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Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice #8
Star Wars: The Day of Reckoning
Qui-Gon's evil former apprentice, Xanatos, has set a trap for his old Master. He has lured Qui-Gon and young Obi-Wan Kenobi to his home planet of Telos...and has framed them for a crime they did not commit.
The penalty is death.
Suddenly Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are fugitives on a planet where everyone is an enemy.
Xanatos' day of reckoning has come.
The penalty is death.
Suddenly Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are fugitives on a planet where everyone is an enemy.
Xanatos' day of reckoning has come.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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1542 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
June 18, 2018
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." -- 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV 1984)
Why did I start off my review with that quotation? Simply because this novel's plot reminded me of that Scripture. Like an old-school movie serial or Saturday morning series, The Day of Reckoning delivers more of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's adventures. Those who aren't reading Jedi Apprentice are seriously missing out.
Why did I start off my review with that quotation? Simply because this novel's plot reminded me of that Scripture. Like an old-school movie serial or Saturday morning series, The Day of Reckoning delivers more of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's adventures. Those who aren't reading Jedi Apprentice are seriously missing out.
November 29, 2020
Enjoyed the climactic battle of Xanatos and Qui-Gon/Obi Wan looking forward to continue Obi Wans journeys on becoming a Jedi Knight!
February 2, 2021
This book was amazing! I was in utter shock at the end, and I have no idea what the rest of the series will be about cause what I thought it was just got flushed down the toilet!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2021
anti-capitalist ideals with a side of obi-wan seeking words of affirmation
March 25, 2021
3.5 stars. Not the greatest adventure but very memorable and Andra and Den are sweet characters. This needs to be read with 1, 2, 6, and 7 for it to really make an impact impact
June 11, 2024
FINALLY QUI GON STOPPED BEING AN EMOTIONALLY REPRESSED MORON AND ACTUALLY TALKED TO OBI WAN! War is over.
This particular book had some key signs that this is a series for young adults, but I truly don’t care. If you’re reading for the characters, you’re getting exactly what you came for. This author does a very good job of emphasizing that most of their issues are due to miscommunication and their own personal hangups. They are probably incompatible as master and padawan, but they deeply care for one another, and that makes them a good team.
This particular book had some key signs that this is a series for young adults, but I truly don’t care. If you’re reading for the characters, you’re getting exactly what you came for. This author does a very good job of emphasizing that most of their issues are due to miscommunication and their own personal hangups. They are probably incompatible as master and padawan, but they deeply care for one another, and that makes them a good team.
June 3, 2015
Xanatos is on the planet Telos, Qui Gon and Obi Wan go there to bring Xanatos to justice for his attack on the Jedi Temple. Once there they find that Xanatos is a the real power behind the Government on Telos. Their problems don't end their since they are also wanted for a murder they did not commit.
April 5, 2023
And so the Xanatos storyline finally ends, with a death that is in no way ambiguous - thank goodness (this is the kind of thing that you appreciate after years of missing bodies turning up unexpectedly in fiction). As a child, I was delighted by the comeuppance of any villain that dared to harm the environment. So of course I loved this book! I still do, actually. Den and Andra are my favourite guest characters - happily, they do reappear in a special instalment.
Honestly, this is such a good climax that I wouldn't have minded if the series had ended here. But yay, there are more for me to revisit.
Honestly, this is such a good climax that I wouldn't have minded if the series had ended here. But yay, there are more for me to revisit.
August 15, 2024
A solid entry in the Jedi Apprentice series, and Watson is definitely setting out to wrap up some loose ends. Having Obi-Wan follow Qui-Gon on a personal mission—before they are officially back to being Padawan and Master, and without the approval of the Jedi Council—got me excited. It's certainly worth a read in the context of the series. A highlight for me was a pair of side-characters which reminded me an awful lot of Han and Leia.
Overall the plot is interesting and engaging, and once again the characters and relationships between them are in the spotlight. Plus, the world itself is well-developed and casts some foreshadowing to the in-universe future, especially regarding the Trade Federation. The concepts explored here feel simultaneously classic sci-fi/dystopian while remaining fully Star Wars. I only thought the ending wrapped up too quickly, leaving me wanting more. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to Book 9!
Overall the plot is interesting and engaging, and once again the characters and relationships between them are in the spotlight. Plus, the world itself is well-developed and casts some foreshadowing to the in-universe future, especially regarding the Trade Federation. The concepts explored here feel simultaneously classic sci-fi/dystopian while remaining fully Star Wars. I only thought the ending wrapped up too quickly, leaving me wanting more. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to Book 9!
September 16, 2022
El concepto de volver al templo después del drama es bueno. Los Jedi son unas personas poco comunicativas y amables, la verdad es que normal que los Jedi abandonen el templo o sus votos...
November 11, 2024
This book, written in 2000, eerily paralleled current events.
April 3, 2021
Good to read a new story with old friends in
December 3, 2016
Xanatos, Qui-Gon's old apprentice, has finally managed to bring his old Master to his home planet of Telos in a last bid for revenge. There, he draws the Qui-Gon and Obi Wan after having attempted to destroy the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, but when the two Jedi arrive, they find the citizens more interested in a financial lottery than anything else the government is doing. The two must learn the secrets behind the lottery while carrying false murder charges against them.
Watson continues to develop her characters across books, this time bringing Xanatos' story to a close. The series began with the conflict between him and Qui-Gon, and by bringing it to a close in this book, it feels like the series would end here (there are twenty books in the series, this one being volume eight, so spoiler: it doesn't), but it does make me wonder what Watson will do to carry the series along after this. I don't doubt her capabilities, but I'm curious to see what the next multi-book arc will be.
It's true that it feels like this could have been the end of Jedi Apprentice (and it could have been, for all I know, but demand inspired Watson to continue it), but at the same time, there's something that feels false about how it ended. It's not that Watson cheated the readers, but the ending comes with a sense that not is all as it seems. Have we seen the last of Xanatos? It seems so (the juvenile novels seem to be more straightforward and less prone to subtle story developments like this), but who knows? I understand Thrawn makes an appearance after his death in Zahn's original trilogy, so anything is possible.
The tension of the stories is becoming more palpable as the series progresses. I found myself not wanting to stop the story, since the events kept moving forward with the right amount of teasing the details. Watson jumps from perspective to perspective as she alternates chapters, meaning we're getting different characters' stories told to us one piece at a time. It's a familiar technique, but it works. With eight of these finished, that means I only have twelve more to go! Maybe I'll finish them before the end of the year.
Watson continues to develop her characters across books, this time bringing Xanatos' story to a close. The series began with the conflict between him and Qui-Gon, and by bringing it to a close in this book, it feels like the series would end here (there are twenty books in the series, this one being volume eight, so spoiler: it doesn't), but it does make me wonder what Watson will do to carry the series along after this. I don't doubt her capabilities, but I'm curious to see what the next multi-book arc will be.
It's true that it feels like this could have been the end of Jedi Apprentice (and it could have been, for all I know, but demand inspired Watson to continue it), but at the same time, there's something that feels false about how it ended. It's not that Watson cheated the readers, but the ending comes with a sense that not is all as it seems. Have we seen the last of Xanatos? It seems so (the juvenile novels seem to be more straightforward and less prone to subtle story developments like this), but who knows? I understand Thrawn makes an appearance after his death in Zahn's original trilogy, so anything is possible.
The tension of the stories is becoming more palpable as the series progresses. I found myself not wanting to stop the story, since the events kept moving forward with the right amount of teasing the details. Watson jumps from perspective to perspective as she alternates chapters, meaning we're getting different characters' stories told to us one piece at a time. It's a familiar technique, but it works. With eight of these finished, that means I only have twelve more to go! Maybe I'll finish them before the end of the year.
February 16, 2021
These little books are fun! Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan action!
July 23, 2015
3.5/5
Pensé que no iba a poder a seguir leyendo esta saga, porque la leía en epub, y como hace poco se me rompió el celular y tengo que usar uno con la pantalla rota, dije "no, ya fue" y ni sabía cuándo volvería a retomarla.
Pero, no contaba con que hace un año o dos me bajé un rar que contenía más de 100 libros de Star Wars en pdf en un orden cronológico, y como no podía ser de otra forma, ¡Estaba esa saga!
Me puse muy contecta y leí después de algún tiempo un nuevo capítulo de estas aventuras.
Cada vez se pone mejor la cosa. Seguramente la siga próximamente.
Pensé que no iba a poder a seguir leyendo esta saga, porque la leía en epub, y como hace poco se me rompió el celular y tengo que usar uno con la pantalla rota, dije "no, ya fue" y ni sabía cuándo volvería a retomarla.
Pero, no contaba con que hace un año o dos me bajé un rar que contenía más de 100 libros de Star Wars en pdf en un orden cronológico, y como no podía ser de otra forma, ¡Estaba esa saga!
Me puse muy contecta y leí después de algún tiempo un nuevo capítulo de estas aventuras.
Cada vez se pone mejor la cosa. Seguramente la siga próximamente.
April 25, 2020
Despite the simplistic writing style and certain questionable moments (like f.ex. why are the Jedi allowed to keep their lightsabers after they are arrested?), I enjoyed the story, the side characters were cute, and the ending was so emotional. I've come to really appreciate the way this series portrays the relationship between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Just wish it read less like a retelling and more like a novel, but the entertainment factor and the character growth somewhat make up for it.
May 2, 2021
I'm realizing just how much this series shaped my political theory and views on the environment from a young age. Another fantastic adventure. Qui-gon gains some much needed self-awareness, and he and Obi-wan finally get to hash out at least some of the communication issues.
March 26, 2020
Another amazing book in this series! Fast and easy to read. I absolutely loved the conclusion of this book! Two main different things got resolved that I have been waiting for for the past 3 or 4 books. I am so happy now and ready to continue! :D
September 20, 2014
4.75/5
February 4, 2016
Нет таких слов.
April 28, 2021
Really enjoyed this series of books, the stories are well written and paint pictures with their descriptions.
January 31, 2024
The Day of Reckoning by Jude Watson
Challenging, emotional, hopeful, inspiring,
mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
There is something about this story that hits for me, especially at this time in our own political upheaval. Xanatos reminds me of our ex-president Trump. He has been able to make his lies look like truths for a while, but with the help of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Den and Andra (local citizens of Telos...who remind me of the future Princess Leia and Han Solo, just saying...same vibe IMO).
Through this story, we SEE corruption exposed and the people of Telos come to their senses...through the actions of people who have put their own safety on the balance for the TRUTH.
I also loved how Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were able to have that long needed time to talk and clear the air. They NEED each other. They are not working against each other, but FOR each other (and for the good of the galaxy).
This story was overly simplistic (as Star Wars sometime is, and I'm not knocking it...but just saying it with love). Also, this story is for Middle Grade children...and is used for a moral story.
I'm not sure everyone will see the same connections that I have...placing my own views as corresponding things within this story, but that is what good stories do. They remind us of our own frustrations and concerns.
I just hope, like the Telosians, that the people of the United States of America come to their senses about Donald Trump. He is not for the people, he is ONLY for himself. I just wish that we had/have a courageous Jedi Master and a young Padawan...to show us the way towards the Light.
Challenging, emotional, hopeful, inspiring,
mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5 Stars
There is something about this story that hits for me, especially at this time in our own political upheaval. Xanatos reminds me of our ex-president Trump. He has been able to make his lies look like truths for a while, but with the help of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Den and Andra (local citizens of Telos...who remind me of the future Princess Leia and Han Solo, just saying...same vibe IMO).
Through this story, we SEE corruption exposed and the people of Telos come to their senses...through the actions of people who have put their own safety on the balance for the TRUTH.
I also loved how Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan were able to have that long needed time to talk and clear the air. They NEED each other. They are not working against each other, but FOR each other (and for the good of the galaxy).
This story was overly simplistic (as Star Wars sometime is, and I'm not knocking it...but just saying it with love). Also, this story is for Middle Grade children...and is used for a moral story.
I'm not sure everyone will see the same connections that I have...placing my own views as corresponding things within this story, but that is what good stories do. They remind us of our own frustrations and concerns.
I just hope, like the Telosians, that the people of the United States of America come to their senses about Donald Trump. He is not for the people, he is ONLY for himself. I just wish that we had/have a courageous Jedi Master and a young Padawan...to show us the way towards the Light.
August 1, 2018
Here we go, we finally see Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan get over their issues and trust each other, all it took was defeating Qui-Gon's old apprentice Xanatos. They go to Xanatos' home world where, surprise surprise, they have been labeled dangerous criminals and almost get executed. Luckily, they had been on the planet just long enough to make friends with a conservation activist and a smuggler/thief....I cannot make this up. They escape, prove to the people that Xanatos is using some kind of Roman gladiator style gambling bowl to distract the people while their world is plundered by greedy mining corporations. They chase Xanatos to acid pits, fight him, and he chooses death over being arrested and caught by Qui-Gon. Boom, that's the plot.
Likes. Easy, I LOVED Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's interactions in this book. Qui-Gon constantly worried after Obi-Wan, they actually talked to each other of their feelings, and ended on a good note with each other as Master and Padawan. Obi-Wan is his padawan again and Xanatos is finally dealt with.
Dislikes. How ignorant do people have to be to realize huge amounts of their planet are suddenly off limits and being plundered? I get that you're all invested in the power-ball from hell but come on people, use your brains. Also Den's speaking pattern was a bit clunky again and reminded me almost of the Phindians in that annoying repeating quality. Can't we go more than 5 books without some person talking like they can't speak Basic?
Otherwise it was a nice book that put Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's relationship two steps forward. I await the next book to put them a step back, as per usual.
Likes. Easy, I LOVED Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's interactions in this book. Qui-Gon constantly worried after Obi-Wan, they actually talked to each other of their feelings, and ended on a good note with each other as Master and Padawan. Obi-Wan is his padawan again and Xanatos is finally dealt with.
Dislikes. How ignorant do people have to be to realize huge amounts of their planet are suddenly off limits and being plundered? I get that you're all invested in the power-ball from hell but come on people, use your brains. Also Den's speaking pattern was a bit clunky again and reminded me almost of the Phindians in that annoying repeating quality. Can't we go more than 5 books without some person talking like they can't speak Basic?
Otherwise it was a nice book that put Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan's relationship two steps forward. I await the next book to put them a step back, as per usual.
October 23, 2025
⭐⭐ “Disappointing and confusing installment”
Jedi Apprentice #8: The Day of Reckoning attempts to deliver a dramatic conclusion to the Xanatos arc, but it raises more questions than it answers. With Xanatos able to take over an entire planet, it is shocking that the Sith did not try to conquer the galaxy much earlier since toppling a system seems so easy. It also makes the Jedi appear strangely blind and powerless, as if they have no intelligence network or awareness of what happens beyond the Temple. From a broader Star Wars perspective, it feels surprising that Darth Plagueis, given his later ties to the banking clans, would not have noticed or even tried to recruit someone like Xanatos who already had power, influence, and Force ability.
The portrayal of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s relationship also feels inconsistent. The author writes as though they have been together for many years, even though only a short time has passed since Obi-Wan became Qui-Gon’s apprentice. The Force may strengthen their bond, but not to the degree the book suggests, and the emotional closeness feels unearned within the timeline established in earlier volumes.
Jedi Apprentice #8: The Day of Reckoning attempts to deliver a dramatic conclusion to the Xanatos arc, but it raises more questions than it answers. With Xanatos able to take over an entire planet, it is shocking that the Sith did not try to conquer the galaxy much earlier since toppling a system seems so easy. It also makes the Jedi appear strangely blind and powerless, as if they have no intelligence network or awareness of what happens beyond the Temple. From a broader Star Wars perspective, it feels surprising that Darth Plagueis, given his later ties to the banking clans, would not have noticed or even tried to recruit someone like Xanatos who already had power, influence, and Force ability.
The portrayal of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s relationship also feels inconsistent. The author writes as though they have been together for many years, even though only a short time has passed since Obi-Wan became Qui-Gon’s apprentice. The Force may strengthen their bond, but not to the degree the book suggests, and the emotional closeness feels unearned within the timeline established in earlier volumes.
February 18, 2024
I jumped into this series with book #7, The Captive Temple, not realizing that to a degree these books are serialized and really should be read in order. But I was able to get my bearings and not having read books 1-6 didn't hurt my enjoyment of book #7 in the end.
In the end The Captive Temple was a solid read for a 25 year old young adult Star Wars novel. Obviously cranked out on an assembly line at breakneck pace, author Jude Watson nevertheless manages to tell a moderately entertaining, if wholly generic story. Enough so that I immediately started reading the next book in the series, The Day of Reckoning. I'm sad to say that it's a total dud.
Whatever moderate charms the previous novel had are gone here, replaced by a dull and generic story populated by characters that are about as interesting as bellybutton lint. The previous book had earned this one just enough faith that I kept waiting for things to take off, but sadly they never did. The day of Reckoning is a snooze fest, and my enthusiasm for the series has been snuffed out.
In the end The Captive Temple was a solid read for a 25 year old young adult Star Wars novel. Obviously cranked out on an assembly line at breakneck pace, author Jude Watson nevertheless manages to tell a moderately entertaining, if wholly generic story. Enough so that I immediately started reading the next book in the series, The Day of Reckoning. I'm sad to say that it's a total dud.
Whatever moderate charms the previous novel had are gone here, replaced by a dull and generic story populated by characters that are about as interesting as bellybutton lint. The previous book had earned this one just enough faith that I kept waiting for things to take off, but sadly they never did. The day of Reckoning is a snooze fest, and my enthusiasm for the series has been snuffed out.
September 13, 2022
‘The Day of Reckoning’ is the eighth book in the Jedi Apprentice series and takes place shortly after ‘The Captive Temple’ with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan on a luxury vessel to Telos, Xanatos’ home planet. Qui-Gon is adamant about bringing down Xanatos once and for all. As usual for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, their entrance on the planet does not go as smoothly as they hope and they must take what help they can get. I found Telos really interesting in that it was nothing like the planet Qui-Gon had remembered, so many changes had taken place and all due to Xanatos. He had really cemented himself as leader of Telos; and how the people view him and why was fascinating. An excellent adventure that ultimately has Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan recognizing their bond and ready to reflect on past events and move forward.
September 6, 2024
Buenas buenas, hello there!
Vamos con otro libro de la saga!! A este le pongo 2.5 estrellas. Quería ponerle un poco más, porque la trama pintaba muuy buena, pero al final, no me gustó tanto el desarrollo del libro. Tenía personajes super random que se comportan siempre de la misma manera. Jude, necesitas darle variabilidad a tus personajes secundarios! Ni siquiera la aparición de Xanatos hizo que esto fuese mejor. Solo espero que no se haya muerto posta, porque es el mejor personaje. Por suerte, termina bien para Obi y Qui-gon, me gusta que se comuniquen entre ellos como ser humanos normales!
En fin, a seguir con el próximo! Por ahora, están buenos, pero tengo muchas más ganas de leer la saga de Obi con Anakin, antes que esta... nada, cosas que pasan!
Vamos con otro libro de la saga!! A este le pongo 2.5 estrellas. Quería ponerle un poco más, porque la trama pintaba muuy buena, pero al final, no me gustó tanto el desarrollo del libro. Tenía personajes super random que se comportan siempre de la misma manera. Jude, necesitas darle variabilidad a tus personajes secundarios! Ni siquiera la aparición de Xanatos hizo que esto fuese mejor. Solo espero que no se haya muerto posta, porque es el mejor personaje. Por suerte, termina bien para Obi y Qui-gon, me gusta que se comuniquen entre ellos como ser humanos normales!
En fin, a seguir con el próximo! Por ahora, están buenos, pero tengo muchas más ganas de leer la saga de Obi con Anakin, antes que esta... nada, cosas que pasan!
November 11, 2017
Hmm, I think this one moved a little more smoothly than the last couple. Also, I've been awaiting this resolution for a while. It was a long time coming.
Side note: Just a funny thing that happened... in the back of this book is a sample chapter for the first book of Garth Nix's The Seventh Tower series. Not surprising, since it's another middle grade fantasy-action series produced by Lucasfilm. I went to check how many pages were in the book and realized I was seeing familiar names that didn't belong to Star Wars..... it was a chapter from the EXACT book I was reading off off my bookshelf (Seventh Tower book 1). Just a funny coincidence.
Side note: Just a funny thing that happened... in the back of this book is a sample chapter for the first book of Garth Nix's The Seventh Tower series. Not surprising, since it's another middle grade fantasy-action series produced by Lucasfilm. I went to check how many pages were in the book and realized I was seeing familiar names that didn't belong to Star Wars..... it was a chapter from the EXACT book I was reading off off my bookshelf (Seventh Tower book 1). Just a funny coincidence.
February 26, 2020
¡Vaya vaya con Obi-Wan, poco a poco está madurando a unos pasos agigantados! Se empieza a ver la progresión de padawan teenager hacia un Jedi con criterio y sentido común en muy poco tiempo! Me ha gustado mucho ver como Qui-Gon se da cuenta que tiene que saber confiar, está aprendiendo muchas cosas con Obi-Wan :)
Estos libritos están muy bien, cortitos, sencillos y con grandes lecciones detrás. En este hemos conocido el planeta Thalos, famoso por sus magníficos parques naturales... me ha encantado que sea un planeta super volcado en el medio ambiente.
SPOILER! He visto demasiadas películas y series para saber que la historia de Xánatos no se acaba aquí.
Estos libritos están muy bien, cortitos, sencillos y con grandes lecciones detrás. En este hemos conocido el planeta Thalos, famoso por sus magníficos parques naturales... me ha encantado que sea un planeta super volcado en el medio ambiente.
SPOILER! He visto demasiadas películas y series para saber que la historia de Xánatos no se acaba aquí.
February 18, 2024
Much better. My main interest in reading through this series is really just to see Qui-gon and Obi-wan interacting (and to get some nice Jedi culture before they all died), so I’m pleased to see Quixgon and Obi-wan communicating a little more in this one. Plot is always gonna take a back seat to character work and interaction in my eyes. We get a bunch of Qui-gon being concerned about Obi-wan in this and then realizing that the way he’s approaching those feelings need to be explained so that Obi-wan doesn’t think it’s his fault, Obi-wan trying to be patient. Lots of good stuff I wish we could dwell on a bit more, but what we got was nice.
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