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Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice #7
The Captive Temple
The Jedi Temple is under attack. An attempt has been made to kill Yoda. A dangerous intruder has infiltrated the Jedi.
Everybody is under suspicion, and no one is safe from harm. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn must get to the heart of the conspiracy...or watch the Temple be destroyed—from the inside.
Everybody is under suspicion, and no one is safe from harm. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn must get to the heart of the conspiracy...or watch the Temple be destroyed—from the inside.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
13 people are currently reading
1575 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
June 14, 2018
Another exciting episode in the Jedi Apprentice saga, this one featuring a character who had been absent for the last few books. Many books that have an inferior writing style aren't worth reading, but Jude Watson's juvenile Star Wars novels don't fall into that trap, because, even though the style of writing isn't the best, it's good enough that it doesn't detract from a wonderful space opera story. I'm really interested in how this series will end; hopefully, I can get my hands on all the remaining books soon.
EDIT (7/30/12): It was just as good the second time, even if I was rereading it as a refresher to the Jedi Apprentice series.
EDIT (7/30/12): It was just as good the second time, even if I was rereading it as a refresher to the Jedi Apprentice series.
March 16, 2014
It is not age but ability that marks a turning point.
"The very worst time is the time you must follow the Jedi Code. Cast away your doubt. Let the Force enter you."
Although Qui-Gon has not yet accepted Obi-Wan back as his apprentice, the two work together with the other Jedi masters in an effort to quickly track down the culprit in series of thefts and violent crimes that have taken place within the temple. Along the way they just might learn to trust each other once again.
I would like to divide this book up into two parts; part one, or rather- the part that sucked huge camel testicles, and part two-the part in which this series redeems itself.
Okay, first on to part one. Obi-Wan started off this book by being a little bit of an asshole, in my opinion! Thankfully, the Jedi masters came to their senses (also in my opinion) and gave him the talking to that he totally deserved. They made it known to him just how serious it was to leave the Order and that coming back was no easy feat. Of course Obi-Wan couldn't understand why everyone was being so 'mean' to him and was a sulky turd for the first part of this book. This part of the book really showed the age group that this series was meant for, since I'm pretty sure the reader was supposed to identify with Obi-Wan and his stern Jedi masters and compare it to parents giving them shit because of being a teen.
Now on to the second part...The rest of the book was interesting, especially when it came to the Jedi actually finding the culprit which was a great mystery that I was happy to see solved. I was happy with all the action packed scenes and more importantly, the character development that occurred. I won't lie, I started this series because I adore Qui-Gon as a character and wanted to learn more about him, since he is rather mysterious. We see a side to him in this book that I have never seen before, and it absolutely thrilled me!
It was his own flaw, Qui-Gon realized heavily. He was the one who could not take the leap to trust again. Although he felt a connection to other beings, he was slow to trust them. Once his trust was given, it was solid. When it shattered, he was at a loss as to how to refashion it again...
I loved seeing this side of him. It reminded me a bit of myself because I am the same way when it comes to trust. I loved seeing Qui-Gon acknowledge that part of himself and work to correct it. Fantastic development!
In any case, I think now that this arc is over and the story moves on I will hopefully be less aggravated and more excited to continue with the series.
"The very worst time is the time you must follow the Jedi Code. Cast away your doubt. Let the Force enter you."
Although Qui-Gon has not yet accepted Obi-Wan back as his apprentice, the two work together with the other Jedi masters in an effort to quickly track down the culprit in series of thefts and violent crimes that have taken place within the temple. Along the way they just might learn to trust each other once again.
I would like to divide this book up into two parts; part one, or rather- the part that sucked huge camel testicles, and part two-the part in which this series redeems itself.
Okay, first on to part one. Obi-Wan started off this book by being a little bit of an asshole, in my opinion! Thankfully, the Jedi masters came to their senses (also in my opinion) and gave him the talking to that he totally deserved. They made it known to him just how serious it was to leave the Order and that coming back was no easy feat. Of course Obi-Wan couldn't understand why everyone was being so 'mean' to him and was a sulky turd for the first part of this book. This part of the book really showed the age group that this series was meant for, since I'm pretty sure the reader was supposed to identify with Obi-Wan and his stern Jedi masters and compare it to parents giving them shit because of being a teen.
Now on to the second part...The rest of the book was interesting, especially when it came to the Jedi actually finding the culprit which was a great mystery that I was happy to see solved. I was happy with all the action packed scenes and more importantly, the character development that occurred. I won't lie, I started this series because I adore Qui-Gon as a character and wanted to learn more about him, since he is rather mysterious. We see a side to him in this book that I have never seen before, and it absolutely thrilled me!
It was his own flaw, Qui-Gon realized heavily. He was the one who could not take the leap to trust again. Although he felt a connection to other beings, he was slow to trust them. Once his trust was given, it was solid. When it shattered, he was at a loss as to how to refashion it again...
I loved seeing this side of him. It reminded me a bit of myself because I am the same way when it comes to trust. I loved seeing Qui-Gon acknowledge that part of himself and work to correct it. Fantastic development!
In any case, I think now that this arc is over and the story moves on I will hopefully be less aggravated and more excited to continue with the series.
April 19, 2021
Obi-wan, Bant, and Tahl get some fantastic character development. Qui-gon gets some. However, he has the problem where he cannot tell the difference between what Obi-wan did and what Xanatos did and became. Qui-gon really needs counseling, and honestly probably shouldn't have a Padawan given the last 2 books. That being said I love these books and characters. Jude Watson handles Obi-wan's issues and PTSD well. But neither Qui-gon nor the Jedi Order handled Melida/Daan and Qui-gon's decision well.
August 8, 2022
‘The Captive Temple’ is the seventh book in the Jedi Apprentice series and follows directly after ‘The Uncertain Path’. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are back at the Jedi Temple and before the Jedi Council. Qui-Gon is to continue his investigation with Tahl while Obi-Wan’s future is less certain, the Council not knowing whether or not they will take him back as a Jedi.
The mystery and continued investigation at the Jedi Temple is well done, with so many things going wrong at once and deciding who can be trusted in a Temple where the very idea of suspecting your fellow Jedi of causing harm and chaos in the Temple is unheard of.
In regards to our Jedi Master and ex-Padawan, I can understand Qui-Gon’s hesitation to take Obi-Wan back after the trust between them was broken. He’s gone through a lot when it comes to apprentices and trust is not something easily mended. But they must work together to find the culprit behind the Temple sabotage and it’s something that helps begin the process of healing and re-bonding.
To say too much about the book would spoil everything that happens when it’s a mystery! But the book ends with another big event and decision that I can’t wait to partake in with the next book!
The mystery and continued investigation at the Jedi Temple is well done, with so many things going wrong at once and deciding who can be trusted in a Temple where the very idea of suspecting your fellow Jedi of causing harm and chaos in the Temple is unheard of.
In regards to our Jedi Master and ex-Padawan, I can understand Qui-Gon’s hesitation to take Obi-Wan back after the trust between them was broken. He’s gone through a lot when it comes to apprentices and trust is not something easily mended. But they must work together to find the culprit behind the Temple sabotage and it’s something that helps begin the process of healing and re-bonding.
To say too much about the book would spoil everything that happens when it’s a mystery! But the book ends with another big event and decision that I can’t wait to partake in with the next book!
January 30, 2020
This one was a goodie. I couldn't stop reading. I'm excited to keep following the rest of the story.
November 14, 2018
This book is part of a series and I would advise to start from the beginning to understand the proceedings in this book. This series is meant for the younger audience. In this one, Obi-Wan returns to the Jedi and is wondering if he will be welcomed back. Meanwhile, the Jedi temple is under attack and it looks like it is an inside job.
I am enjoying this series for what it is. It isn't amazing literature but it does its job. It entertains while giving an insight to characters that we know and cherish. I love the look into Qui-Gon's stoic demeanor or seeing Obi-Wan as not the perfect padawan. As for the story, it works within this universe as it shows how one can succumb to the dark side and how that affects that person. I did think this book had the best action scenes for this series as it had a terrific lightsaber duel.
If you are looking for some background information for characters, this series accomplishes that. There hasn't been a bad book in this series so far and these are perfect to share with your children.
I am enjoying this series for what it is. It isn't amazing literature but it does its job. It entertains while giving an insight to characters that we know and cherish. I love the look into Qui-Gon's stoic demeanor or seeing Obi-Wan as not the perfect padawan. As for the story, it works within this universe as it shows how one can succumb to the dark side and how that affects that person. I did think this book had the best action scenes for this series as it had a terrific lightsaber duel.
If you are looking for some background information for characters, this series accomplishes that. There hasn't been a bad book in this series so far and these are perfect to share with your children.
August 8, 2011
It was great to see Obi-Wan back where he belonged, with the Jedi, and there was plenty of uncertainty about his fate, which made for a gripping read. It was a really interesting twist, setting the entire story in the Jedi Temple for once. It was also fun to see the story played as a crime/mystery. Although, it was frustrating to see . Once again, kind of lacking in description and development.
7 out of 10 (for a children's book).
7 out of 10 (for a children's book).
April 15, 2025
I was just laughing about these, trying to describe it from memory. As I recall, Obi-Wan is a teenager and has a fish girlfriend, she's like a niece of Admiral Ackbar or something, so Yoda has to install tubes so she can swim around the Jedi temple, but Palpatine puts a bomb into the tubes to try and kill Yoda, so that's the end of that. Definitely preferred the other series where Luke was trying to train a bunch of dipshit teenagers to be Jedi and one of them chops off her own arm.
April 28, 2019
Is the Jedi Council even capable of not being dicks to children? I honestly don't think they are. That's basically my takeaway from this installment of the Jedi Apprentice series. The Council didn't start with being dicks to Anakin, nope they started way before then.
On another note, I did like that Obi-Wan's arc in this book was basically "actions have consequences and you gotta live with them."
On another note, I did like that Obi-Wan's arc in this book was basically "actions have consequences and you gotta live with them."
November 13, 2019
This, frankly, was a GOLDMINE of Jedi Temple details. Apparently they have an extensive system of ductwork plus underwater tunnels. Excellent. It was also fabulous to see Bant take a central place in the story.
September 9, 2016
I had much more fun with this book than with the previous one.
January 31, 2024
The Captive Temple by Jude Watson
Challenging, emotional, hopeful, inspiring,
reflective, sad, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75 Stars
I am loving this series. I just wish that the stories were longer or combined into books instead of novellas, but I'm not the target audience (though they are truly amazing).
The dual struggles of Qui-Gon Jinn and his former padawa Xanatos...who's reeking havoc at the Jedi Temple...and his lingering doubts about Obi-Wan Kenobi. Not always doubts about him, but whether he'd be a good enough Master for Obi-Wan.
Of course, Obi-Wan is impatient and frustrated in Qui-Gon Jinn's lack of interest in him (though that is NOT true). He sees Obi-Wan's struggles, but he also sees that he NEEDS a powerful and steadfast Jedi Master, for he will be a Jedi some day.
All this and the angst of youth. Love it.
If I had been Middle Grade a bit older, this would be my JAM. It is my jam and I'm in my late fifties.
Great moral stories that make the reader reflect on his/her own life...to see IF the reader could be a Jedi, too.
This story was interesting, for it did not hold back. Death happens, again...and poor Obi-Wan is overthinking it, again.
We all know how this turns out, but the interactions between these two EPIC Jedi Masters is amazing. I am SO thankful for these stories.
I do have complaint. It isn't all roses.
The lightsabers on working in water is a major flaw. I can see how that might be attractive to use plot-wise, but how could that be? I know this is Legends (and the Wild West, when it came to Canon). I am going to try to ignore the mentioning of this flaw...for this book, and ANY future entries that say that a Lightsaber cannot work in and around water.
Okay, on to the next story...The Day of Reckoning.
Challenging, emotional, hopeful, inspiring,
reflective, sad, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75 Stars
I am loving this series. I just wish that the stories were longer or combined into books instead of novellas, but I'm not the target audience (though they are truly amazing).
The dual struggles of Qui-Gon Jinn and his former padawa Xanatos...who's reeking havoc at the Jedi Temple...and his lingering doubts about Obi-Wan Kenobi. Not always doubts about him, but whether he'd be a good enough Master for Obi-Wan.
Of course, Obi-Wan is impatient and frustrated in Qui-Gon Jinn's lack of interest in him (though that is NOT true). He sees Obi-Wan's struggles, but he also sees that he NEEDS a powerful and steadfast Jedi Master, for he will be a Jedi some day.
All this and the angst of youth. Love it.
If I had been Middle Grade a bit older, this would be my JAM. It is my jam and I'm in my late fifties.
Great moral stories that make the reader reflect on his/her own life...to see IF the reader could be a Jedi, too.
This story was interesting, for it did not hold back. Death happens, again...and poor Obi-Wan is overthinking it, again.
We all know how this turns out, but the interactions between these two EPIC Jedi Masters is amazing. I am SO thankful for these stories.
I do have complaint. It isn't all roses.
The lightsabers on working in water is a major flaw. I can see how that might be attractive to use plot-wise, but how could that be? I know this is Legends (and the Wild West, when it came to Canon). I am going to try to ignore the mentioning of this flaw...for this book, and ANY future entries that say that a Lightsaber cannot work in and around water.
Okay, on to the next story...The Day of Reckoning.
December 3, 2022
Great again.
This was the first Jedi Apprentice book where 5yo son joined us (7yo son and I). He had plenty of questions to catch up on storyline and characters but he followed it, overall, surprisingly well.
I was informed by my boys that I MUST go on to read the next one right away. (My rule is that I get to choose one chapter book for read aloud between each Star Wars book. But it’s the holidays and I’m feeling generous.. I might grant their request..)
Also, thought I’d mention. You��d be surprised at the more advanced vocabulary used sometimes. I’m impressed. I think the series is read aloud worthy in many ways and fits my kids’ ages really well right now. They can understand what is going on but are challenged a little on words they don’t know yet. Sometimes they will ask the meaning, sometimes they won’t. But I do think it is good writing.
I should mention the last few books have more violence and a few deaths. So it would need some consideration that way.
This was the first Jedi Apprentice book where 5yo son joined us (7yo son and I). He had plenty of questions to catch up on storyline and characters but he followed it, overall, surprisingly well.
I was informed by my boys that I MUST go on to read the next one right away. (My rule is that I get to choose one chapter book for read aloud between each Star Wars book. But it’s the holidays and I’m feeling generous.. I might grant their request..)
Also, thought I’d mention. You��d be surprised at the more advanced vocabulary used sometimes. I’m impressed. I think the series is read aloud worthy in many ways and fits my kids’ ages really well right now. They can understand what is going on but are challenged a little on words they don’t know yet. Sometimes they will ask the meaning, sometimes they won’t. But I do think it is good writing.
I should mention the last few books have more violence and a few deaths. So it would need some consideration that way.
April 5, 2023
This book perfectly captures the balance between what it is to be a Jedi - and what it is to be a teenager struggling with his emotions and insecurities. That's a pretty impressive achievement, given the page count and all the characters competing for space therein. Watson did a fantastic job of making sure everyone was used effectively. Xanatos continues to intrigue me... I think I'll be sorry to see him go in the next one!
February 2, 2021
Ok, this is crazy, but this book reached the shelf!!!! This one was absolutely INSANE!!!! This series got me to like Qui-Gon so much more than I already did! This is one of my favorite books of all time!
November 11, 2023
De vez en cuando, me gusta leer estas novelas cortitas. Se centran en una única historia, pero comparten a Obi y Quin y su relación, ya sea en el canon o en Legends es una de las cosas que más me gusta del universo Star Wars.
March 2, 2025
Another fun force filled romp with Obi Wan Kenobi and Qui Gon Jinn. Not the best of the series so far but certainly an enjoyable one worthy of one's time.
Their relationship continues to develop but, clearly, with more to come.
Their relationship continues to develop but, clearly, with more to come.
August 15, 2018
One of the best in the series so far. Really enjoyed it.
October 28, 2022
Loved this one! Xanatos is such a compelling villain. Seeing Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan having to deal with the latter’s betrayal & whether to take him back was so good!
August 1, 2018
I always wonder if the reason Qui-Go is so distant with Obi-Wan is because his former apprentice Xanatos turned to the Dark Side....and then I think "Well duh, that's exactly why". This book was mostly about the Jedi Council hem-hawing about whether to let Obi-Wan back into the Jedi Order after his defection in the last couple books and whether Qui-Gon can get over his past and accept Obi-Wan as his padawan again. For me I really like certain parts of this book and then I dislike other parts.
Likes. I like seeing Obi-Wan before he became this "infallible great Negotiator and Jedi Master with mad skills", to see the raw, younger side of Obi-Wan and see the moments that shape who he is as a person and as a Jedi. If you told Anakin that his Master kicked himself out of the Jedi Order and was a reckless sod he'd laugh you out of the Jedi Temple. But joke's on you Skywalker because that's exactly what Obi-Wan did as a padawan. I like seeing someone who hates the Order go directly for the heart of their home, the fact that's its someone closer to them then the Jedi would like to admit is satisfying for some reason. It shows the Jedi weren't perfect, they had blights and screw ups as much as any group does, plus to see their errors is like when Luke said the Jedi Order wasn't perfect in TLJ. For me, it just makes the Order seem more relatable.
Dislikes. Who in the seven hells let Mace Windu be so DAMN MEAN TO EVERYONE??? I get that he's the bad cop to Yoda's "distant am I, yet understanding" cop, but come on. This guy gives Qui-Gon crap, he gives Obi-Wan crap, and if the future he gives Anakin A LOT of crap, he's got loads of elephant dung just waiting to dump on this lineage. If I was a Jedi I would beg never to be even put in the same room as Windu, let alone future missions. So for me, seeing the Council treat Obi-Wan like he was gum stuck to their shoe just had me shaking my head. Look, if you don't want him I'll take him home with me, he'll get all the tea and blankets he could want. I get that it's not the older, more experienced and friendly Kenobi we're used to in the Clone Wars, but darned f I put up with the Council just being rude AF to everyone who comes from this particular Jedi line. The Council is one group I would detest talking to, I'd be like Quinlan Vos (NEVER THERE DUDES) if I had to report to the Council.
Then you have all the crap between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Le sigh. Qui-gon is how old and he's still dealing with trust issues? You either grow up or give up and Qui-Gon spends the whole book flip flopping, not an admirable trait in a Jedi. I won't lie, I'm shocked Obi-Wan didn't end up a completely useless Jedi with Qui-Gon always second guessing Obi-Wan and everything he does. He's a stupid teenager, get him through his dumb years and you'll get one of the best, most brilliant Jedi Masters to ever exist (in my opinion, which is biased). It's not like you're training Anakin or Luke for Force sakes.
So overall, I love Obi-Wan and this book was everyone questioning everything the boy's ever done. I can't wait for Anakin to show up because then the whole Council will be like "WHY DIDN'T WE APPRECIATE OBI-WAN MORE? HE WAS A MODEL STUDENT COMPARED TO THIS BURNING PILE OF HUMAN WRECKAGE!!!"....Let's face it if I have to choose my favorite Skywalker, it's Luke. Hands down.
Likes. I like seeing Obi-Wan before he became this "infallible great Negotiator and Jedi Master with mad skills", to see the raw, younger side of Obi-Wan and see the moments that shape who he is as a person and as a Jedi. If you told Anakin that his Master kicked himself out of the Jedi Order and was a reckless sod he'd laugh you out of the Jedi Temple. But joke's on you Skywalker because that's exactly what Obi-Wan did as a padawan. I like seeing someone who hates the Order go directly for the heart of their home, the fact that's its someone closer to them then the Jedi would like to admit is satisfying for some reason. It shows the Jedi weren't perfect, they had blights and screw ups as much as any group does, plus to see their errors is like when Luke said the Jedi Order wasn't perfect in TLJ. For me, it just makes the Order seem more relatable.
Dislikes. Who in the seven hells let Mace Windu be so DAMN MEAN TO EVERYONE??? I get that he's the bad cop to Yoda's "distant am I, yet understanding" cop, but come on. This guy gives Qui-Gon crap, he gives Obi-Wan crap, and if the future he gives Anakin A LOT of crap, he's got loads of elephant dung just waiting to dump on this lineage. If I was a Jedi I would beg never to be even put in the same room as Windu, let alone future missions. So for me, seeing the Council treat Obi-Wan like he was gum stuck to their shoe just had me shaking my head. Look, if you don't want him I'll take him home with me, he'll get all the tea and blankets he could want. I get that it's not the older, more experienced and friendly Kenobi we're used to in the Clone Wars, but darned f I put up with the Council just being rude AF to everyone who comes from this particular Jedi line. The Council is one group I would detest talking to, I'd be like Quinlan Vos (NEVER THERE DUDES) if I had to report to the Council.
Then you have all the crap between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Le sigh. Qui-gon is how old and he's still dealing with trust issues? You either grow up or give up and Qui-Gon spends the whole book flip flopping, not an admirable trait in a Jedi. I won't lie, I'm shocked Obi-Wan didn't end up a completely useless Jedi with Qui-Gon always second guessing Obi-Wan and everything he does. He's a stupid teenager, get him through his dumb years and you'll get one of the best, most brilliant Jedi Masters to ever exist (in my opinion, which is biased). It's not like you're training Anakin or Luke for Force sakes.
So overall, I love Obi-Wan and this book was everyone questioning everything the boy's ever done. I can't wait for Anakin to show up because then the whole Council will be like "WHY DIDN'T WE APPRECIATE OBI-WAN MORE? HE WAS A MODEL STUDENT COMPARED TO THIS BURNING PILE OF HUMAN WRECKAGE!!!"....Let's face it if I have to choose my favorite Skywalker, it's Luke. Hands down.
June 8, 2024
I hate that Obi Wan is made to feel that his decision to stay in Melida/Daan was the wrong one. He stood for what he believed in, and more importantly, for the rights and safety of a planet. He behaved more like a Jedi with that decision than most others did in this book (including himself).
Also, the miscommunication is killing me. I know Obi Wan has to deal with the consequences of leaving the Order, but he shouldn’t have to get shamed for it at every step. Even when Qui Gon knows he’s in the wrong, he doesn’t apologize or do anything to fix it. It’s always relegated to a later conversation which never happens.
From my previous reviews, it’s obvious that I’m a staunch Obi Wan defender, but I will say that he’s lucky to have a friend like Bant that is willing to put up with his nonsense sometimes. She is a good person, and she genuinely wanted to know what happened to him, unlike everyone else that was quick to condemn him.
And as usual, Xanatos sucks.
Also, the miscommunication is killing me. I know Obi Wan has to deal with the consequences of leaving the Order, but he shouldn’t have to get shamed for it at every step. Even when Qui Gon knows he’s in the wrong, he doesn’t apologize or do anything to fix it. It’s always relegated to a later conversation which never happens.
From my previous reviews, it’s obvious that I’m a staunch Obi Wan defender, but I will say that he’s lucky to have a friend like Bant that is willing to put up with his nonsense sometimes. She is a good person, and she genuinely wanted to know what happened to him, unlike everyone else that was quick to condemn him.
And as usual, Xanatos sucks.
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June 29, 2016The action is GREAT! Love the suspense. Glad to know that all lightsabers are commissioned to be waterproof like Kit Fisto's model after the beginning of the Clone Wars. Insta-death by neck breaking, eww, that was graphic and the character was young. I thought this was a PG-13 book. Borderline, almost.
Plot holes & Canon inconsistencies
1. WHERE WERE ALL THE MASTERS?! So during the seige you basically left the fate of the Temple in the hands of two Masters and twobarely teens Padawans? Not to mention that one isn't sighted/able-bodied. Hello! Where are you Yoda, Windu, Ti, Ki-Adi-Mundi, Gallia, Kolar, etc. You name them! Where the heck were you!
2. Mon Cala basically live under water, in deep ocean, don't they? Why the heck was one struggling for oxygen after being left under water now. Old canon or new it doesn't matter. This goes against both, since it's one thing both canons agree upon.
Plot holes & Canon inconsistencies
1. WHERE WERE ALL THE MASTERS?! So during the seige you basically left the fate of the Temple in the hands of two Masters and two
2. Mon Cala basically live under water, in deep ocean, don't they? Why the heck was one struggling for oxygen after being left under water now. Old canon or new it doesn't matter. This goes against both, since it's one thing both canons agree upon.
January 2, 2026
⭐⭐ Another Missed Opportunity in the Jedi Apprentice Series
Jedi Apprentice: The Captive Temple opens with the idea of an assassination attempt on Yoda, which could have been fascinating, but the plot drops it almost immediately. Instead, we get Xanatos somehow outsmarting the entire Jedi Order and nearly toppling it, which is ridiculous for a fallen Jedi. If one fallen Jedi can bring the Order to its knees, what makes the Jedi so special? The story also introduces several interesting side characters, but we barely get to know them. They could have added depth and tension to the plot, yet they’re left as background figures. Xanatos himself barely appears, serving more as background noise than a true threat. After the disappointment of the previous book, this one continues the decline. It’s readable but forgettable, and it wastes what could have been a genuinely exciting premise.
Jedi Apprentice: The Captive Temple opens with the idea of an assassination attempt on Yoda, which could have been fascinating, but the plot drops it almost immediately. Instead, we get Xanatos somehow outsmarting the entire Jedi Order and nearly toppling it, which is ridiculous for a fallen Jedi. If one fallen Jedi can bring the Order to its knees, what makes the Jedi so special? The story also introduces several interesting side characters, but we barely get to know them. They could have added depth and tension to the plot, yet they’re left as background figures. Xanatos himself barely appears, serving more as background noise than a true threat. After the disappointment of the previous book, this one continues the decline. It’s readable but forgettable, and it wastes what could have been a genuinely exciting premise.
February 9, 2024
It's kind of crazy how the Jedi council and the temple treat a 13 years old child who was just traumatised and just saw their friends die in their arms. Maybe Palpatine had a point. Damn.
Otherwise, it's not my favourite of the bunch, but it's still enjoyable.
Otherwise, it's not my favourite of the bunch, but it's still enjoyable.
February 17, 2024
I still don’t believe Obi-wan would have made the decisions he made in previous books… but I did enjoy seeing him and Qui-gon struggling with the emotional fall out of those decisions in this book.
It was also great to see Obi-wan interacting with Bant again, she is so sweet.
I’ve noticed though, and it’s not really a huge thing, but it does annoy me a bit… I assume it’s due to the short length and structure of these books, or how they were release… The characters keep using “always” or “never” or there was a sentence like “he had come to rely on-“ and there keeps being this implication of the characters knowing each other for a while and some sense of familiarity, but by this point it hasn’t even been half a year since the first book in the series, and a few months of that time Obi-wan spent on another planet, he only knew Qui-gon for like 1 month. Which wouldn’t be a problem if each book was longer and had given glimpses of downtime or training in between the 2 or 3 missions these two have been on, but based on what’s actually shown in the books and the passage of time, I’m having trouble believing that they knew each other very well prior to Obi-wan leaving.
It’s not a huge deal, I can get what the writer was going for, but it’s definitely a downside of having to fit so much into middle grade chapter books. At least the emotions in this book felt believable.
It was also great to see Obi-wan interacting with Bant again, she is so sweet.
I’ve noticed though, and it’s not really a huge thing, but it does annoy me a bit… I assume it’s due to the short length and structure of these books, or how they were release… The characters keep using “always” or “never” or there was a sentence like “he had come to rely on-“ and there keeps being this implication of the characters knowing each other for a while and some sense of familiarity, but by this point it hasn’t even been half a year since the first book in the series, and a few months of that time Obi-wan spent on another planet, he only knew Qui-gon for like 1 month. Which wouldn’t be a problem if each book was longer and had given glimpses of downtime or training in between the 2 or 3 missions these two have been on, but based on what’s actually shown in the books and the passage of time, I’m having trouble believing that they knew each other very well prior to Obi-wan leaving.
It’s not a huge deal, I can get what the writer was going for, but it’s definitely a downside of having to fit so much into middle grade chapter books. At least the emotions in this book felt believable.
August 15, 2024
This was the follow-up I was looking for after book 6! I appreciated that Obi-Wan's decision in the previous 2 books aren't just totally resolved and all is easily forgiven. There's still a lot of trust to be rebuilt on all sides, for Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon and others.
The only complaint I have is that the "mystery" of who is behind the attack on the Jedi Temple is incredibly straightforward. I won't give any spoilers, but the big reveal felt less like a surprise and more like a "finally." That being said, the characters wouldn't necessarily be expected to see everything the reader sees, and I think the point of the plot is not the surprise reveal of the mysterious culprit(s), but the strain that it puts on character relationships, making even close friends suspicious of one another.
I was going to rate this one 3 stars, but I upped it to 4. Once again the character relationships are where Watson's strengths shine through, and getting to see Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon back at the Temple with other Jedi was great. I may be wrong, but I think this is the first appearance of Siri Tachi? Seeing more of little Bant Eerin is never a bad thing too. Each book is starting to feel like a pieces of a larger plot, and they work together so well. If the previous book was all action, this book is the reaction. After finishing this one, I couldn't wait to get to book 8!
The only complaint I have is that the "mystery" of who is behind the attack on the Jedi Temple is incredibly straightforward. I won't give any spoilers, but the big reveal felt less like a surprise and more like a "finally." That being said, the characters wouldn't necessarily be expected to see everything the reader sees, and I think the point of the plot is not the surprise reveal of the mysterious culprit(s), but the strain that it puts on character relationships, making even close friends suspicious of one another.
I was going to rate this one 3 stars, but I upped it to 4. Once again the character relationships are where Watson's strengths shine through, and getting to see Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon back at the Temple with other Jedi was great. I may be wrong, but I think this is the first appearance of Siri Tachi? Seeing more of little Bant Eerin is never a bad thing too. Each book is starting to feel like a pieces of a larger plot, and they work together so well. If the previous book was all action, this book is the reaction. After finishing this one, I couldn't wait to get to book 8!
September 3, 2024
Buenas buenas, hello there!
Tengo que decir que este libro me gustó más que el anterior. Cada vez que aparece Xanatos, la historia se pone buena. Así que ahora estoy intrigada con leer el siguiente!
Me da mucha risa que los Jedi sean tan forros, de verdad, es ridículo verlos enojados con nenes de TRECE años, por tomar decisiones personales. Me superan! Mace Windu sigue siendo un forro y Yoda, lo siento, pero lo único que hace es decir cosas al revés, no sirve para nada jajajjaa
Me gusta que las actitudes de Obiwan sean distintas a las de las películas, como si el evolucionara y se conviertiera en el señor I-follow-the-code. En cambio, el contraste con Qui-gon es gigante, ya que el viejo se la pasa haciendo lo que se le canta (cosa que dicen desde la película uno). Amo ver como le dan consejos y se los mete en el ogt jajajaja Sigo insistiendo que ese hombre era justo lo que Anakin necesitaba!
En fin, este estuvo mejor que el anterior, pero sigue siendo bastante average la saga. Espero seguir emocionada. Con que pongan a Xanatos, quedo satisfecha!!
Tengo que decir que este libro me gustó más que el anterior. Cada vez que aparece Xanatos, la historia se pone buena. Así que ahora estoy intrigada con leer el siguiente!
Me da mucha risa que los Jedi sean tan forros, de verdad, es ridículo verlos enojados con nenes de TRECE años, por tomar decisiones personales. Me superan! Mace Windu sigue siendo un forro y Yoda, lo siento, pero lo único que hace es decir cosas al revés, no sirve para nada jajajjaa
Me gusta que las actitudes de Obiwan sean distintas a las de las películas, como si el evolucionara y se conviertiera en el señor I-follow-the-code. En cambio, el contraste con Qui-gon es gigante, ya que el viejo se la pasa haciendo lo que se le canta (cosa que dicen desde la película uno). Amo ver como le dan consejos y se los mete en el ogt jajajaja Sigo insistiendo que ese hombre era justo lo que Anakin necesitaba!
En fin, este estuvo mejor que el anterior, pero sigue siendo bastante average la saga. Espero seguir emocionada. Con que pongan a Xanatos, quedo satisfecha!!
July 4, 2020
And to think I had serious doubts about this series a few books back...
The Captive Temple is yet another successful entry into this series. Watson’s ability to keep readers engrossed in an ongoing story that continues to get more complex and dark is underrated, as is this entire series in general. Watching Obi Wan and Qui Gon’s relationship ebb and flow, and giving a much needed backstory that The Phantom Menace was sorely missing, has been both fun and rewarding...as is Watson’s fearless approach to take the story into some pretty dark places.
This book, along with the rest of the Jedi Apprentice line has proven time and time again that a series for younger readers can still be well written and tell a decent story. It’s also shown that Watson (despite a few stumbles here and there), is otherwise excellent in her craft and, unlike a lot of other authors, understands the intricacies of Star Wars.
The Captive Temple is yet another successful entry into this series. Watson’s ability to keep readers engrossed in an ongoing story that continues to get more complex and dark is underrated, as is this entire series in general. Watching Obi Wan and Qui Gon’s relationship ebb and flow, and giving a much needed backstory that The Phantom Menace was sorely missing, has been both fun and rewarding...as is Watson’s fearless approach to take the story into some pretty dark places.
This book, along with the rest of the Jedi Apprentice line has proven time and time again that a series for younger readers can still be well written and tell a decent story. It’s also shown that Watson (despite a few stumbles here and there), is otherwise excellent in her craft and, unlike a lot of other authors, understands the intricacies of Star Wars.
February 14, 2024
I jumped into this series with The Captive Temple based on a combination of its plot description and rating. I figured that by starting with book#7 there would be some references that I wouldn't get and some established characters that I would have to get to know, but I wasn't prepared for how episodic this series is.
In retrospect I probably should have started with the first book, but now that I've read The Captive Temple much of the preceding stories have been spoiled for me, so the plan is just to move forward from here and maybe jump back at some point in the future.
As for The Captive Temple, I'm giving it three stars, but that needs some context. It's not great literature for sure. It's a 25 year old young adult Star Wars novel. It isn't complex or challenging. I can't say that it's unique or fresh. But it is reasonably well written; especially for the genre. And perhaps most importantly, it's entertaining.
In retrospect I probably should have started with the first book, but now that I've read The Captive Temple much of the preceding stories have been spoiled for me, so the plan is just to move forward from here and maybe jump back at some point in the future.
As for The Captive Temple, I'm giving it three stars, but that needs some context. It's not great literature for sure. It's a 25 year old young adult Star Wars novel. It isn't complex or challenging. I can't say that it's unique or fresh. But it is reasonably well written; especially for the genre. And perhaps most importantly, it's entertaining.
February 8, 2016
Star Wars Legends Project #47
Background: The Captive Temple came out in April 2000. It was written by Jude Watson.
The Captive Temple begins immediately after The Uncertain Path (my review), 44 years before the Battle of Yavin and 12 years before The Phantom Menace. Since the whole book takes place inside the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, most of the characters from The Rising Force (my review) appear again.
Summary: Obi-Wan has returned to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, hoping to rejoin the Order, but for the moment there is no time to deal with his recent defection. The temple is under siege, and an attempt has been made on Yoda's life. Qui-Gon and Tahl are still in charge of the investigation, and when Qui-Gon suspects an old enemy is behind the attacks, he recruits Obi-Wan to help as well. What started out seeming like harmless pranks is starting to look like a plot to destroy the Jedi Order, and it may already be too late to stop it.
Review: There is a lot of great pay-off here that feels like the culmination of build-up from the entire series to this point, and it isn't over yet. The nearly book-length climax that this is spills right over into the next book. And it is nothing if not thrilling, plus it feels much more consequential than the other stories so far because rather than being set on a one-off planet populated by one-off characters, the outcome will have major consequences for the Jedi Temple and characters we know like Yoda and Mace Windu (plus all of Obi-Wan's friends, the generation of Jedi Knights who will be active during the prequels).
The best things about this novel are the way it continues to develop Qui-Gon's character arc (his relationship with Obi-Wan) in the general direction I was hoping for with the last novel, the way Obi-Wan is forced to grow as he deals with all of the consequences (expected and unexpected) of his decision at the end of The Defenders of the Dead (my review), and (of course) the excitement of the Jedi efforts to foil the various acts of terrorism they're being targeted by. This last is the real appeal, of course, and the last half or so of the book is pretty much non-stop action and suspense. It's great. But I have two complaints:
First, the Jedi Temple is way too vulnerable. Their security sucks and they seem utterly powerless to find and deal with an intruder who is able to strike pretty much at will anywhere and at any time within their most important stronghold. How can they be this bad at defending themselves? Is it because no one expected they would be, so no one has ever bothered to try something like this before? The book wants us to believe that it's because the bad guy behind it all is such an exceptionally-skilled evil mastermind, but I don't buy that. He may be an evil genius, but his success still comes down to massive levels of Jedi incompetence. Plus, when Qui-Gon finally manages to lay a trap for the intruder, he ends up in a one-on-one showdown which (while certainly quite dramatic) makes no sense. There's no good reason why he couldn't have had the entire Jedi Council backing him up, outside of the aforementioned incompetence.
Second, everything that happens is basically the fault of the Jedi. We don't ever learn exactly how the intruder turns Bruck against the Jedi, but it's not hard to figure out from what we see in this book, the previous book, and The Rising Force, and the Jedi themselves are at fault, just like how Xanatos was almost able to turn Obi-Wan against Qui-Gon in The Dark Rival (my review). There is an obvious pattern here that they have missed at least twice that we know of in this series alone, and there's no way it hasn't happened many more times that we don't. Actually, this is basically what happens to Anakin Skywalker later, with the most devastating consequences of all.
The Jedi are playing Russian roulette with every male student that goes through adolescence under their care, and pushing a not-insignificant number of them to the Dark Side as a result. Their lack of insight into basic human emotions exacerbates the insecurities and general turmoil of the students under their charge, making them incredibly vulnerable to enter a downward spiral that the Jedi are, again, basically powerless to reverse. Because that would require a level of empathy and understanding that most of them don't possess. Now, this complaint isn't something I can lay at the feet of The Captive Temple, which is basically being true to the portrayal of the Jedi in Episode I, but I wish that it (and all of the stories like it) seemed to have any kind of awareness at all that this is a flaw in the Jedi, not a virtue.
B-
Background: The Captive Temple came out in April 2000. It was written by Jude Watson.
The Captive Temple begins immediately after The Uncertain Path (my review), 44 years before the Battle of Yavin and 12 years before The Phantom Menace. Since the whole book takes place inside the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, most of the characters from The Rising Force (my review) appear again.
Summary: Obi-Wan has returned to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, hoping to rejoin the Order, but for the moment there is no time to deal with his recent defection. The temple is under siege, and an attempt has been made on Yoda's life. Qui-Gon and Tahl are still in charge of the investigation, and when Qui-Gon suspects an old enemy is behind the attacks, he recruits Obi-Wan to help as well. What started out seeming like harmless pranks is starting to look like a plot to destroy the Jedi Order, and it may already be too late to stop it.
Review: There is a lot of great pay-off here that feels like the culmination of build-up from the entire series to this point, and it isn't over yet. The nearly book-length climax that this is spills right over into the next book. And it is nothing if not thrilling, plus it feels much more consequential than the other stories so far because rather than being set on a one-off planet populated by one-off characters, the outcome will have major consequences for the Jedi Temple and characters we know like Yoda and Mace Windu (plus all of Obi-Wan's friends, the generation of Jedi Knights who will be active during the prequels).
The best things about this novel are the way it continues to develop Qui-Gon's character arc (his relationship with Obi-Wan) in the general direction I was hoping for with the last novel, the way Obi-Wan is forced to grow as he deals with all of the consequences (expected and unexpected) of his decision at the end of The Defenders of the Dead (my review), and (of course) the excitement of the Jedi efforts to foil the various acts of terrorism they're being targeted by. This last is the real appeal, of course, and the last half or so of the book is pretty much non-stop action and suspense. It's great. But I have two complaints:
First, the Jedi Temple is way too vulnerable. Their security sucks and they seem utterly powerless to find and deal with an intruder who is able to strike pretty much at will anywhere and at any time within their most important stronghold. How can they be this bad at defending themselves? Is it because no one expected they would be, so no one has ever bothered to try something like this before? The book wants us to believe that it's because the bad guy behind it all is such an exceptionally-skilled evil mastermind, but I don't buy that. He may be an evil genius, but his success still comes down to massive levels of Jedi incompetence. Plus, when Qui-Gon finally manages to lay a trap for the intruder, he ends up in a one-on-one showdown which (while certainly quite dramatic) makes no sense. There's no good reason why he couldn't have had the entire Jedi Council backing him up, outside of the aforementioned incompetence.
Second, everything that happens is basically the fault of the Jedi. We don't ever learn exactly how the intruder turns Bruck against the Jedi, but it's not hard to figure out from what we see in this book, the previous book, and The Rising Force, and the Jedi themselves are at fault, just like how Xanatos was almost able to turn Obi-Wan against Qui-Gon in The Dark Rival (my review). There is an obvious pattern here that they have missed at least twice that we know of in this series alone, and there's no way it hasn't happened many more times that we don't. Actually, this is basically what happens to Anakin Skywalker later, with the most devastating consequences of all.
The Jedi are playing Russian roulette with every male student that goes through adolescence under their care, and pushing a not-insignificant number of them to the Dark Side as a result. Their lack of insight into basic human emotions exacerbates the insecurities and general turmoil of the students under their charge, making them incredibly vulnerable to enter a downward spiral that the Jedi are, again, basically powerless to reverse. Because that would require a level of empathy and understanding that most of them don't possess. Now, this complaint isn't something I can lay at the feet of The Captive Temple, which is basically being true to the portrayal of the Jedi in Episode I, but I wish that it (and all of the stories like it) seemed to have any kind of awareness at all that this is a flaw in the Jedi, not a virtue.
B-
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