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Star Wars Legends: Novels
The Dangerous Games
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.
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
81 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
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.
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.
June 19, 2022
A better-than-usual Jedi Quest volume featuring an old enemy of Anakin's. Fans of the series so far should read this as soon as possible.
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!
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!
May 9, 2025
Olympics in space, what more could you want?
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
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
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.
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...
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.
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.
A Padawan Learner's journey, this next chapter in the 'Jedi Quest' series is well written and well focused on its audience.
July 5, 2024
actual rating: 3.5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
December 29, 2024
i love when anakin podraces
September 21, 2025
baby darth vader goes to space olympics. 10/10 no notes
April 13, 2022
Standard story. Was nice to see Anakin podracing again.
Read
May 5, 2014Though 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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-.
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-.
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.
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.
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 .
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 .
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:
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
September 2, 2024
5✰
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.
"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.
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!!
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 19, 2024
Much more my speed. The podrace sequence is all excellent, and the mystery in this one is much better done than in the previous books. Some excellent character writing for Anakin throughout the entire book. The first two entries take a bit to get going, but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole read of this one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews