The Approaching Storm

More of a 2.5⭐ but I'm being generous. I really liked this intro to Barriss and especially her loghtsaber dance which sounded amazing. There were a couple of good moments developing Anakin's character and where his head is at pre-AotC. But damn if this book wasn't super ableist. Like they literally said that people with mental illnesses are so addled that Jedi can't detect anything from them? And then had Barriss heal two aliens whose physiology she knew nothing about with no repercussions whatsoever? First the dismissal and then the amazing cure just rubbed me the wrong way. And the fact that Luminara and Barriss were introduced by having Luminara intimidate away attemped rapists? Fucking must you??? I don't know why I ever expected show more better from the dude who wrote Splinter of the Mind's Eye, though. He was a sexist, racist trash pile then, too. Apparently it was too much to hope that 25 years allowed him some growth. show less

I enjoyed it because their journey through the plaines of Ansion reminded me of the game Oregon trail I used to play. Everything that could go wrong on the mission did but they got through it and completed the mission. The chapters were a bit long but not as long as I was expecting so I was able to read this book in under a week. Also I was anticipating long discriptions of the scenery and wildlife but I actually enjoyed it and didn't think it slowed the story down at all.
My favorite part was when the Jedi met with the Yiwa tribe and the entertainment they had to provide to prove they had 'soul', especially Obi-Wan's tale. The themes were the same as SW. I was like, he just gave the whole story away, lol! But it was foreshaowing and I show more love that in any story.
There were other moments too that I liked between Luminara and Barriss and between Barriss and Anakin, esp when they talk about Yoda fighting (page 260) and how Anakin can't picture him in a fight because he's small. It made me think of Yoda's size speech to Luke in ESB.
I also liked the characters Luminara and Barriss and want to read more books with them so I am looking forward to reading MedStar I & II.
I loved Obi-Wan & Luminara's discussion of Anakin in chapter 7.
Esp when they talk about if the other thinks about their own mothers and if Yoda thinks of his. I also liked how Obi-Wan questioned whether taking them away as infants was really neccassary. And how Obi-Wan says he's there to guide but it's Anakin who decides who Anakin becomes and once he faces his inner turmoil he will become a great Jedi.
Also loved Luminara and Barriss's convo after. "potential that goes unrealized might as well not exist..." that was interesting.
The guides observation of the humans phyisical appearence was funny. they feel bad for such "deformaties"
On page 137 I loved when Bulgan says the Yiwa are touchy and take offense quickly and
Obi says: We'll be on our best behavior, won't we Anakin?
Anakin: Why are you all looking at me?"
why do you think they are looking at you! show less

I really wanted to like it, because it features two of my favorite prequel characters (Luminara and Barris), and it served as a prequel to Attack of the Clones, and it's Alan Dean Foster. But my goodness, does this drag on. It's not so much about the political situation surrounding the separatists and the republic as it is a wilderness adventure out of the Jedi Quest series. Also, Anakin is a dick to pretty much everyone, even Obi-Wan. Aside from the middle where nothing happens, the rest of the book is kinda good.

This was an ok book as far as star wars books go, but it never really grabbed my attention, I like how they portrayed Obi-wan through out, wise and seemingly ready for any situation. A lot of the book is from the point of view from either Barriss or her Master, which I didn't particularly like wishing to view more from obi-wans perspective. Anakin was also portrayed well, personaly troubled and impatient, the only thing that I didn't like was you never really saw any of his vast potential in action they talk about it and bring it up many times, but it is never really shown, after all he is supposed to be one of the strongest in the force any Jedi have seen in 1000 years.

The story and plot as a whole was good, I did like the introduction show more of the Ansionian aliens and their vital role in assisting the Jedi, the only character I disliked on a large scale was the Gwurran, Tooqui who borders on being a second Jar-Jar meaning unwanted and annoying. The forces at work against the Jedi are smart and creative in their attempts to foil Obi-Wan and company. All and all there are better star wars books out there but then again there are worse ones too. show less

Obi, Ani, and the more interesting Barriss and Luminara have to stop the unimportant world of Ansion from seceeding. An okay book, though I couldn't quite figure out how the promise of the prologue, that having Ansion secede would be this super-sekrit cool plan because no one but the super-sekrit conspirators had figured out that little Ansion was at the center of a big huge web of alliances, was ever realized, since the Jedi are at Ansion, like, immediately, and seem to know all about its webbed state. Satisfactory, but not outstanding.

Of the book Star Wars The Approaching Storm, Starburst said: "ENTERTAINING AND INTELLIGENT...This book is pure class all the way....The final page is a great climax." I couldn't agree more. This novel reminds me of the Jedi Quest series, except it's a little less juvenile. Obi-Wan Kenobi and his padawan, Anakin Skywalker are accompanied by Luminara Unduli and her own padawan, Barriss Offee as they journey to the planet of Ansion to settle a border dispute that Jedi master Mace Windu makes reference to in Attack Of The Clones.

A lot of great, essential groundwork is laid for Star Wars Episode 2 in this book. Contrary to my original beliefs, a good rousing Star Wars tale can take place without the involvement of the Clone armies, and that show more is demonstrated in this exiting action epic.

Although it did take some time to get going, I believe that Star Wars The Approaching Storm fully deserves a five star rating. show less

Anakin is a confused, angry teen. What else is new?