Kenobi: Star Wars Legends

The desert is a tough place to make a living, and no one understands that better than widow, Annileen Calwell, who is trying to raise her two kids, Kallie and Jabe, and manage Dannar's Claim, her husbands general store/bar/small town hotspot. Her husband died years ago due to Tusken Raiders, and his friend, Orrin Gault, has come up with a pyramid scheme - I MEAN! - "insurance policy" called the Settler's Call. For a small fee, you sign up and then you get protection from the rest of the settlement when Tuskens attack. This delicate balance all changes with the arrival of a strange and mysterious man, who calls himself Kenobi.I really do kinda understand why some people don't care for this book. Despite being called Kenobi, well, our titular character doesn't really appear all that much - and he doesn't really get any POVs. Honestly, if you've read any of my reviews, you would think my opinion should be much the same - I mean, I went pretty hard on Knight Errant (incidentally by the same author) for how long it takes to show us Kerra Holt, the aforementioned "Knight Errant", and I was pretty scathing for "Revan". Why does this get a pass?I think in order to explain why this works, I need to go to the author, John Jackson Miller. JJM has written some of the best of the latter end so-called "Legends" books and also some pretty mediocre ones. But the best ones - ones like Lost Tribe of the Sith, the KOTOR comics minus volume 10 - succeed because they dare to develop, really develop, these fascinating characters not named Solo and Skywalker. Even in JJM's books that I didn't care for (Knight Errant), I still found myself liking some of the characters he created.As I've grown up reading Star Wars (I read my first book back in 1997, "The Truce at Bakura"), I realize that the most meaningful, most interesting books tend to be the ones that focus on a narrow group of characters - Shatterpoint, Yoda: Dark Rendezvous, Darth Bane. They spend more time on how the characters react to a situation than building up a chain of events and fight scenes and silly villain confrontations.I also think JJM is good at creating a setting. Star Wars basically revolves around Tatooine at this point, but I dare say it's almost a caricature at this point. There are two suns, dirt, sand, and lots of scheming Hutts - but JJM steps back and builds a culture of moisture farmers. So many books and movies are about these elite plots and plans, the machinations of people in power, but the Empire or the Republic or whatever government in power is built upon people - and like this book shows, those people often don't give a rat's about that government, when they are struggling to survive. JJM captures this in this book.I also won't deny that I found myself really relating to Annileen, a 30-something woman who's seen the death of her dreams. As much as I'd love to think of myself as a Leia or Mara or whatever, the fact is, I have more in common with Annileen than most other protagonists of the Star Wars universe. Sure, sometimes I love to have my flights of fancy, to imagine I too am a Jedi. Other times, it's nice to know even in a galaxy far far away, people are just like me.I've written so much, and yet I still feel I've done a terrible job of describing why I liked this. I wouldn't pay too much attention on how long it took me to read this - ever since catching the worst cold of my life in January of 2020 and the subsequent quarantine and pandemic, I've not really been the same. It's a real struggle, and some days, I'd rather watch mindless YouTube videos from the late 00's than to read. Let it be known, I'm not writing this to convince anyone to read this, that this is the best book in the Star Wars Legends line. I'm merely saying I enjoyed myself, that I read more books that I liked than I disliked (quite a feat as a few years back, I wanted to throw the towel completely in on reading).This isn't like every other Star Wars book, but maybe that's why it has generated such a division between those who read it. Regardless, you are the only one who can know what you like, so if what I've tried to convey sounds interesting, feel free to read - or not. I don't get money for writing these or any sort of reimbursement. I just am an almost 40 year old woman looking for a dream.

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.

I might be wrong about this but I think this is the last novel of the old, proper canon and it's a great way for Star Wars to bow out. I approached this with very low expectations (what can a man on a mission to do nothing possibly get up to?) but I'm very pleased to find I was wrong.What you've got is a classic Star Wars-flavoured western with Obiwan cast as the celebrated lawman, trying to hang up his gun, who has to fight his natural instinct to step in and save the day. Lawless Tatooine is the perfect setting with for such a western with Tuskans playing Indians and moisture farmers for settlers and Obiwan as the reluctant hero with a tortured soul.The first good sign for me was that it's by John Jackson Miller: I really liked both Knight Errant and Lost Tribe of the Sith and Miller does what he does in those books: fleshes it out with characters with real motives and personalities (unlike the cut-and paste caricatures you get in some EU novels). There is a community here for Obiwan to walk into and interact with and that's necessary: if his intention is to lie low, there needs to be a dynamic going on to draw him out. This brings front and centre the crux of his situation: he's a Galactic hero who can't abide injustice but must do that for the greater good.I get people complaining about the lack of action but that's true of the best westerns: I love John Ford's films but if you reduce the plot to just action there's very little; it's all about character.Yes, there isn't a grand scale to this story but nor should there be: other stories tell Star Wars on an epic scale but this is a personal journey and the scope is suitably adapted.If you're dead against western you're unlikely to enjoy this but that was the strength of this world that has been sadly thrown away: if you want zombies, you've got Death Troopers, if you Oceans Eleven, you've got Scoundrels. You've got WW2 fighter stories in the Rogue Squadron books or the anti hero of the Bounty Hunter series (and if you soldiers sitting around talking about emotions, there's the Clone Wars books).There was so much texture and diversity which Disney threw away and then decided Star Wars was too samey. They replaced stuff like this with the ilogical mess of The Last Jedi? Give me the true EU any day.

A very highly rated novel, Kenobi takes a bit of time to settle but once it does, it's a superb read.It isn't entirely flawless, as there are a couple of characters who grind your gears somewhat, but despite that the 5 Star rating is very much deserved. Miller's depiction of Obi-Wan is brilliant, and the story makes for the perfect setting for the character to encounter almost immediately after his arrival on Tatooine. The presentation of the Sand People is also done with great quality, depicting them as a tribe-like yet spiritual peoples who have a great role to play in the book, while the human protagonists are generally good contributors to the story.This book was one of the final additions to what we now call the "Legends" material, and one can only hope that the upcoming Kenobi series does as much justice to the great character we know and love as this book did.

This is a well-written novel, with an interesting story. The events depicted take place shortly after "The Revenge of the Sith" movie, and the setting is the planet Tatooine. As a fan of the Star Wars Expanded Universe (rebranded "Legends" by Disney), I was looking forward to reading this book ... and in several ways I have enjoyed it. Only it's not a typical 'Star Wars' story. Rather than either a "space opera" or a sci-fi novel, this book is more of a western. It tends to focus on a remote farming community that is under threat from wayward bandits. The author does himself declare that he intended to write a tale reminiscent of the American western. And he's succeeded! Okay, he blends that genre with aspects of Star Wars - but, in my opinion, there's simply too little of Star Wars. If you're after epic space battles, lots of Clone Troopers / Storm Troopers, the Emperor, Sith vs Jedi, etc., then this book simply isn't for you. Personally, I prefer such new titles as  Star Wars: Lords of the Sith  and  Star Wars: Tarkin (UK Edition)  ... as well as older ones, such as  Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire , Path of Destruction: A Novel of the Old Republic (Star Wars: Darth Bane (Paperback)) , and  Star Wars: Tales of the Bounty Hunters .I'm not suggesting that this isn't in any way a Star Wars story, for it is. Obi-Wan Kenobi (now known as 'Ben') is a reoccurring character. And finding out about his life as he settles on Tatooine is fascinating. Furthermore, the characterisation is excellent (blending the performances of Ewan McGregor and Alec Guinness) ... But, unfortunately, Ben Kenobi occupies too little of this book. It seems as if the main characters are the frontier farmers - who are struggling against the Sand People. And while raids on moisture farms may interest some readers, I was hoping for more. Especially more Kenobi.Nonetheless, as a western-style adventure - concerning settlers vs bandits - this is okay. The fact that it's competently written certainly helps. And the snippets and references to the wider Star Wars universe are fun. So if you fancy reading a Star Wars-ish tale about farmers who find themselves in need of Kenobi's help then I fully recommend this book. But if you prefer typical Star Wars novels - focussing on the Republic / Empire - then I'd suggest giving this one a miss. Star Wars: Lords of the SithStar Wars: Tarkin (UK Edition)Star Wars: Shadows of the EmpirePath of Destruction: A Novel of the Old Republic (Star Wars: Darth Bane (Paperback))Star Wars: Tales of the Bounty Hunters

I've read a few of the extended canon novels; the quality has varied considerably.Star Wars: Kenobi stands head and shoulders above the rest. Its well-developed plot, excellent characterisation and thoughtful twists make it a superb story in its own right.The portrait of Ben Kenobi is true to his Clone Wars identity: Self effacing, troubled and deeply human. Tatooine is fleshed out in sumptuous detail, with the diverse community of moisture farmers facing plausible challenges, and well known antagonists. The bad guys are every bit the gangsters, the good guys are rebels in all but name. The plot stands alone, but touches on galactic events with just enough intrusion to make a credible, if slightly benign addition to the broader galactic narrative.If A New Hope takes inspiration from Battle of Britain or Tora! Tora! Tora!, then Kenobi clearly tips a hat to epic Westerns, like Shane or Pale Rider.

I liked the description of the Tuskens and Obi Wan's respect for their way of life despite their appearance and actions. The unrealised romance with Annileen was well-developed. Orrin was 3 dimensional and made Obi Wan's ethos difficult to square with the needs of the people around him. I didn't actually like the Tuskens, to the very end of the story they are portrayed as living a pretty bleak existence with few redeeming features. Maybe this was a good thing to avoid the story slipping into traditional Avatar-esque tropes regarding the noble natives. Obi Wan's inability to speak to Qui Gon and his self-imposed exile to the life of a hermit was tragic and gives the events of Episode IV considerably more depth. I did like the story for these reasons but it did all seem rather too depressing, with little let up in the bleak picture it portrayed. Maybe that was the point, although I might have cared for the Tuskens and Obi Wan more if there was a greater hope for them. Perhaps a spoonful of sugar would have helped the medicine go down?