Phoebe

If you like SJMass & YA tropes.. this is for you!

Revisado: 11-09-23

Audio Review: Narrator is NOT as bad as people complain she is! I have listened to this narrator in other books before. The problem is she has a bit of a nasally voice. She does a good job with the emotion. The issue is that when the MC is kind of annoying, the narration kind of exacerbates that a bit, given the narrator is already naturally a little nasally. If that makes sense lol. Narration is fine. Not one of the greats by any means, but definitely not as bad as people say!!

Book Review: 2.5🌟
Wow! What a ride this book was, both because of the absolute insane hype that this book has and also within the story itself. I want to note that when I first saw this book come out, I was intrigued. I quickly lost interest when I saw some of the reviews from a few trusted reviewers and I felt like maybe this book was not going to be for me. A personal friend of mine who doesn’t read a lot of fantasy really enjoyed it, so I decided to give this a shot!

I’ll start with the positives. While the writing wasn’t outstanding by any means, this book is definitely written in a way that is incredibly engaging. It’s fast paced with a main character who curses like a sailor and is written in a way to be relatable. There’s something of the writing style that reminds me of Hunger Games. Hunger Games was written in first person and incredibly brutal- which is something that hooks readers in. There’s something similar in this story as well. I will say that I was very into this story and really wanted to finish it to see what happened next! All great things.

Because of these positives- as I am truly impressed with how engaging this story came across- I gave it about 2.5-3 stars. I have seen people either loving or hating this book. For me, I would not say it’s good. It’s also not entirely bad and I see why some people really like it. I would say this book is definitely for the romantasy readers who are fans of Sarah J Mass and general YA fantasy. If you enjoy YA fantasy tropes, then this book is very much for you.

My criticism comes in the fact that this book recycles so many well-known fantasy tropes in a 2 dimensional manner. The Dragon Riders remind me of Dauntless. There’s some reminders of the Hunger Games throughout the book- especially in the beginning (my mind just kept going back there lol) which that in itself wasn’t an entirely bad thing… But then you have the typical overbearing over protective best friend love interest/character type. But this character is written in a way that the reader should not root for him, which feels a bit lazy. I actually really like love triangles when they are well written and a bit more realistic. I like to see the positives and flaws of people and how they engage with our main character. This particular love interest/best friend was written so flat, so even though he was very frustrating, it was also so obvious he was a sort of “bad guy.” And tropes like this are written all throughout the book. Including the story arch’s for the main character and her love interest.

Also yes, this book is technically an “enemies to lovers” but for once I’d like enemies to lovers to ACTUALLY mean enemies to lovers… Not a “oh this guy is so hot but we hate eachother but we want to bang it out by the halfway point.” THAT IS NOT A TRUE ENEMIES TO LOVERS. GIVE ME A BATTLE. GIVE ME BLOOD. LET ME SEE Y’ALL WORK IT OUT WITHIN 3 BOOKS OR SO!!! Violet’s obsession and horniness for the main love interest was also SO ANNOYING IM SORRY. Her descriptions of him felt like she was 13 instead of 20!!! Like girl… I need you to grow a little self-respect.

I think that’s where another criticism is going to come in. While the writing style was very engaging, it was also so underwhelming with certain descriptions. I cannot tell you how many times Violet had to do something because “she just had to.” Or when she was described as someone with “pale hair, pale skin..” GIRL. Just say you’re a white girlie with gray hair. That’s more descriptive, I canNOT. Or how about “You have incredibly touchable skin.” Or Violet always describing the main love interest as “ruthless but hot” and “I want to rip his gorgeous face off.” Like…. Come on. It just feels like a teenager wrote this on wattpad. LOL.

As for the world building… eh. It’s engaging. It’s not intricate or overly complicated. I would say similar to how intrinsically Sarah J Mass writes her worlds. The Dragons were cool though. Dragons are pretty much always cool.

I enjoyed this book overall. Did I almost stop reading because I was getting annoyed with Violet going on and on about the hot guy’s chiseled jaw? Yes. Was I interested to see what she would be doing next? Also yes. I also thought how it was cool that Violet deals with ongoing chronic pain. That was probably the most badass thing about her.

There’s a lot more I could say, but those were the first things that came to mind. There are a few other reviews that go more into depth with some of the issues, but I’m going to leave it there as I don’t want this review to be full of all the negative things!

This book in itself is not impressive. It’s not that good. There are plenty of books with white girlies who are badasses and sword wielders with hot brooding boyfriends and have to fight to the death every other page that frankly are written better. It’s tropey and cringey, but it’s also pretty fun. I can see why people like it, and I don’t begrudge anyone for enjoying a fun light fantasy novel with dragons and hot boys.

And you know what? The author got a deal with Amazon Prime to make this book into a show and it JUST came out this year. So good on her!! Will I read the next book?? Honestly… this is to be determined. I really want to read a good fantasy novel at some point and I’ve just been hit with duds lately, so we’ll see. The book leaves off in an interesting place so I’m definitely interested, but also if I have to hear how Violet wants to rip that “gorgeous perfect face off” I might actually throw myself off a cliff so idk. Lmaooo.

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4.5 stars!!

Revisado: 03-13-23

Performance Review: Loved it, they did a great job!!

Book Review: Honestly this book is probably more of a 4 star read, but you know what? I'm giving it 4.5 starts because of the SHEER ENTERTAINMENT and how much JOY it gave me. I loved this.

I don't know that I would classify this as "katara and zuko" vibes, as it's marketed. But there are some definite zuko vibes from Altan and Ahn is like a mix of katara and aang... sort of. But I can see some of the ATLA vibes in some of the magic and character types.

Honestly, this was just some good, honest fun. I loved the premise, I really loved the magic, the "chosen one" aspect... I mean we get a lost prince, a kingdom full of darkness, rebellion, evil sorcerers, romance, feisty ladies... like.... what more could you want??? Is it necessarily groundbreaking, no!!! do I care?? NO!!!!

I feel like this could be an entire series that could easily venture into more darker themes and be fleshed out in a full series... but alas, it seems like this is going to be the only one we get.

This is the third asian inspired fantasy book I've read in a row, and yet, I just never grow tired of readings books like this. It's one of my favorite genres. Loved this, such a great debut and if you're a fan of these types of books, you should definitely pick this one up!

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LOVE THIS DUOLOGY!!

Revisado: 03-12-23

Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

Ugh I LOVED this!!! Fast paced, lyrical, magical, I loved returning to this word and the characters. Honestley, the first book could have just been a standalone, as it wrapped up really nicely. But I LOVED the continuation because 1) we got to see this world and characters again and 2) it gave my favorite couple a second chance!!!! I was SO HAPPY to see where Xingyin as a character, and who she ended up her life with.

I don't know if I loved this one quite so much as the first book, if only because so much was happening all the time that if felt that we never really got to sit down for a moment and just be with the characters... but I still sat down and finished this in one sitting which I rarely do LOL.

Something I really appreciate about this duology is the love triangle and how it was written. Contrary to popular opinions these days, I really do like love traiangles as long as they're done right. I typically don't like love triangles, especially in YA, because it often includes a lot of stupid misunderstandings, petty behavior, illogical behavior, and it feels very immature. I also tend to root for the person who doesn't end up with the MC.

That being said... I love the drama LOL. Love triangles can be fun, and I think this one is so well done because you understand the motivations of everyone in involved. Xingyin is someone who feels intensely, even when she is denying her own feelings, but she doesn't toy with these men, she doesn't lead them on and she is true to herself every step of the way. She has integrity and heart, which is what makes her journey so compelling and a character you root for.

I loved this duology and where this story ended up. Frankly I'd take another book to see what happens next with Xingyin and her love. But I'll settle for whatever else Ms. Lynn Tan throws our way!!

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Rated 4.25!

Revisado: 03-11-23

I really, really enjoyed this! It was fast paced, magical and enchanting. I went through this SO quickly, especially considering I listened to it on audio. I could not get through this book fast enough! I read Blood Heir a few years ago, and I think you can see how AWZ has grown as an author. I will definitely be picking up the next book.

Also narration was fantastic!

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Kind of torn

Revisado: 12-18-22

Rating:3.75🌟

SPOILERS DOWN BELOW.
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Okay, so. I do not like the sequel trilogy. They have always felt like Star Wars fan fiction to me, for a variety of reasons. I would never begrudge or talk down to someone who loves the sequel trilogy, as I think every Star Wars fan has their favorite and no one should ever make fun of what someone else likes!

That being said.... for me, the sequel trilogy is 🗑. poopoo. a disgrace to George and Anakin's legacy. 😒 they bring me.... so, so much pain. I have not been able to bring myself to watch TLJ and ROS after I initially watched them, and I'm not sure if I ever will (also pls note that this has to do with Rey being a Palpetine/the return of Palps vs. issues with the actual characters themselves... though I have thoughts about how some of them were handled).

I've been reading the Marvel Vader comics and it's made me want to revisit this timeline a bit, to just see what justifications they've been putting in the novels to make the sequels work. Also, I knew we were going to get at least some of Anakin's force ghost, so I obviously was going to pick this up because of Anakin. I mean.... it's anakin. Come on. I'm really that easy.

I think this book was written fine. I don't think that this book is written in a way that would stand out as well written novel, but it got the plot across, as most Star Wars books do. We see a lot of Lando and Luke in this book, I think Lando's character was fine, I think Luke's character was written overall pretty well. He was incredibly compassionate and kind- and these are some of Luke's best known characteristics so it's nice to see that at least nailed in this book 🙄. Luke and Lando are much older and I think that we can still recognize these characters, despite so much time being passed since RotJ.

There are some elements here that I actually did like. We learn the backstory of how Rey got on Jakku, who were her parents and what happened to them; and there is some exploration and some mystery/explanation of what good old Palps was doing behind the scenes when it comes to his plans with the Sith and Exegol.

At this moment, I am really torn about the Palps and the Exegol plot line. Darth Vader is briefly mentioned here as he had actually gone to Exegol- I need to know more about this before I come to any conclusion on how I truly feel about this plot. Honestly, I really hated that the ST brought back Palpetine so I already hated this direction in the films. My biggest issue is that it feels like it really shits on Anakin's legacy- and that is something I just cANNOT FORGIVE. There are some cool concepts in here though (such as the Sith Eternal) that I do like, so again.... torn feelings. I want to know more about Vader's role in Palps contingency plan (which I think is explored in the comics, so after I read that, maybe I'll get some answers).

Other than my personal feelings on the overall plot- I liked this book okay. The writers for Star Wars, especially in the Disney era- are really given direction on what they can/can't write so there is only so much leeway they have. In terms as a Star Wars book in the Disney era- I think it's a pretty solid 4 stars give or take. Plenty of action, characters we know, backstory to the films, and lots of force things. On a subjective standpoint on my feelings regarding how this books fits into the new canon- meh.

The audiobook was pretty dope though. I wasn't really able to sit down and actually read this book (like I have other Star Wars novels), but I did really enjoy the audiobook.

If you're a fan of the sequel trilogy, I highly recommend this book though. It adds a lot to Disney's canon and you see both baby Rey and Ben Solo and I think if you're a big fan of those characters, that will be a bit of a treat.

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Rated a 4.25/5 Stars!

Revisado: 12-18-22

Y'all... this was gross. Super graphic and very. very, creepy. I stay away from graphic horror novels, but this kinda worked for me. I also enjoyed getting to see Han and Chewie, who were a welcome surprise. I don't think I would read this again, but I'm glad I picked it up. The audiobook was also pretty great, as it had a lot of gross sound effects that really helped you... visualize.. what what happening. 🤣

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NO WORRIES!!!! THIS IS NOT ACTUALLY ABRIDGED!!!!

Revisado: 12-18-22

Y'all... I went on a quest to find out if this book was actually abridged or not and it's NOT!!!! I even emailed audible about this and they told me it WAS. I went in, bought the kindle ebook and followed along while I listened to the audio!! There were some minor differences (I imagine made in editing), but these are the same book. Nothing is cut out from the audio vs. the kindle ebook. SMH! I will email audible about this again, because I hate picking up abridged books from audio. I want the full thing!!

Anyways, here is my mini-review down below!
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Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

Ugh... I love my boys ❤️

I literally don't even care that I've already seen the shows (and am now rewatching the clone wars), seen the Star Wars clone wars movie multiple times, rewatched the prequels a million times... I will never get enough of this era or seeing more of Anakin's POV. I JUST LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!!!!

I mean... what is there to say??? If you love the show and the movie, this is a good read. It follows the move really well, but as always the books are able to expand and elaborate on some things you just can't in the show/films. There's a lot of inner dialog and reflection that I just love because I love to be inside the heads of my favorite characters. We get a lot of Rex and Anakin in this one, which is always so fun.

I've read Anakin's POV in enough books now that none of it is new, but I just love to see him angst and brood. 🤣 what can I say???

Lots of great moments in this book. From Rex pondering about the war and watching his brothers die, to Anakin's true thoughts and feelings regarding risking his life and his men's lives in order to save a Hutt, to his brushes with the darkside... Loved this so much!! I am excited to get into the other clone wars books Ms. Traviss wrote.

Also.. narrator was pretty good! Loved him in Wild Space. He did pronounce some names wrongs (such as Asajj), but not a super big deal. He does a GREAT Obi-Wan!

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Great Narrator, LOVED the book!! Spoilers below!!!

Revisado: 12-18-22

Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

SPOILERS FOR THIS BOOK SPECIFICALLY DOWN BELOW... BUT ALSO... THIS IS STAR WARS. We know everything that's going to happen anyway LOL.

Also, side note- this would have been rated a full 5/5 had anakin been in it more 🤣
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Wow.... I loved this. This is a book that takes place after the Star Wars the Clone Wars film and bridges a bit of Attack of the Clones to the Star Wars the Clone Wars show. We even see some overlap with some of the early SWTCW epodes where Anakin loses R2- and we see what Obi-Wan was actually up to in the background. I'm actually doing a re-watch of SWTCW, and I think I might finish these books first because I'm really enjoying the overlap with the episodes. While SWTCW is dark, the Star Wars books always do a great job at really getting into the nitty gritty stuff. There are a lot of scenes in here, dark things that Obi-Wan goes through that may not have been fully shown in the show the way they are shown in the book.

I will say that the first 35-40% of the book was my favorite. This book starts- and I mean quite literally starts, some minutes after Dukoo chops of Ani's hand. We start with Padme's POV, her thoughts, fears and worries about Anakin. I loved Padme in this book. She was fierce, strong willed, strong headed and actually, the ENTIRE REASON she and Anakin get married.

It's so funny because so many people will see how Anakin was the one to pursue Padme in the movies- which is entirely true, don't get me wrong. But let's all not forget that Padme was the one to tell Anakin she loved him AND apparently was the one who decided to continue the relationship after that!!!! Y'all... I was SCREAMING. Yoda literally made Obi-Wan go to Padme to tell her to drop Anakin like a hot tamale and what does she decide to do?!?!?!? Have y'all seen that Michael Scott meme where he's like "you know what.... IM GONNA DO IT EVEN HARDER."

That's Padme. Quite literally. Threw up a big ol' FUCK YOU to Obi-Wan and the Jedi Counsel, told them she would break Anakin's heart AND THEN WENT AND MARRIED HIM!!!!!!!

LMFAOOOO. WHAT A GODDESS. WHAT A QUEEN. THEY ARE SO PERFECT FOR EACHOTHER, IM CRYING😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

We all know how spicy Padme can get, but she LITERALLY FIGHTS WITH OBI-WAN ABOUT ANAKIN, I WAS SHOOK TO MY CORE. I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!!!! I loved it because I obviously LOVE Padme, and I loved every single goddamn word coming out of her mouth (I was cheering her on the ENTIRE TIME), but mostly, I loved that she loved Anakin so much she truly fought for him and their love.

There was also some great scenes between Anakin and Obi-Wan, Obi-Wan was right by Anakin's side when he woke up from his healing trance. Obi-Wan is there to confront Anakin in his grief with his mother. It's heart wrenching, but Obi-Wan stays and is there for Anakin, which I love.

If you follow me at all, y'all know that I also read Brotherhood by Mike Chan this year, which is another book that is now part of the Disney canon era and also takes place before SWTCW. Technically it could have happened in this same timeline and I don't think it these books retcon each other, though some consistencies don't fully match up. In this book, we do know that Obi-Wan knows that Anakin's mother died, but it's unclear if he knows how (I don't think Anakin tells him). This might align with Brotherhood- where Obi-Wan specifically says Anakin refused to discuss what happened to his mother.

Additionally, like I mentioned previously, Obi-Wan and Padme have a direct confrontation where they are essentially fighting over Anakin and his love for Padme vs. his place with the Jedi. It's so great!! Though this is never mentioned in Brotherhood. Technically this series/book is now part of Legends 🙄, but this will ALWAYS BE CANON TO MY HEART.

I will say, I know some Obikin girlies who love this book and have recommended it for ages and let me tell you... if you are a fan of that ship, your heart will be so happy in this book LOL- and I totally get why. 🤣 You really see the love and attachment Obi-Wan has for Anakin, and just how deeply he cares and is connected to Anakin.

I really loved seeing Obi-Wan's internal dialog when he contemplated his relationship with Anakin. I think another similarity I noticed with Brotherhood is that in both Brotherhood and in this book, you see how ObiWan reflects that trying to morph Anakin into the perfect Jedi is what brought so much tension and so many issues to their relationship- and in this book Obi-Wan takes it a step further and decides to go against Yoda's advice and actually decides to be Anakin's friend, rather than his master. I loved that little moment.

Another nice little gem in here is we see the beginnings of Anakin and Ahsoka's relationship in the early days. It was a bit of a surprise to me, but wow did Anakin NOT want a padwan LOL. We all know that Anakin is actually an amazing teacher and is one of the main reasons Ahsoka is the bomb ass incredible Jedi she is later on. But while Anakin and Ahoska bicker some in the show, in the book we see that Anakin is actually kind of cold with Ahsoka- though I think we see him slowly learning what his dynamic is with her. I think this actually matches up quite well with Tales of the Jedi. There's an episode (which is actually kind of difficult to pin down in the timeline due to appearance changes to the characters... but I digress) which shows Anakin training Ahsoka over the years. You can kind of tell in some scenes there's a distance between them, and in this book we see more behind that and just how resistant Anakin was to being forced to become a teacher. He really had no time to just be a Knight on his own, Yoda quite literally threw Ahsoka at him right after Geonosis. In Brotherhood Anakin has maybe like one mission on his own.... that he assigned t0 himself LOL. PLUS he actually was really great at teaching a youngling, so maybe Yoda saw that and decided that's exactly what Anakin needed more of. 🤣 Anyway, I really liked seeing Anakin and Ahsoka learning their place with one another because in SWTCW, you really just see Anakin and Ahsoka bonding and bickering, but they weren't always the smooth team we know and love in the show.

This was all in the first 35% of the book lol. From there on out we follow Obi-Wan and Bail Organa on a mission which explains just how they became good friends. And wow, with a mission and experience like what they went through, it's no wonder Obi-Wan trusted Bail Organa to take in one of the twins after what happened to Padme and Anakin.

I mostly liked following Obi-Wan and Bail together. It was fast paced, gritty, tense and I was truly at the edge of my seat when Obi-Wan and Bail were growing THROUGH it. My only annoyance was that Bail could honestly be pretty annoying. When I've read about Bail in later novels, he's always older and a lot more mellowed out. I know him as a pretty chill dude who adopted Leia and was a bomb ass bitch who was behind the Rebellion.

Bail in this book was... very much not that. He was NOT chill AT ALL. If anything, he kind of gave me Padawan Anakin vibes lol. I'm sure Anakin would have been rolling on the floor at seeing Obi-Wan and Bail bump heads as much as they did! Or he would've gotten pissed because no one talks to Obi-Wan like that but him 🤣 who knows with Anakin.

Bail could be very ornery with Obi-Wan. He DID make a lot of good points when he would argue with Obi-Wan, but I think I just found Bail irritating quite a few times because the arguing happened throughout the entire book. Like, my dude. You're a senator... you're supposed to be BETTER than this. Also, I felt that Bail was very demanding of Obi-Wan, as in, demanding of information about the Jedi that he just is not entitled to. Don't get me wrong, there is A LOT I criticize about the Jedi in this era but still... just because they are mysterious and you're head of security doesn't mean they have to tell you everything!! Ridiculous.

That being said, I do now understand why Bail and Obi-Wan became such good friends. They went through a HELL of a lot together and trauma bonded lol. I really hope that we don't get a Disney Star Wars novel that retcons everything that happens in this book.

There is SO MUCH good stuff that is foundational to these characters and it fills in so many gaps. I really, really loved this and plan to read the rest of the Clone Wars books soon. 😊 This was a new favorite for SURE.

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BEST ANAKIN AND OBI WAN CHARACTER WORK

Revisado: 11-19-22

WOW. WOW. WOW. WOW.

I am.... speechless, at how good this book is. W O W.

I am trash for Anakin Skywalker. There is no better way to put it, lol. My favorite part of Star Wars is the complicated, heart warming and also heart breaking relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin. This relationship impacts the future generations and the entirety of the galaxy. It is an epic, legendary relationship.

This book takes place soon after Attack of the Clones (like, very soon after), and bridges the changes between Anakin and Obi-Wan relationship before SWTCW takes place. I believe Mike also took inspiration and looked toward's Matthew Stover's legendary ROTS novelization.

I feel as though this book connects and validates so many thoughts and perceptions I've had of Anakin. Dave Filoni has such a strong pulse on Star Wars, and Anakin and Obi-Wan in particular and Mike Chen emulates this with care and precision. We get so much reflection on Obi-Wan's part when it comes to his relationship a Anakin- how he handled Anakin's training, how he and Anakin are finally getting along, etc.

Anakin and Obi-Wan have always been so complicated because Obi-Wan is something of a mix between a brother, father-figure and also a best friend. I think the best way to describe their relationship (especially after reading this book), is an older sibling raising their little brother after their father has died. Yes, this sibling will take on the parental role, but at the end of the day, this did not fill the role of a parent. Obi-Wan purposefully did this.

Obi-Wan took his training of Anakin as the Chosen One very seriously, which I think was a mistake. Obi-Wan saw Anakin as the Chosen One, and modeled what it meant to be a perfect Jedi. This is NOT what Anakin needed (which Anakin briefly reflects on a bit, while also acknowledging how his resentment also ate at their relationship). Anakin needed a true parental figure and someone who could understand and work with him, not try and fit him into this mold that went against the very essence of who Anakin is as a person.

Obi-Wan reflects on this, and how Anakin is very much like Qui-Gon and how perhaps this isn't a bad thing, just different. He is able to see how now that he and Anakin are equals, their relationship has shifted into something more comfortable and easier for both of them. He is able to see and recognize how integral Anakin is to him. Obi-Wan also questions if he had done things differently, if his relationship with Anakin would've been different.

The answer to that question is of course- YES!!!! Look, we all make mistakes! I think Obi-Wan senses that he perhaps made one- he recognizes that he in fact, is regretful on how he handled Anakin's training, but like a good Jedi, he releases those emotions into the force.

Here's the thing- we see that despite how much love Anakin clearly holds for Obi-Wan, the damage has been done. Anakin does not trust Obi-Wan with the things of his heart- and at this point, he hadn't even told Obi-Wan about his mother. Anakin needed a source of parental support (perhaps ANY kind of support) and when he did not get it from Obi-Wan, he turned to Palpatine for support. And we all know how that turned out.

But I truly think if Obi-Wan had acknowledged this mistep and confronted Anakin about their relationship- things could have gone much more differently. Sometimes people need to hear that apology, that recognition that they were wronged in some way. Obi-Wan did the best he could, but he also tried to fit Anakin into this impossible mold and (in my opinion and interpretation), he was not there for Anakin in the ways he needed him most. But Anakin and Obi-Wan have this incredibly deep bond and they have this deep care and love for one another- if they had just worked on their relationship, so much could have been prevented I think.

We also see that Obi-Wan pretty much knew immediately that there was something going on between Anakin and Padme. Anakin is as subtle as a Sith with a red blade when it comes to his feelings about Padme. Obi-Wan is naturally, very worried about this and debates confronting Anakin about his relationship with Padme all throughout the book. He never chooses to do so, instead hoping that Anakin will take a page out of his book and mature past his "infatuation" with Padme like Obi-Wan did with Satine. Again, Obi-Wan is passive here, in waiting for Anakin to come to him, but perhaps this is for the best at this point. Obi-Wan would only encourage Anakin to let Padme go, and we all know how that would go.

There's actually a brief thought that Obi-Wan has that I'm still thinking about:

"Another question came to Obi-Wan, something that stunned him enough that his shift in demeanor even caught Anakin’s attention. If he had just a drop of that willingness to think outside of the Jedi way, would things have been different with Satine? Obi-Wan felt his pulse accelerate, a discomfort at such a thought before he let it drift away, accepting that it would pass. Or at least, he tried. Despite a lifelong instinct for clearing his mind, questions began rolling up on one another, all leading to a consideration about what it would be like to feel the way Qui-Gon did—and to see it to such an extreme as Anakin did. Was it wrong? Or just different?"

My brain is going to runaway with this for a moment and just say that this leads me to validate my belief that if the Jedi hadn't been so arrogant in their own ways and traditions- things could have been different. In many ways, the Jedi were equal contributors to their own downfall because so much could have been prevented if they let go of the idea that their way was the only way.

We get so much more good stuff in this book- a deeper look into Anakin and his motivations and thought processes. I have always found Anakin's loyalty to the Republic so interesting because he is loyal to a fault and things are so black and white for him. This in part, I truly believe is because he was raised as a slave and I think this has severely impacted how he views power. But another element that is explored here is that Anakin sees Padme, Palpetine and the Jedi as direct representatives of the Republic. These three are the Republic, therefore to question the Republic is to question the Jedi, Palpetine, and most importantly, Padme. Anakin would have been loyal to the Republic regardless, but it's interesting to see how much Padme herself is the center to not only Anakin's heart, but also his belief system.

We also get Anakin going on an adventure with a youngling. It always so fun to see Anakin interact with children and also to see him teaching- because he is (perhaps ironically if you want to think about what happens in ROTS)- so damn good at it. It's something that Obi-Wan actually reflects on and Obi-Wan is able to recognize how mature Anakin is becoming, as he is growing and changing as this young person who is finally out on his own.

We also get Anakin and Padme fresh after their wedding, Obi-Wan and Dex and some other fun scenes. The story started off as a more typical novelization (like the ones I've read so far), where we see the characters navigating their adventures- but this book truly delves into some of the best Anakin and Obi-Wan character work that I've seen so far. Granted, I've just more recently finally started picking up the books, but damn. This one is going to be one of my top favorite Star Wars books for sure. The character work is phenomenal and connects so many dots.

If you are a fan of Anakin and/or Obi-Wan- this book is a MUST READ. Mike Chen did an amazing job and I am so thankful to have this book in my hands. Phenomenal, phenomenal work!!

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Loved this beautiful end to this wonderful duology

Revisado: 11-19-22

Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟✨

Y'all... the ending made me so happy I cried lol. Shiori made so many sacrifices, she deserves every bit of happiness she is able to have.

4 stars for the majority of the book, though the ending really made me emotional. Fast paced and magical, I think this is truly a beautiful enchanting duology.

Also I will kind of always be Team Seryu, but damnit if Takkan and Shiori don't make my heart sing.

Narration was also great, I do enjoy Emily Woo Zeller's work!

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