Star Wars: Jedi Quest #04: The Master of Disguise

This review applies to all books in the Jedi Quest and Jedi Apprentice series. Although the target audience is identified as 9-12 years old, I believe the books will have an appeal to any Star Wars fan, young or old. For an adult, the reading is easy but still very interesting. The books have just the right mix of action and character development. I was very entertained and really enjoyed the books. (Maybe too much; several I couldn't put down and found myself reading past midnight!) Some of the books are in serial format, with the action of the story spread across multiple books. Characters introduced in earlier books often reappear in later installments. This is true not only within a series but from series to series (Jedi Apprentice, Jedi Quest, and Last of the Jedi). It is best to read the books in order, but the author does provide enough background to allow the reader to start anywhere in the series.

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.