2022 is shaping up to be an incredible year for fans of the the epic prequel universe created by George Lucas, what with the expansive Twentieth Anniversary celebrations worldwide for
Attack of the Clones and the upcoming, eagerly awaited return of Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen in the Disney+ exclusive
Obi-Wan Kenobi mini-series, airing from 27th May, 2022 onwards. And in between all that Force-packed excitement, we also have an acclaimed, all-new original adventure to savour for our Jedi hero icons Obi-Wan Kenobi (aka 'The Negotiator') and Anakin Skywalker ('The Hero Without Fear') -
Brotherhood - as they embark on a dangerous, complex and emotionally challenging mission that takes them to the unusual bridge world civilisation of Cato Neimoidia and its creepy, duplicitous race of Neimoidians (beings who often cite their so-called conflict neutrality!), in an intriguing timeline set within the start of the infamous Clone Wars, and a situation that will ultimately be referenced early on by our Master and Knight during Coruscant affairs taking place during EPISODE III. Chen has the very rare privilege of penning one of the first officially approved tales starting off the Clone Wars, especially introducing Kenobi and Skywalker to the mysterious aura and lethal lightsaber fighting skills of Asajj Ventress!
Mike Chen, who previously contributed a tale to the popular The Empire Strikes Back - From A Certain Point of View in 2020, delivers a solid, building adventure in Brotherhood that captures all the finest aspects of this era of the Star Wars saga - action, intrigue, mystery and danger - whilst presenting further dimensions to our prime heroes that will surely reward viewers who have always loved these special characters- an edgy but ultimately devoted Jedi pairing. Only two real disappointments: Firstly, the boring and mostly unnecessary subplot of Anakin's helping a young Zabrakian Jedi youngling become more comfortable with her empathic Jedi powers. Secondly, the Disney/Del Rey editorial team's subtle but clearly obvious inclusion of WOKE/politically correct elements, which proves both irritating and distracting from the storytelling.
Here's the official release blurb for the book, out now in UK hardback from Del Rey.
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker must stem the tide of the raging Clone Wars and forge a new bond as Jedi Knights.
The Clone Wars have begun. Battle lines are being drawn throughout the galaxy. With every world that joins the Separatists, the peace guarded by the Jedi Order is slipping through their fingers.
After an explosion devastates Cato Neimoidia, the jewel of the Trade Federation, the Republic is blamed and the fragile neutrality of the planet is threatened. The Jedi dispatch Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the Order's most gifted diplomatic minds, to investigate the crime and maintain the balance that has begun to dangerously shift. As Obi-Wan investigates with the help of a heroic Neimoidian guard, he finds himself working against the Separatists who hope to draw the planet into their conspiracy-and senses the sinister hand of Asajj Ventress in the mists that cloak the planet.
Amid the brewing chaos, Anakin Skywalker rises to the rank of Jedi Knight. Despite the mandate that Obi-Wan travel alone-and his former master's insistence that he listen this time-Anakin's headstrong determination means nothing can stop him from crashing the party, and bringing along a promising but conflicted youngling.
Once a Padawan to Obi-Wan, Anakin now finds himself on equal-but uncertain-footing with the man who raised him. The lingering friction between them increases the danger for everyone around them. The two knights must learn a new way to work together-and they must learn quickly, to save Cato Neimoidia and its people from the fires of war. To overcome the threat they face they must grow beyond master and apprentice. They must stand together as brothers.
Some memorable excerpts:
Get the book here (also available in audio book form):
