Jedi Trial

David Sherman and Dan Cragg

Review by Mark Newbold

Anakin Skywalker prepares for his Jedi trials while Obi Wan Kenobi is off on a mission for the Jedi.  As this all occurs the Separatists invade the planet Praesitlyn, where a communications array connects the Outer Rim to Coruscant.  Jedi Master Nejaa Halcyon, Corran Horns true father leads the Clone Troopers there and requests the presence of Anakin Skywalker as his second-in-command.  The Jedi and Clone Troops race to the planet as a rear guard action, led by renegade captain Zozridor Slayke wage their own war against the forces of the Separatists.

This novel is packed with one thing above all else – military strategy.  Given the author’s real life Marine training and combat experience in Vietnam, they have loaded the narrative with tactical information, grounding Jedi Trial in a war scenario like no other Star Wars novel before.  Perhaps due to their knowledge of military tactics, it allows Anakin Skywalker to be shown in his first command situation, leading hordes of troops into battle and becoming a true leader – a taster perhaps for his future role as Darth Vader.

Anakin’s character is pushed to the fore, and to good use.  His relationship with Jedi Master Nejaa Horn is believable and interesting, and parallels between the two characters are clear for all to see.  Nejaa is the Jedi that Anakin would have become if he hadn’t chosen the path of darkness.  Also noteworthy is his relationships with other characters in the novel, namely Reija Momen, who clearly reminds him of his lost mother Shmi, and Grudo.

As well as the appearance of Nejaa (who was initially mentioned in I, Jedi), there are other Expanded Universe references peppered throughout the novel.  Qui-Gon Jinns voice is `heard’ by Anakin, the Sluis Van Shipyards are given a namecheck and most interestingly Freedoms Sons are mentioned.  First mentioned in Han Solo at Stars End, they were a group of insurgent patriots who helped the Jedi restore law and order at the end of the Clone Wars.  A neat touch and a good effort to tie up cross media continuity from the 70’s.

There are a few minor gripes.  The cover shows Asaaj Ventress prominently, although she has little more than a walk-on role, and Anakin is in only half of the novel.  And as for Anakins trials, the book seems to infer that his performance on Praesitlyn is his trial, although we have seen Anakin in battle situations before.  If that constitutes the trials then that would be a disappointment.

On the whole a solid entry into the Clone Wars cannon which links nicely with the work Dark Horse are doing.