Scott's Rating:   4 out of 4

As we know from the previous two books, Tahiri is an orphan who was raised by the Tusken Raiders on Tatooine. When she went to the Jedi Academy, she promised that she would one day return to the Sand People tribe. As the time arrives, Anakin and Tionne accompany her back. When she gets there, she finds out that she is expected to go through a rite of passage - a solo trek (no pun intended) across the Tatooine desert. Along the way, she and Anakin face the dangers of the Dune Sea such as krayt dragons, Jawas, and other creatures. They also find more about Tahiri's history and the keys they need to free the Massassi children's spirits from the Golden Globe.

Scott:

    Though this is intended as a children's book, it is still a good, solid Star Wars story. At first I had a hard time swallowing the idea that a little blonde girl would be adopted into a Tusken Raider tribe. After all, they were pretty brutal in the film. However, this book paints them in a different light. They are almost more like American Indians in the story. They have their own culture and good tribes and bad tribes. And they can be evil looking when they attack. I thought it was fairly well done. The story was also fast paced and nicely wrapped up the Golden Globe storyline. If this book had been made into a live action film or TV show, it would be pretty impressive. Especially the scenes with the Krayt Dragon.

Scott:

    There's not much I can think of in the "Bad" department. About the only thing I would complain about was the lack of time spent on Exar Kun's spirit disciple. Who was he? Where was he before? What happened to him? Maybe the questions will be answered in the next book.

Scott:

    Here's a direct quote: "The gashes from the krayt dragon were now infected stripes of oozing yellow pus." Ugh.