A fun and exciting Star Wars origin story. Who doesn't want more Obi-Wan? I'm a big fan of White's other books and this one doesn't disappoint.

The world can never have enough Obi-Wan Kenobi content, so I was beyond excited for this book.

White captured the voice of our beloved Obi-Wan perfectly. Seeing him in a coming-of-age story was even more fun than I was expecting.

It’s obvious the author is either a diehard Star Wars fan or did copious amounts of research because this story fits right in with all of the Star Wars content I’ve seen.

What I liked the most about this is that, at least to me, you don’t even need to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy it. It’s an entertaining and exciting adventure that can be enjoyed by anyone who is looking for something fun to read.

I don’t know any other way to put it other than I love this book. I like that in the synopsis it says we’re going to see a young Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi and we really end up seeing a young kenobi. Seeing Obi-Wan running around with other rambunctious Jedi beginners is so awesome and not something that I really thought I needed. This book just really opens your eyes to how complex Obi-Wan is as a character alone and aside from the full cast of Star Wars. Seeing more of Qui Gon Jinn and his relationship with Obi-Wan Kenobi is one thing that I’ve coveted the most so being able to see them as they’re just starting out as master and apprentice is amazing. Obi-Wan finding out that he wasn’t Qui Gon’s choice as a Padawan but that Yoda set that up is just so pivotable in Obi-Wan‘s arc and I love it. We know Obi-Wan as somebody who is a bit lenient but likes to stick to the rules—he really does value everything that the Jedi have taught him and he never wants to go against what the council tells him to do and you see this when he is training Anakin; I think it’s fun and fresh to see a young and rebellious Obi-Wan Kenobi. White did a really really good job with his book and I think she has really made a spot for herself in the Star Wars book canon world and I’m happy for her. Making the decision to go ahead and push Obi-Wan‘s boundaries, push what we perceive of his character, and even push the limits to him learning who he is, not only as a student but his personal identity was a wonderful choice of hers as well. I thought this was well done and I can’t wait to see more from Star Wars!

This story about a beloved Star Wars character, gives the background of a key lesson imparted by his master and mentor.

In an adventure of self-reliance and self-discovery, a young Obi-Wan Kenobi travels to a hidden planet to learn its mysteries. Was he sent there by the will of the force? Or was it all meant to be a lesson from his master?

This story is really fun, and serves as a good foundation for the younger audience it is aimed towards. What does it mean to believe in something, even when you aren't sure how you fit in the bigger picture.

I'd recommend this book to any young adult reader that's looking for a good adventure, or any Star Wars fan wanting some more depth in the development in one of the greatest Jedi.

This is the first book ever that I have enjoyed by this author. No shade or hate to her at all I just haven't found one that I've liked until now. Maybe I enjoyed this one so much because it was a Star Wars book, maybe I enjoyed it because I haven't read a book by her in a very long time and it gave me enough of a pallet cleansing period to try again, or maybe it was just a well done book! I'm hoping it's a combination of all three and that if I read something else by this author I'll enjoy it just as much as I did this one.

Contrary to the last couple books I've read by her I found the pacing of this one to be very well done. I felt like even though something exciting didn't happen on every single page in every single chapter there was still enough information being given and things to process that made those chapters without the craziness interesting and a quick read. I absolutely loved the little touches to Qui-gon's "eccentric-ness" and the mention of his frequent arguments with the council because it told me she wanted to make sure she did this book justice. Getting a background into Obi-wan's difficulty with perfection helped me as a Star Wars fan to understand some of the other things mentioned in previously read Star Wars books that I had questions about.

While I did guess about a quarter of the way what was going to happen regarding the other children's unique abilities I still found that it came as a shock once I actually read it. I knew but she still sort of surprised me. The ending felt abrupt to me but only because I truly wanted to be able to read about Obi-wan telling his master about everything he learned and found on his adventure. I would have liked to have seen maybe an epilogue with the people he met when he landed on the planet to see how they were handling the outcome of everything that happened but otherwise I truly felt like this was a very well done Star Wars book.

I will be giving Kiersten White another shot by trying 'Slayer' by her and I will definitely be picking up another Star Wars book if she writes it. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to read and review this book!

I read this in conjunction with the audiobook. I enjoyed the writing of this book and think Kiersten White did a wonderful job bringing Obi Wan to the page.

This is a great book to start especially if you just finished the Obi Wan series on Disney+. I always love seeing some of our favorite characters as younglings and padawans. I loved seeing that Obi Wan was much like a young Anakin, but it really is life and the way we see it that shapes our future.

I am a Star Wars fan through and through. I love it for the great parts and can accept the ugly parts that maybe don’t make a whole lot of sense. After Disney acquired it and all the old stories went out the window I was really interested to see the new ones.

None of them have disappointed and this one has probably got to be a new favorite! I love Obi-Wan. As a kid I watched Phantom Menace specifically for him, don’t act like some of you haven’t done the same. So when I saw this I was super excited and it did not disappoint.

We find Obi-Wan at a place that is so different from the Jedi we’ve all come to know and love. He’s unsure of himself and unsure of his place in the Order, at his master’s side. He’s getting teased and feels left behind as his other Padawan friends are doing missions and he’s struggling to meditate with his master.

And to top it all off, Dooku is back and Qui-Gon has been heard arguing (again) with the council. All in all, it’s not a good place for him mentally.

He tries to meditate on his own, makes a discovery on the wall of one of the rooms and ends up on a distant planet with no official records. led there by the records of a Way seeker Orla Jareni.

The planet is beautiful, but seemingly deserted, at least until he has his lightsaber stolen by a few other younglings and it leads him to a small group that’s living there and seemingly using the force with more skill than he is.

It’s so good to see a different side, to see the growth he goes on. Characterization is fantastic, it never felt like it wasn’t Obi-Wan. The other character’s were also great and when things stared going south, I was really upset. This story grabbed me and didn’t let me go.

And when it comes to the now famous implication that Obi-Wan is bi, I absolutely see how that’s a possibility. I mean the way it’s phrased makes it hard to argue. I read it a different way though. He’s someone who doesn’t know what attraction looks like for him because he’s never been allowed to explore it. He says he knows some of his companions have tried it but he never has.

I see him as a confused kid who is realizing if he stays where he is, well he’s got options! And if those options include same sex or opposite then hey, he can choose, he can try! Maybe he’s bi, maybe he’s a confused and excited teen, either way, I think it was handled really well and I really liked it.

All in all, this gets a five (5) star rating from me. Absolutely going on my shelf.

I received the eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book early in exchange for an honest review!

I’ll start honestly. I wasn’t particularly excited for this more than the typical amount I would be for any Star Wars book. However, it took me by surprise and is now one of my favorites in the Star Wars YA genre.

The author took such care with a beloved character and wrote him both realistically while adding depth and nuance. This book explored a side of Obi Wan we don’t see much in film, his anxiety. As someone who struggles with this I was so delighted to read about this incredible character struggling to find his connection to the Force, his peers, and his master.

I would highly recommend! Also a great entry point for those who want to read more Star Wars books and need a welcoming entry point.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4899135543

As someone who doesn't have a strong attachment to Obi-Wan Kenobi as a character, I loved this book so much more than I expected to. We get to see a young, anxious, Obi-Wan who is not the self-assured Jedi we know in the Star Wars prequels. His constant questioning of his role in the Jedi Order and the Force as a whole hit very close to home for me as I'm sure it will for many readers. The novel was easy to follow, but not simple or repetitive in its prose, and each of the newly introduced characters had their place in the story without taking away from Obi-Wan's journey. I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader's copy of this book from NetGalley and thoroughly enjoyed it!

Young Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi is struggling. He's struggling to connect to his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, and he's struggling to connect to the Force. Obi-Wan is becoming increasingly frustrated with his master as he watches his young Jedi friends off on adventures and important mission with their masters whilst he is spending most of his time trying to meditate and failing badly. Things change when Obi-Wan finds an odd message left by a Jedi of the past pointing to an uncharted planet and he takes off alone to find his own adventure.

The young adult books published Disney/Lucasfilm Press are not to be ignored. Some of the best and most consistently enjoyable stories have been YA and this ranks up there with the best of them. Whilst for some it may not reach the heights of Claudia Gray's books, Lost Stars and Leia: Princess of Alderaan, it gives them a damn good run for their money. Author Kiersten White perfectly captures young Obi-Wan's voice and crafts a supremely entertaining story while also giving us a great insight into Kenobi's inner turmoil during this period of his life.

White has obviously done her homework as this is consistent with the young padawan we found at the beginning of Clauda Gray's book Master and Apprentice. The events of this book may heal some of the troubles plaguing our hero but the distance between the master and apprentice is keenly felt and serves as a wonderful prequel to Gray's book. It also echoes the characters disconnection present in the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi. He may be known as one of the galaxies best and strongest heroes during The Clone Wars but the character arc that's provided by the bookend of Padawan and the new series is compelling and fittingly human. His story now seems even more tragic than that of his murderous apprentice. It's also made me realise that the true heroes of the entire saga are Obi-Wan and Leia. Selfless and steadfast in the service to what's right and good in the galaxy.

When the story touches down on the mysterious planet Lenahra the reference points are obvious. Lord of the Flies and Lost immediately sprang to mind but there's also something of past stories like Shatterpoint, Splinter of the Mind's Eye and even (the criminally underrated) Mighty Chewbacca and the Forest of Fear here. A hostile jungle planet playing host to various beasties, violent flora and even sentient weather whose only other inhabitants is a group of near feral children, desperate to survive through force-like abilities and sheer determination. They're a family it's hard not fall for and this acts as the central dilemma for our young hero. The freedom, affection and community Obi-Wan finds here is the exact thing he's been craving since his graduation from Initiate to Padawan. Can he ignore the strict Jedi discipline instilled in him since birth and find liberation here amongst these children?

Naturally there's more to this group and planet than meets the eye. It's a fun puzzle to piece together, one filled with death and heartbreak. The supporting characters are mostly memorable too, so much so that I'd love a small update on them in the future even if it's just a nod in a short story like the Larte's from EK Johnston's Ahsoka in From A Certain Point of View or Siv from Delilah S Dawson's Phasma in the short story Return to a Shattered Planet. Maybe we will see them in the inevitable story of Obi-Wan's history with Duchess Satine of Mandalore. Who Knows? There's still a lot of Kenobi's story to be told.

A detail that I particularly enjoyed is the fairly substantial references to The High Republic through a certain couple of long dead Jedi. Between this, Dooku: Jedi Lost and the comics Star Wads, Doctor Aphra and The Rise of Kylo Ren the history of The High Republic is being delicately baked into the Skywalker Saga in subtle but meaningful ways and I'm 100% here for it. Padawan also shows the start of a relationship between Obi-Wan and another character from the Prequels and I found it to be an unexpected delight, one that works particularly well with Mike Chen's Brotherhood and is to be expected in a book released in the year of the twentieth anniversary of Attack of the Clones.

While it may not canon-shaking stuff I'd argue that it's an essential piece of Obi-Wans story and like the current stellar comic Obi-Wan is only elevating the character and the Disney+ series. If you want an enjoyable self-contained and easy to read Star Wars adventure then this is strongly recommended. I can't wait to see what Kiersten White does next and Mr Siglain, I think you've found the author for the story of Obi-Wan and Satine.

I’m a big Obi Wan fan, I even have a painting of him hanging in my bedroom. So being able to read more about an adventure he has as a Padawan was a lot of fun.

This book is great for all ages I think, especially for those younglings who want to read more about their favorite Jedi.

Having just released into bookstores, Kiersten White’s Star Wars Padawan has already stirred up a bit of controversy amongst some Star Wars fans. That’s what good stories do, right?

Ultimately, Padawan is a well-told story about how one of the most well-known Jedi in the universe overcame his doubts, fears, and sense that he didn’t belong. It is also a story about how our actions affect everything around us and how the pursuit of power corrupts.

Some heavy themes, for sure. However, White addresses them in a way that makes for a fun, engaging stand-alone Star Wars story that reads much faster than its 400-plus page length.

Star Wars: Padawan Plot
Padawan is a Young Adult novel, so it is fitting that Obi-Wan Kenobi is experiencing many of the same things that teenagers face in our society. No longer an initiate, we find Obi-Wan as a new Padawan learner here. He is attempting, and struggling, to forge a relationship with his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Qui-Gon specializes in navigating the living force, growing through meditation, and negotiation – all things that Obi-Wan struggles with. Kenobi wonders why they were placed together.

Obi-Wan’s strength is lightsaber combat, and he wants to focus on that instead of meditation. His constant exposure to things that are outside his comfort zone fills him with uncertainty about where he fits in and whether he belongs at all. He experiences a constant fear that he will ultimately be a failure in the Jedi Order.

While attempting to meditate, Obi-Wan discovers a message left long ago by Orla Jareni and Cohmac Vitus (familiar names if you’re read The High Republic novels). Jareni was a Wayseeker as well as a Jedi, which piques Qui-Gon’s interest in the message. Master Jinn agrees to take Obi-Wan to Lenahra to investigate the message.

Obi wan gets everything planned, and when the day arrives, Qui-Gon is nowhere to be found. Frustrated and angry, Obi-Wan decides to go by himself. He is accompanied only by A6-G2, an astromech droid with a definite attitude. He feels that maybe accomplishing the mission by himself will show Qui-Gon that he is ready for more.

Characters in Star Wars: Padawan
Hello there.
Early in the novel, we see some familiar characters, including Qui-Gon. By the end of the first act, however, everything is new and original. This new cast of characters is one of the most refreshing things about Padawan.

Upon landing on Lenahra, Obi-Wan discovers a group of young people that live on the planet. They are lead by Audj, a Mikkian who is fiercely protective of her people. Her brother, Casul, is a moody and passionate addition to the story. Zae-Brii is a shape shifter and Audj’s partner. These three characters receive much of the attention from White, and certainly more than the rest of the group. However, the love and care the entire group has for one another is apparent throughout, and that is a key factor in the story.

As the story progresses, the planet itself and life native to it become key characters in themselves. I won’t spoil too much here, but Lenahra itself is a driver of Obi-Wan’s journey throughout Padawan.

As for the baddie, you’ll figure that out on your own. I don’t want to ruin that for you here.

Obi-Wan himself is different in Padawan than we are used to seeing him. Die-hard Star Wars fans are used to the stoic, wise, balanced Jedi Knight and Master. In Padawan, we find Obi-Wan conflicted, unsure, and questioning if he even wanted to be a Jedi. This new, teenage version of Kenobi is perfect for a Young Adult novel and gives any reader a new take on a familiar hero.

Related: Star Wars: Shadow of the Sith Review

A Journey of Self-Discovery
When Obi-Wan lands on Lenahra, he is a young man struggling to find his place. In about every way, he feels lost. Not sure if he belongs in the Jedi Order, on Coruscant, or with Qui-Gon, we find the young Jedi in a place of deep inner turmoil.

What we do know of Kenobi, even when struggling with this, is that he cares. About life, the beings around him, and the environment he inhabits. This is demonstrated when he meets the clan of young people, in his interactions with different creatures, and how he affects the planet itself. Obi-Wan is guided by his compassion at all times.

That compassion makes him feel an attachment to everything and everyone around him. It also exacerbates his feeling of not belonging. While he feels connected with everything and everyone, he does not feel like he belongs – or is at least not sure that he does.

The closeness of the group he spends time with makes Obi-Wan reflect on his own family, or lack thereof. Kenobi spends much of the second act wondering if he should abandon his life on Coruscant and join Audj, Casul, Zae-Bril, and the others. They have everything he wants, and he feels that joining them would fill the gaps in his life too.

Complexities of sexuality and romance are also discussed in Padawan. Both Casul and Audj are gay, or at least bisexual. In a sequence in the novel, it is suggested that Obi-Wan might be as well. Casul indicates that he might be interested in kissing Obi-Wan, and Kenobi does not outright reject him. Instead, he states that he is unsure of what he wants or is interested in when it comes to sex or romance.

Some readers took this as White “making Obi-Wan bisexual.” I read it as Kenobi facing the fact that he had never thought about these things in the past, and that he had no idea what he liked or wanted. At the strongest, it might be suggested that at this stage in his life, Obi-Wan is asexual or demisexual. Before some people get upset, it is not a central theme of Padawan, and it is covered in the span of about a page and a half. It is not a focal point; it is simply another thing Obi-Wan is uncertain of.

The Pursuit of Power

Each young person in the group led by Audj has abilities like Obi-Wan’s Force powers. They are not, however, Force sensitive. Instead, they fuel their power in an unusual way. No spoilers, but it is a key component of the story.

The key questions in this part of the narrative are simple: what would you do to hold on to the power that you have? Who and what are you willing to hurt to keep your power or gain more? While those questions are simple, they are also deep and revealing.

In telling this part of the story, Kiersten White is not exactly subtle. The abilities that the young people have are referred to by them as the power. The ability to jump higher and farther, run faster, and be stronger give them an advantage on the dangerous planet – but at what cost?

Audj, Cason, and the rest of the crew must face what their pursuit of more power has done to both everything around them as well as themselves. This is where Obi-Wan’s compassion shines through, as well as his ability to negotiate.

Whereas Obi-Wan believed that he was only a good swordsman, his ability to care for others and guide them to see the right path – the things Qui-Gon specializes in – are what helps him on Lenahra. Kenobi must embrace the living Force and connect with everything around him in order to help these people. In doing so, he finds his way.

Final Thoughts
Kiersten White’s Padawan isn’t necessarily essential reading for Obi-Wan fans – you can understand the character fine in other books and films without experiencing this story. With that said, Padawan examines the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi in a way that has not been done in the past. We learn that he had the same vulnerabilities, insecurities, and fears that all young people have. We also learn that he gained strength by allowing himself to be connected to everything around him.

Padawan is a fun, exciting tale about fear of change, thirst for power, and the difficulties in learning who you really are. It is a wonderful addition to a beloved character’s journey. Most of all, it is a fantastic Star Wars story.

Purchase Star Wars: Padawan here.

I"m giving this book a 3.5. I just couldn't finish it. Obi-Wan seemed younger in this novel then his sixteen year old character is. It just wasn't for me.

A huge thank you to Disney Lucasfilm Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

// Content Warnings: violence, mentions of death, violence against animals/planet //

Please educate yourself on the content warnings for this novel before reading, as I may have missed some in my review.

All quotes are taken from Padawan by Kiersten White.

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"All Obi-Wan wanted was to be a Jedi Knight, to go out into the galaxy and be an agent of goodness, of order, of the light."

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// Quick Statistics //
Overall: 5/5 Stars
Characters: 5/5 Stars
Writing: 5/5 Stars
Setting: 5/5 Stars
Plot: 4.5/5 Stars
Memorability: 4/5 Stars

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// Quick Review //
This is the second novel I have read by Kiersten White, and though it is a stark difference from Hide, I absolutely loved Padawan. This is the perfect novel for those wanting to read about Obi-Wan Kenobi’s journey of self-discovery on his way to becoming a better padawan.

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// Other Information //
Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press
Page Count: 416 pages
Release Date: July 26, 2022
Series: Star Wars
Tag: Fiction, Young adult, Fantasy, Science fiction, LGBTQ+, Middle grade, Star wars, Space

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// Review //
I want to start off this review by addressing the controversy that has erupted over Padawan‘s assistance in confirming Obi-Wan Kenobi as bisexual (also potentially asexual). Personally, I am glad that Kiersten White decided to include this in her novel in order to bring about more diversity within Star Wars. As a huge Star Wars fan and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I believe it is important that people are able to see themselves in media, and the inclusion of Obi-Wan’s sexuality in Padawan is a major step towards this in a beloved series. Also, I must commend White for not only including this in her novel but also making it casual in the text. Obi-Wan’s sexuality is not flaunted to be shown only as a token of diversity but is authentically shown as a part of his character. Not only is it important to have diversity in media, but it is equally essential to make it realistic, relatable, and meaningful. So, thank you Kiersten White for making an already loved character in the Star Wars fandom that much more important for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

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"'...I was living in fear for so long. Afraid to fail, afraid to let others down, afraid of loss, afraid of even being afraid.'

'And you're not afraid now?'

'No, I still am. But I'm not letting it control me anymore.'"

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Now, into the novel itself.

Kiersten White does a fantastic job of taking a well-known character yet introducing new aspects while staying true to the known Obi-Wan Kenobi. Now, this novel seems to be aimed more toward middle grade/young adults, and the maturity of Obi-Wan reflects this. Taking place long before The Phantom Menace, Obi-Wan is a struggling padawan who is at odds with his master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Though dedicated to the ways of the Jedi, Obi-Wan is seen struggling with connecting to the force. He feels as if he is being held back by his master and is not able to go on missions like his fellow padawans. In the Star Wars films and shows (and yes, I have yet to watch Obi-Wan Kenobi—don’t worry, I’ll watch it soon) we see an already trained Obi-Wan, one who is connected to the force and sure in his abilities. However—though staying true to Obi-Wan’s nature—Padawan explores the uncertainty that Obi-Wan struggles with while growing up in the Jedi Order. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Obi-Wan struggle with connecting to the force, since it seems in the movies that he has no problem doing so. His battle with his training made his character that much more deep and realistic.

I have to mention that I found it funny how similar young Obi-Wan is to Anakin in Attack of the Clones. Around 28:10 in Attack of the Clones, Anakin complains to Padmé that Obi-Wan is holding him back. In Padawan, Obi-Wan complains through his narration that Qui-Gon is holding him back. It is eerily similar but also funny since Obi-Wan and Anakin’s relationship is like that of father-son, as Anakin says at 22:00 in Attack of the Clones. Gosh, I feel like I’m writing an essay and stating my evidence. But, I love Star Wars so why not?

I think it is worth mentioning that as long as you have seen the prequels, you should have no problem understanding the events of this novel. The story starts off at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant where Obi-Wan is being rebellious and skipping meditation (the Jedi equivalent of not eating your vegetables, I’m sure). From there, he discovers that Orla Jareni left the way to an unexplored planet called Lenahra. It is inhabited by a group of seemingly force-sensitive kids around the same age as Obi-Wan, though some are younger.

Kiersten White describes a rich and lively planet that is sometimes hostile to its inhabitants, yet sometimes not. As Obi-Wan navigates this new and supposedly deadly world, he also develops his connection to the force and his strength in using it. He vows to help the people he has met on Lenahra, even if his return to Coruscant reveals his expulsion from the Jedi Order. Staying true to his character, Obi-Wan wishes only to help those and bring some lightness to even the furthest corner of the galaxy.

The plot itself was excellent yet had more to do with internal struggles and evolution than that of Star Wars‘ iconic battles and light saber fights. If you go into this novel expecting loads of action and battles, you might be disappointed. However, I found the exploration of Obi-Wan’s doubts and fears to be crucial to understanding the character further. There was plenty of action towards the end of the novel, but as I said, this is not an action-focused story.

Obi-Wan’s meddling with the mystery behind Lenahra causes some issues for him and the inhabitants which he must face if he wishes to truly help the planet and its people.

Also, throwing it back to Attack of the Clones once more, Padawan mentions how Obi-Wan came to know Dex, which I thought was a clever easter egg and was a detail that got me excited.

Overall, I had a lot of fun with this novel and enjoyed its pleasant new characters and exploration of Obi-Wan’s character and background. I highly recommend it to any Star Wars fan, especially those who love Obi-Wan Kenobi. It’s essentially a Star Wars coming-of-age, which I love.

A young Obi-Wan sets off on his own in this new book from Kiersten White. In an attempt to prove himself worthy of the Jedi, Star Wars' classic hero stumbles upon a strange planet that helps him discover the balance within himself. This story feels like it fits right alongside the old pulp fiction Jedi Apprentice series from 1999-2002 and carries themes reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke, that are fascinating to track upon a reread.

And a reread is worth it, as you can begin to see the craft that White puts into her novel, the way she sets up themes and pays them off throughout the book. Even the very first scene of a youthful meal mishap becomes a thematic summation on the adventure on which Obi-Wan is about to embark.

A quality story that doesn't talk down to its audience.

Pure Kenobi Chaos: A Review of Kiersten White's Padawan

The season of Kenobi continues with Kiersten White's new novel, Padawan! What a boon! What a bounty! Truly, the Kenobists of the fandom have been blessed with some excellent new content, and Padawan is no exception.

Following the release of Mike Chen's Brotherhood earlier this year, Padawan is a new novel that puts Obi-Wan at the center of his own story. Set nine years before The Phantom Menace, Padawan tells the story of a sixteen-year-old Obi-Wan's first solo mission as Qui-Gon Jinn's apprentice.

Well, it's not so much a mission as it is an adventure. And it's not so much a solo assignment as it is a tricky bit of teenage rebellion, complete with angst, daddy issues, and accidental ship acquisition. Anakin would be so proud.
The Set Up
Newly apprenticed to the wise and infuriatingly oblique Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi is struggling. Struggling to fit in. Struggling to understand. Struggling for control. And struggling to connect with the Force at all. In the creche, he loved meditation, but now that he's called on to do it as a padawan, he finds the skill beyond his reach. Worse, Master Jinn seems to know this and, as a result, has him doing the same basic katas while all his agemates go off into the galaxy. Something is wrong. And Obi-Wan fears that something is him.

After he discovers a secret map to a hidden planet left by a long-dead Jedi, Obi-Wan convinces his master that they are the perfect team to follow it. At first, Qui-Gon agrees, but when he fails to show up the morning of their departure, Obi-Wan grows impatient…and maybe a little resentful. So finally, in a fit of pique, he decides to go by himself.

But the planet he ends up on is not what he expected. Lenahra is a place of great beauty but also incredible danger, and the only inhabitants of it are a group of Force-sensitive teenagers. They offer him shelter, friendship, and a place to be himself without the demands and responsibility of the Jedi Order weighing on his shoulders. As Obi-Wan grows closer to them, he also grows closer to the darkness lurking on Lenahra, the mysteries of the Force, and the truth of his heart.
A Celebration of Compassion
The de facto prequel to Claudia Gray's Master & Apprentice, Kiersten White's Padawan, does a beautiful job establishing Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon's rocky relationship while also giving us a delightful adventure that stands on its own.

In previous interviews, White spoke of her love for Obi-Wan Kenobi and the depth of his compassion. "He cares so much," she said. "I think as much as (or more than) any other Jedi we know, Obi-Wan always puts himself second in service of the Jedi Order and, more importantly, the will of the Force."

That caring nature is out in full force here and drives much of the conflict and the plot. Obi-Wan cares so deeply about his new friends that he feels compelled to help them in any way he can – even though he fears it may overstep the bounds of reason.

He spends much of his time torn between what is right and what is good and how a Jedi discerns between the two. Yet, as much as he may question his own ability, it is clear to the reader just how deeply Obi-Wan holds to the Jedi ways and how integral the Force and the Order are to his very being. This is a book that loves both Obi-Wan and the Jedi deeply.

It is clear that White understands Obi-Wan, and her portrayal of him is as compassionate and loving as Obi-Wan himself. This makes for a very satisfying reading experience as the words leap off the page to wrap you in an embrace as familiar and comforting as Obi-Wan's cloak.
Sir Not Appearing In This Film
That's also probably why Qui-Gon's absence feels so acute. But, of course, White can do nothing to repair a relationship that we know is strained during Master & Apprentice, which takes place about a year later, which must account for how little he appears in this book. If you're a fan of them together, then know this may not be the book you expect. As its title suggests, this book is only about Obi-Wan.

First Steps into a Larger World
That said, there are a bunch of lovely nods to other stories in Star Wars, including some nods to the old Legends series Jedi Apprentice by Jude Watson. Fans of that series will be happy to see mention of Siri Tachi and those old padawan dormitories. Likewise, High Republic fans will recognize the names of those ancient Jedi who inspire Obi-Wan on his mission to Lenahra in the first place. The planet itself seamlessly fits into the larger galaxy, and the nature of Obi-Wan's quest resembles classic Clone Wars episodes. It reminded me of Mercy Mission (4.5) and Mystery of a Thousand Moons (1.18). The whole thing was filled with the joy and excitement of a classic Star Wars romp!

However, White has a deft touch, and despite being a novel geared towards young adults (honestly, to my mind, it felt closer to a middle grade read), she still manages to weave in some weighty and complex issues for Obi-Wan (and us) to grapple with.
Looking Deeper
Though there is no 1:1 correlation to the real world, you can easily draw lines between Obi-Wan's conflict and things we're dealing with every day, like environmentalism, generational trauma, and personal responsibility. I appreciate that it doesn't explicitly parallel these but encourages the audience to see themselves in Obi-Wan and the children on Lenahra, compelling us to find similarities where we feel most conflicted in ourselves.

The planet itself is practically its own character. Lenahra is a world of both beauty and danger. But perhaps the most dangerous things are the people who seek to strip it of its resources for their own profit. White does not shy away from a strong message of environmental stewardship, and the duty we owe to the world we live upon. The relationship between Lenahra and its inhabitants is profoundly connected. There is a limit to how much abuse the world can take, and Obi-Wan can see they’ve just about come to the end.
On the Matter of Love
Now, let me first reassure you, nervous readers – there is no romance in this book. Satine, his only canonical love interest, does not appear, though she is given a cheeky little wink. White previously stated in an interview with StarWars.com that "Obi-Wan commits absolutely in everything he does — including first love. I couldn't dilute that!"

However, there is talk about kissing and attraction and teenage fumblings in dimly lit corners. At one point, Obi-Wan seems to express a vague interest in multiple genders before quickly deciding he is probably uninterested in the idea altogether, couching this dismissal in his devotion to the Force.

While it suggests that Obi-Wan may be bi or pan and sit somewhere along the asexuality spectrum, it is not, at any point, explicit. For all that he thinks about it, no deeper consideration is given to how he identifies. And so, though I was excited to have this tidbit made canon, I ended up feeling a little disappointed that we didn't get more in a book that is meant to be about self-discovery.

A possible explanation for this tip-toeing around the subject is that White was not permitted to directly state how Obi-Wan identifies. E.K. Johnston had to contend with this issue when writing her Star Wars novel, Ahsoka. In a Tumblr post, she explained, "Usually when I write, I am all about Making Sexuality Quite Obvious, because I feel like kids deserve at LEAST "queer". But with Ahsoka, it wasn't my decision to make. Instead, I tried to leave as many doors open as possible so that anyone reading her could identify her as "the same as them"."

It's only my speculation, but if Padawan faced similar limitations then we can hardly blame White for the lack of clarity. The inclusion of several other queer characters speaks to her intent, which is both encouraging and just a delight to read. I've been hoping and pushing for Acespec Obi-Wan for years! And though it is frustrating to rely on coding and implication even in 2022, he definitely reads as queer, and I am thrilled by what White has given us.

The Adventure Continues…
With only a couple of minor quibbles, Padawan was a wonderful experience. Obi-Wan's journey was dynamic, complex, and exciting. Lenahra was a gorgeous setting with fascinating world-building, and White writes with such cinematic prose that I felt as if I were alone in the theatre watching it all unfold on the big screen. Moreover, her love for Obi-Wan transcends the page and leaves her readers basking in the warmth of our favorite Jedi as if he were telling the story to us directly.

Padawan is a delightful addition to the Star Wars canon, and I am desperate for White to have another crack at the character. Or maybe two more. Let's make it a trilogy! "The Kenobi Saga" has a nice ring to it.

Padawan is available to buy wherever books are sold on July 26th, 2022. Follow us here for the latest on Star Wars.

The best Star Wars books are the ones where you read them and think "this author gets it," and that's exactly what happened here. Kiersten White's understanding of Obi-Wan Kenobi and the Jedi Order really shines through in this book, and you can tell how much thought and care was put into it. It's hands down one of my favorite Star Wars books I've read.
Aside from Obi-Wan himself, the supporting characters in this book are all so complex, and I found myself caring about every single one of them and their individual stories. The group of teenagers that this novel follows are all realistic and have their own flaws, strengths, and personalities.
As for Obi-Wan himself, the mental journey he goes on in this book is deeply relatable and the exact experience that a 16 year old in his situation would be having. For me personally, this was one of my favorite perspectives on his character that we've gotten to this point.
Finally, this book had a lot of quality queer representation that completely surpassed any expectations I had in that area. I thought it was handled beautifully, and it is going to be very meaningful to a lot of people, myself include.
I truly can't recommend this book enough.

Padawan follows 16 year old Obi-Wan Kenobi as he struggles with his relationship with his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, and his place in the Jedi Order. In an attempt to escape his fears and insecurities, Obi-Wan sets out on a solo adventure where he meets a group of teenagers who appear to be using the Force. During his time away from the Temple, Obi-Wan goes on a journey of self discovery and acceptance, and realizes that no matter how small a part you play in the bigger picture, you can make a difference.

This is a must read for any Obi-Wan fan! I loved reading about the scared and insecure boy Obi-Wan was—and in some ways still is—before he became a Jedi Knight. This book reminded me of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys but with the classic Star Wars feel. I’m so excited for others to read this book, and to learn about a side of Obi-Wan we haven’t been introduced to until now.

At sixteen, Obi-Wan longs to go on his first mission with his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn. All his friends are learning new things from their Masters and going on missions, and all he seems to do is meditate with Qui-Gon. While exploring the carvings in the formal dinning hall, the brooding and anxious Obi-Wan discovers and message from Orla Jareni and Chomac Vitus carved into the wall. Upon looking Orla up in the archives, he discovers a long lost planet and mission she was unable to complete. Excited, he convinces Qui-Gon it should be there first mission, but when Qui-Gon doesn't show up Obi-Wan decides to go on his own. What he finds in a lush planet and a group of teenage and youngling inhabitants who seem to be using the Force with no training. But not everything is as it seems. When a mysterious second ship arrives with nefarious intentions it's up to Obi-Wan and his new friends to save the planet

Obi-Wan is discovering his way in Padawan. Like most teens, he's also full of anxieties and worries. He desperately wants to be a Jedi, but is afraid of failing at it. Afraid of never helping anyone in the galaxy. Afraid he'll fail Qui-Gon because he can't meditate. And on and on. These feelings are overwhelming him and keeping him from connecting to the Force fully. It's his journey here that helps him tame his anxieties and learn to live with them. 

His anxiety is a great way to show that even Jedi can have insecurities. It also makes him very relatable to modern teens who will be reading this. Hey, Obi-Wan was just like me as a teen! Even with the anxiety, it's clear that he's on the path that will lead him to be the character we all know and love. He already wants to negotiate first before jumping into a fight.

Diversity Abounds

The cast of characters includes two Mikkians, three Nautalons, a Changeling, and other species among the group he meets. One is non-binary and at least two others, a pair of Mikkian siblings, are queer. The male Mikkian, Casul, is initially interested in Obi-Wan, but by the end decides he's not his type.

While Obi-Wan is with them, he ponders if he's attracted to any of them or not and what it would be like to kiss one - or all of them. While some might read this as him being bisexual, I read it as more him not knowing yet what he's attracted to, if at all. I'd peg it as more on the asexual spectrum, specifically demisexual, as he doesn't actually show any interest in any member of the group. His only interest is in helping them find a better way to live.

Verdict

This was a great story of self discovery set in the Star Wars universe. Obi-Wan goes in insecure, but leaves more confident in his abilities and who he is as a Jedi. He completes his first solo mission, even if it is unsanctioned, and takes his first steps into a larger world. I don't want to spoil the mystery of how the group appears to have the Force, but I'll say it does have something to do with the planet itself.

The only thing I felt was out of place was the nod to Orla and the High Republic. I know it serves as the impetus for his journey, but it felt a little off to me. But that's me being nit picky. Overall, I really enjoyed it. It was a quick read with a nice little mystery and some action and adventure thrown in.

Grateful to have been granted an advanced reader copy of this new Star Wars novel, I had high hopes!

Peter Pan meets Pandora in this fun Star Wars adventure!

Padawan follows Obi-Wan Kenobi as he searches for balance within himself and peace in his own path as a Jedi. Facing an adventure that connects with the High Republic, Obi-Wan must choose whether or not he is going to cling to his fear and uncertainty or let go of expectations.

This book is a great characterization of a young Obi-Wan. He overthinks everything, which makes sense for his age and his situation as he tries to grow and find his way.

Truthfully, had a hard time connecting with the plot. Having read Master and Apprentice, it was interesting to see how it would connect with Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon’s relationship as Padawan and Master.

Overall, it was a fun read, but not my favorite Star Wars novel including these characters. It’s essential reading for any Obi-Wan fan, and I am so grateful for more insight into his time as a Padawan and his development as a young man.

Thank you so much, Disney Publishing Worldwide, for allowing me to read this book and review it!