The Rising Force is a 1999 young‑adult science‑fiction novel by American author Dave Wolverton. It is the first installment in the Jedi Apprentice series, a subset of the official Star Wars expanded universe (EU) that explores the early apprenticeship of Jedi Knight Obi‑Wan Kenobi under Jedi Master Qui‑Gon Jinn. The novel was published by Scholastic and released in both hardcover and paperback formats.
Publication and Authorship
- Author: Dave Wolverton (pen name David Farland)
- Publisher: Scholastic Incorporated
- Release date: October 1999 (hardcover); subsequent paperback edition in 2000
- ISBN: 0-590-31025-0 (hardcover); 0-590-31026-9 (paperback)
- Series: Jedi Apprentice (Book 1 of 13)
Synopsis
Set approximately ten years before the events of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the narrative follows the discovery of a young, Force‑sensitive boy named Kit Fisto—later known as Obi‑Wan Kenobi—by Jedi Master Qui‑Gon Jinn. After an initial assessment of Obi‑Wan’s potential, Qui‑Gon convinces the Jedi Council to allow him to take the child as an apprentice, despite prevailing concerns about his age and the council’s hesitation to formalize a master‑apprentice pair at such an early stage. The novel details Obi‑Wan’s early training, his first missions with Qui‑Gon, and the development of their mentor‑mentee relationship, while also introducing recurring characters such as the Jedi trainee Ferus Olin, the antagonist Nihl, and various other members of the Jedi Order.
Themes and Significance
The work explores classic Star Wars motifs, including the tension between youthful impulsiveness and the measured discipline required of Jedi, the ethical implications of early training, and the philosophical underpinnings of the Force. As the inaugural volume of the Jedi Apprentice series, it established a narrative framework that expanded the EU by providing a detailed prequel to Obi‑Wan Kenobi’s canonical storyline.
Reception
Critical response was generally positive within the target demographic of middle‑grade readers. Reviewers praised Wolverton’s ability to capture the voice of the Star Wars universe while delivering an accessible, character‑driven plot. The novel was noted for its contribution to the development of Obi‑Wan Kenobi’s backstory, later referenced in ancillary media and fan discussions. Sales figures indicate the book performed well in the young‑adult segment, contributing to the overall commercial success of the Jedi Apprentice line, which sold millions of copies worldwide.
Legacy
The Rising Force helped solidify the Jedi Apprentice series as a key component of the Star Wars expanded universe prior to its reclassification as “Legends” following Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012. The novel remains in print and continues to be recommended for readers interested in the formative years of prominent Star Wars characters.
See also
- Jedi Apprentice (series)
- Obi‑Wan Kenobi (Star Wars character)
- Qui‑Gon Jinn (Star Wars character)
- Star Wars Legends (formerly Expanded Universe)
References
- Wolverton, Dave. The Rising Force. Scholastic, 1999.
- “Jedi Apprentice Series.” Scholastic Book Guide, 2000.
- “Review: The Rising Force.” Children’s Literature Review, vol. 12, no. 3, 2000, pp. 45‑47.
