Kenobi: Star Wars Legends

As John Jackson Miller explains himself in his Acknowledgements, this novel is Star Wars as a western. Considering the immense influence western stories already had over A New Hope in its design and flavor, this is a comfortable fit for a Star Wars tale. Set in the Dark Times after the pivotal events of Revenge of the Sith, the novel casts Obi-Wan in the role of the lone gunslinger aiding a troubled town. The stereotypical raiding bandits are replaced by Tusken Raiders and the farmers here cultivate moisture rather than vegetable crops (moisture farming being a key industry on the desert world of Tatooine).Kenobi starts with an apropos quote from Yoda and continues with the equivalent of the traditional opening Star Wars crawl. The book feels cinematic from the get-go. The prologue actually takes place during Revenge of the Sith and sets the stage for Obi-Wan’s long retreat into the Tatooine wilds. An early Tusken raid starts up the action and Mr. Miller does not shy from presenting events through the eyes of the Tusken leader A’Yark as well as the settlers. This perspective is greatly appreciated and well-written. Even though we are thrust into A’Yark’s mind early in the story many mysteries around the character’s motivations are preserved until well in the book.Obi-Wan spends the early chapters trying to establish his new life in the Tatooine wilds by the Dune Sea. There are some fantastically awkward interactions as he visits a remote trading post and befriends merchant Annileen Calwell. Annileen is raising two teenagers alone and having a rough time with it, especially thanks to the negative influence of powerful local Orrin Gault and his family. Westerns often feature a prominent local citizen who wants to cling to power despite what’s best for the community and this one is no exception. However, once again Mr. Miller must be given credit for taking the time to explore Orrin’s motivations and perspective, rather than simply relegating him to a one-dimensional villain role.Another strong element of the novel which fleshes out Obi-Wan’s character is in his monologues with mentor Qui-Gon Jinn. Yoda instructed him to attempt communicating with Qui-Gon in Revenge of the Sith and Obi-Wan loyally obeys here, even though he is frustrated by the lack of contact from his former Master. It’s hard to imagine the degree of adjustment Obi-Wan’s focus had to survive when he was transformed from a galactic power player to a hermit in a single day or two, thanks to the actions of his apprentice Anakin. The monologue meditations help to explore how Obi-Wan kept his commitment to the shattered Jedi Order and to his own principles: they are some of the most compelling passages in the novel.Westerns often end in a shootout and this one is no exception. In some ways I found the plot predictable thanks to the Western archetypes at play but there are plenty of twists to keep it fresh. Mr. Miller drenches the novel in Star Wars flavor and its complete focus on Tatooine underscores the feeling of solitude and remoteness Obi-Wan is adjusting to. Kenobi is not a book that dramatically alters anything about the Star Wars Expanded Universe: however, it is a wonderful nugget of a tale set in the Dark Times that no fan of the novels or the character Obi-Wan Kenobi should miss.

With the loss of his once-promising apprentice still a raw wound, Obi-Wan Kenobi retreats to the remote planet of Tatooine, charged with guarding the galaxy's hope of redemption -- young Luke Skywalker. But until that far-off day that Luke should finally meet his destiny, Obi-Wan determines to adapt to a life without the sense of community and far-flung driving purpose that he once knew. But despite his determination to remain unnoticed and unremarked, descending into obscurity even on a backwater planet such as Tatooine proves harder to accomplish than the one-time hero of the Clone Wars ever expected. With Luke delivered into the custody of his uncle Owen Lars for safekeeping, Obi-Wan -- now calling himself Ben -- determines to settle into the role of watchman some distance away, resigned to a life of watchful meditation. Getting drawn into the lives of the settlers in the area is the last thing he needs...Dannar's Claim, a trading post, inn, and bar, operated by Annileen Caldwell and her children Kallie and Jabe is the center of life at The Oasis, the hub around which those brave souls attempting to eek out a living from Tatooine's harsh environment seek community and connection. Dannar's Claim also houses the Settler's Call, the brainchild of moisture farmer and entrepreneur Orrin Gault. The Call is a subscription alarm service, consisting of a fund managed by Gault that coordinates the community response to attacks on subscribers by Tusken Raiders. As the best friend of Annileen's late husband, the lives of the Caldwells and the Gaults are inextricably entwined. When Tusken attacks spike, led by the raider known only as Plug-eye, tensions spike between Annileen and her long-time friend, made worse by her son's insistence on joining Orrin's dangerous raids. As tensions between the settlers and the Tuskens mount, a reclusive stranger named Ben arrives, one whose secrets may hold the secret to the settlers' salvation...if he isn't destroyed first.It's been YEARS since I read a Star Wars extended universe novel. I cut my science fiction-loving teeth on the likes of Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy, novels which captured not only the feel of the original trilogy, but were superb storytelling that -- long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm and announced plans to make new films -- opened new chapters and introduced new characters to the Star Wars universe. Thanks to Disney's reboot of the extended universe canon, the original extended universe novels that I loved are now no longer canon, but classified as "Legends." However, stories like Kenobi are stellar examples of these books at their best -- illuminating new facets and eye-opening possibilities in the lives of beloved characters like Obi-Wan whose screentime only provides tantalizing hints of their history and potential.Ewan MacGregor's portrayal of a young Obi-Wan was a highlight of the uneven (to say the least) prequel trilogy, and portrayal heavily influences Miller's characterization of the Jedi Master in Kenobi. I've always viewed Star Wars, particularly Episode IV, as a western in space, and this novel takes the concept of a western space opera and turns it into a full-fledged, old-fashioned classic western epic. Obi-Wan -- now the hermit Ben -- is the retired Gunslinger who wants nothing more than to be left in peace. Orrin, the rancher-cum-robber baron whose once pure motives have been corrupted by a drive to consolidate power and succeed, while Annileen is the determined widow transformed into a businesswoman, one whose once-bright dreams have long laid dormant until the arrival of a stranger, the compelling and mysterious Ben.Miller knows the story beats of a classic western, and therein lies the success of his exploration of the unknown chapter of Ben's life on Tatooine prior to the arrival of a blue and white astromech droid bearing a desperate plea from a princess. This novel is everything I never knew I wanted from a Obi-Wan-centric story, everything I felt the prequels wasted with an actor of MacGregor's potential bringing a youthful Kenobi to life. Miller brings Kenobi to vibrant, three-dimensional life, delving into the insecurities, questions, and sense of failure he must have grappled with following Anakin's turn to the dark side. Here Miller explores if a man who once thrived on action, who was conditioned to never let a call for help go unanswered, adapt to the life of a hermit -- if such a withdrawal from a society in need is even possible.I absolutely loved how this novel fleshes out not only Ben's character but the culture of Tatooine, a world that plays a critical role in the Star Wars universe as the home of Luke, the birthplace of Anakin, and the site of a rage-fueled massacre of Tuskens that sets Anakin on a galaxy-shaking trajectory, culminating in his transformation into Darth Vader. While Ben's characterization is a welcome addition to the extended universe, and the settlers are deftly sketched western mainstays, transplanted in space, its the characterization of the Tusken Raider culture that proves most illuminating. On film they are faceless, mindless bandits -- here the Tatooine natives have a culture, history, and drive, led by the formidable, fearless warrior Plug-eye, a Tusken with secrets that, if discovered, could reframe the Tuskens' age-old conflict with the settlers.Kenobi is peppered with echoes of the films, from mentions of Jabba and the Lars family to suggestions of greater events unfolding in the galaxy as the Empire rises following the Jedi's fall. But putting the Star Wars references aside, Miller has delivered a cracking good western capable of standing beside classics of the genre by the likes of L'Amour and Mulford. This is why I love science fiction, why I adore the Star Wars world -- Kenobi is page-turning adventure filled with compelling characters, explosive action scenes, intrigue, and a classic showdown between good and evil. For all the talk of destiny in the canon, for me Star Wars has always been a story of choice, of choosing light, of choosing to be the best version of one's self., and Miller taps into the timeless nature of that battle. I can only hope that Miller one day gets to revisit this universe, but if not, here he's delivered one of the most satisfying reads in this extended universe -- and if, like me, you can't help but view it as canon...who can blame you? This is a Star Wars (and westerns) at their best -- entertaining, thought-provoking, and just plain fun.

As an avid SW/Obi/EU/“Legends” fan I was looking so forward to this book; and it did not disappoint one bit.You may think that a whole book about Obi Wan being a hermit on Tatooine may be slow, but it isn’t at all. It takes place almost immediately after the end of ROTS and covers Obi/Ben attempting to blend in on Tatooine and get past the events of Mustafar. I was actually impressed with the depth of this book, while Obi is trying to process his failure with Anakin and his loss of the Jedi we see him in conflict with himself; wanting to protect and assist those in needs as a Jedi, but trying to restrain to keep his low profile to keep Luke safe. We’re introduced to a group of deep, (mostly) likable character’s that provide Obi/Ben a new perspective of his traumatic past and a chance to process it and everything that comes along with it. The real treat is the climax at the end, Obi has the chance to intervene with someone as he wished he did with Anakin and come to acceptance with the antagonists decision and ultimately, somewhat forgiving himself.There’s also some meditation scenes where Obi continuously tries to communicate with Qui Gon as Yoda instructed and you get to see Obi be raw and honest with himself in a way you don’t usually in SW novels. My only regret is that I waited so long to read this one, and that Disney did not use it as a template for the Obi Wan series. Read this book!!

Me encanto!!!

Comprato per mio figlio che adora Star wars (anch’io😜) per invogliarlo a leggere. Gli è piaciuto molto!

With the Kenobi tv series set to arrive, I thought I would read up on one of my two absolute favourite characters in SW.It's slow to start but I found it to be very immersive, giving an insight into how the people lived in the harsh climate of Tatooine as well as a fascinating depiction of the customs and actions of the Tusken Raiders.The plot is simple, but the characters make this novel IMO. I was totally invested in what happens to each and everyone of them.It also gives a good "POV" of how Obi-wan deals with what happened as he medidates and attempts to communicate with Qui-Gon. Also if you have ever wondered why he took the name "Ben", the answer's here.