The Dangerous Games (Star Wars: Jedi Quest, Book 3)

Rating:
Summary: The Best Yet!!!
Review: For some odd reason, it seems that all the reviews for the various books in this series are posted under all of the books. For the record, this review is for Jedi Quest Volume 4, The Master of Disguise.
First of all, don't be deterred by this book's apparent kiddy exterior. In my opinion, they continue to outdue many of the adult novels by leaps and bounds. This one literally had me sitting on the edge of my seat, unable to put this book down until I came to the conclusion at three in the morning. I identify more with Anakin all the time, as his character continues to develop into the complicated, multi-faceted young man he is by Episode 2. Obi-Wan as well is enjoyable as ever, as are all of the supporting roles.
This book opens on a war ravaged planet where Obi-Wan and Anakin have been sent along with another Jedi team (old favorites Soara and Darra) to find and rescue a missing team of scientists caught in the crossfire. But when one of the two padawans is badly injured, the mission must be cut short, and when it becomes apparent that old enemy Granta Omega could also be involved, things become even more complicated...
All I can say is, this series truly is something special, good for Star Wars fans of any age.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Yet!!!
Review: For some odd reason, it seems that all the reviews for the various books in this series are posted under all of the books. For the record, this review is for Jedi Quest Volume 4, The Master of Disguise.
First of all, don't be deterred by this book's apparent kiddy exterior. In my opinion, they continue to outdue many of the adult novels by leaps and bounds. This one literally had me sitting on the edge of my seat, unable to put this book down until I came to the conclusion at three in the morning. I identify more with Anakin all the time, as his character continues to develop into the complicated, multi-faceted young man he is by Episode 2. Obi-Wan as well is enjoyable as ever, as are all of the supporting roles.
This book opens on a war ravaged planet where Obi-Wan and Anakin have been sent along with another Jedi team (old favorites Soara and Darra) to find and rescue a missing team of scientists caught in the crossfire. But when one of the two padawans is badly injured, the mission must be cut short, and when it becomes apparent that old enemy Granta Omega could also be involved, things become even more complicated...
All I can say is, this series truly is something special, good for Star Wars fans of any age.

Rating:
Summary: The best so far!!
Review: Fourteen year old Anakin Skywalker has been a padawan for nearly six years, and in that time he has learned much, despite his lingering difficulties in controlling his anger. He and Obi-Wan are sent with two other Jedi teams, one containing Anakin's rival, on a fairly routine mission, to mediate and oversee the Galaxy Games (The Olympics, Star Wars style). It doesn't take Anakin long however, to discover another event going on, an illegal one. Podracing. To give away more of the plot would be a crime to this wonderful book, but let me just say that this one is most definatelly full of suprises. I read it in a few hours, and hated putting it down even for a minute. I recommend it to any and every Star Wars fan, young or old.

Rating:
Summary: The best so far!!
Review: Fourteen year old Anakin Skywalker has been a padawan for nearly six years, and in that time he has learned much, despite his lingering difficulties in controlling his anger. He and Obi-Wan are sent with two other Jedi teams, one containing Anakin's rival, on a fairly routine mission, to mediate and oversee the Galaxy Games (The Olympics, Star Wars style). It doesn't take Anakin long however, to discover another event going on, an illegal one. Podracing. To give away more of the plot would be a crime to this wonderful book, but let me just say that this one is most definatelly full of suprises. I read it in a few hours, and hated putting it down even for a minute. I recommend it to any and every Star Wars fan, young or old.

Rating:
Summary: This is also a great book.
Review: I like how Jonathan Davis reads this book. It's a very good book to read. I listened to it the day I got it. It's a very good book. I highly recommend this book to future Star Wars fans.

Rating:
Summary: This is also a great book.
Review: I like how Jonathan Davis reads this book. It's a very good book to read. I listened to it the day I got it. It's a very good book. I highly recommend this book to future Star Wars fans.

Rating:
Summary: Top 10 Percent Of The Series
Review: The error may be corrected by the time this is posted, but these comments are on, "Jedi Quest #4, The Master Of Disguise". There appears to be confusion between the pages showing the book together with the description of the third book in this series. Jude Watson has contributed more books to the Star Wars Saga than any other author. This is not due to the scope of her work rather that she has been the sole author for these series that are targeted at younger readers. Although meant for persons decades my junior, I have enjoyed many of her books and I am not the only ancient reader who takes these books to the checkout and is rewarded with incredulous looks by cashiers. I joined the Star Wars Universe when the first film opened and have remained a fan, and chatting with youngsters in bookstores about these books have made the experience all the more enjoyable.

The most recent film, "Episode II", was a success by traditional standards and the envy of virtually every filmmaker. It is now in the IMAX theaters and will probably reach the all time top 10, not accounting for inflation. In terms of its box office performance as a Star Wars film it was anything but impressive, and this has nothing to due with other films that it competed with. Star Wars films do huge numbers because of repeat business, and the fans simply are not responding.

I think at least one reason was readily apparent for the recent film falling over $100 million shy in this ,and even showing more poorly worldwide. Jude Watson corrects the defect in this book, and she is to be commended.

These books are for kids, and PG films also are for kids, the messages they either share through words or images are important, and Star Wars has a huge influence and needs to create its products as though they are aware of this. "Charisma is a trait, not a virtue", explains one teacher in this book, accomplishing a goal via imperfect motivation is a failure, not a success as explained by the same instructor. We often hear, "the ends do not justify the means", as an indictment of questionable conduct. This is an issue with me for the statement is incomplete, and it has become accepted "wisdom" through repetition, not because there is substance to the statement.

The statement should read, is the end justified by any means? The word, "any" changes the entire meaning, and also makes the statement worth considering. Even at this point a person needs to know what end is being sought, and what means are being used to achieve it. When these are known, the discussion can begin, and answers offered.

These books and the three final films are showing Anakin making choices that lead him in to an abyss that will eventually cause the deaths of countless life forms, and finally will kill him. And these are his choices. Anakin is a very gifted young man who lacks the ability to control his feelings regardless of his age. This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating how easy it is to become evil, and it does so better than the most recent film.

Anger is a legitimate emotion; it is not one that generates good decisions. When Lucas made, "Episode II", he let anger take over the film, and several characters, not just Anakin. The decapitations that were routine in the film were all unnecessary, and most were cut from the IMAX version of the film. Mace Windu still executes a human in front of his son by this method, it was not needed, and I believe it cost the film 50 -100 million dollars. Windu executed the character in front of the man's son, I believe it turned people off, and parents kept some kids away.

The greatest Jedi of all, Yoda, was forced in to personal combat in the recent film. He did not instigate it, he did not harm much less kill his opponent. Like many martial arts, and the experts that teach them, they are for defense and not offense, the wise old master is the role model, a protector, never a seeker of vengeance.

There are times violence becomes unavoidable, killing is supposed to be the last possible, and most regrettable, option used by a Jedi, and that should follow in life as well. This book shows how a person can loose himself to violence through bad influences, easy alternatives, and lack of discipline.

This is a good book for young readers and Lucas should read it before he decides on the manner of violence he uses in his next film.

Rating:
Summary: Now this is Pod Racing... Again.
Review: This is a review of Jedi Quest Volume 3 DANGEROUS GAMES. Three Jedi teams are sent to a stone less planet that is ruled totally by 10 people. It is the time of galactic games like earths Olympics except done every 7 years. This planet was chosen for the games due to its high proportions of security personnel as the galaxy has become a more dangerous place recently. The Jedi has sent 3 teams of Jedi with their Padawan's for security. The 3 Padawans are Padawan Ferus (Padawan of Siri Tachi) Tru and Anakin.

Anakin had not seen a Pod Race since Tatooine, but racing action combines with intrigue to equal an enjoyable read.

The Jedi Quest series is primarily for readers aged 9 to 12 , and are the tale adventures of Obi-Wan and his Padawan, the future Darth Vader. I read them for their insights into these key SW characters and the fact that the books are fun. A pleasant surprise has been that these books are also available on Audio Cassette Unabridged. Watson is a good job weaving a story with some action and mystery to hold a readers attention while delving into the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin. Young Jedi Knights is another younger reader series written by Anderson and Moesta as well as the 18 book series called Jedi Apprentice about Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

Rating:
Summary: Now this is Pod Racing... Again.
Review: This is a review of Jedi Quest Volume 3 DANGEROUS GAMES. Three Jedi teams are sent to a stone less planet that is ruled totally by 10 people. It is the time of galactic games like earths Olympics except done every 7 years. This planet was chosen for the games due to its high proportions of security personnel as the galaxy has become a more dangerous place recently. The Jedi has sent 3 teams of Jedi with their Padawan's for security. The 3 Padawans are Padawan Ferus (Padawan of Siri Tachi) Tru and Anakin.

Anakin had not seen a Pod Race since Tatooine, but racing action combines with intrigue to equal an enjoyable read.

The Jedi Quest series is primarily for readers aged 9 to 12 , and are the tale adventures of Obi-Wan and his Padawan, the future Darth Vader. I read them for their insights into these key SW characters and the fact that the books are fun. A pleasant surprise has been that these books are also available on Audio Cassette Unabridged. Watson is a good job weaving a story with some action and mystery to hold a readers attention while delving into the relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin. Young Jedi Knights is another younger reader series written by Anderson and Moesta as well as the 18 book series called Jedi Apprentice about Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.

Rating:
Summary: More Continuity
Review: This third installment by Jude Watson is one of the stronger offerings in this relatively new series. The author has a formidable task, as the cinema experience of Episode II was the culmination of all of Anakin's actions that these books will cover. This series does seem to have the books follow each other more closely in time than past series. She has the same challenge as the movies, she is telling a story about characters that we already know how many of their lives will evolve and in some cases end.

The Pod Racing sequence in Episode I is easily one of the best sequences that Lucas ever brought to the screen. In, "Dangerous Games", which are like the Olympics on a galaxy level, Pod Racing is back and Anakin is racing once again. The cover art is exactly what it appears to be, Anakin is racing, but he is being chased by the same Pod Racer he built many years ago on Tatooine. The pilot of his old craft is also a surprise, but that is best left for the book.

Anakin is again fighting himself and his emotions that always seem to lead him either away from, or just off the path he is expected to follow and learn from. This time around Anakin is not alone in making errors, and they are not as potentially bad as they have been in the past. If there is one aspect of his personality that continues to develop is his anger. He continues to keep it largely under control, but it is clear that it will eventually break loose.

This book is a good addition to the Star Wars saga.