Where Padawan lands in the Star Wars books timeline

On July 26, Star Wars: Padawan by Kiersten White officially releases to the public. The young adult novel from Disney Lucasfilm Press is an essential Obi-Wan Kenobi story set earlier than any other story featuring the character in canon so far. Brotherhood by Mike Chen, released earlier this year, takes place during the Clone Wars when Obi-Wan is older and has a former Padawan of his own.

In Padawan, Obi-Wan and his master Qui-Gon Jinn are preparing to embark on an unsanctioned mission to an uncharted planet across the galaxy. But when his master doesn’t show up for their departure, Obi-Wan decides to go alone. What could possibly go wrong?

Officially, the story takes place in 41 BBY, or 41 years before Luke Skywalker assisted in blowing up the first Death Star. This book takes place before Claudia Gray’s Master and Apprentice — both books take place before The Phantom Menace.

Set before Obi-Wan meets Satine Kryze and long before he comes face-to-face with Anakin Skywalker for the first time, Padawan explores Obi-Wan’s struggles to understand the Force and his place in the galaxy. He’s not a youngling anymore, but he still feels like he’s struggling to master the most basic Jedi techniques. Does he really have what it takes to wield the Force the way his master does?

In this classic coming-of-age story, the future Jedi Master will learn more about himself and life outside of Coruscant than he ever has before. There’s even a High Republic connection for fans of the ongoing publishing initiative set hundreds of years prior to this story.

Check back later today for our official review of White’s Star Wars novel, which is available now wherever you get your Star Wars books in physical, digital, and audiobook formats.

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