Scott's Rating:   4 out of 4

This is the second book in the Jedi Quest series, the sequel to the Jedi Apprentice series.

This is the third book in the Jedi Quest series, the sequel to the Jedi Apprentice series.

Anakin and Obi-Wan are assigned to watch over the Galactic Games on Euceron (the Star Wars equivalent of the Olympics). The leaders of the planet want everything to run smoothly so that they can gain influence in the Senate. They have asked the Jedi to help keep the peace. Much to Anakin's pleasure, they discover that an illegal side game of Pod Racing is scheduled to take place. Anakin also discovers that his old rival Sebulba is there for the race. With the promise of a rematch, Anakin becomes distracted from his mission. Or is it the Force guiding him?

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan is reunited with Didi and Astri (from the Jedi Apprentice books). Astri's new husband is one of the leaders of the Games. However, it's Didi's illegal side betting that soon pulls Obi-Wan into a much more hidden danger to their mission.

Scott:

    This is probably one of Jude Watson's best Star Wars books. There are a couple of reasons for this. First of all, it shows Anakin meet back up with Sebulba. This ends up being a rather tense and emotional scene. It helps that readers know the history behind the two characters from Episode I, so the rematch has a bit more of an impact. While Anakin really faces off with Sebulba's son, Hekula, the sparks really fly when he meets his old rival. With Anakin being much more powerful than he was as a child, you actually hope he cuts down the Dug with his lightsaber in the story. It helps emphasize Anakin's walk towards the Dark Side.

The other reason I liked this book was because of the ending. It has a nice twist that you don't really see coming at all. Simply put, the good guys don't win in the end. Nobody is who they appear to be and the people that should be punished get clean away. Since most of the books in these series are wrapped up in nice, neat packages at the end, it was a surprise to see such a plot twist. It's a reflection of the more cynical times in the films and the progression to the rise of the Empire.

This story also had a couple of good laughs. There's a running joke about how everyone knows of this galaxy famous athelete except for Obi-Wan. It eventually causes problems for him before everything is said and done. The final podrace is also pretty intense and exciting. It was also a nice touch to see the Star Wars equivalent of the Olympics. Having something slightly familiar like that makes the universe seem a little more real. I would have liked to have seen more of the Games. Overall this was one of the more fun books in the Jedi Apprentice and Jedi Quest series.

Scott:

    I had no real gripes about this book. I thought the cover could have been a little more exciting, though.

Scott:

    Nothing to add here.