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Star Wars Legends: Novels

The Dangerous Games

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Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.
Master and apprentice.
Chosen by fate. Destined for conflict.


When Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are sent to the Galactic Games, they are meant to be keepers of the peace. Then they discover an illegal event that Anakin knows all too well: Podracing. Even though Obi-Wan forbids it, Anakin cannot resist the thrill of the race—and the chance to face off against his childhood rival, the loathsome Sebulba.

As a Jedi, Anakin is supposed to let go of his past. But his past will not let go of him.

176 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

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Jude Watson

154 books612 followers

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5 stars
476 (31%)
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433 (28%)
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113 (7%)
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17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Jim C.
1,793 reviews37 followers
March 4, 2020
This is part of a series but this can be read as a stand alone. The Olympics come to the Star Wars universe and Obi-Wan and Anakin are sent to oversee them. Obi-Wan stumbles onto a plot of gambling that has bigger implications while Anakin enters a podrace.

I am enjoying this series and I did like this book. I did think this book was the weakest offering so far. Even though this series is meant to explore the relationship between Jedi master and padawan I believe the highlight is exploring Anakin and how he is not the typical padawan. Don't get me wrong. It does a commendable job with the relationship. We see Obi-Wan as the thoughtful and stoic master. We see that he does care for Anakin while being a teacher. But these books are excelling at Anakin and foreshadowing why he doesn't adhere to the Jedi ways. I don't agree with the Jedi taking very young children away from their parents but these books are putting up a strong argument for why it is a good thing. As for the mission it is nothing spectacular and could have used more fleshing out.

Let's face it. We are not reading these books for the individual missions. They are a way to explore the relationship between these two integral characters while also getting a look into these characters separately. This book adds to it and this series is doing an excellent job of that.
Profile Image for Shadowdenizen.
829 reviews45 followers
February 24, 2016
I didn't dislike this book.

But, for me it was certainly the weakest entry in the "Jedi Quest" series thus far. (Podracing just isn't my thing in the SW universe, I guess?)

Still inherently readable, and a few cool moments, but otherwise, not much to speak of here. On to the next volume!
Profile Image for Cress.
209 reviews
May 9, 2025
Olympics in space, what more could you want?
Profile Image for Dimitris Papastergiou.
2,536 reviews86 followers
January 6, 2024
Set in 27BBY

I liked it. A mission with Obi-Wan and young Anakin Skywalker, going to patrol some Galactic Games and be alert of any trouble over there. Of course they get into trouble and of course Anakin sees the pod racing event and wants to participate even though Obi-Wan doesn't want him to.

An ok plot with a fine story and a well written dialogue between master and apprentice getting into trouble. And we also get a guest appearance from Sebulba. That was fun add-on. Other than that, don't expect this to be anything serious or a must-read for the long run of Skywalker's saga.

"Wisdom comes with time and mistakes." - Obi-Wan Kenobi
Profile Image for vicky..
431 reviews201 followers
April 17, 2020
i like the fact that apart from the usual angst (anakin being angry and afraid and insecure, and obi-wan worried about anakin and anxious in general and remembering qui-gon), this book had a mystery going on. it made the book feel longer and complex, which i appreciated.
Profile Image for Morgan.
Author 15 books100 followers
January 20, 2016
The Star Wars version of the Olympics, podracing, illegal gambling, corrupt politicians, quite an interesting book. I'd forgotten Didi, Astri, and Bog were in this one. I don't know how, they're rather central to the plot. I guess I just focused more on their part in Last of the Jedi. As always, I don't agree with everything in Star Wars, but there was a lot of good in the things Anakin learned in not letting past grievances cloud his judgement. He didn't exactly make the right decisions, but the point is to learn from mistakes. I have to mention how I love Obi-Wan's total ignorance about famous athlete Maxo Vista. That would totally be me. And I'm finding that I agree with Ferus's skepticism towards Anakin. Of course, I know what happens to him later...
Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,151 reviews114 followers
February 8, 2021
Yep, I really enjoyed this one. Obi-wan is starting to get better at teaching Anakin. Anakin still idolizes a fantasy version of Qui-gon, and he still is only telling half truths to Obi-wan. I buy that these two care for and have some respect for each other, but still have a long way to go as far as having clear and honest communication with each other. Astri has terrible taste in men. Sweetheart, you deserve better. I don't know why Obi-wan puts up with Didi. Anakin, I get how frustrated you are by that ending. I am to. Welcome to politics where double standards , blackmail, and rules for thee but none for me abounds.
Profile Image for Kieran McAndrew.
3,094 reviews20 followers
June 23, 2020
Sent to patrol the Galactic Games, Anakin Skywalker finds an illegal pod race is one of the side events. In an attempt to free a slave, Anakin finds himself pitted against Sebulba, his childhood nemesis.

A Padawan Learner's journey, this next chapter in the 'Jedi Quest' series is well written and well focused on its audience.
Profile Image for bettyfer.
40 reviews2 followers
January 28, 2026
The Jedi Quest series rapidly becoming such a comfort read to me was NOT on my bingo card for 2026, let me tell you. But I can safely say that I enjoy these silly books so much that even Obi-Wan getting "irritated" or speaking "sternly" / "severely" is seriously amusing to me. I love seeing him exasperated! He can do no wrong, truly the Jedi of all time.

This might be a sign of the times and/or of the prevalence of brainrot, but sometimes the little nuggets of wisdom that the author includes in the text can be such a pleasant palate cleanser. Like when Obi-Wan gently chides Anakin, the 14-year-old driver, for cursing in traffic.

"I know, I know," Anakin said. "Feel my anger, and let it go. But do I have to be a Jedi all the time, even in space traffic?" He flashed a grin at his Master. He knew the answer.
"You are a Jedi every moment," Obi-Wan said. "Even when another cruiser is sneaking in to your right." [...] "If you allowed someone to cut in line, we would lose five minutes' time. Would that be so bad?"
His Master could always find an opportunity for a lesson, even while waiting to land in a crowded space-lane. "I guess not," Anakin said. "We're not in a hurry. But it's not right for them to try to sneak ahead of others."
"No," Obi-Wan said. "But that is the other pilot's choice. By trying to prevent him, you are feeding your own anger and impatience. Perhaps that is worse."
Anakin saw his Master's point. That was the trouble. Obi-Wan always made sense. The only problem was that Obi-Wan didn't understand how good it felt when Anakin had zoomed ahead, preventing the cruiser from cutting in.


He's right, though!!!! (I also love how the task of driving / flying is relegated to Padawans, preferably minors, while their Masters lay back as passenger princesses and cannot wait to offer unwanted and unasked for criticism when the child inevitably gets annoyed or makes a mistake. 😅 What a concept! No true Jedi is about to let something as pesky as the law stand in the way of their teaching methods!)

As far as the actual story is concerned, Anakin (14) & Obi-Wan (30) travel to the planet Euceron, capital city Eusebus, for the space version of the Olympics (The Galactic Games).

The novel ends a little too abruptly on that note, with the message that our Master-Padawan pair both still have much to learn about communing with the Living Force and reading other people's intentions correctly. The side-characters of Siri, Ferus, Ry-Gauld and Tru take a backseat and only make the most marginal of appearances. Ferus continues to be as snooty as ever.

As always, Anakin has a soft spot for the issue of slavery and his determination to right however many wrongs he can helps him construct quite the argument to counteract Obi-Wan.

"And is that your mission on Euceron, to free Djulla?" Obi-Wan asked sternly.
"No," Anakin said. "But was it Qui-Gon's mission to free me? Must we follow a mission so exactly that we turn our backs on beings who need help? Every mission has a detour. You've told me that."
"I've also told you that it is the mark of a Jedi to recognize whether or not to follow the detour," Obi-Wan reminded him.
"Then I ask you to let me make this choice," Anakin replied.
His Padawan's voice was firm. There was no pleading, no uncertainty. He wanted what he wanted. Was that the right thing in this circumstance?


Yes, it was the right thing, but, characteristically for Anakin, there is also that streak of selfishness that informs his actions. He wants to win the race for his personal vanity and he wants revenge against Sebulba. Finally, a valid point of criticism against our future Dark Lord! Desires such as these are not inherently evil, of course (and Sebulba deserves misfortune for his reprehensible behaviour), but Anakin's issues with controlling his rage do need to be dealt with. "The red mist he had come to recognize as rage filled his vision, driving out the memory of the clarity of the Force. He could see nothing but his rage against Sebulba, at anyone who would risk so many lives just to win" — fair, but also —

Anakin took a step toward him but again his Master stopped him.
"He is my enemy," Anakin said.
"You are a Jedi," Obi-Wan told him. His voice was low and pitched only for Anakin. "You are a Jedi," he repeated.
The mist in Anakin's head cleared. He took a breath and looked around.


[Daily affirmations: The Jedi keep no enemies. 🙏]

Jedi Quest adventures so far have been generally low-stakes, but this one is even more so, not just because we already know our characters have plot armour, but they also never really feel in much danger here at all. It did not bother me, as this mission was funny and entertaining enough overall and even provided the odd endearing moment. There wasn't that much extra characterisation here, apart from maybe expanding slightly on a few ideas from past books: Anakin is still (rightly!) peeved at Ferus for being an annoying know-it-all & bootlicker, Obi-Wan still worries over Anakin, Anakin still has anxiety that Obi-Wan doesn't trust him fully and doesn't feel comfortable in sharing all that is troubling him as he fears judgment and rejection.

One of the few new additions is sketching Anakin's differing perception of his Master vs how he actually is: Anakin is perplexed by Obi-Wan's seemingly detached attitude towards everyone they meet, largely treating them as tools and stepping stones towards a larger objective. I suppose it's impossible to go through a Jude Watson book without some Qui-Gon glazing, but it does ultimately work within the theme of idealisation. It's easy for both of them to dead-wife Qui-Gon and put him on a pedestal, because he's gone and cannot disappoint anyone anymore.

It wasn't that Obi-Wan lacked compassion, Anakin mused. It was just that there was a little more distance between him and other living beings.
Qui-Gon had not been able to pass along his connection to the Living Force to his Padawan, Anakin felt.
Anakin treasured his Master. But sometimes he wondered what it would have been like to have Qui-Gon as a Master instead. Would Qui-Gon have shared his feelings more easily? Anakin had felt a connection to Qui-Gon from the start. It had taken more time with Obi-Wan. It was still taking time.


However, here we frequently get to see Obi-Wan frustrated, groaning, feeling genuine affection for his friends, getting emotionally manipulated into assisting charlatans like Didi or even verbally insulting said Didi (Anakin would be shocked to discover that he CAN, in fact, emit an opinion and isn't just a fence-sitter). He gets offended when faced with disregard towards sentient life and even impresses upon Anakin the need to reflect upon lost life, even in the case of strangers. On the other hand, Obi-Wan is just a tad too mean thinking that Anakin's interest in podracing is "childish" and trying to dissuade him as much as possible whenever he feels that surge of excitement through their bond. I get that podracing is dangerous in-universe, but people are allowed to have hobbies, you know! Bafflingly, Obi-Wan manifests the same attitude towards Anakin's interest in tinkering with droids, which is actually a useful past-time, and could always prove valuable during a mission. (Wouldn't the Jedi find it advantageous to acquire mechanical / engineering skills? Either Obi-Wan is just being snobbish or the author didn't consider the impracticality of this view.)

As a random side-note, I find it kind of goofy how the SW jargon involves calling everyone "beings", instead of just "people" ("the many beings jostled and pushed their way to their destinations"). Aliens and non-humanoids cannot be just "people", they have to be "beings". 😂 Funnily enough, I also heard it in Andor (when French Leia's dad asks Syril "what kind of a being are you?"), so it must be a thing.

I also have to hand it to Didi for being the comedic relief of the book. His fawning over Obi-wan is both hilarious and on point:

"I just wanted to say," Didi began, smoothing his tunic with plump fingers, "how my entire being is convulsed with joy to see your handsome and noble face once again — "
"You want a favor," Obi-Wan said flatly. He was fond of Didi, but he did not for one second think that Didi would hesitate to take advantage of their friendship.


"Do you really think," Obi-Wan said, exasperated, "that I have time to help you make up a bad deal?"
"Of course not, you are so busy being strong and good," Didi said.
14 reviews1 follower
Read
May 5, 2014
Though a Jedi supposedly does not care for adventure and excitement, you simply can't keep young Anakin Skywalker away from Podracing. When Obi-Wan Kenobi and his gifted Padawan are dispatched to the Galactic Games on a peacekeeping mission, an illegal Podracing competition catches Anakin's eager eye. As a Jedi Padawan, Anakin is supposed to abandon his past life in service to the Force, but his racing days and old rivalries return at high speed. Anakin squares off against Hekula, son of Sebulba, who has inherited his father's worst traits.
I would recomend this book to all of my friends and all people that love star wars. I would give this book five stars because I love the pod racing and the action also star wars in general.
Profile Image for Zuzana.
1,039 reviews
February 7, 2021
I didn't like podracing in the movie and I didn't like it in this book. It's just boring and pointless.

Re-read in 2021: Set during the Galactic games. We meet Didi, Astri and her new husband Bog. Didi is involved in some shady business as usual and Obi-Wan while trying to help him uncovers a conspiracy. Anakin can't resist the temptation to participate in an illegal podrace. Slightly better upon re-read: 2.5 stars.
Profile Image for Angela.
2,596 reviews72 followers
January 13, 2013
Suitable for children aged 8+ and those who have seen the films.
Obi wan and Anakin are sent to guard the galaxy version of the Olympic Games. There's corruption a foot, and an illegal Podrace. Anakin meets up with some old podracing rivals and there is a really good action sequence. This is a fast paced story, and has that unputdownable quality. A very good read.
Profile Image for Lisa.
641 reviews12 followers
November 1, 2017
I know this is a children’s book but it’s kind of a train wreck from the start. Watson’s previous young readers books have mostly been pretty good but this one has almost no redeeming qualities. The plot of fixing the galactic games is too complicated. Coincidences are just too convenient. It’s just not good.
Profile Image for TheGeeksAttic.
248 reviews35 followers
May 18, 2023
As I opened the third book in the young reader series, I kept my expectations low. I don't want to be to hyped up about these younger books just to have the rug yanked out from under me. I'm pleased to say, the rug remained under my feet... and I'm pleased with this book!

A Podracer reunion, I love it! Jude Watson does it again, bringing in familiar characters and treating them respectfully. She also creates new characters, and does a fine job of fleshing them out well. The relationship between Anakin and Kenobi is still in development; I like how we get little lessons sprinkled throughout these books.

I was just as excited to read about the podracing plot as Anakin was upon discovering the underground race on Euceron. The reunion of characters that I didn't know I needed. Anakin learns a harsh lesson about perception and corrupt instincts. He acts on anger and is quick to judgment.

I really liked this story, but I must say, the ending feels so abrupt. The story really needed a few more chapters to provide proper closure. There are a lot of characters that I thought needed more time as well as other story points that were left open.

Despite those flaws, I'm still impressed with Jude Watson's ability to make a child's book feel so adult. It reads like a true novel, providing great detail for both character and setting. This book isn't just a straight forward childish plot, but has some interesting twists surprises.

So do I recommend the third Jedi Quest book? Yes!

RATING
I give Jedi Quest: The Dangerous Games, an A-.
Profile Image for Jordan Anderson.
1,755 reviews46 followers
April 2, 2019
So far, while the Jedi Quest novels haven’t brought anything life changing to the franchise, they’ve been fun and at least mildly entertaining...as well as short and easy to read in one sitting.

The Dangerous Games, the 3rd book in the series, follows much the same path, though, this one finally crosses into the 4 star territory for its more complete storyline and a plot that’s been the most action packed yet.

I was actually a huge fan of the pod race in The Phantom Menace and believe it was one of the many aspects of the prequels that was totally underutilized. So imagine my joy when Jude Watson brought it back in this book. I admit it could have been more than just a quick chapter to mark the Dénouement of the story, but still, aside from a throw away reference in one of the Star Wars comics, and an old school N64 game, fans haven’t had much else in terms of the pod race.

And speaking of things that aren’t appreciated, let’s just give Jude Watson a big round of applause. Even if the Jedi Quest books aren’t as cohesive as her later Last of the Jedi series, all of her YA Star Wars books have managed to tell damn good stories...most of which far exceed anything published in the adult “legends” line...or the new craptastic canon.
Profile Image for Saimi Korhonen.
1,348 reviews56 followers
September 8, 2019
The Dangerous Games was enjoyable, but so far my least favorite book of this series.

This story follows Anakin and Obi-Wan (and Ferus, Tru, Siri and Ry-Gaul) as they are sent to keep the peace at the Galactic Games (the space equivalent of the Olympic Games) and they end up uncovering a sinister plot. Anakin also finds out that there will be some illegal pod racing happening on the side, which brings back a lot of memories for him as well as putting him back in the same room with an old enemy.

The story was alright, but it was the least exciting so far. I wished we'd gotten more with Siri and Ferus and Tru, but sadly they were very much supporting minor characters in this book. I like Anakin and Obi-Wan a lot, but since I know them already so well, I find myself hoping that whenever Siri, Ferus and Tru are present we'd get to see more from them and learn more about them.

I did enjoy Anakin's arc in this book. It is very much about him and his relationship with the living Force and about his tendency to let his emotions cloud his judgement. I also enjoyed seeing him confront .
Profile Image for Genevieve Grace.
979 reviews119 followers
January 30, 2020
Anakin and Obi-Wan are sent to keep peace at the controversial Space Olympics. Shenanigans ensue.

We have the whole squad on this one, but almost everyone else takes a back seat. Siri, Tru Veld, and the gang only show up at the beginning and the end. Highlights:
• Anakin decides that, obviously, the best way to help the mission is for him to participate in an underground podrace. Personally, I LOVE to see that kid in a podracer and I would let him race as much as he wants. RIP to Obi-Wan, but I'm different.

• No offense to Qui-Gon's memory, but I hate Didi so much. He might not be pure evil, but he is the worst and I wash my hands of him.

• I have a pretty bad feeling about Bog. I feel like he's going to come up later in a not-good way.

Obi-Wan to Siri: You watch the bowcaster contest, while I patrol the holographic obstacle course event.

Me, vibrating in my seat: I've seen Deception Arc. I know how this ends.

Obi-Wan: *gets trapped into running the obstacle course and wins a Space Olympic medal*

Me: YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Profile Image for rebecca.
145 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2024
5✰
"And is that your mission on Euceron, to free Djulla?" Obi-Wan asked sternly.

"No," Anakin said. "But was it Qui-Gon's mission to free me? Must we follow a mission so exactly that we turn our backs on beings who need help? Every mission has a detour. You've told me that."


ANOTHER BANGER. I enjoyed this one so much. Like it was fun and nicely paced. An actual winner.

Bringing back Sebulba was CRAZYYY! Also lowk got peeved at Obi-Wan for lightly pushing off Anakin’s anger with Sebulba. Like Sebulba was awful to Anakin and repeatedly called him a “slave boy” in this book. Let the kid be a Jedi Padawan and angry at Sebulba.

I guess we’re also just gonna leave the whole Doby and Deland thing? Ok.

Also, I fw any media that has Anakin speaking Huttese. Like dude lived on Tatooine for nine years. He can definitely speak it. I don’t care if this is Legends; it’s canon to me. Bro has Basic, Huttese, and Binary under his belt. He should flex that.

Still waiting for Anakin and Ferus to just flat out brawl. Let em fist fight. I wanna see it.

Regardless, easy five stars. It was very enjoyable. I’m loving these books bro.
Profile Image for Tinita125.
297 reviews
June 28, 2021
Bueno bueno, hello there!
La verdad, estoy sorprendida! No le tenía mucha fe a este libro y me gustó mucho! La saga de Jedi Quest me parecía medio floja, pero siento que de a poco, va tomando fuerza!
Amo la relación de Anakin y Obi-Wan dios, siento que Obi se super preocupa por Ani y trata de hacer lo mejor posible para enseñarle a su padawan. Me gustó que conectaran con cosas de la primera película, que Anakin pensaba que Sebulba era el malo (yo también lo pensé) y resultó que se equivocó y que encima la gente que ayudó eran los que lo estaban usando.
Me gusta mucho también que Obi hable solo con Qui-Gon, se nota mucho que Obi-Wan lo extraña demasiado y piensa mucho en su maestro. Me encanta aajjajaajajja
La verdad estoy con ganas de terminar toda la saga y leer la anterior, y la siguiente. A meterle pila a Jude Watson, pero de verdad, me sorprendió muchísimo este libro!!
Profile Image for Graff Fuller.
2,101 reviews32 followers
July 21, 2024
The Dangerous Games by Jude Watson
adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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
4.0

All, the red mist. Interesting.

This is a story of believing what you see and think...as IF that was/is the truth. It doesn't always work that way.

We are led astray, when prove our own beliefs, and are nearly "dead wrong".

Sabulba and his son...are bad characters, but Ani's blind rage against them, almost BLINDED him from the true villain of the story.

Very well done, for sure.

It is also great to see Obi-Wan Kenobi growing, and learning from this mistake, too.

Really had a lot of fun with this book/story.
Profile Image for Ursula Johnson.
2,053 reviews19 followers
October 5, 2017
A Podracing Challenge for Anakin Revisited

This is another great entry in the Jedi Quest series. Jude Watson has crafted another exciting story filled with thrills, action and lessons to be learned. Both master and padawan learn that all is not what they assumed as three Jedi teams are called to aid security at a galactic games tournament. Anakin meets foes from his past and must confront his fears and anger. Author Jude Watson is gifted at telling a compelling story in addition to giving us insight into the developing relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan. A very action packed story that has a realistic ending, not necessarily a happy one.
Profile Image for Julie.
3,552 reviews51 followers
September 26, 2017
1. I dove into this series not really realizing I should have read the Jedi Apprentice series first (about Obi-Wan's Padawan years).

2. I enjoy this series. The author spends a lot of time telling us how both Anakin and Obi-Wan are feeling about things, so you can really understand how their relationship is growing (or not) and you can already SEE how Anakin's preconceived notions interfere with his ability to fully submit to Jedi principles. But Obi-Wan often doesn't help things by clamming up.
Profile Image for Veronica.
474 reviews46 followers
January 12, 2020
Another great addition to this series and world! I have to say, I really don't like Ferus Olin, he judges Anakin pretty harshly instead of trying to help him learn to be a better Jedi. I get that he is a padawan too, but I feel like his being so good at the Jedi skills is allowing his Master to overlook his shortcomings.
Profile Image for Hazel.
Author 1 book10 followers
August 26, 2021
Our new villain sits this one out, or at least we do not see their hand in this directly.

A return to podracing, as well as Star Warsified Olympics.

I'm really enjoying the style of these Jedi Quest books. I'm not sure it seems more refined, more solid than the Jedi Apprentice books. I'm enjoying the stories quite a bit.
Profile Image for Alyce Caswell.
Author 18 books22 followers
June 12, 2023
It says a lot about Watson's skill that she took the cringeworthy concept of Anakin meeting Sebulba again, before a Podracing event of all things, and managed to make it work. Didi and Astri also reappeared, which made this Jedi Apprentice fan very happy. I like the darker edge of this series - the endings consistently straddle the line between satisfactory and disheartening.
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