ferus Olin, a person who's heart is in the right place, but has been put into the dubious position of playing a double agent. This is ultimately going to turn out poorly, and it's like watching a train wreck in slow motion, just hoping we can avert it, but knowing it's still going to happen. Ugh.
And the other character that I've been enjoying is Trever. A street urchin, who found his way to Ferus, but has taken a seperate path, but fighting against the Empire's rule...in a special way.
So good. One last book in The Last of the Jedi series, called Reckoning. I reckon I'll start reading it...soon.
May 18, 2016
On Alderaan, a child with special abilities is reported to the Empire. This child is Princess Leia. The Emperor sends Inquisitors Ferus and Hydra to find this child. Ferus is a secret agent for the Rebellion. Leia’s adoptive father, Bail Organa, tries to hide her from the Empire while also searching out the traitor in his midst. There is also a secondary story of Rebels on a Secret Mission.
Kile (my ten year old son) checked this out from the library, but hasn’t read the previous eight books which are not available at the library. I found the first story in this novel set on Alderaan to be very interesting with great characters, but I thought the secondary story of the secret rebel mission to be very confusing. I was not sure who the characters were and they were not fleshed out in the story at all. Kile enjoyed the book, but felt the same as me that the Alderaan story was great, but the secondary story was confusing. He is looking forward to the next book in the series which he also checked out.
Book Source: The Kewaunee Public Library
This review was first posted on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2016/...
Kile (my ten year old son) checked this out from the library, but hasn’t read the previous eight books which are not available at the library. I found the first story in this novel set on Alderaan to be very interesting with great characters, but I thought the secondary story of the secret rebel mission to be very confusing. I was not sure who the characters were and they were not fleshed out in the story at all. Kile enjoyed the book, but felt the same as me that the Alderaan story was great, but the secondary story was confusing. He is looking forward to the next book in the series which he also checked out.
Book Source: The Kewaunee Public Library
This review was first posted on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2016/...
January 13, 2023
After that ending, I definitely cannot wait for the next book and the epic conclusion awaiting me. Also the contents of this novel set up perfectly for season two of the Kenobi series to introduce Ferus as a character… that’s all I’m saying 🤷🏻♀️
April 13, 2020
Just like books 1-8 it never stopped amazing me! I loved and think I will finish the last book of the series by the end of the week! It had adventure and action!!
October 23, 2024
Alderaan yes, now i understand the reason.
July 27, 2025
S-Tier Star Wars storytelling.
January 7, 2019
Star Wars Legends Project #190
Background: Master of Deception was written by Jude Watson and published in February 2008. It is the ninth book of the Last of the Jedi series, following Against the Empire (my review).
Master of Deception is set shortly after Against the Empire, 18 years before the Battle of Yavin. The main character is Ferus Olin, along with all of the surviving characters from the series so far. The story also heavily features Bail Organa and his family and inner circle, including Princess Leia and Winter. Most of the action takes place on Alderaan as well as a few other scattered locations.
Summary: In his capacity as the new Head Inquisitor, Ferus investigates a report of a possible Force-sensitive toddler on Alderaan and learns that it is Bail Organa's adoptive daughter, Leia. As he searches for a credible excuse to dismiss the report, he stumbles on a more immediate danger: A plot to deliver Alderaan directly into Imperial control. Meanwhile, Clive and Astri quietly pursue their suspicions about Flame and her "Moonstrike" proposal as the plans for a grand meeting of resistance leaders looms closer.
Review: This is easily one of my favorites of the series. What a great use of Alderaan and its denizens! There's a lot going on, but it's suspenseful and full of surprises and it comes together well at the end. Things are a bit squirrely in the timeline at this point, as by all accounts this is supposed to be about a year after Order 66, but Leia seems quite a bit beyond even a very precocious 1-year old. But I loved all of the stuff with Bail Organa. He's a great character, and so underused.
I feel like Watson has overplayed her hand a bit with Flame. It seems like she's been quietly telegraphing that Flame isn't on the up-and-up for 2 or 3 books now, and at this point unless you have no idea how narrative conventions work she's all but said that Flame is an Imperial spy and Moonstrike is a trap. But obviously she's saving that final revelation for the most dramatic possible moment in the final book, and it feels a bit forced. That said, while there are a lot of plotlines left to resolve, but this does the best job of the second half of the series being its own self-contained story.
A-
Background: Master of Deception was written by Jude Watson and published in February 2008. It is the ninth book of the Last of the Jedi series, following Against the Empire (my review).
Master of Deception is set shortly after Against the Empire, 18 years before the Battle of Yavin. The main character is Ferus Olin, along with all of the surviving characters from the series so far. The story also heavily features Bail Organa and his family and inner circle, including Princess Leia and Winter. Most of the action takes place on Alderaan as well as a few other scattered locations.
Summary: In his capacity as the new Head Inquisitor, Ferus investigates a report of a possible Force-sensitive toddler on Alderaan and learns that it is Bail Organa's adoptive daughter, Leia. As he searches for a credible excuse to dismiss the report, he stumbles on a more immediate danger: A plot to deliver Alderaan directly into Imperial control. Meanwhile, Clive and Astri quietly pursue their suspicions about Flame and her "Moonstrike" proposal as the plans for a grand meeting of resistance leaders looms closer.
Review: This is easily one of my favorites of the series. What a great use of Alderaan and its denizens! There's a lot going on, but it's suspenseful and full of surprises and it comes together well at the end. Things are a bit squirrely in the timeline at this point, as by all accounts this is supposed to be about a year after Order 66, but Leia seems quite a bit beyond even a very precocious 1-year old. But I loved all of the stuff with Bail Organa. He's a great character, and so underused.
I feel like Watson has overplayed her hand a bit with Flame. It seems like she's been quietly telegraphing that Flame isn't on the up-and-up for 2 or 3 books now, and at this point unless you have no idea how narrative conventions work she's all but said that Flame is an Imperial spy and Moonstrike is a trap. But obviously she's saving that final revelation for the most dramatic possible moment in the final book, and it feels a bit forced. That said, while there are a lot of plotlines left to resolve, but this does the best job of the second half of the series being its own self-contained story.
A-
April 13, 2017
Master of Deception takes us to Alderaan, and brings Bail Organa to the front of the story. Ferus, still working for the Empire, is sent to investigate reports of a Force-sensitive child. We already know the reports are accurate, since we know Leia is on Alderaan, but Ferus, still working as a double-agent, works against the reports, trying to downplay the findings.
I find Bail's character to be one of the more interesting in the Expanded Universe. I feel like he received short shrift in the movies, but he's been developed into a real character in the EU. His honor and nobility, and his working behind the scenes to try to undermine the Empire, strikes a chord with me. The story continues to show Ferus as he struggles with succumbing to the Dark Side of the Force, but the individual story here shines through the larger story for a change. It's win-win for me, since I find the larger story to be more compelling, but I also found the main plot of this book to be as interesting.
I have one more book to go in the series, and I'm certainly not going to stop, even if I weren't already committed to reading all of the EU novels. I get the feeling the overarcing plot will be the primary focus of the last novel, and I'm eager to see how Watson pulls it off. She's been able to portray real emotion with her characters, and with all that could happen in the last novel, I expect it will be a strong conclusion.
I find Bail's character to be one of the more interesting in the Expanded Universe. I feel like he received short shrift in the movies, but he's been developed into a real character in the EU. His honor and nobility, and his working behind the scenes to try to undermine the Empire, strikes a chord with me. The story continues to show Ferus as he struggles with succumbing to the Dark Side of the Force, but the individual story here shines through the larger story for a change. It's win-win for me, since I find the larger story to be more compelling, but I also found the main plot of this book to be as interesting.
I have one more book to go in the series, and I'm certainly not going to stop, even if I weren't already committed to reading all of the EU novels. I get the feeling the overarcing plot will be the primary focus of the last novel, and I'm eager to see how Watson pulls it off. She's been able to portray real emotion with her characters, and with all that could happen in the last novel, I expect it will be a strong conclusion.
July 31, 2018
At this point, I’m pretty much 100% convinced that Jude Watson can do no wrong when it comes to Star Wars. Every single book in The Last of the Jedi series has been well written and brought more depth to Star Wars than almost any full length novel I can think of.
As has practically every book in this collection Master of Deception sets up events for A New Hope that not only understandable, but actually make a lot of sense and explain exactly why things happened. For example, we know why Alderaan got blasted to bits. Tarkin even goes on at length about it in the film. But Watson goes even deeper in Master of Deception, giving an entirely different, and totally plausible reason the Imperials targeted it with the Death Star. We also get even more insight into Vader and the way he handles things, giving more humanity to the character than Lucas or Hayden Christiansen ever did.
It’s reasons like these that make me keep going back to the young adult, lower level reader books of Star Wars, and The Last of the Jedi series, especially. Stripped away from the flashy writing of the more “mature” novels and author’ attempts to be “deep” there’s just so much better store being told in the shorter, youth themed books.
As has practically every book in this collection Master of Deception sets up events for A New Hope that not only understandable, but actually make a lot of sense and explain exactly why things happened. For example, we know why Alderaan got blasted to bits. Tarkin even goes on at length about it in the film. But Watson goes even deeper in Master of Deception, giving an entirely different, and totally plausible reason the Imperials targeted it with the Death Star. We also get even more insight into Vader and the way he handles things, giving more humanity to the character than Lucas or Hayden Christiansen ever did.
It’s reasons like these that make me keep going back to the young adult, lower level reader books of Star Wars, and The Last of the Jedi series, especially. Stripped away from the flashy writing of the more “mature” novels and author’ attempts to be “deep” there’s just so much better store being told in the shorter, youth themed books.
April 22, 2018
Ferus Olin is on Alderaan to protect Leia, stop an imperial spy and prevent the Empire from gaining a strangle hold on the planet. Meanwhile Trever works on rescuing Linna, Clive hunts for the truth about Flame and the rest face off against trouble at the hideout in the Orange sector.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was great to be on Alderaan with Bail and to get a glimpse of Leia as a toddler. The chess match between Vader and Ferus heats up with an amazing discovery at the end of the book. I'm intrigued to see what becomes of Clive's search into Flame. Is she really someone trying to start a resistance or a deep cover imperial?
This book, these characters are indeed what Star Wars is all about and it's amazing. It's far better than anything that's being written and produced today.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was great to be on Alderaan with Bail and to get a glimpse of Leia as a toddler. The chess match between Vader and Ferus heats up with an amazing discovery at the end of the book. I'm intrigued to see what becomes of Clive's search into Flame. Is she really someone trying to start a resistance or a deep cover imperial?
This book, these characters are indeed what Star Wars is all about and it's amazing. It's far better than anything that's being written and produced today.
May 10, 2016
Ferus is on Alderaan to investigate possible Force activity from a toddler. When he learns that it's Leia, Bail Organa's daughter, he does what he can to protect her from his fellow Inquisitor, Hydra, as well as Vader. Ferus also begins to recognize the consequences of having a Sith hocoron so near.
Amie is on Coruscant still looking up the medical history for Ferus. She steers him towards Mustafar.
Meanwhile, Clive still doesn't trust Flame and is investigating her past. Astri helps him and the two of them together is great.
Bail becomes so irate and nervous due to the Empire that he considers aligning his resistance with Moonstrike...with Flame. But with Vader breathing down his neck and a spy in his midst, he's a man torn.
JZA's fate is horrible retribution.
Amie is on Coruscant still looking up the medical history for Ferus. She steers him towards Mustafar.
Meanwhile, Clive still doesn't trust Flame and is investigating her past. Astri helps him and the two of them together is great.
Bail becomes so irate and nervous due to the Empire that he considers aligning his resistance with Moonstrike...with Flame. But with Vader breathing down his neck and a spy in his midst, he's a man torn.
JZA's fate is horrible retribution.
August 5, 2018
Another good read. I found the action by the other resistance members to be less taking, but the scenes with Ferus on Alderaan where he is sent to investigate a possible Force-senstive child are quite interesting and read a bit like a spy story. The Sith holocron is beginning to have a bad effect on his brain and by the end of the book Ferus sees his suspiscions confirmed about the identity of Darth Vader. Anakin meanwhile is still busy with his secret plans to get rid of his painful memories about Padmé and on the very final page of the book the Emperor has a nasty surprise for both Ferus and Vader in true Sith style. All in all a very nice book before the series comes to a close in the next book.
December 14, 2019
Master of Deception Indeed
This is book nine of the series and things are building to an explosive conclusion. Ferus is still adjusting to temptation from the Dark Side, its power is seductive. He is adjusting to his double agent status better. Sent to Alderaan to find a possible Force sensitive child, he learns he must protect the royal family, while some of his friends are double crossed. The darker tone continues and Ferus learns a vital secret. Another action packed chapter of the series. Moving on to the final book in the series.
This is book nine of the series and things are building to an explosive conclusion. Ferus is still adjusting to temptation from the Dark Side, its power is seductive. He is adjusting to his double agent status better. Sent to Alderaan to find a possible Force sensitive child, he learns he must protect the royal family, while some of his friends are double crossed. The darker tone continues and Ferus learns a vital secret. Another action packed chapter of the series. Moving on to the final book in the series.
June 13, 2022
Building up to a climactic finale, this book not only succeeds in that, but also being a solid and interesting mystery. It's focused while also able to set up all the pieces for the final book.
I will say things seem a bit too predictable at times with who's a spy, but that is a better solution that a random last minute change that makes no sense.
Also this cover has the worst interpretation of Ferus Olin yet, who seems to radically change every third picture.
I will say things seem a bit too predictable at times with who's a spy, but that is a better solution that a random last minute change that makes no sense.
Also this cover has the worst interpretation of Ferus Olin yet, who seems to radically change every third picture.
December 25, 2010
Jude Watson makes great use of sentence fluency in this book. By doing so, you get really 'attached' to this book and it gives you a feel and sense of the action happening. Honestly, I read this book everyday until my eyes hurt. That was when I stopped. The book has a lot of descriptive words that really allow you to picture whats going on in the book.
February 6, 2021
It's getting deep!!
A lot of good info about Aldaaran (sp?). Leah is just a toddler. She is the adopted daughter of Bail, the powerful Senator, and his wife the queen. They have a beautiful peace filled world. Ferus is paired with the grizzly Hydra to find a child who may have Force sensitivity. He gets deeply involved in SO much more.
A lot of good info about Aldaaran (sp?). Leah is just a toddler. She is the adopted daughter of Bail, the powerful Senator, and his wife the queen. They have a beautiful peace filled world. Ferus is paired with the grizzly Hydra to find a child who may have Force sensitivity. He gets deeply involved in SO much more.
October 28, 2023
Watson is still delivering the goods in book 9, which is impressive. This time it's a trip to Alderaan and that means an appearance by Bail, a character I have always been fond of. Placing Leia in jeopardy in this time period is a great idea (narratively speaking!). Hmm. Interesting that some of the best bits of this series are also the best bits of certain recent TV shows...
August 3, 2017
Leia is in danger, someone has reported a toddler who has jedi like powers. So they have to stop the inquisitors finding her. A decent story that looks a lot into the character of Bail Organa. A good read.
February 18, 2019
Please lump these books together!
I would rate this series as a 5 if you could buy them as a set. It is so hard to find the next book in the series. Also, please put a list of them somewhere and after bundle pricing.
I would rate this series as a 5 if you could buy them as a set. It is so hard to find the next book in the series. Also, please put a list of them somewhere and after bundle pricing.
November 3, 2021
This one was delightful the traps, the mystery, the triumph at the end. I really wonder how it all comes crashing down, and whether we are going to see that, or if the answers are going to fade into obscurity, and we'll never really know.
January 28, 2022
So excited to see how this cycle concludes!
9th book as good as the first, such good development of this storyline. Great raising action. So many threads to tie together... Well done stringing these along.
9th book as good as the first, such good development of this storyline. Great raising action. So many threads to tie together... Well done stringing these along.
March 27, 2023
Okay it's not really a spoiler since there are pictures on the cover, but I loved how much Bail Organa's family was highlighted in this one. Also Vader stomping through the vegetable garden is hilarious and I will never get that image out of my head.
September 3, 2016
Epic story leading Ferus Olin to the ultimate truth. To this day I'm pretty sure everyone holds their breath in shock the same way we heard it in Empire Strikes Back when we learn the truth. B
November 12, 2014
More of the same. Mostly this series seems to be dragging on and on and on.
September 9, 2018
Second last book of this series and it finally had a cohesive plot. At least the Olin storyline.
March 9, 2021
A child on Alderaan proves the key to unmasking Darth Vader.
Watson lays out how it is easy to hate old friends as Ferus Olin realises who his nemesis is.
Watson lays out how it is easy to hate old friends as Ferus Olin realises who his nemesis is.
June 17, 2022
Yeeesh. Lots of things happening.... I'm worried about the wrapup because most of these people don't have any plot armor.
December 30, 2023
I loved Alderaan and seeing the Organa family!! <3 Idk how the last book is going to wrap everything up
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews