New Star Wars Novel Reveals Obi-Wan Struggled Under Qui-Gon’s Training

Liam Neeson’s Qui-Gon Jinn was one of the more interesting characters in the Prequel Trilogy. Whereas we quickly realized the Jedi Council were a bunch of stuffy old fossils creaking under the weight of thousands of years of formal tradition, he seemed to have put a bit more thought into his philosophy and action. While the majority of the Jedi followed the Jedi Code, he always seemed more in tune with the Living Force. This was all very unusual for his talented Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi, who we saw both respecting and bridling under the older man’s tuition in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. 

Now, there’s a new book coming out called Star Wars: Master & Apprentice by bestselling author Claudia Gray (writer of Star Wars: Lost Stars, Star Wars: Bloodline and Leia, Princess of Alderaan) which will expand upon their relationship. Here’s how the publisher’s describing it:

“Obi-Wan Kenobi has deep respect for his Master but struggles to understand him. Why must Qui-Gon so often disregard the laws that bind the Jedi? Why is Qui-Gon drawn to ancient Jedi prophecies instead of more practical concerns? And why wasn’t Obi-Wan told that Qui-Gon is considering an invitation to join the Jedi Council—knowing it would mean the end of their partnership? The simple answer scares him: Obi-Wan has failed his Master.”

The story of the book sees the pair embarking on a dangerous mission. Apparently, Qui-Gon’s experiencing ominous “visions of violent disaster” and the events promise to shed light on their relationship as The Phantom Menace begins.

I’m always up for more Qui-Gon Jinn, so I can’t wait for this. I’ve always thought it was something of a mistake killing the character off so early in the prequels as Liam Neeson seemed to have a better handle on George Lucas’ uniquely written dialogue than most of the other cast. I understand why he had to go to make room for the Obi-Wan/Anakin partnership, but he’s a fascinating figure amongst the Jedi that could use a little more light shed on him. And thankfully, we’ll get just that when Star Wars: Master & Apprentice arrives on April 16th.