Review – ‘Star Wars: I, Jedi’ Essential Legends Audiobook Brings the Journey of a Jedi to Life
The Star Wars Essential Legends Collection continues to shine a spotlight on great stories from the Expanded Universe continuity, now known as Legends. As well as paperback releases, many of the books are now available in full unabridged audiobook format, often for the first time. Coming March 12 is the latest offering in this series: I, Jedi by Michael A. Stackpole, which tells the tale of a Rogue Squadron pilot who becomes a Jedi.
Before You Dive In, Some Recommended Reading / Listening:
While I, Jedi works as a standalone story (and I certainly wouldn’t hold you back if you wanted to use this as a jumping point into Legends storytelling), it is a continuation and expansion of the story of Corran Horn, Rogue Squadron pilot. Corran is the lead protagonist of the X-Wing series of books, which tell the story of the rise of the New Republic and the fracturing and downfall of the Imperial Remnant through the viewport of an X-Wing cockpit. The first four books are available now in all formats, including audiobook, as part of the Essential Legends Collection and will get you familiar with Corran and his allies and enemies before he takes his next step. Read our review for book 2 of the series, Wedge’s Gamble, for a small taste. And while it doesn’t focus on Corran, the fifth X-Wing book, Wraith Squadron, is also available in audiobook and is a great listen – check out our review.
If you’re still with us, check out the official cover and synopsis for I, Jedi below.
The dramatic story of an X-wing pilot on the razor’s edge between the hero he once was and the power he could have—if he’s willing to embrace the Dark Side
Corran Horn was an officer in the Corellian Security Force before casting his lot with the New Republic. As the grandson of a legendary Jedi hero, he has latent Force powers that have yet to be developed. But he has managed to distinguish himself with Rogue Squadron, the X-wing fighter force that has become the scourge of the Empire and of the pirates that prey on Republic shipping.
When his wife, Mirax, vanishes on a covert mission for the New Republic, Corran vows to find her. He begins Jedi training at Luke Skywalker’s Jedi academy, hoping to develop his untapped powers. But as Corran grows dissatisfied with the Jedi master’s methods, he chooses to break with the academy before his training is finished.
Now Corran is on his own. Using his undercover experience, he must infiltrate, sabotage, and destroy a ruthless organization in order to find his wife. But to succeed, Corran will have to come to terms with his Jedi heritage—and make a terrible choice: surrender to the Dark Side . . . or die.
I’m new to Star Wars audiobooks so I wasn’t sure what to expect when I had the chance to listen to the story, read by audiobook veteran Marc Thompson. The first chapter starts slowly with Corran reflecting on a conversation with his wife, Mirax, about having kids while giving a potted history of the Thrawn trilogy and Dark Empire, setting the scene for a galaxy finally ready to rebuild after years of Imperial Remnant assault. Marc’s narration kept me engaged with just Corran’s voice, interrupted occasionally with some occasional beeps from his astromech ‘Whistler’.
But things don’t stay quiet for long as the chapter launches into a dogfight between Rogue Squadron and the Imperial-backed pirates who are the prime antagonists of the story. Michael Stackpole writes action so well but it felt so dynamic with the roar of X-Wing engines in my ears. It was a real thrill ride and really enhanced the picture in my mind’s eye as the battle unfolded. Even as the story moves out of the cockpit, the audio and the subtle, but powerful score really made it feel like I was listening to a movie.
I, Jedi really has it all – space battles, undercover spies, and of course, Jedi training. The story is littered with characters including famous faces like Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, but also a ton of new characters which Marc Thompson somehow manages to juggle effortlessly. The story is intensely personal as Corran is conflicted between his Jedi training and the need to rescue his wife, and the story quickly sucks you in even if you aren’t familiar with Corran and the wider EU. It’s also fun to see Corran’s Jedi training as he is kinda-maybe canon now, thanks to the Obi-Wan Kenobi series – I even speculated that he might show up in the Rey movie!
Star Wars: I, Jedi is available now in physical and eBook formats, and will release in unabridged audiobook form on March 12. Thank you to Penguin Random House Audio for the copy used in this review.
A teacher from Wales in the UK, Aled has loved Star Wars ever since that Star Destroyer flew over his head and blew his mind.
