Jedi Apprentice Volume 4: The Mark of the Crown

written by: Jude Law

Probably the most direct of the series, and thus one of the least interesting. Continuing on to Gala to continue their mission they were waylaid from by Guerra and family, their mission is a simple one or so it seems. The dying queen wishes there to be public elections but there are many who don’t. The prince being one of them but he is not alone.

Furthermore there is intrigue where we discover that the Prince is not even the legal heir as it is. The king had a daughter out of wedlock prior which technically would be the heir. She grew up with the Hill people outside the main society.

Despite the Hill people being cut off they are very much an advanced and kind culture. They do not take to outsiders or trust them, but they are very fair and civil. Qui-Gon goes off to entreat with the Hill people while Obi-Wan stays at the castle trying to keep up pretenses that he is still there. While there, Obi-Wan discovers a plot to poison the Queen which he tries to figure out on his own.

It is a tale of intrigue and politics. Both fit the Star Wars universe quite well. There is not a lot of action though which may turn off some readers and the storyline is pretty straight forward and predictable. Again I keep in mind this is intended for a younger audience who may appreciate it more.

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