I think I was expecting too much, after reading The Rising Force. There were a few things about this book, which meant this one was worse than the first one. Overall, it seems as if it was rushed a lot more than the first. Like Jude Watson was only given 2 months to write this book, while Dave Wolverton was given twice that time.

The most noticable difference is the length, as The Dark Rival is only 122 pages long. Even though, it is a children's book, it's not long enough to give the story the proper justice. Another 50 or so pages, would have allowed Jude Watson to fill the story in a lot more. Or, at least, add more to the character of Qui-Gon's previous apprentice, Xanatos.

Which leads to my other compliant. For some strange reason, Xanatos just annoies me. He's the only main character, who was introducted in this book. As a result he isn't nearly as well-developed as he should be. (Or in other words, he a very one dimiestional baddie). But then, I am a big Qui-Gon fan.... .

When, it comes right down to it, treat this book like a children's book. As I think the first one, was unusally good for this type of books. While this one is average. And as much as I *hate* to say this. I hope they take their time writing the books, instead of getting them out as soon as they can. That way the basic plot will be better, and hopefully they will be long enough to do justice to the series and character.