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)

Fantastic Listen for a Star Wars lover

Loved it. Narration was great as I could have sworn that Ben's voice was Ewan McGregor. Great insight into Kenobi's life after Anakin.

A must read!

What did you love best about Kenobi?

Kenobi was a well paced story from start to finish, with elements of action and drama mixed nicely. We really get to dive deep into Obi-Won's soul, and learn more about his feeling towards Anakin, and the emotions he felt during and after Episode III.

What other book might you compare Kenobi to and why?

Not so much a book, but a classic movie.....The Rifleman.

What about Jonathan Davis’s performance did you like?

Jonathan Davis is the GO TO GUY to narrate Star Wars novels! He captures Obi-Won's voice and character to a tee, and he gives life to the assorted characters in the novel.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The ending for sure, after Obi-Won resolves the story's issues/conflicts, and grants himself a measure of forgivness for the actions of Episode II/III.

Good story.

Loved the narration and enjoyed the story line. Will listen over and over to pick out the details.

The Best Star Wars Audiobook I've ever Listened To

Would you listen to Kenobi again? Why?

Sure. The plot was great, the twists were excellent, and the storytelling was engaging. It does a great job showing how Obi-Wan fits in with his new surroundings, while telling a great tale all on its own.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Kenobi?

The chase scene through the Sarlacc Rumbles was very tense. I felt myself urging on Ben's Eopi to catch the dewback before something terrible happened. Very dramatic.

What about Jonathan Davis’s performance did you like?

Besides doing a good job of imitating Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan, he did a great job of carrying off the other voices too. If I had a complaint, it's that he might have made the farmers sound a little too oafish, but not distractingly so. He also did a great performance for pacing the story and setting the scene.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Definitely. I found myself grumbling upon reaching my destination and almost wishing my hour-long commute to work was just a few minutes longer. The stakes rising in the story make me curious how the whole drama was going to play out.

Any additional comments?

Sure, this story didn't really tell you much on a galactic scale, and it was limited in what it told you about Obi-Wan, but I felt that it had a human quality that most Star Wars stories lack. There were some portions of the story that never had a full pay off, like Obi-Wan's meditations or the future of the Tuskens (especially when you consider the Legacy comics that discuss Darth Krayt), but for some reason it didn't bother me. The story did what it set out to do, which is create a Star Wars version of Pale Rider. The fascinating thing about this particular take on the Pale Rider story is that we know the Stranger's backstory already, so we are rooting for the secret to stay safe.

the best western I've read and it's STARWARS! .

loved it worth a rear for sure. don't miss out take the chance and you'll be glad

Sounds just like Ewan McGregor!

What a wonderful narrator! I actually forgot it was just one guy! And the does Obi-Wan’s voice just perfectly. I was so happy listening all the way through.

This should be a film!

This is basically the old west in a galaxy far, far away with the greatest bonus of having Obi wan as our focal point. It had a slow build but the final culmination was great. The voice acting and effects were stellar. Get it. Let your ear holes listen and enjoy. You won't regret it unless you do. Who am I to tell you what you'll like? I'm not your mother.

Davis's reading is a pleasure to listen to

Jonathan Davis's ObiWan voice is perfect, and the other characters each had a unique voice. Fantastic performance and great writing!!

A legend that can never die

This was a truly epic and beautiful tale of Kenobi’s time before the New Hope. I have never written a review on any book before but this deserves one. I love this author and the detail he has provided. The way he wove this tale was expertly executed. Much love and respect.

Good read

hopefully the Disney series will take some of this story and adapt it for the screen.. was hoping for more re mentions of Anakin or Vader but still a good story none the less .