Master & Apprentice (Star Wars)

By: Claudia Gray

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

New York Times best seller

An unexpected offer threatens the bond between Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi as the two Jedi navigate a dangerous new planet and an uncertain future in the first canon Star Wars novel to take place before the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

A Jedi must be a fearless warrior, a guardian of justice, and a scholar in the ways of the Force. But perhaps a Jedi’s most essential duty is to pass on what they have learned. Master Yoda trained Dooku; Dooku trained Qui-Gon Jinn; and now, Qui-Gon has a Padawan of his own. But while Qui-Gon has faced all manner of threats and danger as a Jedi, nothing has ever scared him like the thought of failing his apprentice.

Obi-Wan Kenobi has deep respect for his Master but struggles to understand him. Why must Qui-Gon so often disregard the laws that bind the Jedi? Why is Qui-Gon drawn to ancient Jedi prophecies instead of more practical concerns? And why wasn’t Obi-Wan told that Qui-Gon is considering an invitation to join the Jedi Council - knowing it would mean the end of their partnership? The simple answer scares him: Obi-Wan has failed his Master.

When Jedi Rael Averross, another former student of Dooku, requests their assistance with a political dispute, Jinn and Kenobi travel to the royal court of Pijal for what may be their final mission together. What should be a simple assignment quickly becomes clouded by deceit and by visions of violent disaster that take hold in Qui-Gon’s mind.

As Qui-Gon’s faith in prophecy grows, Obi-Wan’s faith in him is tested - just as a threat surfaces that will demand that Master and apprentice come together as never before or be divided forever.

©2019 Claudia Gray (P)2019 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Gray's other Star Wars novels - Lost Stars, Bloodline and Leia: Princess of Alderaan - are among the best you can read, but Master & Apprentice stands out as her strongest.” (CNET)

“Thankfully, the novel absolutely delivers on the goods and the wait has been worth it.” (Cinelinx)

“Gray has not only written her finest novel to date in my opinion, but certainly one of the finest canon novels as well, maybe the finest.” (TheForce.Net)

Are these Jedi

I'm only one quarter of the way in and about to put down my first Star Wars novel ever without finishing it. (Since initial post I've completed the book) Qui Gon and Kenobi bicker like an old married couple. Neither of them have any emotional or mental restraint or control over their own thoughts. They're mentally in a constant state of self doubt, fear, anger, and frustration. (on second reading this improves after the first 25% of the novel. But, still continues to some degree beyond what youd expect from two jedi). It has that "Elders have more to learn from millenials than millenials have to learn from eldars" approach. (I still sort of feel...)I've been practicing mindfulness and meditation for years. A devout Jedi Master would have way more mental focus and resiliency than this version of him is displaying. How have these two not gone darkside yet. Obi Wan lashes out like a brat without a shred of respect for his mentor. How have either of them made it to this point by continuing to behave like this. Especially a soon to be counsel member. They both come across as confused padawan rookies in this book. Read the Legends stuff. Its far better. There is still the slight rift between the two but its more suttle and less hormonal.

Great narration but terrible sound design

I was very impressed by the narrator when I listened the the audio sample. His ability to emulate the various well known characters is very impressive. I was therefore very disappointed when his great narration was overwhelmed and eclipsed by over the top sound effects and music. It’s an audio book not audio theatre. When blaster fire is happening I don’t want to have to hear a 15 sec loop cut straight from the movies for the entirety of the chapter. I feel like I am listening just to get my money’s worth as opposed to out of enjoyment. Next time the producers should take the money they spent on sound effects and give the narrator a raise.

Another great Star Wars novel, in the top 10.

Claudia Gray is the best current Star Wars author out there & Jonathan Davis is the best Star Wars audio book performer. They don't disappoint here.

Amazing Prequel Novel

This novel was great. I loved the story, Johnathan Davis really does a fantastic job of sounding like Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and many other voices. The sound effects and music felt appropriate, and Claudia Gray is a talented author. The only small issue with this novel is that the character descriptions were a bit lacking, and alien species or droids were often specifically named or referenced without being described, so you have to either know what they look/sound like or look it up. Overall though, if you liked the prequels, you need to read this book.

Gray does it again

She is a fantastic author who really weaves a thrilling tail. Not all authors are able to tell a good Star Wars story the way she does. They aren’t overly detailed and are just more entertaining. I know some fans really don’t like some of the new cannon books and I agree some of the authors did a lazy job. Claudia Gray is not one of those authors. There is respect for the source material that shows in her writing and she balances her characters well. Her writing is a little formulated but that should not undermine the overall impact of it. Davis does a great job of narration as usual. The two of them are a formidable duo for anyone who wants a good Star Wars tale.

Claudia Gray does it again

this is an absolutely wonderful story. great use of prequel characters and extremely well acted. not the most mind twisting mystery but a solid effort and I fell in love with the whole are the story took. great details of the world's and no star wars writer today writes better character auras. she captures everything about who the characters are, were, and becoming. delightful

Awesome! As all of Claudia Grays books are.

Enjoyed the book very much. I love all of Claudia’s books and this one was no different. Great story, well written, performed well too. It’s not my favorite Claudia Gray book, but still fantastic.

Claudia Gray Once Against Proves She Is The Queen

With the exception of Lost Stars, I have been utterly blown away by the quality of all of Gray's Star Wars Novels. She has quickly become my favorite extended canon writer. Her understanding and mastery of the larger Star Wars lore is perfectly executed to deliver stories that blend seamlessly with the cinematic canon. Master and Apprentice is no exception.

Qui Gon and Obi Wan are as real on the page of this novel as they are in Episode I. I've never been a big fan of the prequels, but this book has persuaded me to rewatch them with a fresh perspective. I appreciated the greater insight into not only the relationship between Qui Gon and Obi Wan, but also the relationship between Qui Gon and Count Dooku, the Jedi Council, and the Force itself.

It's a wonderfully told adventure, enriched by so many threads from the various films, it feels as if it's always been part of the canon from the beginning. I highly recommend this to anyone. ESPECIALLY the audiobook. Jonathan Davis does an astounding job at capturing the voices of Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor. It's entirely convincing and makes for a really engrossing experience. The sound effects and the music really help sell the story too. This story was a joy for me, and I look forward to devouring everything else Gray gives us in the Star Wars galaxy.

One of the ALL-TIME SW GREATS

Master & Apprentice earns its place among the select few other Star Wars novels that deserve to be placed on the top-shelf (Heir to the Empire, Kenobi, Darth Plaguies). It is a cut above the rest. Jonathan Davis nails it as a narrator once again.

Most importantly this provides new insights and motivations to Qui- Gon and Obi- Wan, informing how and why they makes the decisions they do in Phantom Menace. It ENHANCES and ELEVATES the films which is what every SW book should seek to do.

Intro to Star Wars Books

This book gives an amazing glimpse into Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon. If you haven't listened to a Star Wars novel yet, this is the perfect one to start on! Extremely well voiced and a great book!