A review by brenticus
The Rising Force by Dave Wolverton

adventurous tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

It's probably been 20 years since I last read this series and this first entry actually holds up quite well. Even with it coming out before Episodes 2 or 3 and especially the Clone Wars there are bits and pieces that seem to plant the seeds for Obi-wan's future as a Jedi Master. It provides really interesting backstory to Obi-wan and Qui-gon's beginnings as master and apprentice along with a perspective on the Jedi and their teachings which is often absent in favour of fancy laser swords. 

It's obviously a children's book, and it's a simple read with mostly simple characters, but it still impressed me how well it fills in bits of the characters that I didn't even realize were missing.