Star Wars: Brotherhood is set immediately in the aftermath of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones with our heroes, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker recently being promoted. The book switches perspectives between our aforementioned heroes of the story in Kenobi and Skywalker, who are separated for most of the read, as battles are being fought across the galaxy and a recent bombing occurring on Cato Neimoidia threatens to heighten to conflict between the Republic and the Seperatists.
Our story see’s Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi sent off to investigate the bombing and attempting to convince Cato Neimoidia to join the side of the republic. But this is Star Wars, so this does not go exactly to plan and fan-favourite Asajj Ventress is partially to blame. Our young Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker, however is dealing with events from Attack of the Clones as he adjusts to married life, his new mechanical arm and his questionable actions from said movie. There’s also impactful new characters in the the form of Mill Alibeth and Ruug Quarnom who are thoroughly enjoyable welcome additions. However despite the start of the Clone Wars, the battles that are ensuring, and introduction of new characters, the most exciting part of Brotherhood is the exploration of the relationship between our master and apprentice, which is truly the strength of this title as I’m sure many fans had hoped and expected.
I believe that Brotherhood is a vital character and relationship piece on Kenobi and Skywalker which explores the journey from their at times antagonistic relationship in Attack of the Clones to their brotherly status in Revenge of the Sith, probably to the deepest depths we’ve seen before and I’m happy to report that writer Mike Chen does this to a satisfying degree. This is Chen’s first novel in the Star Wars universe and I hope it’s not his only, but I suspect we’ll be seeing more from the writer in the future. I’d highly recommend this book to those who adore the prequels and/or The Clone Wars, and especially to those who favour the characters of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
