The Defenders of the Dead

I'm always ready to buy a new Jedi Apprentice book! This one was no exception, even though I'm a year over the "recommended age level" (9-12). But anyway! You aren't here to read about me, you're trying to find out more about this book, right? OK, here's my input.Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are on Melida/Daan, where two "tribes" of people are always fighting each other. They can't find anyone, except "The Young," an underground group of teens, who want to make peace. Unfortunately, student and master disagree on so many things that eventually, Obi-Wan decides to stay with Cerasi and Nield, his new friends. This leads you to wondering: What's going to happen to Obi-Wan? Does Qui-Gon want him back? (Which, of course, is why you go on to read The Uncertain Path {#6})! All in all, this was a pretty good read - the cover's pretty cool - and you'll have to read it so you can understand what happens in 6. So buy it if you think you want it! Then go get #6 and it'll leave you hanging for #7!

My friend (who's also into Star Wars) told me before I read the book that I might not like the end. (I'm the kind of person who shouts at Qui-Gon when he doesn't open up to Obi-Wan and then shouts at Obi-wan for disobeying his master) This book is not like the other books (its better) because you really get the feeling of how Qui-Gon and Ob-Wan feel about each other. At one part of the book, I shouted "No! Bad Obi-Wan! You can't do that! " right when my mom was driving. (Sorry Mom) The at the end I nearly died when I found out what happened. I still get depressed thinking about it. **sniff sniff** Let's just say this book tests the relationship between Obi-wan and Qui-Gon and then leaves you hanging at the end. You won't be able to stand the suspense! Its a good book and if you're a Star Wars fan at all, you must have all the Jedi Apprentice books because they add to the new SW movie. Trust me! Get the book!

The entire Jedi Apprentice series works on two levels. For adults, the themes and characters are intriguing. There is enough action in the plotting to keep the intended audience of kids enthralled. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are very real and complicated people in this wonderful series. And JA #5 is the very best so far, with a cliffhanger ending with an enormous emotional impact. I can't wait for January!

If you are a Star Wars fan, these books are fun. They always seem to offer a bit of information that the "adult versions" do not offer. I have read the first four, and will finish #5 tonight. The collected comic series that are brought out by Dark Horse Comics also are great, as are "The Young Jedi Knight Series" All of these formats are a bit different, but they all add to your knowledge of the Star Wars Universe. And after the recent "Vector Prime" I really enjoy these all the more. So I apologize to younger readers if I am tresspassing on your area, but I do it with respect for the Star Wars Saga. And for those over 12, 20, 30, 40 and so on, buy the book, and when the check out person looks at you, proudly say "it's for me", wear your enthusiasm with pride. It takes some practice, especially when I am in the kids section asking a helpful young person where I can find these. I met my match when a young man said, "is this for you" I admitted I was hooked on Star Wars, he said "that's cool". So now I hang out with the young folks and chat about stories that I watched on the screen decades before they were born. If you feel old this is a great cure. Thanks to all young readers!

It's just not fair! I have a hard time waiting a month between comic books - having to wait TWO months for an entire book is more than I can handle!This is probably my favorite in the series so far, next to #1 "The Rising Force." There's so much character depth here, both for Qui-Gon and for Obi-Wan. And the ending .. oh! I can't help but reread it continuously. I agree with everything everyone has said so far about this book and recommend it to EVERYONE! (I'm 20!)The real success of this series is its ability to draw you into the conflict and believe that something bad *could* happen. Of course, nothing serious can happen since both characters make it to Epiosde I - but that doesn't rid you of any suspense.Soooo much better than any of the "adult" Star Wars novels!