Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice #13

Star Wars: The Dangerous Rescue

Rate this book
Murder. Kidnapping. Torture.

Jenna Zan Arbor will stop at nothing in her quest to discover the secrets of the Force--and use them for her own power and greed.

One Jedi remains in her dangerous grasp. And a whole planet is being held hostage by her sinister plans.

Only a single team of Jedi stand in her way....

144 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2001

10 people are currently reading
1430 people want to read

About the author

Jude Watson

151 books610 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
548 (27%)
4 stars
659 (33%)
3 stars
620 (31%)
2 stars
123 (6%)
1 star
16 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Dimitris Papastergiou.
2,527 reviews87 followers
December 11, 2022
Whenever a book becomes a chore to read.. then I wait for it to become interesting again, and whenever it does not, then it loses more stars with every chapter closing in to the end. Especially when some book includes one of your favorite characters in the series.

Not fun.
Profile Image for Jared.
407 reviews17 followers
March 13, 2016
Star Wars Legends Project #53

Background: The Dangerous Rescue came out in April 2001. It was written by Jude Watson.

The Dangerous Rescue begins immediately (like, a chapter-break) after The Evil Experiment (my review), 43 years before the Battle of Yavin and 11 years before The Phantom Menace. All of the major characters from the previous book return for this one, along with the Jedi Adi Gallia and her padawan Siri from The Fight for Truth (my review).

Summary: Qui-Gon is safe, but the evil scientist Jenna Zan Arbor has escaped with another Jedi prisoner who is on the verge of death. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, along with another Jedi team, race against time once again to learn where she has gone and what she is plotting next, as the threads of the mystery that has eluded them all along finally come together to reveal a plot with devastating consequences.

Review: This is an odd place to begin, but I'm going to get it out of the way now: Everyone's least favorite Victorian street urchins are back, because Watson apparently thinks they make for good comic relief. Cholly, Weez, and Tup may not quite be Jar Jar Binks, but there's no good reason for them to be in this story . . . If only because of Tup's signature catchphrase: "Gibbertz and ham!" I have no idea what a "gibbertz" may be, but there is no ham in Star Wars, and . . . Just no. It's touches like this that put the "Y" in "YA," I guess, but it's hard to imagine that kids would really be missing out if this element was removed.

Other than that, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I was expecting to. After the last book, it really felt like this might be a tacked-on conclusion that could have been better resolved by just making the last book a few chapter longer. Instead, this was a pretty epic conclusion to the story arc, tying together plot strands that I didn't even realize were dangling, not only from the last book, but from The Deadly Hunter as well (my review). And, unlike the previous book, it stood pretty well as a story on its own.

There's also some great development of Siri's character, and her (often contentious) relationship with Obi-Wan. They have a really strong rapport, which can only get better for the reader if Watson continues to throw them together. Siri is just a good character in her own right, very distinct from the other padawan characters in a way that makes her the perfect foil for Obi-Wan. She's supremely confident in her own abilities, partially because she's very skilled, and partially because she's younger and less experienced than Obi-Wan. She's also more inclined to follow orders and procedures (a lesson no doubt learned from her master Adi Gallia), while Obi-Wan favors Qui-Gon's . . . "fluid" approach to accomplishing mission objectives. The two have a lot to learn from one another, as long as they don't get each other killed.

C+
Profile Image for Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library).
4,899 reviews89 followers
July 12, 2018
At this point in the series, there's really only one thing to say: Anyone who has followed and enjoyed the Jedi Apprentice saga so far will like The Dangerous Rescue.
Profile Image for Branwen Sedai *of the Brown Ajah*.
1,069 reviews191 followers
March 27, 2014
Life surprises you. Accept the gift.


"Now I understand why we were taught over and over that our motives must be sure, our concentration total. I underestimated the dark side of the Force. I will try not to do that again. And I know now that I will not always be strong. I will not be afraid to recognize when I am weak."

In this latest book in the Jedi Apprentice series, the action packed story arc is brought to a close as Qui-Gon is rescued and the evil scientist pursued to be brought to justice.

Loved this book! Lots of character growth with each of the characters individually, as well as witnessing the strength of the bond between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Once again, Obi-Wan is in a few situations where he must think for himself without the aid of his Jedi master and it really shows how much he is learning and growing in the Force and in his own confidence.
Profile Image for Jordan Anderson.
1,744 reviews46 followers
January 3, 2023
Part of the reason I wasn’t a huge fan of this one comes at my own expense of not having read any books in this series in over 2 years, meaning I forgot almost everything about the plot, side characters, and overall flow of this series.

That being said, it’s still kind of a dud as hardly anything really cool or exciting happens. Obiwan and Qui-gon just do their typical thing of butting heads but still managing to be on the right place at the right time and save the day at the exact moment of near helplessness. There are some other boring side characters and 3 insufferable street urchins who are supposed to be there for comic relief and ridiculous one liners (“gibbertz and ham” Seriously? What is a gibbertz? And since when is ham part of the Star Wars universe? ) but end up making this feel like a badly written comedy under the guise of a Star Wars book.

This series continues to be unbelievable inconsistent as some of these stories are true examples of the IP done right, and then, there’s ones like The Dangerous Rescue which just drag on and feel pointless.

Still though, overall the entire Jedi Apprentice series does seem to be a much better example of young adult themed Star Wars than the laughable terrible Glove of Darth Vader series.
Profile Image for Jim C.
1,783 reviews35 followers
January 24, 2019
This book is for the younger audience and is part of a series. This is the conclusion of a story arc. Qui-Gon is free of his imprisonment but still on the prison grounds as he searches for others held hostage.

These are quick reads that explore the dynamic between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. I did think that this entry was a step down. My theory for it not being as good is that the story arc was one book too long. It seemed like the crisis in this book was there solely for the purpose to have our heroes and villains meet for their final conflict. I never had any feelings about the crisis and I believe the final conflict should have happened in the last book. I also had a problem with some of the minor characters. I have enjoyed them but the author seemed like she was determined to use them in this book and they felt like they were forced into the story. They have already served their purpose and that should have been the end of them for this story arc.

I didn't think this was the best book in this series. I enjoyed this series when it was building the relationship between Jedi and padawan and their was some nice depth to the story. Now they are a cohesive unit participating in different missions and the result is ho-hum as we obviously know that nothing dreadful is going to happen.
Profile Image for Alba.
207 reviews
July 14, 2020
3,5 - Todo está bien lo que bien se acaba. Con este tercer libro se cierra esta pequeña saga de la científica loca que me ha gustado mucho, tanto los personajes acompañantes nuevos como los viejos aliados que poco a poco van repitiendo en estas aventurillas.

Siguiendo con la evolución de mi querido Obi-Wan, en este libro se permite pegarle un par de pullas a Qui-Gon. ¡Ahí es nada el chaval, ganando confianza!
Profile Image for Genevieve Grace.
978 reviews119 followers
January 24, 2020
UGH they got Jenna Zan Arbor but is this the end?!? I think NOT. There are still FIVE more books and I'm really really nervous. How am I going to handle what happens to Tahl?

It's always great to see Adi Gallia and Siri. Adi is awesome and Obi-Wan and Siri are a fun team of vague mutual antagonism.
45 reviews39 followers
July 22, 2014
I remembered this was one of the first books I read when I was becoming a Star Wars fan, and back then I was ten. I enjoyed it very much then, since Jude Watson has a way to write Star Wars for kids who saw the awesome films.

In the previous books, Qui-Gon Jinn is tracking down a hunter, but he was captured by an evil scientist who wanted to learn the secrets of the Force, despite the fact that she is not Force-sensitive. Qui-Gon's padawan, young Obi-Wan Kenobi, is determined to rescue him and bring the captors to justice with the help of fellow friends and Jedi.

One definite thing is that, if you haven't read the previous stories and watched the films, this book is not for you. It starts at something of a cliffhanger and you'll be lost as soon as you start. I haven't read this book in a while and I still feel I needed a lot of review. Otherwise, the plot is good, and each chapter brings a new turn that keeps people reading.

Cholly, Weez, and Tup are comical and I found out I grew fond of the hopeless criminals. Qui-Gon's stuborness is shown well here, and I liked to see how Obi-Wan was as a kid. I'm glad Adi and Siri is here, since they are some of my favorite characters. Siri learnt a valuable lesson and it's great to compare her with her adult version in Jedi Quest.

There were some distractions unnecessary, and Astri was being a burden to the Jedi even though it was for a good cause. Some parts were a little fake, like Qui-Gon immediately finding out the right lead sometimes, even though he trusts his feelings. Otherwise, the book was great.

In conclusion, this is a too young book for me already, but I enjoyed it still.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
1,140 reviews115 followers
June 6, 2021
2021 review:
I just don't enjoy reading about Qui-gon being too stubborn to admit his limits. Its also frustrating to see an arc done relatively well concerning kidnapped Jedi when I know the next arc will cover similar topics but be written so that the damseled party never gets to attempt to have agency, but in this arc the men who are damseled never fall into a damseled mind set and get to recover. But a woman going through something similar, lasting consequences and or fridge her...
As for this book on its own... another corrupt scientist and corrupt government official. This arc is really messed up and just feels unnecessarily heavy on torture and a mom being fine with being a partner in crime with the woman who murdered her son. It wasn't a pleasant read.
Original review:
3.5 stars. Another fun installment in a fun series.
Profile Image for Robert Alexander Johnson.
245 reviews4 followers
January 2, 2026
⭐⭐⭐ — A Steady Finish to the Three-Book Arc

This final installment brings a strong sense of independence to Obi-Wan as he pushes forward on his own path. The story continues the investigative tone of the previous two books, showing how he relies on his judgment, skills, and determination rather than the Force. His growing confidence feels natural and adds real depth to his character.

Siri’s role also stands out. The development that began in the last book continues here, and her interactions with Obi-Wan are well written. Their teamwork feels balanced and gives the arc a more personal, character-driven energy.

The conclusion ties the storyline together in a satisfying way. While not as sharp as Shattered Peace (#10), this remains a solid, engaging entry that wraps up the arc nicely and keeps the focus on character growth over spectacle.
Profile Image for Adayla.
363 reviews
October 27, 2023
I'm gonna be picky and say 3.25 stars.

Me and the boys (ages 7 and 5) enjoyed this. We've looked forward to it each night and we were never bored.

I will say it wasn't as memorable as others in the series. We agreed that there were too many locations and characters in this one. I feel like we didn't spend enough time in each scene.

The ending was good but also a bit anti-climatic since we've been following this particular storyline for a few books now. Would have been good enough for a single book plot line, but not enough for how much time we've invested into these characters.

We are curious where Obi-Wan and his Jedi master go next. And where the next plot line leads us. We are ready for the next adventure and new things to happen in the series.
Profile Image for Drew Ck.
57 reviews5 followers
June 3, 2015
Qui Gon has been captured by a sadistic scientist intent on learning the secrets of the Force. Obi Wan is ordered to get the cure to Coruscant, after sending the cure he embarks on a desperate attempt to rescue his master.
Profile Image for Kasper.
361 reviews21 followers
January 22, 2015
I feel like this whole cycle could have been a book shorter - it kinda started to drag halfway through.
Profile Image for Samuel Saul Richardson.
243 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2022
A nice finale to this arc of the series. It was also nice to see Adi and Siri return for another adventure- check out those Legends colored lightsabers.
Profile Image for zack.
1,336 reviews53 followers
September 1, 2019
“Even though I'm a Jedi, I am not invincible.”

I tend to always include a quote I really liked from the book, but this time I completely forget to note a quote for this book, but I do feel like the one quote available on Goodreads is quite fitting for this book in the series.

I expected to fall more deeply in love with the character Obi-Wan, not as a person as he is a tween, or maybe he's reached his proper teens by now, but as a character. I love him in the movies, in the comics and I absolutely love him in Kenobi. What I didn't expect was to fall so in love with Qui-Gonn, both as a character and a person to be quite honest. That's not to say I didn't love him before, but this series has given me so much when it comes to Qui-Gonn and I appreciate it just as much as reading about the adventures of young Obi-Wan. Especially now as the series' story arch puts it out of a slight lull it's been in for the last couple of books, and is interesting and compelling. It was definitely needed, and while the story still feels repetitive sometimes, Watson truly knows her characters and it shows.
Profile Image for Graff Fuller.
2,096 reviews32 followers
February 21, 2024
The Dangerous Rescue by Jude Watson

Adventurous, dark, hopeful, inspiring, mysterious, reflective, and tense.

Fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0 Stars

I rushed through this story...and got to the end, to find out that I had to read the next one to achieve my resolution.

These novellas are NOT written for me (a 58 year old dude), but I have to say, they are amazing.

I wish I had had these books to read when I was in Middle Grade. I would be an even BIGGER Star Wars love (if that's possible).

The relationship between Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobli is progressing. We are starting to see maturity in Obi-Wan and the subtle cracks within the stoic (and stand-offish) Qui-Gon. A true Master/Apprentice relationship is blossoming.

Onward to the next story (or actually...the continuing of this one).
Profile Image for Alan.
1,683 reviews108 followers
June 20, 2024
I only got this book because I found it at a thrift store. I had presumed the books were mostly self-contained adventures, possibly loosely linked, more like The Clone Wars cartoon series, at least the original series and earlier seasons. But it took only a few pages to realize I was smack dab in the middle of an ongoing story line. Thus, it took about half the book to get a decent grasp on the characters and plot. Once I did, it ended up being more enjoyable the rest of the way. I do have one major gripe though, in that the author had no grasp whatsoever of Qui-Gon Jinn; his characterization in the story was well off the mark for how he was established in the movie and adult books. It was a quick and decent enough read that if I found more of the series in the wild I'd consider getting them.
Profile Image for Hansel Haase.
65 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2025
Don't let my 2 stars fool you, this is not a bad entry in the Jedi Apprentice series! I listened to it via audiobook, and found it to be a fitting conclusion to the Jenna Zan Arbor arc. From reading Last of the Jedi, I suspect this isn't the last we've seen of her. I've been enjoying watching the Obi-Wan and Siri relationship progress.

The reason I can't rate it higher is that I kept falling asleep while listening! I don't know if that says more about the pacing of the plot or simply the quality of sleep I have been getting during medical school. Hopefully, it's the latter. The ending was, as usual, very well done, but I had to go back and listen to the middle sections multiple times and I still couldn't tell you what happened. All in all, it's a fun book and a must-read if you've gotten this far in the series.
Profile Image for Alyce Caswell.
Author 18 books20 followers
April 6, 2023
In many ways, this instalment is a satisfying conclusion to the three-book arc, but Jenna Zan Arbor (aka the Big Bad) is absent for much of it and while the bounty hunter's appearances result in fun fight scenes, she doesn't excuse the same menace or stir the same feelings of unease. I also found myself very tired of all the toing and froing of the investigation. It seemed to go on and on and on (and over all three books, mind).

And now for the next arc... in which angst will be in overdrive.
Profile Image for Lisa.
286 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2024
The Dangerous Rescue by Jude Watson.

This is #13 in the Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice middle grade series.

No spoilers here. Obi-Wan needs to rescue Qui-Gon who is being held by an evil scientist.

I enjoyed this one very much. The story pacing was good, the story engaging. Overall, a very good finish to the story arc of books 11, 12, and 13.

#MiddleGradeMarch2024.



Profile Image for Julie.
3,534 reviews51 followers
January 3, 2018
Final third of a three-book story arc. I liked that they brought Adi Gallia and Siri back in (even though I'm not a huge Siri fan). Lots of Jedi working together, lots of deduction regarding the culprits, and a multi-planet chase with an exciting ending. Also, it still felt specifically like a Star Wars story, and not just an exciting story that could have happened with any characters/setting.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
75 reviews
March 3, 2024
And this is part 3 of 3 in this arc. An ok ending to the arc. I really liked seeing more of Adi (I’m less fond of her padawan Siri but it was nice to see her too).

I have mixed feelings on the character flaw Qui-gon exhibits here, and how it’s wrapped up, especially because it’s meant to counterbalance with Siri’s, and Qui-gon kind of just shrugs it off when Obi-wan points it out. I hope they bring it up in later books. I’m not opposed to Qui-gon having flaws, but it seems like the sort of thing that a Jedi Master would want to work on and reflect on… especially because he’s raising his own Padawan and being like “oh it’s fine if I’m a little too prideful to admit I’m not up to full strength and that endangers me and those around me who have to watch out for me” is not the best example to set??? I’m just thinking about that one episode of The Clone Wars where Yoda is talking to someone and is like “know this, I do” and then has to confront his own pride over something that small. Anyway I’m just saying I’d like to see more character work later where Qui-gon confronts this flaw of his, but we’ll see if we get that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Brad.
832 reviews
December 22, 2017
After rescuing Qui-Gon, the pair track down the bad girls to a distant planet and thanks to some light sabre fighting and some investigations they uncover all the bad girls who get their just desserts.
Profile Image for David Braly.
234 reviews
December 30, 2018
Jenna Zan Arbor will stop at nothing in her quest to discover the secrets of the Force--and use them for her own power and greed.

One Jedi remains in her dangerous grasp. And a whole planet is being held hostage by her sinister plans.
Profile Image for Krzysztof.
131 reviews
June 23, 2019
Zakończenie historii, która rozpoczęła się dwa tomy wcześniej. Zakończenie, które jednak nie jest tak bardzo oczywiste jak można by się spodziewać. Dlatego daję tej części pięć gwiazdek. Zdecydowanie jest to najlepsza część z tej mini trylogii.
Profile Image for Jack.
144 reviews
October 16, 2021
A disappointing ending that felt rushed. With several plot points being impossible to guess (I.e. A character fakes their death, but there's no hint that they did, and it's only to give one sentence of exposition). Overall a pretty stretched out rushed ending to a good set up.
Profile Image for Barbara Oudová Holcátová.
78 reviews5 followers
July 30, 2024
This one was good, and together the last three books work well as a mystery, but the division into volumes was... Unfortunate. I was also disappointed Qui-Gon's stubbornness didn't have hom paying a price.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.