Scott's Rating:   3.5 out of 4

This is the first book in the Star Wars Episode I Adventures series. It is a game created by Scholastic in which the reader follows the story, then plays the RPG game that supplements it. It is only available in one of three ways: by ordering it from the Scholastic school book fair or school order form, through the form stuck within Jedi Apprentice #3, or by picking it up on the secondary market (eBay, used book stores, etc.). In any case, it is not easy to find at all.

The story is that Qui-Gon and two Jedi Knights ( Vel Ardox and Noro Zak) are sent to investigate the disappearance of Jedi Council Member Adi Gallia. Gallia disappeared while investigating the construction of a fleet of droid starfighters. We later find out that they were ordered by the Trade Federation under the direction of Darth Sidious. Qui-Gon drags Obi-Wan along for the ride. Eventually, Qui-Gon infiltrates the starfighter plant, battles a ton of droids, and saves Adi Gallia. This leads into the next book. It is the first book in a multiple book storyline by Ryder Windham.

Scott:

    This is a good, short little adventure by Ryder Windham. It's a lot of fun for kids, and it's got little tidbits to keep the die hard Star Wars superfreak happy. For example, at the beginning we see Jedi Master Jorus C'Boath. We learn he is Senator Palpatine's Jedi advisor. (C'Boath is later cloned and his mad replica causes problems for Luke and the gang in Heir to the Empire.) We also learn much more about the events that lead up to Episode I. This book is a must have for the Star Wars completist.

The additional new Jedi were kind of neat, too. One is bat-like and the other is a female aquatic dweller. Probably would have looked cool on the big screen.

Scott:

    As I already mentioned, this book is EXTREMELY hard to find. Not a good thing for a book especially when events in it have a big impact on the storyline. This should have been more widely available. I don't know what Scholastic or Lucasfilm was thinking here. As for the story, some of the droid fighting got a little tedious. Qui-Gon can only slice so many droids with his lightsaber before you start looking at how many pages you have left. Otherwise, a good little story.

Scott:

    Qui-Gon slices a Bartokk assassin, and his dismemberd reptilian limbs keep on crawling and attacking. Ick!