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Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice #2
Star Wars: The Dark Rival
Qui-Gon Jinn's past is not at rest. How can he forge a bond with young Obi-Wan Kenobi while he is haunted by the betrayal of his first apprentice—Xanatos? Xanatos was also a promising student . . . until the dark side of the Force intervened. Qui-Gon thought he was gone forever.
But now Xanatos is back.
And he wants revenge.
But now Xanatos is back.
And he wants revenge.
122 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
35 people are currently reading
1953 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
September 6, 2019
I didn't really care about this book...NOT SO! I lie! Its awesome!! :D
May 25, 2019
Obi-Wan is the greatest: Volume 2.
Highlights:
Highlights:
• Xanatos's personal sigil is a "BROKEN CIRCLE." It's only broken in one place, and it's far too early for this to be deliberate, but it's still really interesting how close that is to Obi-Wan and Anakin's "open circle."
• "We are not saints, but seekers." An ICONIC Jedi saying if there ever was one.
• Fascinating how much Xanatos and Dooku have in common. Their backgrounds and Falls to the Dark Side are almost identical, but Dooku fell on the stuffy posh side whereas Xanatos is the annoying goth version.
• Speaking of the Dark Side... I would be tempted to believe Xanatos just naturally let his greed and selfishness pervert his usage of the Force, except that he has a red lightsaber. Given what we know about "bleeding" lightsaber crystals, that seems like something he had to learn somewhere. Is he a Sith apprentice, or just a random angry dude with Force powers? Is Sidious involved at all? I hope subsequent books will elucidate this.
• Obi-Wan FREAKING Kenobi. "Don't touch anything," warns an AgriCorps worker. As soon as his back is turned, Obi-Wan immediately snatches special fruit off the special AgriCorps trees and eats it. OBI-WAN CAUSED ORIGINAL SIN.
• Also... I can't stop imagining how pleased Anakin would be to learn of incidents like this.
• Qui-Gon mind tricks a Hutt???????? How in the heck????
• Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon arguing about who would have been able to die for whom first... Amazing. Clearly, Qui-Gon won this one eventually.
September 1, 2018
This is the second book of a series. I recommend reading the first book to know the plot. This series tells the relationship between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan as they become master and padawan. These books are meant for a younger audience.
I thought this book was a step up from the first book of this series. So far, the highlight of this series is the beginning of the relationship between the two jedi. I am enjoying the slow development of this relationship and it feels very natural. This is all set against a feud on a planet that has extensive mineral deposits. And in the middle of this feud is Qui-Gon's former apprentice who strongly dislikes his former master. This adds to the story as we get the contrast between the past and the future with Qui-Gon being the constant.
This book is what I expected from this series. Not earth shattering but entertaining and a quick read. They do add some nice information about characters before we meet them in the prequels.
I thought this book was a step up from the first book of this series. So far, the highlight of this series is the beginning of the relationship between the two jedi. I am enjoying the slow development of this relationship and it feels very natural. This is all set against a feud on a planet that has extensive mineral deposits. And in the middle of this feud is Qui-Gon's former apprentice who strongly dislikes his former master. This adds to the story as we get the contrast between the past and the future with Qui-Gon being the constant.
This book is what I expected from this series. Not earth shattering but entertaining and a quick read. They do add some nice information about characters before we meet them in the prequels.
March 25, 2012
Upon a grown-up re-read, these are surprisingly still awesome. I am a 25 year old woman, and I stand by this statement.
December 25, 2016
I'm obviously having a moment with nostalgic Star Wars rereads!
January 17, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I know its no longer canon but poor Obi Wan, only accepted and wanted as a padawan after offering to blow up the slave collar on his neck to save everyone else 💔
I know its no longer canon but poor Obi Wan, only accepted and wanted as a padawan after offering to blow up the slave collar on his neck to save everyone else 💔
Read
August 3, 2016Awwwwwww *I'm making this weird disgusting noise* Obi-Wan, you little chubby fluffy thing °~.▪•¤
The symbolism in this book astounds me, considering it is a junior young adult novel. About the symbolism, . To be honest it shouldn't even be considered as young adult, it is a book for young readers, children.
There are several strong female characters too, Clat'Ha and SonTag. Very considerate of the writer to show women solely as brave and warrior-like individuals, as well as community leaders (in this case it's planetary and mining operation). This book is 100% free of motherhood and handmaidenhood propaganda to indoctrinate girls. Most children book would just have only female characters that reinforce the notion of that women are to be only objects, domesticated animals, absence of phallus, breedholes, and handmaidens.
The symbolism in this book astounds me, considering it is a junior young adult novel. About the symbolism, . To be honest it shouldn't even be considered as young adult, it is a book for young readers, children.
There are several strong female characters too, Clat'Ha and SonTag. Very considerate of the writer to show women solely as brave and warrior-like individuals, as well as community leaders (in this case it's planetary and mining operation). This book is 100% free of motherhood and handmaidenhood propaganda to indoctrinate girls. Most children book would just have only female characters that reinforce the notion of that women are to be only objects, domesticated animals, absence of phallus, breedholes, and handmaidens.
December 18, 2015
Non ho proprio capito perché è considerato un libro per bambini/giovanissimi, ma fa lo stesso sono troppo fan di Star Wars per curarmene.
Ero curiosa di sapere qualcosa sulla storia di Xanatos/Qui-gon che conoscevo solo per sentito dire, quindi questo libro mi incuriosiva parecchio.
E' senza dubbio migliore del primo, la storia è scorrevole e si legge bene e sono curiosa di sapere come andrà a finire!
"Yoda!" Xanatos spat the word. "That knee-high troll! He thinks he has power.
XD
Ero curiosa di sapere qualcosa sulla storia di Xanatos/Qui-gon che conoscevo solo per sentito dire, quindi questo libro mi incuriosiva parecchio.
E' senza dubbio migliore del primo, la storia è scorrevole e si legge bene e sono curiosa di sapere come andrà a finire!
"Yoda!" Xanatos spat the word. "That knee-high troll! He thinks he has power.
XD
April 27, 2021
As this is the second book in the Jedi apprentice series I am yet to read the first book and all the books following it. Reading this book was very exciting, I really liked the story. It was engaging and I am eager to know what happens next in the series. I will definitely be reading the first book and the books after this one. I highly recommend this series it was a good read so far. I am looking forward to the next books in the series
March 6, 2022
‘Dark Rival’ is the second book of the Jedi Apprentice series. So it continues the story of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn, and their development into the Master and Apprentice you end up with in ‘Star Wars: Episode I’. As such ‘Dark Rival’ is engaging; with an old friend turned enemy pushing the two to work together in their slowly growing friendship.
It’s well written by Jude Watson, as I enjoyed reading the slower paced growing bond between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. From ‘Star Wars: Episode I’ alone, we know that the two of them are very close and trust each other a great deal. Though there was still a tension present at times, as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have differing viewpoints, believing inversely on many opinions; such as the Force, and each other’s purpose.
With that, ‘Dark Rival’ by its conclusion will have you seeing how the two companions have earned the ability to understand each other, learning from each other in their own way; without Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon wouldn’t have been able to move on from his past, and without Qui-Gon’s unwillingness to take on a Padawan, let alone Obi-Wan; Obi-Wan never would have learned to master his emotions.
I also enjoyed the memory inserts before each Qui-Gon chapter, teasing you of the story to come. It really helps to expand on Qui-Gon’s character to see why he was so affected by his past and why he’d be reluctant to take on another Padawan, such as Obi-Wan.
After ‘Dark Rival’ I’m ready to see what new adventures await for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan as a newly formed teamed.
It’s well written by Jude Watson, as I enjoyed reading the slower paced growing bond between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. From ‘Star Wars: Episode I’ alone, we know that the two of them are very close and trust each other a great deal. Though there was still a tension present at times, as Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have differing viewpoints, believing inversely on many opinions; such as the Force, and each other’s purpose.
With that, ‘Dark Rival’ by its conclusion will have you seeing how the two companions have earned the ability to understand each other, learning from each other in their own way; without Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon wouldn’t have been able to move on from his past, and without Qui-Gon’s unwillingness to take on a Padawan, let alone Obi-Wan; Obi-Wan never would have learned to master his emotions.
I also enjoyed the memory inserts before each Qui-Gon chapter, teasing you of the story to come. It really helps to expand on Qui-Gon’s character to see why he was so affected by his past and why he’d be reluctant to take on another Padawan, such as Obi-Wan.
After ‘Dark Rival’ I’m ready to see what new adventures await for Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan as a newly formed teamed.
May 13, 2014
As this particular series are children's books, I've rated them as such - and not against adult level novels with the same rating. My reviews for these are also a bit shorter; just a few comments here and there.
Overall fairly good. It was quite frustrating to see Obi-Wan go through another book with the threat of rejection from the Jedi Order looming over his head, but it did build up the anticipation. Once more, the plot wasn’t exactly stellar, especially the part that saw Obi-Wan on the deep sea mining platform, but the opportunity to meet a dark Jedi and learn more about Qui-Gon’s mysterious first apprentice created ample interest. Xanatos was a pretty good villain, although perhaps a little oversimplified due to the shortness of the book. Fairly good description and character development. A bit dull to see an Offworld based plot again instead of something new, though I guess it did connect with the previous book. It’s great to introduce new characters and keep things fresh, but it doesn’t really allow enough character development. Xanatos is the most fleshed out of the new characters. Though he’s a little in danger of becoming a stereotype villain, what with his fixation on revenge and all, he’s redeemed by his intelligence and the shady, deceptive quality he has.
6 out of 10 (for a children's book).
Overall fairly good. It was quite frustrating to see Obi-Wan go through another book with the threat of rejection from the Jedi Order looming over his head, but it did build up the anticipation. Once more, the plot wasn’t exactly stellar, especially the part that saw Obi-Wan on the deep sea mining platform, but the opportunity to meet a dark Jedi and learn more about Qui-Gon’s mysterious first apprentice created ample interest. Xanatos was a pretty good villain, although perhaps a little oversimplified due to the shortness of the book. Fairly good description and character development. A bit dull to see an Offworld based plot again instead of something new, though I guess it did connect with the previous book. It’s great to introduce new characters and keep things fresh, but it doesn’t really allow enough character development. Xanatos is the most fleshed out of the new characters. Though he’s a little in danger of becoming a stereotype villain, what with his fixation on revenge and all, he’s redeemed by his intelligence and the shady, deceptive quality he has.
6 out of 10 (for a children's book).
March 22, 2015
Molto, Molto meglio del primo. Non soltanto perché Xanatos è un personaggio interessante ma perché la trama ha molti più spunti del primo libro, e si legge sicuramente meglio.
May 26, 2023
2/20 books down ✌️ literally chowing down on these. about to enter another star wars brain fog 🥱. obi wan finally becommes quigons apprentice. the fun begins 😩
January 15, 2024
The Rising Force by Dave Wolverton
Adventurous, challenging, hopeful, inspiring,
reflective, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
This is a Middle Grade series, so it is NOT written for me...specifically, since I'm 57 years old, BUT it is a great story...so it worked for me.
I am reading within the Legends novels...and working my way chronologically (as best I can).
I have now come to this series...and the first novella was a really good story about the first "team up" of Qui-Gon Jinn and the pre-padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. He's at the cusp of being 13 years old...and thrown out of the Jedi Temple (his home for his entire life).
Qui-Gon Jinn is LITERALLY his ONLY hope. Yoda knows this...and feels that Qui-Gon needs a new padawan...and sends both on this mission in hopes that Obi-Wan will show what he's made of...and that Qui-Gon will choose a new padawan (after the disasterous former padawan Xanatos).
This novella was SO fun to read. Yes, it was a little short for my tastes, but AGAIN, it wasn't written with ME in mind, but a young Middle Grade kid...to fall in love with these two GREAT characters. No doubt, if I had read them at this age...I would've been SOLD on this story...even more than I am now (jaded as I am by life).
Adventurous, challenging, hopeful, inspiring,
reflective, and tense.
Fast-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
This is a Middle Grade series, so it is NOT written for me...specifically, since I'm 57 years old, BUT it is a great story...so it worked for me.
I am reading within the Legends novels...and working my way chronologically (as best I can).
I have now come to this series...and the first novella was a really good story about the first "team up" of Qui-Gon Jinn and the pre-padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. He's at the cusp of being 13 years old...and thrown out of the Jedi Temple (his home for his entire life).
Qui-Gon Jinn is LITERALLY his ONLY hope. Yoda knows this...and feels that Qui-Gon needs a new padawan...and sends both on this mission in hopes that Obi-Wan will show what he's made of...and that Qui-Gon will choose a new padawan (after the disasterous former padawan Xanatos).
This novella was SO fun to read. Yes, it was a little short for my tastes, but AGAIN, it wasn't written with ME in mind, but a young Middle Grade kid...to fall in love with these two GREAT characters. No doubt, if I had read them at this age...I would've been SOLD on this story...even more than I am now (jaded as I am by life).
July 28, 2021
A very good fast paced novella, the second in the Jedi Apprentice series by Jude Watson.
I’ve always been interested in what happened before the films and in between them so this was a really interesting read for me as it’s set when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are only just beginning their journey together.
It is interesting to see that they were not always the team they became by the time the events of “The Phantom Menace” take place, indeed they are at odds for most of this novel.
Equally interesting is reading about Qui-Gons failures in the past as a Master and Xanatos is an interesting adversary who will no doubt provide more problems for the two Jedi as the series progresses!
I’ve always been interested in what happened before the films and in between them so this was a really interesting read for me as it’s set when Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are only just beginning their journey together.
It is interesting to see that they were not always the team they became by the time the events of “The Phantom Menace” take place, indeed they are at odds for most of this novel.
Equally interesting is reading about Qui-Gons failures in the past as a Master and Xanatos is an interesting adversary who will no doubt provide more problems for the two Jedi as the series progresses!
June 28, 2025
I'm finally getting round to doing my Star Wars Legends book marathon that I have put off for years.
In doing so, I was trying so hard to avoid having to do these books. But every review I saw of them was about how good they are and I shouldn't skip them.
I am so glad I listened. 2 books in and I'm loving them.
I'm a huge ASOUE fan, so I love me some serialised kids adventures with kookie villains. Xanatos is a fun count olaf-esk villain. and Obi-wans early years is always something I've wanted more of. I just know I'm gonna plow through these.
In doing so, I was trying so hard to avoid having to do these books. But every review I saw of them was about how good they are and I shouldn't skip them.
I am so glad I listened. 2 books in and I'm loving them.
I'm a huge ASOUE fan, so I love me some serialised kids adventures with kookie villains. Xanatos is a fun count olaf-esk villain. and Obi-wans early years is always something I've wanted more of. I just know I'm gonna plow through these.
October 30, 2018
This was 100% a nostalgia read, but I will say this was really lovely, rapid-paced without feeling like too fast or forced, and was such like a sweet bite of Star Wars knowledge and universe. I loved this series as a kid (it's what got me into reading more Star Wars books) and I still really enjoy it. Would love for this to come out in reprints!
June 17, 2017
En realidad es un 3.5, porque este libro ha sido mucho mejor que el primero. El salseo y los feels han conseguido que lo disfrutara el doble que su primera parte. Deseando continuar con la saga.
November 26, 2018
Rating: 2.5
January 28, 2019
Enjoying these books so far. Short, easy reads(these are targeted at middle schoolers). Cool, fun, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan adventure.
December 22, 2019
This one was a treat and I could not stop reading. On to the next one I go!
April 30, 2022
Some things that come to mind: intense, emotional, regret, friendship, maturing, self-sacrificial manhood, courage, good comedic timing.
Read with my 6 year old son. We want to read more.
Read with my 6 year old son. We want to read more.
September 13, 2022
I loved the final interaction between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon sm
February 6, 2024
Nice and enjoyable little story.
July 12, 2024
These books are actually so good 💀
May 8, 2018
Well, this is definitely meant for young readers. It is an alright story, with an excellent message (don't let your past control you), but the recognizable characters, don't always ring true. Such as, a couple of times Obi-Wan sounded more like Han Solo than Kenobi. One could chock that up to youthful bravado, but I just cannot convince myself that 0bi-Wan could ever say "what could go wrong? trust me."
Oh well, my son enjoyed it and he really wanted me to read it, and for that, I am glad I read it.
Oh well, my son enjoyed it and he really wanted me to read it, and for that, I am glad I read it.
January 20, 2020
Good story but short, compared to The Rising Force, and Watson's writing wasn't enjoyable. So many short, monotanous sentences, and repetitive phrases.
October 2, 2015
3.5 stars
As I reread these for the first time since they were released, I am genuinely surprised at how well they hold up to my hazy but fond memories. Generally, when I return to a childhood book, I am struck by how shallow or weak it is now.
These are by no means brilliant, but they are still fun and actually pretty smart apart from the oft dull, serviceable prose.
In this one, Qui-Gon is still reluctant to take Obi-Wan as a padawan and Obi-Wan, soon to turn thirteen, is running out of time to be picked as an apprentice. Qui-Gon is haunted by his past failure, Xanatos. Xanatos was his first apprentice and he chose to follow his greed and pride to the Dark side.
By the end of the story, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have forged a bond and survived several momentous events. The bomb scene when young Obi-Wan is willing to die to help save Qui-Gon and the others is still great.
As I reread these for the first time since they were released, I am genuinely surprised at how well they hold up to my hazy but fond memories. Generally, when I return to a childhood book, I am struck by how shallow or weak it is now.
These are by no means brilliant, but they are still fun and actually pretty smart apart from the oft dull, serviceable prose.
In this one, Qui-Gon is still reluctant to take Obi-Wan as a padawan and Obi-Wan, soon to turn thirteen, is running out of time to be picked as an apprentice. Qui-Gon is haunted by his past failure, Xanatos. Xanatos was his first apprentice and he chose to follow his greed and pride to the Dark side.
By the end of the story, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan have forged a bond and survived several momentous events. The bomb scene when young Obi-Wan is willing to die to help save Qui-Gon and the others is still great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2015
4/5
La verdad que no sé si cada vez se pone mejor o están casi todos igual de buenos, pero sí que es atrapante la historia.
(¡al fin aceptó Qui-Gon a Obi-Wan como Padawan!)
Más allá de que uno -habiendo visto las películas y siendo fan de star wars- sabe que tarde o temprano van a terminar siendo maestro y aprendiz, desespera e inquieta bastante lo mucho que tarda y duda en aceptarlo a Obi-Wan. De todas maneras, lo hace aún más atrapante y entretenido, pero no pude evitar sonreír cuando finalmente pasó y decir "¡cuánto te tardaste!".
Conocer el pasado y secreto de Qui-Gon resultó interesante, y ver como supera todos estos obstáculos que le impedían seguir adelante y tomar otro padawan, interesa también.
Es cortito como el anterior, pero está lleno de aventuras e intrigas. ¡A seguir con el otro!
La verdad que no sé si cada vez se pone mejor o están casi todos igual de buenos, pero sí que es atrapante la historia.
(¡al fin aceptó Qui-Gon a Obi-Wan como Padawan!)
Más allá de que uno -habiendo visto las películas y siendo fan de star wars- sabe que tarde o temprano van a terminar siendo maestro y aprendiz, desespera e inquieta bastante lo mucho que tarda y duda en aceptarlo a Obi-Wan. De todas maneras, lo hace aún más atrapante y entretenido, pero no pude evitar sonreír cuando finalmente pasó y decir "¡cuánto te tardaste!".
Conocer el pasado y secreto de Qui-Gon resultó interesante, y ver como supera todos estos obstáculos que le impedían seguir adelante y tomar otro padawan, interesa también.
Es cortito como el anterior, pero está lleno de aventuras e intrigas. ¡A seguir con el otro!
February 4, 2024
The Dark Rival by Jude Watson. This is book two in the Star Wars - Jedi Apprentice middle grade series.
This story fills in information about Qui-Gon Jinn and his first apprentice Xanatos. It also continues the story of Obi-Wan becoming Qui-Gon's Padawan.
I really enjoyed this one.
I gave this 4 stars.
This story fills in information about Qui-Gon Jinn and his first apprentice Xanatos. It also continues the story of Obi-Wan becoming Qui-Gon's Padawan.
I really enjoyed this one.
I gave this 4 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews