Star Wars Dooku Jedi Lost Review by Cavan Scott

One indication that Star Wars Episode 9 Rise of Skywalker is nearly upon us is the release of more novels. For the second time in nearly a month I am reviewing a Star Wars canon novel. This time the audiobook Dooku Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott. Previously I read Master and Apprentice by Claudia Gray. In my review I gave it my thumbs up, so go check it out.

That novel dealt with the difficult relationship between Jedi master Qui-Gonn Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi. Whereas the former had become obsessed with the mystical side of the Force the latter was a stickler for the rules. The best moments of that novel were the flashbacks in which we see Qui-Gonn’s tutoring by Dooku. Master and Apprentice indicated Dooku’s own obsession with Jedi mysticism.

The story of Dooku Jedi Lost

Dooku Jedi Lost is a novel only available in audiobook format. It delves deeply into Dooku’s backstory – and I must say, with uncanny effectiveness. Dooku Jedi Lost chronicles the training of the count at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, his apprenticeship to Yoda and the many incidents that ultimately lead him to abandon the order.

And yet the novel does not reveal everything. As a Star Wars fan I know that Dooku becomes the Count of Serrano and then Darth Tyranus, apprentice to Sidious. But by reading this novel it is not obvious that he would fall to fall to the dark-side. The incidents, of which we also read in Master and Apprentice do escalate, but are not conclusive.

One novel that Dooku Jedi Lost reminds me of is Darth Plagueis by James Luceno. It also cleverly reveals the background story of Sheev Palpatine. In contrast to Dooku Palpatine was vicious even in his youth and was of the Dark-side in a way that Dooku would never be.

Unique narrative

Dooku Jedi Lost also has a unique narrative method. The biography of Dooku is told through his own records, of which he has given holovids to his apprentice Asajj Ventress. Asajj replays the vids as she attempts to find Dooku’s sister. As the novel progresses the listener slowly becomes aware that Dooku’s reason for finding his sister are more sinister. So fans of Asajj Ventress – of which there are plenty – will also get a serving.

And yet Dooku Jedi Lost also brings with it a fair amount of humor. Yoda being called a green goblin was funny, especially as it is said to his face. In another scene the line ‘being economical with the truth’ is used as a euphemism for calling someone a liar. It also betrays author Cavan Scott’s British origin.

Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed Dooku Jedi Lost. It’s pacing is much faster than its immediate predecessor Master and Apprentice. Its subject material, the biography of Count Dooku and his slow descent towards the dark-side is fascinating. Master and Apprentice is a more conventional Star Wars novel in that regards.

Sadly, the novel is also quite short. In fact, with a length of 6+ hours it is at half size of Master and Apprentice. It might be better described as a novella. That said, the production is stunning, each of the characters is voiced by a unique and distinct actor. The music by John Williams adds to the suspense at the right moments – especially the prequel music feels very suitable.