Star Wars: Junior Jedi Knights (#5): Vader's Fortress

This was a good book, but I didn't like it as much as the other books in the series. For one thing, I wish Uldir would stop being such a brat, can't he see Anakin and Tahiri only want to be his friends? I guess not. However, he does get better as time goes on, so that's a good thing. :) I also don't think that Mage Orloc is a worthy foe for Anakin and Tahiri. Granted, this book is meant for younger children than myself, but even when I read it for the first time at age eleven I didn't find him very intimidating. I mean, these kids have fought the dark lords of the Sith and come out alive, so in my opinion they shouldn't have any problems defeating this wimp. But that's just my opinion. All in all, it was a fun book and I would recamend it to any kid who loves Star Wars.

I liked this because of the interaction between Tiione and Tahiri. They seem a lot like mother and daughter, which surprised me because Tiione is an instructor--not her mother. It brings out a loving side to these two characters--especially Tahiri. Instead of gushing all over Anakin all the time, she talks to other people, too. This makes her seem more social. At first, I thought she had a crush on Anakin (that's why she talked so much to him), but now I think that talking to people that way is her nature. This book brings out Tahiri's social side. And later, her serious side too . . .

We (7 year old and I) have read the first five parts of this series. Interesting emphasis on psychological development of the main characters, not just a shot-'em-up series. Somewhat spiritualistic in orientation, might upset some conservative types who want to outlaw Halloween, etc. My son likes part 2 (Ltric's World) the best. Will Uldir come to his senses?

Vader's Fortress is a wonderful book about the discovery of the lightsaber previously owned by Obi-Wan Kenobi. It is very exciting and also extremely captivating