Not to long ago we learned of a series of books releasing over the next year or so. First up is a new book about Padme, Queen’s Shadow. After that, however, we get the return of the Queen! No, not Padme, Claudia Gray! Claudia is one of the hottest, modern-day Star Wars writers going right now. She has smashed every single book she has written out of the park. Now we get new information on her next book, Master and Apprentice.

Master and Apprentice: Claudia Gray’s Next Masterpiece?

Master and Apprentice
Image: Del Rey

The official synopsis from the Del Rey Star Wars twitter account is as follows:

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.

Twitter: @DelReystarwars
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MIND BLOWN! Claudia Gray has had an exceptional run of books with Star Wars. Disney Lucasfilm Press published Gray’s first novel set in the galaxy far, far away, Lost Stars, around the same time as the first of Chuck Wendig’s three Aftermath novels. While Aftermath received all the hype, Claudia’s book conversely received all the high praise. Her other books, Bloodline and Leia: Princess of Alderaan earned deserved accolades, as well.

Its a Talent

Claudia does not just write Star Wars-based books. They “feel” Star Wars and envelop everything we love and cherish with the characters. Her character interactions strike accord as well. In Lost Stars we knew none of the main characters, yet she made us care about them and their choices as if they were along side Han, Luke and Leia.

Take the exceptional stories she has written about both unknown characters and Leia, mix that with the outline above, and Master and Apprentice is must buy book. Qui-Gonn was a fascinating character. He seemed to walk the fine line of the Jedi, yet always seemed on the edge of Dooku’s train of thought. Kenobi, his by-the-book apprentice, always seemed frustrated that his Master could not follow the code.

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We saw their ideals come into sharp contrast in The Phantom Menace. Both drastically disagreed in how Anakin should be handled. Obi-Wan was by the book. Qui-Gonn obsessed over the prophecy. And he made his obsession with the living force readily apparent. Was he just crazy ,or did it give him a deeper connection and understanding to what was going on?

This book is well suited for Claudia’s story telling talent. April 11 cannot come fast enough!