I, Jedi is a unique entry in the Star Wars EU in that it is written in the first person, being Corran Horn. Its' setting begins shortly after the first four X-wing books and carries through to overlap with Kevin J Anderson's Jedi Academy Trilogy, set 11 years ABY.

This book is being discussed in thr BC&T forum here and further information is available here.

There are also short stories connected with this book, insofar as they provide Corran Horn's backstory. These are available here in hyperspace fiction, starting with Missed Chance by Michael A Stackpole here and then the four part Side Trip with Part I by Timothy Zahn here, Parts II and III by Stackpole here and here and Part IV by Zahn here.

My thoughts regarding this book went through two stages. Initially:

The first person style is a little weird and personally I found that a little difficult to get used to in the SW universe.

But then:

Ok - well I've totally changed my mind since what I wrote back in September. I think that having read more about Corran in the NJO helped me get into this book, and once into it I really enjoyed it.

Learning about Corran's history, the basis for his almost unique force ability (which really is extraordinary - I'd never really appreciated it before) and his road to becoming a Jedi in fact turned out to be interesting reading.

I actually enjoyed reading an alternate perspective on the JAT as I had just finished that (although making Corran so central to Luke's recovery was a tad far-fetched IMO).

I also could not fully accept Corran's willingness to be so patient and wait so long to take whatever course he thought might be necessary to rescue his wife (even with all the statements about "when" by Ooryal and philosophising by Elegos).

Speaking of Elegos - it was very sad to read about his early days with Corran knowing what happens in the NJO.

The "retcon" re Mara/Lando (obviously from Stackpole's discussion with Zahn as per his acknowledgments) almost made me laugh, not because the picture of Mara wearing Lando's clothes was funny but because it was so contrived.

And why did Mirax not react to her husband suddenly having enormous force ability? Maybe there's something about their prior relationship in the x-wing series, which I have yet to read, that gives an answer to this ... but having her just accept Corran's new-found abilities without comment seemed a little odd.

However, overall I really enjoyed the book and am glad that I went back for a second go at it.


Links to all of my reviews/overview blogs can be found in this blog.