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Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice #19
Star Wars: Deceptions
As an apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi is blamed for the death of another Jedi student. With the help of his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan must fight to clear his name. But even if he is found not guilty, he has gained an enemy for life--the dead boy's vindictive father.
Twelve years later, Obi-Wan is a Jedi Knight, with his own young apprentice, Anakin Skywalker. Anakin doesn't know about the secrets Obi-Wan is hiding. But as the past comes back to attack them, Obi-Wan and Anakin must fight deception with truth--and face off against enemies both new and old.
Twelve years later, Obi-Wan is a Jedi Knight, with his own young apprentice, Anakin Skywalker. Anakin doesn't know about the secrets Obi-Wan is hiding. But as the past comes back to attack them, Obi-Wan and Anakin must fight deception with truth--and face off against enemies both new and old.
188 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 27, 2019
This book is part of a series and is meant for the younger audience. This series looks into the relationship between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. However, this book shakes it up a little as we get a story about those two but that story will connect with a story that takes place later in time with Obi-Wan an Anakin. Basically, it is two stories in one book with a connection between the two.
I am going to do this review backwards as I tackle the second story first as it was the meat of the book. The second story was terrific as we get a look into Obi-Wan being the teacher instead of the pupil. We get callbacks to characters from previous books in this series and it explored an aspect of cutting oneself off from the galaxy as one is disillusioned with how it is being managed. It was a nice foreshadowing of the events to come. Actually the foreshadowing of other things were excellent as well. This part of the story easily deserves four stars. The problem was the first story and the connection. The connection was weak at best. The first story was useless. As far as I can tell it was only put in this book to say that it belonged in this series.
This series is coming to an end. I have enjoyed it and this book was decent. The second story was great and if this is a preview of exploring the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin, I look forward to it.
I am going to do this review backwards as I tackle the second story first as it was the meat of the book. The second story was terrific as we get a look into Obi-Wan being the teacher instead of the pupil. We get callbacks to characters from previous books in this series and it explored an aspect of cutting oneself off from the galaxy as one is disillusioned with how it is being managed. It was a nice foreshadowing of the events to come. Actually the foreshadowing of other things were excellent as well. This part of the story easily deserves four stars. The problem was the first story and the connection. The connection was weak at best. The first story was useless. As far as I can tell it was only put in this book to say that it belonged in this series.
This series is coming to an end. I have enjoyed it and this book was decent. The second story was great and if this is a preview of exploring the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin, I look forward to it.
August 3, 2018
*shakes the entire building with her yelling* I LOVED IT *would throw book down if she had a physical copy*. ANOTHER! Let's talk about this book...
I LOVED that we see a slip between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and then we fast forward 12 years to where Obi-Wan and Anakin are trying to form a bond as Master and Padawan. I adore compare and contrast between various character's relationships and this one did not disappoint. Here's how I see these two relationships.
Qui-Gon was like a father figure to Obi-Wan, granted sometimes Qui-Gon could be distant, but Obi-Wan was always willing to wait until Qui-Gon came back to himself and remembered his padawan. They had a bond that could let them speak without words, to almost have one mind, and it was very much because while they had different temperaments they also had similar beginnings. So it was a relationship that, in the end, was respectful and warm while sometimes fraught with little nuggets of doubt. Very father-son and healthy.
Obi-Wan and Anakin are two VERY different people with very different beginnings. Obi-Wan only ever knew the Jedi lifestyle while Anakin grew up a slave and subject to other's whims. Obi-Wan may have always been hungry as a child but Anakin lived a life where starving was common, every piece of food or comfort was a fight and a prize to Anakin. I see a lot of their interactions as tense because Anakin never really knows in the beginning if Obi-Wan took him on as a promise to Qui-Gon, if he even wanted Anakin as a padawan. And Obi-Wan had just lost the only father he'd ever known, add to the fact that he was probably one of the youngest Jedi to take on a padawan and you get a mix of two people who were thrown into a situation that neither was ready for. Anakin was too old and Obi-Wan was too young. They do find a path together after Anakin grows up and realizes just how lucky he is to have Obi-Wan, but they just could never get over that initial doubt about their importance in the other's life. It's almost like an older brother-younger brother bond.
So to see the contrast between the two relationships is something I really love reading about, thus 5 stars! Plus I liked seeing the Telos planet cast back for a little, it was a nice touch to a good book.
I LOVED that we see a slip between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan and then we fast forward 12 years to where Obi-Wan and Anakin are trying to form a bond as Master and Padawan. I adore compare and contrast between various character's relationships and this one did not disappoint. Here's how I see these two relationships.
Qui-Gon was like a father figure to Obi-Wan, granted sometimes Qui-Gon could be distant, but Obi-Wan was always willing to wait until Qui-Gon came back to himself and remembered his padawan. They had a bond that could let them speak without words, to almost have one mind, and it was very much because while they had different temperaments they also had similar beginnings. So it was a relationship that, in the end, was respectful and warm while sometimes fraught with little nuggets of doubt. Very father-son and healthy.
Obi-Wan and Anakin are two VERY different people with very different beginnings. Obi-Wan only ever knew the Jedi lifestyle while Anakin grew up a slave and subject to other's whims. Obi-Wan may have always been hungry as a child but Anakin lived a life where starving was common, every piece of food or comfort was a fight and a prize to Anakin. I see a lot of their interactions as tense because Anakin never really knows in the beginning if Obi-Wan took him on as a promise to Qui-Gon, if he even wanted Anakin as a padawan. And Obi-Wan had just lost the only father he'd ever known, add to the fact that he was probably one of the youngest Jedi to take on a padawan and you get a mix of two people who were thrown into a situation that neither was ready for. Anakin was too old and Obi-Wan was too young. They do find a path together after Anakin grows up and realizes just how lucky he is to have Obi-Wan, but they just could never get over that initial doubt about their importance in the other's life. It's almost like an older brother-younger brother bond.
So to see the contrast between the two relationships is something I really love reading about, thus 5 stars! Plus I liked seeing the Telos planet cast back for a little, it was a nice touch to a good book.
November 29, 2015
Reading Deceptions has reminded me why Jude Watson's Jedi Apprentice books represent some of my favorite Star Wars stories (not just in fiction, but across all media).
Deceptions offers two tales in two different times. During Obi-Wan Kenobi's apprenticeship to Qui-Gon Kinn, Obi-Wan is blamed for the death of a fellow Jedi student. (Said death occurred in Watson's earlier Jedi Apprentice series.) He and his Master work to clear his name, and in so doing they make a lifelong enemy of the boy's father.
The second story takes place while Anakin Skywalker is Obi-Wan's Padawan. A serious mission forces Obi-Wan to confront his past enemy, and he must explain this history to Anakin as they race to save innocent lives.
There is lovely characterization throughout.
Some of my favorite passages are as follows.
***
Yoda awaited them in a meditation room, the place he favored now for conferences. Obi-Wan knew that Yoda had often met Qui-Gon at his favorite bench in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Yoda never sat there now. It was the only visible sign that Yoda was still in deep mourning for his friend.
***
Qui-Gon had been torn from him too soon, and Obi-Wan still felt his presence at his shoulder. He even knew what Qui-Gon would say right now.
You cannot make friends for your Padawan, Obi-Wan. You can only show him through your own actions how important connections are to you.
Qui-Gon had done that. Obi-Wan was still running into beings throughout the galaxy who came up to him and spoke reverently or glowingly or humorously of their deep friendship with his Master. Obi-Wan hadn't realized how many connections Qui-Gon had forged with the most unlikely sorts.
***
"Qui-Gon must miss you."
Obi-Wan's bright gaze dimmed. "Andra, Qui-Gon is dead. Three years now."
Her smile vanished, and sorrow filled her eyes. "I did not know. I am sorry. The galaxy is diminished without him."
"Yes," Obi-Wan said. "That is exactly how I feel."
Deceptions offers two tales in two different times. During Obi-Wan Kenobi's apprenticeship to Qui-Gon Kinn, Obi-Wan is blamed for the death of a fellow Jedi student. (Said death occurred in Watson's earlier Jedi Apprentice series.) He and his Master work to clear his name, and in so doing they make a lifelong enemy of the boy's father.
The second story takes place while Anakin Skywalker is Obi-Wan's Padawan. A serious mission forces Obi-Wan to confront his past enemy, and he must explain this history to Anakin as they race to save innocent lives.
There is lovely characterization throughout.
Some of my favorite passages are as follows.
***
Yoda awaited them in a meditation room, the place he favored now for conferences. Obi-Wan knew that Yoda had often met Qui-Gon at his favorite bench in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Yoda never sat there now. It was the only visible sign that Yoda was still in deep mourning for his friend.
***
Qui-Gon had been torn from him too soon, and Obi-Wan still felt his presence at his shoulder. He even knew what Qui-Gon would say right now.
You cannot make friends for your Padawan, Obi-Wan. You can only show him through your own actions how important connections are to you.
Qui-Gon had done that. Obi-Wan was still running into beings throughout the galaxy who came up to him and spoke reverently or glowingly or humorously of their deep friendship with his Master. Obi-Wan hadn't realized how many connections Qui-Gon had forged with the most unlikely sorts.
***
"Qui-Gon must miss you."
Obi-Wan's bright gaze dimmed. "Andra, Qui-Gon is dead. Three years now."
Her smile vanished, and sorrow filled her eyes. "I did not know. I am sorry. The galaxy is diminished without him."
"Yes," Obi-Wan said. "That is exactly how I feel."
December 12, 2023
Set in 44BBY and 29BBY
Really not worth your time here, with nothing to add to the lore that would make a difference or be an adventure that you'll have fun. Half of the characters (especially in the first half) feel out of touch, and pretty much empty.
Really not worth your time here, with nothing to add to the lore that would make a difference or be an adventure that you'll have fun. Half of the characters (especially in the first half) feel out of touch, and pretty much empty.
December 10, 2019
The writing didnt really click in this one..
obi-wan dealt with his guilt in 2 different time periods but something felt off throughout the book.
obi-wan dealt with his guilt in 2 different time periods but something felt off throughout the book.
April 5, 2023
Special Editions were fairly standard for young reader series back in the day, so I wasn't confused or surprised by this one appearing at the bookstore. I was, however, extremely excited to see how the repercussions of Bruck's death would affect Obi-Wan's journey as an apprentice - and a Master! It's a really solid book. Both parts (representing two timelines) are equally intriguing and it's also interesting to see how Anakin reacts to this part of Obi-Wan's past. And hey, I loved Den in The Day of Reckoning. It was good to see him again - honestly, he was the star of this book.
You will note that I have chosen to read this series in chronological order, not publication order. It makes more sense to read about Obi-Wan being questioned over Bruck's death when the event itself is still relevant and fresh in the mind of the reader.
You will note that I have chosen to read this series in chronological order, not publication order. It makes more sense to read about Obi-Wan being questioned over Bruck's death when the event itself is still relevant and fresh in the mind of the reader.
October 20, 2023
These occasional forays into young adult Lucasverse novels never cease to surprise me. A two part story across two time periods, featuring my favourite maverick Jedi, and filling in the gaps from the prequel era that I actually DO enjoy. It's also a surprisingly powerful and emotional book, compacted into such a tiny package. This is impressive work.
March 30, 2021
I recommend reading this book after #8. It’s a good book and lots of fun.
September 29, 2017
Obi-Wan deals with his guilt of failing to save someone from falling while Anakin tries to understand how a son can forgive his father terrible crimes. Subtle, this is not.
Still fun.
Still fun.
January 2, 2026
⭐⭐ A Promising Setup Spoiled by a Poor Beginning
The Deceptions is an uneven and often frustrating entry in the Jedi Apprentice line. Jude Watson wrote a strong run through the first thirteen books, and Books 8 and 9 were solid parts of the series. That made this Special Edition disappointing because the entire first half is one of the weakest openings she has written. The book collapses under its own setup before the mystery even takes shape.
The core problem is the Chun family and Sano Sauro. The Chuns behave as though Brock were a child they raised, loved, and lived with since infancy. That is not how the Jedi Order works. Padawans are taken as infants and grow up inside the Temple. Their biological families do not play a role in their emotional lives. Yet Watson writes the Chuns with a level of grief and personal knowledge that only makes sense if they had raised a sixteen-year-old son. Their reactions feel artificial, exaggerated, and completely disconnected from established Jedi lore. This creates an emotional tone that does not belong in Star Wars.
Not only that, since when do the Jedi host grieving families of individuals killed by Jedi. The Jedi hosting the Chun family inside the Temple breaks everything we know about Jedi culture. The logic of the opening is difficult to accept. Furthermore, the Senate inquiry that follows is even more confusing. There is no point in Star Wars where the Senate investigates a Padawan’s death inside the Temple or threatens a Padawan with political punishment. Ahsoka faced something similar, but that was during a war when Palpatine had emergency powers and the entire situation was designed to drive a wedge between Anakin and Ahsoka. Sano Sauro, however, is completely misplaced. He acts like a prosecutor with full authority over the Jedi, building a case and trying to “convict” them. The story reads like a modern courtroom drama forced into a universe where this structure does not belong.
Characters in the first half remain flat, and the repeated references to Tahl feel misplaced because this Special Edition takes place years before her later emotional arc. She is presented almost as the only Jedi whose insight would matter, yet there would have been many others available. It interrupts the tone and distracts from the plot. Watson appears determined to elevate Tahl into a central figure in Jedi lore, and it simply does not work here.
The second half of the book is marginally better. Obi-Wan shows growth and imparts lessons to Anakin that he himself learned as a young Padawan with Qui-Gon. This is also Anakin’s first mission, which adds some uniqueness to their early Master-Padawan dynamic. There are moments where the story begins to feel more grounded again, and some returning characters help stabilize the narrative. Still, the improvements cannot undo the damage caused by the opening.
Overall, The Deceptions breaks too much of the established structure of Star Wars and relies on emotional and political elements that do not belong in Jedi culture. The book had potential, but the early missteps are severe and the story never fully recovers.
The Deceptions is an uneven and often frustrating entry in the Jedi Apprentice line. Jude Watson wrote a strong run through the first thirteen books, and Books 8 and 9 were solid parts of the series. That made this Special Edition disappointing because the entire first half is one of the weakest openings she has written. The book collapses under its own setup before the mystery even takes shape.
The core problem is the Chun family and Sano Sauro. The Chuns behave as though Brock were a child they raised, loved, and lived with since infancy. That is not how the Jedi Order works. Padawans are taken as infants and grow up inside the Temple. Their biological families do not play a role in their emotional lives. Yet Watson writes the Chuns with a level of grief and personal knowledge that only makes sense if they had raised a sixteen-year-old son. Their reactions feel artificial, exaggerated, and completely disconnected from established Jedi lore. This creates an emotional tone that does not belong in Star Wars.
Not only that, since when do the Jedi host grieving families of individuals killed by Jedi. The Jedi hosting the Chun family inside the Temple breaks everything we know about Jedi culture. The logic of the opening is difficult to accept. Furthermore, the Senate inquiry that follows is even more confusing. There is no point in Star Wars where the Senate investigates a Padawan’s death inside the Temple or threatens a Padawan with political punishment. Ahsoka faced something similar, but that was during a war when Palpatine had emergency powers and the entire situation was designed to drive a wedge between Anakin and Ahsoka. Sano Sauro, however, is completely misplaced. He acts like a prosecutor with full authority over the Jedi, building a case and trying to “convict” them. The story reads like a modern courtroom drama forced into a universe where this structure does not belong.
Characters in the first half remain flat, and the repeated references to Tahl feel misplaced because this Special Edition takes place years before her later emotional arc. She is presented almost as the only Jedi whose insight would matter, yet there would have been many others available. It interrupts the tone and distracts from the plot. Watson appears determined to elevate Tahl into a central figure in Jedi lore, and it simply does not work here.
The second half of the book is marginally better. Obi-Wan shows growth and imparts lessons to Anakin that he himself learned as a young Padawan with Qui-Gon. This is also Anakin’s first mission, which adds some uniqueness to their early Master-Padawan dynamic. There are moments where the story begins to feel more grounded again, and some returning characters help stabilize the narrative. Still, the improvements cannot undo the damage caused by the opening.
Overall, The Deceptions breaks too much of the established structure of Star Wars and relies on emotional and political elements that do not belong in Jedi culture. The book had potential, but the early missteps are severe and the story never fully recovers.
January 26, 2020
Well, THIS was important.
I debated whether or not to read this, since it's not part of the "core" JA series, but boy am I glad I did. This is the most important content I've stumbled across since No Prisoners.
First of all, the Senate conducted an inquiry into Bruck Chun's death at the request of his family members, and brought Obi-Wan to testify. I repeat, they brought fourteen-year-old Obi-Wan and twelve-year-old Bant in front of a Senate committee to testify. If Obi-Wan had been found guilty, he could have been tried in criminal court. I guess this is what happens when you turn over children to a pseudo-governmental organization and give fourteen-year-olds deadly weapons and even deadlier responsibility... but wow.
This entire process was horrible. The Jedi are terribly naive, Qui-Gon saying that the Jedi chose not to use a legal representative because truth was on their side. Obi-Wan likely would have been convicted of wrongdoing, if Qui-Gon hadn't shown up at the last second with some never-before-seen security footage. Qui-Gon, in particular, is crazy. He told Obi-Wan he was busy and might or might not make it to the trial. He might or might not make it to the trial where an experienced prosecutor would be cross-examining his padawan for attempted murder in front of the Senate.
What a mad lad. He's nuts, and it makes me a little angry on Obi-Wan's behalf.
The other thing we learned from this is that, apparently, the Jedi Temple doesn't have security monitors. You're telling me this entire drama went down with Xanatos and Bruck, and there's NO video evidence from any Temple security system????
The other half of the book is a parallel adventure following Obi-Wan and twelve-year-old Anakin. There's a little Garen content in the first half, but the second half is where we get the real primo stuff. Garen is almost as cool as Ferus Olin, though nobody really can match him. I could see Garen and Anakin having a really neat relationship.
As always, Anakin shines. He and Obi-Wan have such a great dynamic, and it's so interesting to me to see the Jedi way of treating young padawans. Anakin is twelve, and Obi-Wan is clearly protective, but he treats Anakin almost like an equal, theorizing and running plans by him, and allowing him to fight a dogfight on his own while Obi-Wan was occupied elsewhere. There's such a tension between the clear care in how he treats Anakin and the belief that "no Jedi is ever truly a child."
I debated whether or not to read this, since it's not part of the "core" JA series, but boy am I glad I did. This is the most important content I've stumbled across since No Prisoners.
First of all, the Senate conducted an inquiry into Bruck Chun's death at the request of his family members, and brought Obi-Wan to testify. I repeat, they brought fourteen-year-old Obi-Wan and twelve-year-old Bant in front of a Senate committee to testify. If Obi-Wan had been found guilty, he could have been tried in criminal court. I guess this is what happens when you turn over children to a pseudo-governmental organization and give fourteen-year-olds deadly weapons and even deadlier responsibility... but wow.
This entire process was horrible. The Jedi are terribly naive, Qui-Gon saying that the Jedi chose not to use a legal representative because truth was on their side. Obi-Wan likely would have been convicted of wrongdoing, if Qui-Gon hadn't shown up at the last second with some never-before-seen security footage. Qui-Gon, in particular, is crazy. He told Obi-Wan he was busy and might or might not make it to the trial. He might or might not make it to the trial where an experienced prosecutor would be cross-examining his padawan for attempted murder in front of the Senate.
What a mad lad. He's nuts, and it makes me a little angry on Obi-Wan's behalf.
The other thing we learned from this is that, apparently, the Jedi Temple doesn't have security monitors. You're telling me this entire drama went down with Xanatos and Bruck, and there's NO video evidence from any Temple security system????
The other half of the book is a parallel adventure following Obi-Wan and twelve-year-old Anakin. There's a little Garen content in the first half, but the second half is where we get the real primo stuff. Garen is almost as cool as Ferus Olin, though nobody really can match him. I could see Garen and Anakin having a really neat relationship.
As always, Anakin shines. He and Obi-Wan have such a great dynamic, and it's so interesting to me to see the Jedi way of treating young padawans. Anakin is twelve, and Obi-Wan is clearly protective, but he treats Anakin almost like an equal, theorizing and running plans by him, and allowing him to fight a dogfight on his own while Obi-Wan was occupied elsewhere. There's such a tension between the clear care in how he treats Anakin and the belief that "no Jedi is ever truly a child."
July 17, 2015
So that...happened. There is nothing particularly objectionable about the book, it is just bad. The first half was the standard "Obi-Wan is in serious trouble and yet Qui-Gon goes off to do his own thing anyway BUT IT ALL WRAPS UP NICELY YAY MIDDLE GRADE EU (but Obi-Wan still has angst)" but the time skip was awkward and Watson has zero control over Anakin's voice and actually LOSES control over Obi-Wan's. Anakin is all over the place and there is very little that makes Anakin the kid from the movies besides some heavy-handed references to slavery and feeling ~alone at the Jedi temple. Obi-Wan is like some kid trying to be a grown up, which, okay, fair, he totally is, but we lose the charm he gains that the series built up to. I know this book is meant to be a bridge to the Jedi Quest series but Watson does not do a very good job of selling the authenticity of Anakin and giving us any reason to care about adult Obi-Wan.
Can't believe I spent 45 minutes on this review. Bye.
Can't believe I spent 45 minutes on this review. Bye.
October 4, 2015
Vox Chun investigates his son's death with his other son, Kad, and a family friend Sano Sauro. Meanwhile, the Jedi starship program run by Clee Rhara is being sabotaged.
Obi-Wan is cleared of charges against him, yet Kad Chun blames him for Bruck's death.
Twelve years later, Kad leads a group of Telosians living on a self-sustaining ship, to leave corruption behind. Except they have to stop for fuel. Obi-Wan and Anakin investigate worries from other family members. Vox, Andra, and Den are all on the ship.
And Vox hasn't changed.
It was a great bridge between J.A. and Obi-Wan/Anakin's story.
Obi-Wan is cleared of charges against him, yet Kad Chun blames him for Bruck's death.
Twelve years later, Kad leads a group of Telosians living on a self-sustaining ship, to leave corruption behind. Except they have to stop for fuel. Obi-Wan and Anakin investigate worries from other family members. Vox, Andra, and Den are all on the ship.
And Vox hasn't changed.
It was a great bridge between J.A. and Obi-Wan/Anakin's story.
May 20, 2015
I read this book fifteen years ago. It was an amazing book, one that I could not put down. It starts following Obi-One before he was a Jedi apprentice. He has to convince Qui-Gon of taking him to be an apprentice.
This book has amazing character development and a fast story line that has danger at every turn. The ending was wonderful casting a glance on Obi-One's skills as a Jedi.
This book is a definite must read and a wonderful lead-in for the series.
This book has amazing character development and a fast story line that has danger at every turn. The ending was wonderful casting a glance on Obi-One's skills as a Jedi.
This book is a definite must read and a wonderful lead-in for the series.
February 7, 2023
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan and Anakin. Two masters. Two apprentices. One mystery.
‘Special Edition: Deceptions’ takes place in the Star Wars timeline right after Jedi Apprentice Book 10, ‘The Shattered Peace’, but was published after the Jedi Apprentice series was complete and before the Jedi Quest series began. Due to this, this first Special Edition is like a peek into what the Jedi Quest series will hold for Anakin’s apprenticeship.
This book was excellent; it was almost like reading two books seamlessly woven together. Oftentimes I had to remember the events that Obi-Wan was recalling from 12 years ago were in the same book, and that is not a bad thing. Both sections of this book had enough story that they could have been stand-alones.
The first half harkens back to an event that has never really left Obi-Wan’s mind or soul. Qui-Gon is there to support Obi-Wan but also to stand back a little; to have his Padawan confront his past so he can move on.
In the second half, we get to see characters we met in earlier books and how their lives have turned out. It also has some great foreshadowing of events to come in the galaxy, which is always interesting to see what characters make of it when they don’t know that anything is amiss.
This first look into Anakin’s apprenticeship was really well done. We get to see how Obi-Wan has taken Qui-Gon’s lessons and tries to use them in teaching Anakin. There is also the tense beginnings of their Master-Padawan relationship. Obi-Wan isn’t quite certain on how to be a good Master, he went from Padawan to immediate Master after all, while Anakin isn’t certain whether Obi-Wan truly cares about him or just took him out of an obligation to Qui-Gon. The contrast between the two relationships was wonderfully done.
This book did its job. The author, Jude Watson, really understands the characters of Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin. I both crave more Jedi Apprentice for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s bond, but also am looking forward to reading about Obi-Wan and Anakin’s relationship growing. I absolutely recommend this book!
‘Special Edition: Deceptions’ takes place in the Star Wars timeline right after Jedi Apprentice Book 10, ‘The Shattered Peace’, but was published after the Jedi Apprentice series was complete and before the Jedi Quest series began. Due to this, this first Special Edition is like a peek into what the Jedi Quest series will hold for Anakin’s apprenticeship.
This book was excellent; it was almost like reading two books seamlessly woven together. Oftentimes I had to remember the events that Obi-Wan was recalling from 12 years ago were in the same book, and that is not a bad thing. Both sections of this book had enough story that they could have been stand-alones.
The first half harkens back to an event that has never really left Obi-Wan’s mind or soul. Qui-Gon is there to support Obi-Wan but also to stand back a little; to have his Padawan confront his past so he can move on.
In the second half, we get to see characters we met in earlier books and how their lives have turned out. It also has some great foreshadowing of events to come in the galaxy, which is always interesting to see what characters make of it when they don’t know that anything is amiss.
This first look into Anakin’s apprenticeship was really well done. We get to see how Obi-Wan has taken Qui-Gon’s lessons and tries to use them in teaching Anakin. There is also the tense beginnings of their Master-Padawan relationship. Obi-Wan isn’t quite certain on how to be a good Master, he went from Padawan to immediate Master after all, while Anakin isn’t certain whether Obi-Wan truly cares about him or just took him out of an obligation to Qui-Gon. The contrast between the two relationships was wonderfully done.
This book did its job. The author, Jude Watson, really understands the characters of Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin. I both crave more Jedi Apprentice for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s bond, but also am looking forward to reading about Obi-Wan and Anakin’s relationship growing. I absolutely recommend this book!
February 26, 2018
For fans of the Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan adventuring era this is one of apparently two last gasps of stories Watson had in him for the duo. The first half of the book inserts a brief adventure into the original run of 18 books, then the second half of the book picks up during the Obi-Wan/Anakin era (before Episode II) with a connection back to the story of the first half, which both connect back to one of the adventures in the original run. It was good transition story of sorts, and closes or continues a couple of psychological / situational plot danglers from the original run. It was pretty cool, setting up the Obi-Wan/Anakin Jedi Quest series, I suppose. Generalities aside, the specific story itself was not too remarkable; the first half centered on a hearing Obi-Wan had to endure surrounding the death of a fellow Jedi student. The second half picked up a plot from one of his early adventures that seemed to end well for the planet that was saved, but which now interestingly isn't all well at all. Basically abandoning planet, Obi-Wan's friends take up residence in a nearly self-sustaining ship and recruit others to abandon their planets as well to live on the ship. But of course, not all is as it seems, mua ha ha. Special bonus: Anakin isn't evil yet! But plenty of foreshadowed moments for those who already seen Episode II & III.
April 16, 2024
Star Wars Jedi Apprentice: Deceptions by Jude Watson - 19th book in the Jedi Apprentice series
Challenging, emotional, funny, hopeful,
inspiring, mysterious, reflective, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0 Stars
One more book in this series...and, honestly...I'm glad it is almost over, but that does not mean I'm glad that the series is over. This has been a great series...that really knocked my socks off. A middle grade series that brought great storylines and characters to the forefront.
Obviously, it isn't part of the Disney Canon, but it really IS a great series...and more people need to read it.
The parellels that are talked about between Obi-Wan and his master, Qui-Gon, with Anakin and his master Obi-Wan. We ALL know what happens with Anakin, but to see it play out in this book was really special.
I cannot rave more about this series. So glad I decided to read it. Bitter sweet moment approaching, when I pick up the last book.
Challenging, emotional, funny, hopeful,
inspiring, mysterious, reflective, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0 Stars
One more book in this series...and, honestly...I'm glad it is almost over, but that does not mean I'm glad that the series is over. This has been a great series...that really knocked my socks off. A middle grade series that brought great storylines and characters to the forefront.
Obviously, it isn't part of the Disney Canon, but it really IS a great series...and more people need to read it.
The parellels that are talked about between Obi-Wan and his master, Qui-Gon, with Anakin and his master Obi-Wan. We ALL know what happens with Anakin, but to see it play out in this book was really special.
I cannot rave more about this series. So glad I decided to read it. Bitter sweet moment approaching, when I pick up the last book.
July 31, 2021
A very quick adventure story. Like all the books in this series, the plot hurtles by rather enjoyably and draws you in. The language is simple is uncomplicated which belies its intended younger readership.
I love this series. I love how it delves into the Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan relationship and let’s you take a deeper look at the thought processes behind the events which drive the characters.
Whilst it was refreshing to see characters and themes reintroduced from previous books in the series, my worry is this may start to become difficult to follow if the books are read with gaps in between them.
I haven’t read the Obi-Wan and Anakin’s series yet so this section of the book fell a little flat. I will go back and read this when I get up to that point in the chronology. Hopefully this section will flow better with the rest of the series once I’ve read this.
I love this series. I love how it delves into the Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan relationship and let’s you take a deeper look at the thought processes behind the events which drive the characters.
Whilst it was refreshing to see characters and themes reintroduced from previous books in the series, my worry is this may start to become difficult to follow if the books are read with gaps in between them.
I haven’t read the Obi-Wan and Anakin’s series yet so this section of the book fell a little flat. I will go back and read this when I get up to that point in the chronology. Hopefully this section will flow better with the rest of the series once I’ve read this.
February 13, 2018
First Special Edition... I really liked this double story, having the Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan plotline carry over into the future. It also tied back into earlier in the Jedi Apprentice series. I did have an issue with the main premise of the story. I feel like there's just no way this trial would get as far as it did. Even if Obi-Wan misinterpreted Bruck's motivations and he wasn't really going to kill Bant (and that's not even the case), Obi-Wan did NOT kill him. He slipped and fell over a waterfall. So how exactly can they legally be blaming Obi-Wan in the first place? Oh well.
I think this was a great idea on the part of the publishers to make these Special Editions to bridge between Jedi Apprentice and Jedi Quest.
I think this was a great idea on the part of the publishers to make these Special Editions to bridge between Jedi Apprentice and Jedi Quest.
August 21, 2025
A deviation from the typical Jedi Apprentice plot structure makes this book one of the best of the series. Watson's characters are once again the highlight, contrasting the master-apprentice relationships of Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan and Obi-Wan/Anakin. Watson does a great job exploring Obi-Wan's character across two separate times, in which he remains consistent yet at different levels of maturity. The two-part structure makes this a pretty good bridge between book series, from Jedi Apprentice to Jedi Quest. Despite that, I would actually recommend reading it right after either the Captive Temple (book 7) or maybe the Day of Reckoning (book 8), since the first part of the book focuses on the direct after-effects of events from that plot arc.
January 11, 2018
As an apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi is blamed for the death of another Jedi student. With the help of his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan must fight to clear his name. But even if he is found not guilty, he has gained an enemy for life--the dead boy's vindictive father.
Twelve years later, Obi-Wan is a Jedi Knight, with his own young apprentice, Anakin Skywalker. Anakin doesn't know about the secrets Obi-Wan is hiding. But as the past comes back to attack them, Obi-Wan and Anakin must fight deception with truth--and face off against enemies both new and old.
Twelve years later, Obi-Wan is a Jedi Knight, with his own young apprentice, Anakin Skywalker. Anakin doesn't know about the secrets Obi-Wan is hiding. But as the past comes back to attack them, Obi-Wan and Anakin must fight deception with truth--and face off against enemies both new and old.
January 10, 2018
This is another split story, with half taking place with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, and the second half of the story taking place with Obi-Wan and Anakin.
After Brock's accidental death (Book #7 The Captive Temple), Brock's family bring about a senate inquiry to see if Obi-Wan can be charged for his death. During the trial we meet Brock's younger brother who holds a vendetta against Obi-Wan.
In the second tale we find the Jedi have to investigate a cult lead by a mysterious leader "Uni", who turns out to be Brock's younger brother...
A good read!
After Brock's accidental death (Book #7 The Captive Temple), Brock's family bring about a senate inquiry to see if Obi-Wan can be charged for his death. During the trial we meet Brock's younger brother who holds a vendetta against Obi-Wan.
In the second tale we find the Jedi have to investigate a cult lead by a mysterious leader "Uni", who turns out to be Brock's younger brother...
A good read!
June 29, 2018
Mostly this is a series about The Sad and Tragic Life of Obi-Wan Kenobi, but this installment had some great characterization for Anakin. Generally I find him trifling and whiny, but there was some good writing in here that helped explain some of that. It’s a lot harder to write Anakin off when you’re reading through his thoughts and feelings. He’s still Star War’s mad evil dictator, but he was once just a kid who wanted to be loved by people who didn’t get him. If emo music existed in the galaxy, perhaps he wouldn’t have turned into a mad evil dictator.
May 22, 2017
Much like the other Special Edition of the Jedi Apprentice series, this is a tie novel this separated into two parts, the first half with Qui Son Jinn as Obi Wan's Master and the second half takes place some years later with Obi Wan as Anakin's Master. Pretty generic writing as one would expect from Watson at this point. Some interesting parts concerning Anakins development but other that that, pretty lackluster.
October 6, 2019
Książka podzielona jest na dwie części. W pierwszej młody Kenobi musi zmierzyć się z uczuciem winy po śmierci swojego rywala w Świątyni. Druga część to pewna kontynuacja po kilkunastu latach, kiedy to Qui-Gon już nie żyje a Obi-Wan ma Anakina jako swojego padawana. Ciekawie jest pokazane jak pewne wydarzenia z przeszłości Qui-Gona wpływają na życie zarówno Kenobiego jak i Anakina, który jest tu już padawanem Obi-Wana.
March 21, 2020
Bruck’s dad makes me so mad. Obi-Wan already felt guilty about Bruck’s death and you want to prosecute him for it? It’s a good story, typical Jude Watson multi-generational story, though this one does tie in more directly with Jedi Apprentice than the ones that are not considered JA special editions. I always like seeing more Obi-Wan, and I liked seeing a glimpse of his and Anakin’s early relationship.
September 29, 2025
A quick read. Without getting into spoiler territory... I liked that it was a story about Qui Gon and Obi Wan as his apprentice and also about Obi Wan and Anakin as his apprentice 12 years later.
Some of the foreshadowing Jude does is really clever. The kind of stuff you can only do when writing about a past where the future has already happened. I'll say no more.
Reading hours: 2.69
Some of the foreshadowing Jude does is really clever. The kind of stuff you can only do when writing about a past where the future has already happened. I'll say no more.
Reading hours: 2.69
October 28, 2018
Nice book, where we can compare the relationship between 2 jedi-Padawan teams. I will always will prefer Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan over Obi-Wan and Anakin. Maybe because I am not a fan of Anakin, I never was and I will never be.
I enjoyed how an old wound in Obi Wan's heart is finally closed, and his struggle to try to be a good master to Anakin.
I enjoyed how an old wound in Obi Wan's heart is finally closed, and his struggle to try to be a good master to Anakin.
December 31, 2023
A really strong Jedi Apprentice book. I really liked seeing Andra & Den return & learning about Anakin as a 12 year old boy who’s tying to find his place among his peers, in the Order, & with Kenobi as his Padawan.
The foreshadowing of Anakin’s fall & redemption as well as Luke’s forgiveness in this book was great as well. So good.
The foreshadowing of Anakin’s fall & redemption as well as Luke’s forgiveness in this book was great as well. So good.
April 5, 2025
A more emotional and considered book, with less action than some of the preceding ones, but totally worth it.
Each of the books in this series is akin to a chapter or two in a far larger tome. Given that, I expect the levels of action, character development, and overarching plot revelation to vary. And they do to great effect.
Each of the books in this series is akin to a chapter or two in a far larger tome. Given that, I expect the levels of action, character development, and overarching plot revelation to vary. And they do to great effect.
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