I can't recall exactly how I came into contact with the "Jedi Apprentice" series of books. I do know it was well after the series started - in fact, if I remember correctly, I think the first one I stumbled across was like book #11 in the series, and I had to work my way back from there, and not always in the proper order. But suffice to say, upon being introduced to Jude Watson's work, I was hooked, and I make it a point to grab any new Star Wars book she puts out as soon as I possibly can.

So, now, with 18 books in the Jedi Apprentice series, plus 4 "Special" edition books that span into separate time periods, I thought it best to not do them all individually, but rather by the general over-all storyline they represent. In this case, we start with the first 8 books, which I essentially think of as the "Xanatos" series. This Includes The Rising Force, The Dark Rival, The Hidden Past, The Mark of the Crown, The Defenders of the Dead, The Uncertain Path, The Captive Temple, and finally, The Day of Reckoning.

This series tells the earliest adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn. From their first adventure together traveling to the planet Bandomeer, to their first contact with Qui-Gon's first lost Padawan, Xanatos, through Obi-Wan's departure from the Jedi on Melida/Daan, through Xanatos' assault on the Jedi Temple, and Finally, Xanatos' final confrontation with Qui-Gon on Telos. Now, I could run through each of these books, telling you the highs and lows - there are far more highs than lows - but to do so would take a HUGE chunk of time/space. So I'll cover all eight books as one. In fact, someone ought to consider throwing them all together into one large tome (preferably hardcover) and save them for future readers - they're THAT good.

Jude Watson brings Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon to life (Admittedly, Dave Wolverton does a fine job in the first book in the series, The Rising Force, but this is Watson's series, and she succeeds completely with it), adding layers and dimensions to the characters that I have continued to bring with me through all the other Star Wars stories after them, especially for Obi-Wan. The level of attention Jude lavishes on Obi-Wan's development is glorious, and if anyone was to ever do a definitive Obi-Wan book, I wouldn't want anyone else to do it. Jude understands Obi-Wan perhaps better than any other writer who has ever looked at his character.

I wouldn't be doing a fair job covering these if I didn't mention Qui-Gon and his conflict with his first, lost Padawan, Xanatos. Xanatos gave in on his emotions and went over to the Dark Side, making Qui-Gon a fantastic mirror for the emotions Obi-Wan must feel when he learns that Anakin becomes Darth Vader, more than twenty years later. Here, again, Jude succeeds totally, and it adds both a level of understanding to Qui-Gon as a character, and dimensions to his relationship with Obi-Wan.

I cannot recommend these books enough to anyone who hasn't read them yet. Yes, they are written for younger readers, but aside from being a bit simplistic when describing things, character names that run a little too close to Earth standard, and a penchant to having the Jedi face off against battle droids over human/living opponents almost every single time there's a battle, they're just as good as any "adult" Star Wars books (And better than a fair number, too). If you haven't read these yet, FIND THEM. Find them now, read them ASAP, and truly come to understand what fantastic characters Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are in Episode 1. In fact, I believe anyone whose read this series would find Episode 1 a more enjoyable movie to watch - not that it isn't already.

Anyway, real quick ratings and comments on each individual book:

The Rising Force: A - Dave Wolverton starts the series off fantastically, and leads into the rest of the books fantastically.
The Dark Rival: A+ - A perfect read. Meet Xanatos, and find out how Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon finally become Master and Padawan
The Hidden Past: B - lowest point in the first 8 books still better than many other Star Wars books. Look for a minor continuity goof caused by LucasFilms efforts to keep Episode II plotlines secret from too many people.
The Mark of the Crown: B+ - a Pass through novel that still develops more in the relationship of the two Jedi.
The Defenders of the Dead: A+ - Obi-Wan leaves the Jedi Order to help liberate a planet!
The Uncertain Path: A+ - Without Qui-Gon to help him, can Obi-Wan save the planet and his friends from war?
The Captive Temple: A+ - Xanatos has invaded the Jedi Temple, and only Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon can save it!
The Day of Reckoning: A+ - Xanatos' final fate! Superb!!

Now, before I forget, I've also been reading Jude Watson's Legacy of the Jedi, which deals with Yoda, Dooku, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin, and spans some sixty some-odd years. I've read everything that runs through where I'm at in the current continuity, but I'm going to hold off on reviewing it until I finish it - which won't be until early in the Clone Wars. Part of the problem with these cross-generational stories is putting them in their proper place, but so far, so good.

Anyway, our current page count now reads 2522, and up next is MORE Jedi Apprentice, and we'll get to spend some time with another of my favorite Jude Watson character, Siri. Fun stuff, for sure.