Kenobi: Star Wars Legends

By: John Jackson Miller

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 13 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The Republic has fallen. Sith Lords rule the galaxy. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi has lost everything . . . everything but hope.

Tatooine—a harsh desert world where farmers toil in the heat of two suns while trying to protect themselves and their loved ones from the marauding Tusken Raiders. A backwater planet on the edge of civilized space. And an unlikely place to find a Jedi Master in hiding, or an orphaned infant boy on whose tiny shoulders rests the future of a galaxy.

Known to locals only as “Ben,” the bearded and robed offworlder is an enigmatic stranger who keeps to himself, shares nothing of his past, and goes to great pains to remain an outsider. But as tensions escalate between the farmers and a tribe of Sand People led by a ruthless war chief, Ben finds himself drawn into the fight, endangering the very mission that brought him to Tatooine.

Ben—Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, hero of the Clone Wars, traitor to the Empire, and protector of the galaxy’s last hope—can no more turn his back on evil than he can reject his Jedi training. And when blood is unjustly spilled, innocent lives threatened, and a ruthless opponent unmasked, Ben has no choice but to call on the wisdom of the Jedi—and the formidable power of the Force—in his never-ending fight for justice.

©2013 John Jackson Miller (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Buy this book right now. . . . [This novel] manages to explore the depths of Ben Kenobi but still maintains the aura of mystery around his character.” (Tosche Station)

“Brilliant . . . This is Star Wars fiction at its absolute best.” (Examiner)

Starts Out Slow But Well Worth Sticking Around For

Would you listen to Kenobi again? Why?

First, Jonathan Davis does a very respectable Kenobi accent, and in general is very easy to listen to. Davis's command of inflection, accents, etc., made the story more engaging and a great listen. The greatest compliment I can pay here is that when I was listening, the "one man is doing all these characters, male and female" perception faded almost immediately and I just got pulled into the characters and their stories. And like other Star Wars books, sounds effects and music are used well, but not overdone.

Second, there are enough twists and turns in the story to keep it engaging. It's a well written story overall. In addition, John Jackson Miller does just the right amount of tie-ins to the movie plots and EU materials. I won't comment on specific parts so as not to spoil it, but the story is cut into parts, all with their own sub-arcs, but they all tie together and weave in and out from each other at times. Some things I expected would happen didn't as well, so it's not as predictable as you may expect from some Star Wars lore.

What did you like best about this story?

Regarding the story: I would say the unexpected twists and turns kept me coming back to listen whenever I could. And while the character development initially had me thinking that the story was a little slow, it soon made the book very engaging with a fair amount of depth for what is really just a fun diversion from reality. I find myself kind of hoping that there will be another Kenobi book following this one.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis – was your favorite?

Obi-Wan

Any additional comments?

The one challenge I had with the story was that it starts off a bit slow with the character development and descriptions after some initial excitement in a cantina. I realize that is important for the remainder of the story, which overall was quite good. This comment is mainly for the person contemplating getting the audiobook. Be patient, let the storyline develop and you will be pleased with it overall.

much better than expected

narrator was great, great to learn what Kenobi had been up to after his exile. fills in a few holes.
To be honest, i'm not the greatest fan of Kenobi but this book was pretty good.

Awesome

I loved this book, really gives you insight into Kenobi' s thoughts and life. This book was heart breaking and hopeful, would love to see it on the big screen

loved it

if Disney makes a movie half as good, I might begin the path of forgiveness.

Good book

Almost made me tear up a bit knowing this was one of the last books before Disney's aquisition. But it was a great read/listen.

A great story. Not tons of action, but very good.

The story gets better and better and better. Starting off fairly slow. You wonder who the antagonist is, what the story could possibly be about... But it does unfold and ends up being a great read.
Vocal performance was awesome. Well read.

THE Kenobi story

Canon or not, this story is the best Kenobi story ever done. This could have been his stand alone movie. Always a favorite in Legends.

The western Star Wars fans have been waiting for!

I personally loved this book. I've always thought it would be very difficult for Obi-wan Kenobi to remain in the shadows on Tatooine. In the original Star Wars movie, he seems very knowledgeable about the planet. How did he get so? The narrator and special effects make it an amazing experience. Until Disney comes out with a Kenobi movie, this is the next best thing!

I really enjoyed the book and the reader

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVED LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! THA READER WAS BELIEVABLE.

wild western feel!

It was alot of fun. Ben doing his thing in the dessert. Rich with star wars history. I enjoyed the look into the sand people's culture the most.