Scott's Rating:   3 out of 4

This is the fourth 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, #6, or #7, 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.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are called immediately to the planet Corulag by Yoda and Mace Windu. Apparently there is an orphaned infant there with tremendous Force potential, yet a scientist at the Corulag Academy (where she is held) won't release the baby to the Jedi Council. He secretly wants to use the child for his own evil purposes. Yoda knew the parents before they were killed and wants to take the child to the Jedi Temple.

Meanwhile, Groodo the Hutt is still ticked off at the Corulag Academy for rejecting his son. He wants the Bartokks to continue their mission to destroy the Academy (which they failed to do in the first three books). The Bartokks seceretly invade the Academy with droids wired with bombs.

Our Jedi heroes discover the threat and proceed to evacuate the building. Yoda goes on his own to the upper floors of the Academy to save the infant. However, he must battle the droids, the Bartokks, and the evil scientist to get her. Will he succeed or be a little green smudge on the floor?

Scott:

    This series continues with yet another cool solo adventure. This time it features Yoda. As far as I'm aware, this is the first book to show Yoda in solo, rock-em sock-em Jedi action. He proves himself powerful not only with the Force, but with his lightsaber as he rescues the child. The story highlights the interesting contrasts in Yoda's character. One minute he's playing with little kids who think he's cute, the next he's slashing droids and alien assassins with his lightsaber. That's one of the appealing elements about Yoda, and it is explored here.

This is a quick fun adventure that kids and fans should love.

Scott:

    I've griped in every review about the distribution and availibility of this series, so I won't bother saying it again. See previous reviews for details.

This was a good adventure, but I thought Windham's other stories were a little better and more exciting. That's the main reason I rated this a 3 out of 4. Other reasons were the Hutts. They were missing a little something that didn't make them seem like vile, menacing gangsters. They were more comical than anything. And why did Yoda desperately request the aid of the other Jedi, yet run off on his own when everything hit the fan?

Scott:

    Hutts eating bugs. Ugh!