Like all short story collections, this one had some major highs, some enjoyable middle ground, and some really unpleasant lows.
Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View has the privilege of being my first dive into the vast world that is the Star Wars bookverse. I did my research beforehand, trying to figure out where to begin, since there’s over 200 to choose from. But with all the talks of Legends (those written before Lucas’ sale to Disney in 2014) and current canon (anything after), I grew tired and picked one at random. From a Certain Point of View just so happened to be the first available audiobook I found on my Libby app (an app connected to your library), making it my first and absolutely not last, venture into this universe.
Listening to this book in audio format proved to be an advantage. I’m not sure I would’ve rated the book as high had there not been the spaceship sound effects and fantastic cast
of voice actors. So, if you’re looking to pick this one up, definitely go with the audiobook! Nothing gets your adrenaline racing on a car ride to visit your bestie in Rhode Island like the screeching you think is coming from your car, but is actually just the Death Star imploding.
Let’s start off with my favorites. It’s not a big secret that I’m enthralled by the Clone Wars era of Star Wars (I’m only on Season 5, but it’s one of my favorite shows), mainly because Obi-Wan is my favorite character in this particular universe, and nothing beats the Anakin and Obi-Wan dynamic. It’s not surprising then that “Master and Apprentice” and “Time of Death” were the breakout stars.
“Master and Apprentice” is told from Qui-Gon Jinn’s perspective, and to be honest, I don’t think I truly understood the Qui-Gon hype until this story. In Phantom Menace, Liam Neeson does a fantastic job, but everytime I rewatch it, I’m too focused on a young Ewan McGregor, and thinking: “Damn it, Qui-Gon! ONE stab? That’s all it took?”
But in Claudia Gray’s short story (which spawned the 2019 novel of the same name, currently sitting on my TBR shelf), we see Qui-Gon’s Force Ghost comforting a distraught
Obi-Wan. Afraid for Luke Skywalker’s safety, Obi-Wan’s old master reassures him Luke’s journey has not even begun. There’s mentions of Anakin’s downfall, the guilt that runs deep, and the hope bestowed in the two Skywalker children. But most of all, there’s a comforting, calm Qui-Gon, and after this story, I absolutely can’t wait for the novel!
On the flipside, “Time of Death” is a lightsaber through the heart (Too soon? Sorry Qui-Gon!). It covers Obi-Wan’s final moments as he duels Vader. Chock full of flashbacks, Calvan Scott does an excellent job of deepening an already complex, beloved character. The memory of Kenobi training Anakin with wooden sticks in lieu of lightsabers tugs on all the right heartstrings. But it's the moment we see Obi-Wan peacefully accept his fate to save Luke that hurts the most. I might love Anakin pre-Revenge of the Sith, but I’ll never forgive Vader for defeating Obi-Wan, and crushing me along with it.
Some honorable mentions for top contenders: “Raymus” by Gary White, “The Red One” by Rae Carson, “The Luckless Rodian” by Renée Ahdieh, “Eclipse” by Madeleine Roux, and “You Owe Me a Ride” by Zoraida Córdova.
Now, onto the flops. Disclaimer: if these stood out to you, then awesome! But, when paired up against the other largely fantastic short stories in this anthology, the two that fell to the bottom were “Beru Whitesun Lars” by Meg Cabot and “The Kloo Horn Cantina Caper” by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Matt Fraction.
I was surprised when the narrator read out Meg Cabot’s name. Although I’m not familiar with most of the authors from this anthology, I recognized many as other sci-fi, fantasy, or even veteran Star Wars writers. Meg Cabot, author of the Princess Diaries, didn’t seem to fit. And unfortunately, I was right.
“Beru Whitesun Lars” is told from the perspective of Luke’s aunt after she and her husband are killed. She talks a lot about blue milk (a delicious treat at Disney World) and cheese. She informs the reader taking Luke in was the best decision of her life, which seems like a sweet buildup to an often forgettable character when paired next to Uncle Owen. But then she talks about washing Luke’s leggings, which should be domestically sweet, but gets boring real fast. It’s not that this story is bad per say, it’s just completely unmemorable compared to the others. Which is a shame, because I think exploring the mentality of Beru is a great idea. I just think that the new Disney+ Kenobi series managed to do it better with a few fleeting looks than Cabot accomplished in this anthology.
“The Kloo Horn Cantina Caper” was without a doubt, the most painful of all 40 stories for me to get through. This was one, and I think the only, instance where having the audiobook wasn’t a plus. Because let me tell you, nearly every single voice in this story grated me the wrong way. There were too many characters to focus on, and I found myself zoning out the majority of the time. Combine that with a cast of characters that are annoying, uninteresting, and excruciating to listen to, you wind up with the weakest link in Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View.
Sitting in between a 3.75 and 4 star read for me, I’m glad I chose this as my introductory novel. I do plan on reading (via audiobook) the sequel, Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View: Empire Strikes Back, although I’m not sure when. My current plan for the Star Wars books is to begin with Kiersten White’s Padawan, which details the life of a young Kenobi, and read through the major novels, ending with Beth Revis’ newly released Princess and the Scoundrel. After that, everything is fair game!
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