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When the Jedi are called in to help pacify a chaotic planet, it should be a routine mission. But behind the chaos is an evil in hiding. The routine mission goes horribly wrong and, in a moment that will be shocking to fans, a longtime member of the Jedi High Council is killed... and Anakin feels responsible. It takes the combined power of Yoda, Anakin, and Obi-Wan to fight this battle.

126 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

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Jude Watson

151 books609 followers

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5 stars
464 (34%)
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422 (31%)
3 stars
337 (25%)
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97 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Jim C.
1,779 reviews35 followers
April 14, 2020
This is part of a series and I recommend reading this series in order. In this one, Anakin and Obi-Wan are having trouble communicating because of the events of the last book. Anakin has a vision and soon they are on their way to a planet that is being controlled by crimelords.

As a whole this series has been enjoyable. Unfortunately I believe this to be the weakest book so far in the series. It did have some highlights and it might be the darkest book so far in the series as we have a character death that I was surprised to see. The mission itself was forgettable as it seemed like we have done this before. I did enjoy the two minor characters we meet because of this mission but even they seem like we have met someone of their ilk before. I am hoping that this book is more of a set up book as a previous character is brought back into the fold while we learn some valuable background information about this character. We might be gearing up towards the finale for this character and his story.

This isn't the best offering but there are some useful tidbits in this book. There is a character that is trying to convince Anakin that the Jedi way might not be the correct way and he has some valid points that Anakin is taking into consideration. This book has directed us onto a path that I look forward to exploring.
Profile Image for Brendan.
682 reviews
August 24, 2013
The Anakin/Obi-Wan communication failures have gotten extremely old. I know the author is trying to set up for the way things go in the movies, but it is way too heavy handed at this point.
Profile Image for rebecca.
126 reviews4 followers
September 29, 2024
4✰
“… I should have refused. I should have tried to escape.”

“When you look back, lose your place on the path, you do.” Yoda’s voice gentled. “Learn you will, Anakin, that stars move and stars fall, and nothing at all do they have to do with you.”


I picked this quote cause of the Matthew Stover quote from the ROTS novel “All stars burn out.” UGH.

Oh yeah Obi-Wan and Anakin keep ramping up communication issues. This’ll so set up the path for the happy and well-off future this entire storyline has. Repeat history, as Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon had issues, but their roles were reversed. Tbf, idc, because I’m eating it all up regardless.

Also, it’s so easy to tell that this is a Legends book because of Yaddle. Tales of the Jedi gotchu girly. I guess it’s just assumed that everyone in Yoda/Yaddle’s species speaks with that rhythm.

Last thing I’m gonna say, and it’s that the consistent betrayals are lowkey getting old. I just know to keep an eye out for any character that’s gonna blindside Anakin and Obi-Wan. Like it’s happening way too often that it isn’t a surprise anymore. Anyways, this one was good so oh well.
Profile Image for Graff Fuller.
2,053 reviews32 followers
August 22, 2024
The Shadow Trap by Jude Watson - Sixth book in the Jedi Quest series of novellas

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? It's complicated
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes

3.75 Stars

These novellas are wonderful character studies of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. Of a master and a padawan.

The growth of EACH. For Obi-Wan at this time...is still grieving the loss of his master, Qui-Gon Jinn (taken too early), but then "saddled" with the request/charge of his master...to take up the training of Anakin...for he's the Chosen One (that will bring balance to the Force).

Each of these adventures show the push/pull of their relationship, and how they are both growing and learning each other (strengths/weaknesses), to also find that balance there, too.

I had fun reading this story.t
Profile Image for Kieran McAndrew.
3,065 reviews20 followers
June 23, 2020
Anakin's Force vision spells doom one of the Jedi Council, unless he can act to save a valued mentor.

As Watson's 'Jedi Quest' develops, Watson forces Anakin Skywalker to mature and develop. As he faces the death of a teacher, we see how he holds the blame inside himself, fearing his reaction to loss.
Profile Image for vicky..
431 reviews202 followers
May 1, 2020
why is it so difficult for anakin and obi-wan to talk to each other??
anakin SMILES when he realises that obi-wan is about to rescue him. obi-wan thinks of anakin as 'HIS MOST TREASURED COMPANION'!!!!!!!!!! they love each other but lack any sort of communication skills ://
Profile Image for Sab.
118 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2022
a quick read where it feels more like the mission is set up to be a vessel for two main elements of shock value and to continue to sow the seeds of anakins mixed feelings of the jedi and (in my personal opinion, a bit ridiculous and drawn out) contention in anakin and obi wans relationship
Profile Image for Thomas.
2,087 reviews83 followers
February 2, 2017
Mawan's economy has collapsed, leading a few criminal organizations to move in and profit from the chaos that ensues. The Jedi have been sent to monitor the events and return the planet to the peace it experienced before. Before the mission, though, Anakin has a vision regarding an old, revered Jedi Master who is also going on the mission. What they don't expect is to find an old enemy also on the planet, taking advantage of the chaos on Mawan.

Like the previous books, this one focuses on Anakin and his ego. Ferus is among the Jedi sent to Mawan, so of course the rivalry between him and Anakin continues. It's a tricky relationship to balance here, since Anakin is our main character, but Ferus winds up being more sympathetic due to him not being driven by the need to be the best, to be number one, to be first in everything. Anakin is, honestly, pretty insufferable not just in this book but throughout the series. I can't fault Watson for his personality -- I think this is the point she tries to make throughout the series -- but it doesn't make for interesting reading.

In this book, Watson attempts to garner some sympathy for Anakin by giving him guilt over events that happen in the book. Obi-Wan has said before and since that Anakin's strength is his compassion, so when he sees something that believes to be his fault, it preys on him. The thing is, Jedi are supposed to feel an emotion and then shrug it off so it doesn't interfere; Anakin holds on to this guilt for much of the book, to the point where he's holding on to it just to make him more emo.

Also, Obi-Wan has several internal monologues throughout the series where he questions Anakin's emotions and stability as a Jedi, while also recognizing how powerful he is with the Force. For all his instability, Anakin clearly isn't the right material to be a Jedi, so why does Obi-Wan keep insisting that he just needs training? Obi-Wan's mission as a trainer is myopic, and is a direct threat to the Jedi Order. Book after book shows us this; why is Obi-Wan so blind to it?

The story is decent enough, and continues the overarching story that bridges the entire series by bringing Granta Omega back into the story, but it starts to show some cracks due to Anakin. Again, I can't fault Watson for this issue -- she's working with an established character, trying to show how he fell to the Dark Side -- but it's frustrating. What makes it even worse is that we already know there's not going to be any redemption for him by the end of this series. If nothing else, it will be even worse, since Watson will have to show how isolated and angry he is.
Profile Image for Saimi Korhonen.
1,328 reviews56 followers
October 5, 2019
The Shadow Trap was a really nice addition to this series and had some awesome stuff in it. This time Anakin and Obi-Wan accompany Yaddle to a planet torn apart by a brutal civil war. Gangsters and criminals have taken over the world and it is the Jedi's mission to help the world return to democracy and peace.

Anakin and Obi-Wan's relationship is distant and they have trouble connecting - because of stuff that happened at the end of the last book that drove a wedge into their relationship - and I found that quite interesting to read about. Anakin's need for his Master's apporoval and affection is explored well, as is his determination to be the best and become more powerful than he is now. I also like the character of Yaddle, so it was nice to have her in this book. She's quite cool.

A certain supporting character who has already been in a couple of books also makes a comeback (and by that I mean ) which was great fun.

Some spoiler-y thoughts: I really liked the scenes between Anakin and . I also liked the reveal that . And finally,
Profile Image for Jordan Anderson.
1,740 reviews46 followers
April 6, 2019
While I love what Jude Watson was able to do with a series based for younger readers, and while I’ve found the Jedi Quest series to be highly enjoyable and fun, I have to say that, up to this point The Shadow Trap trap has been my least favorite.

It’s not that there’s anything wrong or bad with it. Actually this has probably been the darkest book so far in the series (I mean, a Jedi Master actually dies in this one), and this is also probably the most serious when it comes to Anakin’s attitude and struggle with the dark side. It’s just that, as a whole, The Shadow Trap felt a little too repetitive.

Everything that happens in Trap has, in one way or another, already occurred in previous installments. More of the same chasing of Omega. More of the same divide that continues to grow between Anakin and Obi-wan. More missions that end up becoming near failures and more questions of Anakin’s true devotion to the light side of the force...

I don’t want you to think I’m complaining or trying to be a negative Nancy about this particular book. I still say that Watson is an amazing author who, unlike a lot of others in the collective Star Wars bunch, actually gets the subtleties and quirks of the franchise. And Jedi Quest is a fine example of YA stuff done right. All I’m saying is that Shadow Trap isn’t the best in the series that, has so far, been pretty good.
Profile Image for Lady Earth.
269 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2023
Az árnyékcsapda

Nagyszerű történet volt. Nemsokkal az előző kötet után folytatódik, és Anakin meg Obi-van közt még tombol a bizalmi válság. Egy Mawan nevű bolygóra kell menniük rendet rakni, ahol három bűnöző is magának követeli a bolygót. Anakinnak látomása támad, amit persze félreértelmez, és feltűnik a sztoriban Yaddle is akiről hellyel-közel van csak információnk. Itt végre nagyjából megtudhatjuk a történetét, és sajna az önfeláldozó halálát is végigélhetjük. Két, humoros beszólásokat szóró csatornamunkás jelenléte színesíti a történéseket, a végére pedig Yoda is befut, és olyan csatát produkálnak Obi-vanékkal, hogy leesik az állunk, de nemcsak a miénk persze. Obi-van egyre jobban csodálja Anakin képességeit, de a nagy tisztázó beszélgetésre valahogy nem tudnak az istennek se sort keríteni….Viszont a végén még Granta Omega igazi kilétét is megtudhatjuk! (Oh my gosh, Xanatos fia?!) Sok mindenre gondoltam volna, de erre nem. :0 Most már érthetők az utalások és visszacsatolások….
Szóval érdekes fordulatokban, háttérinfókban és izgalmas leleplezésekben bővelkedő sztorit olvashattunk. Várom a következőt!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ursula Johnson.
2,029 reviews20 followers
October 24, 2017
A Heartbreaking Chapter & a Major Reveal

Wow, what an explosive episode! The Jedi Quest series keeps getting better and better. Anakin deals with the repercussions of his actions in the previous episode, School of Fear. The disciplinary actions have given him great sorrow, but worse for him a division has formed between him and Obi-Wan. Anakin receives a Force vision he cannot comprehend, nor can Obi-Wan or Yoda. The pair are sent on a new special mission with Jedi Master Yaddle. The mission quickly deteriorated and before it is complete, the Jedi suffer a great loss, Anakin is captured and offered what he wants most and an elusive villain is finally revealed. I must say this is a very entertaining series, highly underrated. Jude Watson knows Star Wars and crafts a fast paced page turner. Granta Omega is the best villain you've probably never heard of, diabolical, rich and extremely knowledgeable. You'll have to read the book to learn the big secret, but it is an explosive one. On to the next edition!
Profile Image for Steven Shinder.
Author 5 books20 followers
August 8, 2023
This is another entry that really makes me wish I’d reach Jedi Apprentice beforehand. There’s a reveal, though it kinda makes me roll my eyes. Anyway, this also reveals the fate of Yaddle in Legends. (Why the heck isn’t she the one on the cover?) It’s strange reading this after having seen how the TV show Tales of the Jedi handled her. She speaks normally there but speaks like Yoda here. I just can’t imagine Legends Yaddle with Bryce Dallas Howard’s voice. What happens is tragic and deeply affects Anakin, as Obi-Wan continues to be inept in giving him the reassurance he needs, something that Yoda at least tries here.
Profile Image for Alyce Caswell.
Author 18 books20 followers
June 12, 2023
I thought this was going to be a run-of-the-mill story, but I was pleasantly surprised - although perhaps "pleasantly" is not the word I should use, since this book has quite a tragic climax. It's so impactful that I remember it all these years later. There's also a Big Reveal about the villain... which is equal parts cool and exasperating (I actually groaned out loud), even if you are a fan of the Jedi Apprentice series. Oddly enough, this last aspect of the book didn't imprint on my memories.
Profile Image for Samuel Saul Richardson.
243 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2024
This is the first time a Legends book I've read has directly contradicted the Canon timeline. They once again allude to a terrible experience in Yaddle's past without going into anymore detail, but it doesn't matter because she dies! I was shocked. She also has the same grammar as Yoda, which is different than her appearance in Tales of the Jedi.

We also finally get to know that Omega is Xanatos' child! Which would explain the recurring bad guy concept used in both this and the prior series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for John.
1,458 reviews36 followers
October 23, 2018
Not bad for what it is. Though obviously aimed at the kiddies, the story itself offers some nice additions to the STAR WARS mythos and would've worked just fine for adults, had the author chosen to go that route. Anakin is emo as ever, but I appreciate how authors like Jude Watson help flesh out his gradual caving in to the Dark Side.
Profile Image for Genevieve Grace.
976 reviews116 followers
January 31, 2020
At last... Granta Omega's identity is revealed.

This is the story of the mission to Mawan, where Jedi Master Yaddle sacrifices her life. Anakin did really well here, actually; I would have thought that Granta Omega's temptations would have got to him a lot more than they actually did. I just wish he and Obi-Wan would talk.
Profile Image for Jack.
144 reviews
January 23, 2022
A decent book that ends up falling into the same repetition of the series. A world with a civil war, Anakin feels bad, Obi Wan doesn't know what to say, a charming rogue helps the Jedi. It feels the most formulaic of the books so far and the boring setting is of no help. The only thing that saves it is the good characterization and ending reveal that sets up future stories.
Profile Image for Kat V.
1,177 reviews8 followers
April 1, 2022
This book really should be read right after book 5. I can already tell this is going to be a good book and I’m very excited that Yaddle is in it. It’s possible that I’m very sleepy but I didn’t think the plot was as easy to follow as the other books. There were so many characters and I didn’t quite keep track of all of them.
Profile Image for Lisa.
640 reviews12 followers
November 19, 2017
Granta Omega is a great Star Wars villain. His manipulation of Anakin is much more overt than Palpatine but nonetheless evil. The death of the Jedi is tragic. This is also a low point in Anakin and Obi Wan’s relationship.
Profile Image for Brad.
828 reviews
June 29, 2020
The Jedi are sent to a planet which is being ruled by crime-lords. One of whom happens to be the elusive Granta Omega. Jedi Master Yaddle (of the Yoda species) is part of the Jedi team that are sent to restore law and order.
422 reviews4 followers
February 23, 2021
Pay attention to the vision.

We can see without recognizing, hear without understanding, but once you stop trying to recognize and trying understand you might as well pour concrete over yourself. You cannot move forward unless you're willing to try.
Profile Image for Hazel.
Author 1 book10 followers
August 27, 2021
I love how much we get to see of Anakin's thoughts. His conflicts, his confusion. The misunderstanding that lies between him and Obi-Wan

Also this book has Yaddle and Yoda in it, so how can it not be enjoyed, yes?
Profile Image for Richard Denton.
48 reviews
November 7, 2024
I loved this book. Yaddle talks in the way Yoda does and what a great ending.
And much like Obi Wan, I never expected Omega to be the son of Xanatos. But it makes a lot of sense. I just hope that in his next appearance, he doesn't get away, again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
287 reviews
January 22, 2019
I love how Anakin's inner struggle takes more and more form
Profile Image for Shiloh Peacemaker.
199 reviews1 follower
February 10, 2019
Very good little book to read. I got to learn a little bit more about Yaddle. Yaddle is the same species of Yoda.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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