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kenobster · 10 months

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Star Wars Reading List

Figured that since Ao3 is down, this might be a good time for y'all to get into reading actual Star Wars books/comics. Thus, here is a list of excellent books that focus on Obi-Wan & Anakin or beloved prequel-era characters.

Note: With whatever credibility I've earned, I ask you to please consider ordering these books from somewhere other than Amazon. Not only is Jeff Bezos a plague upon planet earth, but his site is also wreaking havoc on the publishing industry. Amazon is a huge contributor to current bestsellers sucking and diverse, marginalized voices not getting heard. Local bookstores are best, but even Barnes & Noble is better. I am happy to assist you with an Amazon book boycott if you PM me.

Karen Miller

Reading actual books & comics is gross, you say? Fanfic is more palatable in style to your interests? Not a problem, my friends; do I have the author for you. Karen Miller writes some excellent Obi-Wan & Anakin centric books that feel just like reading fanfiction (if only minus smut XD). The way she writes the protagonists goes deep into the bonds they feel (and/or develop) with each other. If you're used to reading fanfiction, this won't feel much different.

Note to the wise: Don't worry about Karen Traviss—you don't need her.

#1: Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth

Even though Wild Space (below) is the first book in this storyline, I recommend starting with this one. The beginning of the book is Obi-Wan & Anakin & Ahsoka engaged in a multipronged battle. From a starfighter, Anakin engages his squad in an air assault while Obi-Wan fights on the ground with Ahsoka. After that, it has one of my favorite Obi-Wan tropes ever in which Anakin spends about four chapters assigning miscellaneous members of the GAR to escort Obi-Wan to the medbay for neglected injuries. (If you like my fic Every Shadow, then you will love this.) Afterward, the story veers toward a mission that Obi-Wan & Anakin embark on together, in which the two of them bicker lovingly whilst exhausting the ever-loving shit out of themselves to endure dire, hostile straits. The amount of sweat, fatigue, and desperation drenching their characters by the end of this novel will make you feel alive.

#2: Clone Wars Gambit: Siege

The direct sequel to Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth, which is no less fun of a read. Oh? You thought the nonstop sweat-drenched, desperation-fueled survival instinct and fatigue were over? You thought that? Cute. Being the direct sequel to Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth, this book starts as Obi-Wan jolts awake from an unexpected, impromptu nap and yells at Anakin for letting him fall asleep in the first place. (In response, Anakin is shrugging like wtf was I supposed to do, we're tired and tired ppl sleep.) In the midst of their argument, the stolen speeder which Anakin is piloting decides to demand an immediate crash-landing in the middle of nowhere. From there, Obi-Wan & Anakin are stranded on a planet under intense Separatist surveillance and are forced to find sanctuary in a local and suspicious village. But this book is titled "Siege" for a reason. Catastrophes are not over, and despite what you may think, they have not yet scraped the absolute bottom of their limits yet. They will though. They will. My favorite scene involves Anakin (running on sheer fumes and willpower alone) throws a tantrum about Obi-Wan healing civilians so much he's practically keeling over. You will like this book. I guarantee it.

#3 Clone Wars: Wild Space

Now that you understand Karen Miller is a fellow author of all your favorite Obi-Wan & Anakin fanfic tropes, you can read her fanficiest fanfic of all published Star Wars material. The amount of Obi-Wan whump in this novel is batshit, y'all. It starts out with a lot of satisfactory Obi-Wan & Anakin scenes, especially re Obi-Wan enduring physical injuries and Anakin being intensely upset and worried. Then, for the second half of the book, Obi-Wan embarks on an investigative mission with Bail Organa based on the Senator's mysterious intel. This leads the two of them to Zigoola, a Sith planet of utter despair and Obi-Wan's worst nightmares. This is the origin story of Obi-Wan & Bail's friendship, but mostly you'll like it because Obi-Wan is so fucked up by the end of it that he can't even stand. The whump cuts deep on a physical, emotional, and cosmic-Force-magic level. A true treat.

When Ao3 is back up, I recommend the incredibly written fanfic A Thousand Satellites by stark2ash as a follow-up to Wild Space.

Matthew Stover

Alright, you're with me on why reading published Star Wars content is good now? You're ready? Amazing. Let me introduce you to one of the most incredible authors of our time. Matthew Stover writes so expertly that his books feel like literary masterpieces, regardless of their inclusion in the Star Wars franchise. If you read nothing else on this list, please read something by him. You will not regret it.

#1 Revenge of the Sith novelization

If you always liked the prequels but felt they were kinda rushed or shallow or failed to adequately suspend your disbelief for certain plot points, then this is the book you should read. Every single aspect of the movie is portrayed with such care in terms of themes, characters, and attention to detail. There is incredible characterization for Obi-Wan—the hopeful but tragic hero of the clone wars; the brilliantly competent and yet endearingly humble Jedi Master. The emotions Stover puts this man through successfully makes us sob rivers, alongside the masterminded and horrifyingly abusive manipulation that Palpatine directs onto Anakin—the child prodigy who struggles so desperately to stay in the Light and ultimately fails. You know how people always watch a movie and come out saying how the book was better? Somehow, Stover managed to achieve this feat after the movie was already released! Again, if you read nothing else, please read this book. Otherwise, I can't talk to you, lol.

#2: Shatterpoint

Since you followed my advice and read the above book (you did read the above book... right?!), I am now assuming you realize Stover is a literary genius and a true master of his craft. Thus, may I present you with Shatterpoint, an equally inspired character study of Jedi Master Mace Windu. You like Mace Windu, right? Yeah, of course! We all do. But I bet the content featuring him has always been a little boring. I bet that makes you a bit nervous to give this book a try because you're worried it will be boring. Well, ho boy you are wrong, my friend. This book is a fascinating deep dive into not only the political landscape surrounding the clone wars but also the human element of what constant war can do to a society. At all times, the book is intense, chilling, and thrillingly page-turning. If you're a loser and don't like Mace Windu, you absolutely will by the end of this. I cannot convey how utterly this book strayed from my usual interests and still managed to zip me through to the very end.

Miscellaneous

Aha! You have read all of the above and are still looking for some more? Well well well, you fucking nerd, you are definitely someone I'd would like to engage in friendly conversation with. XD Now that I've proven my good taste, please add these additionally nerdy books your list.

#1: Brotherhood by Mike Chen

Hey look! It's a canon book! Yeah! This book is canon! And it's good, too! If you always wish for more political/investigative drama in your Star Wars content, Mike Chen has you covered. Obi-Wan is a brilliant Jedi in terms of getting to the bottom of some forensic shenanigans, pulling all-nighters to write persuasive essay-length speeches to extremely important people, evading enemies who intend to do him dead without harming a single one of them, and most notably displaying a strong inclination (and talent!) for diplomacy even when it means doing none of the above. On the side, he maintains an adorable relationship with his newly knighted Padawan, who embarks on an interesting journey of his own. Anakin bonds with a Jedi initiate who is struggling with a intense Force empathy, both of whom decide to go "rescue" Obi-Wan. I love this book. It is one of my all-time Star Wars faves.

Also in this book, Anakin manages to have the most hilarious scifi equivalent of an "I'm going through a tunnel" phone call while talking to Mace Windu. 😂

#2 Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray

This book is also canon, horray! If you're dissatisfied with many two-dimensional portrayals of Padawan!Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon Jinn, then this book will satisfy the relationship you never knew you craved. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fumble to overcome their rocky dynamic well into their Master-Padawan relationship—causing Obi-Wan a massive amount of anxiety and Qui-Gon a massive amount of guilt. Their miscommunication, however, goes both ways! Both of them are beloved Jedi who are trying really hard to understand each other—and eventually do! Obi-Wan righteously abides by Jedi guidelines, but in the most obnoxious and bratty way possible. XD Meanwhile, Qui-Gon's interest in myth and precognition is actually more complicated and nuanced than it seems. This book characterizes these two characters, including their relationship with each other, not only in the way George Lucas originally intended but also in a super emotionally compelling way.

#3: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden

Quinlan seems to have become a bit of a fanfic favorite for some, but his character is actually a lot more complicated than you'd ever know! Read this book for the beautifully intricate story regarding the choices he has to make and the paths they take him down. He has a hell of a time and he struggles dearly between right and wrong because of it—but the layers of depth to his character, including his devotion to the Light side, his intelligent kindness, and his endearing façade of humor shine through the darkness he is subjected and temporarily falls to. Obi-Wan himself is a central character to this story; likewise, his fierce perspective on forgiveness, atonement, and redemption are essential cornerstones to understanding this novel and his character. Plus, there is some very cute Anakin to boot. If you made it through the other books, then this one is an absolute must-read.

#4: Rogue Planet by Greg Bear

Ever wonder where all the "Barriss Offee once was great" discourse comes from? Ever intrigued when fellow fans talk about the Blood Carver? Well, my friend, you're in luck! This book are both conversations' source. I'll admit, this book is the driest of all of my recommendations, but it is no less worth the read! The moments where Obi-Wan struggles to be a good mentor to Anakin, teenage mom style, are adorable, particularly in the early scenes where he must stop Padawan!Anakin from competing in a podrace-like competition. If you're literally out of things to read, this book will get you over the spell. And after you're done, you'll finally feel knowledgeable enough to start engaging this Barriss Offee discourse!

Comics

Damn it, you're still not with me on the book-reading thing? Books are too wordy for you or something? Sighs, to each their own, I guess. Here's some incredibly well written comic runs that achieve fantastic storylines but with super pretty pictures, too.

#1: Obi-Wan & Anakin (5-issue run in 2016)

The comic in which, despite Palpatine's disgustingly creepy attempts to the contrary, Obi-Wan is an incredible teacher and Anakin is an incredible student. Obi-Wan's style as a Jedi Master is shown to be lovingly wise and gentle. In fact, it is so uplifting that it repeatedly brought me to tears when I read it. Similarly, Anakin's struggles with the Jedi Order are defined with a satisfying level of depth. He is trying and sometimes he fails—but he learns. The storyline overall is gorgeous, both in art and in narrative value, and the ending itself is something truly beautiful. Furthermore, this artist paints Obi-Wan in a way that makes me reconsider my sexuality. You will stare for decades at his face.

#2: Darth Vader (25-issue run from 2017 to 2018)

What happens after ROTS you wonder? How does Darth Sidious begin to instruct his new apprentice? What measures do the surviving Jedi take to attempt to preserve their culture? Where do the Inquisitors come from? How does one "bleed" a Kyber crystal? All of these questions and more are answered in this 2017 comic run (not to be confused with other Darth Vader comic runs). Besides the really interesting worldbuilding immediately post-Order 66, I don't think I've read a comic run this absurdly well-written ever. Of particular note, the author & artist use a sort of magical realism in Darth Vader's Meditative Hellscape™ to convey intricately detailed emotions/metaphors/themes. You have to see it to believe it. For example, I feel the below two pages are so full of depth and meaning that they should be added to any kind of college art/film/fiction curriculum:

#3: Slaves of the Republic (6-issue run from 2008 to 2009)

This comic definitely isn't of the same caliber as the former two, but it's still ideal reading. If you feel the show left some stuff out or should have gone differently or should have handled certain subject matters with greater respect, then this will bring you closure! This comic's issues fills in so many holes in its plots and thematic values left in the Zygerria/Kadavo episodes. It also characterizes its protagonists Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Ahsoka in a way that makes huge amounts of sense. Obi-Wan is kind and brave and self-sacrificial in a way he failed to be in the show. Anakin is intelligent, compassionate, and competent, especially regarding matters of slavery. And Ahsoka contains the fun characterization of her iteration in earlier seasons before Dave Filoni stripped it from her. The worldbuilding, too, in these comics is much more rich and interesting than their episodic counterparts.

Now that you're done reading comics, I would like to implore you to please please please go back to the top of this post and try again. I prefer fanfic to books a vast majority of the time, too, but I've tailored this list specifically for you. I promise you won't regret the effort.

#Star Wars #Obi-Wan Kenobi #Anakin Skywalker #Mace Windu #Quinlan Vos #Obi-Wan & Anakin #Obi-Wan #Anakin #kenobster bookmarks #books #long post

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kenobster · 11 months

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Obi-Wan Noncon Fic Recs

Note: To save space, I have eliminated non-summary parts of author's summaries.

Here’s my current accumulation of some really worthwhile fics in which Obi-Wan experiences or recovers from noncon! :) I’m still working my way through the noncon tag and fics are posted all the time—so I’m sure I’ll make another post on this subject. I've separated the fics into categories, but to start off, here are some fics that didn't really warrant their own categories:

The Land of My Father by Anonymous

The Fett compound sits tucked at the foothills of the Mesra Mountain Range, where water from the heights trickles down and makes for plentiful moisture farming. The harsh life of running the farm under the strict eyes of their father, Jango, is all Cody and his brothers have known, but as his father employs increasingly dubious means to ensure the profit and security of the prized Fett land, Cody is forced to reckon with himself and the parts of him he is willing to sacrifice for his family. Or, a Tatooine AU: pure, self-indulgent whump.

It’s unclear how much is just canon-divergent and how much is an AU, but Cody and some of his brothers (i.e. Wolffe, Bly, & Boba) are being raised by their dad, Jango Fett, on a farm on Tatooine. Jango expects Cody to inherit the farm. To prove his competence, Jango purchases Cody a slave to train, the slave being Obi-Wan Kenobi. Cody slowly starts to find he can’t please both his own moral code, his younger brothers’ dependence on him, and Jango Fett at once. The prose is so intense and visceral and vivid—it will suck you in. Note that there’s no on-page noncon yet, but I can feel it coming.

Would You Please Spare Me Tonight, part 1 of the series I Can Take a Little Bit More by WorkingChemistry

Obi Wan’s body is sore when he returns to their rooms, and Anakin’s hard work has been smudged beyond repair. On these nights, Anakin always waits in his own room while Obi Wan limps in and waits for the ‘fresher door to slide shut. While Obi Wan washes away the evidence of the senate’s activities from his body, Anakin brews tea for them to share.

This fic does a nice job setting up the universe of the Ruusan Reformation AU, in which Jedi vowed to obey all Senator commands a thousand years ago, including granting any sexual favors that are requested of them. Obi-Wan and his young Padawan Anakin go through their ritual before and after Obi-Wan is summoned to fulfill such a request. The tenderness inherent in this fic is so rewarding.

And so I Tread the Only Road, part 2 of the series I Can Take a Little Bit More by WorkingChemistry

Lie back and think of The Republic. Obi Wan imagines the collective relief in the force once this bill passes. He imagines the gratitude of his fellow Jedi charged with the protection of a youngling. He imagines the moment the crèche masters are informed that their initiates will be safe for just a little longer than they dared to hope. He imagines— From across the stars I have heard your call

This is a sequel to the above fic, set in the Ruusan Reformation AU previously described. This fic is a little more graphic, but continues the same general vibe of Obi-Wan seeking solace in a young Anakin after he offers a sexual favor to protect Padawans from such requests. The cadence to this author’s writing is beautifully rhythmic, and it is so very tender/gentle in the recovery.

[click the see more button for the fics sorted into categories]

Kadavo Era

These are fics in which Obi-Wan experienced noncon during the Zygerria/Kadavo arc.

Things Hidden, Things Forgotten by sopses

The Zygerrians have many ways of breaking their slaves. Trapped in the mines of Kadavo, all Obi-Wan can do is take it.

In this fic, Keeper Arguss forces Obi-Wan to make a choice to offer himself sexually during his imprisonment on Kadavo. Afterward, Rex helps him get through it. From there, the fic becomes recovery, particularly from holocalls from Cody, while Obi-Wan waits for the 212th to arrive. This is probably my favorite post-Kadavo fic ever written. You can feel Obi-Wan hanging on by a thread, and it’s blessedly heartbreaking (and gentle). Also, the scene in chapter 2 between Rex and Obi-Wan was astoundingly well done and very unique.

Every Shadow by kenobster (aka, me)

The days on Kadavo were long, but the nights moved quickly. Hundreds of pairs of wide, sleepless eyes haunted the space of the holding cells. Droves of terror clogged the heavy, sweaty air, and every sound, however faint, was like a physical ripple across the crowd. Every sound. The jingling of keys, the clicking of locks, the thudding of boots, and that’s how the nights on Kadavo started—with a gradual increase in the degree of quiet. OR—during the mass casualty event following Kadavo and Zygerria, Obi-Wan and Anakin seek ways to cope with trauma.

This is my fic! Obi-Wan decides to prioritize handling the mass casualty event presented by fifty thousand displaced and injured Togruta. He neglects his physical and mental health up until it catches up with him, but luckily his loved ones are there for him.

Blood on the water by redangeleve

"Remember what you promised me." Obi-Wan's fingers were dirty with dried blood and grime, yet Rex didn't flinch as the Jedi Master clutched his sleeve. "I'll keep my word," he therefore replied. "Albeit under protest. The guards deserve to be punished for what they have done to you." "You know Anakin. He wouldn't stop at bringing them to justice," Obi-Wan countered forcefully, tightening his grip on Rex. "If he knew, he would slaughter them one by one until none of them were left alive. No, that must not happen. Never, do you understand, Rex?" No matter how much Obi-Wan had suffered, revenge was never the Jedi way. Obi-Wan would never forgive himself if he, of all people, was the reason Anakin fell.

This fic is a brief conversation between Rex and Obi-Wan about the noncon experience Obi-Wan had on Kadavo and the promises that they made to each other. There is no on-page noncon and the recovery period is very brief, but the writing is wonderful enough that I wanted to include it anyway

Gangbangers

These are fics in which Obi-Wan is captured in some capacity, and the noncon is arranged or done by a group.

a knife between the teeth by Anonymous

When they are captured by a bounty hunter in deep space, Obi-Wan must resort to extreme measures to protect his padawan. Or, the one where Anakin is forced to watch Obi-Wan give a blowjob in exchange for his freedom.

I cannot describe this fic better than its summary, haha. I cannot. Please understand that this fic really is that good and very realistically done. It’s probably my favorite fic of its kind.

Five Peggats Each by kenobster (aka me)

Months after the Rako Hardeen incident, the Council sends two of their best generals together on a mission meant to repair their damaged friendship. Luckily, Anakin and Obi-Wan will have a lot of time to do just that while imprisoned on a planet in the outer rim with no one but each other for company.

My fic again! Obi-Wan & Anakin get captured by some unknown person who locks them in a room and pimps them out to passerby scum. Between noncons, they work out their differences, try not to lose their minds, and attempt to be free of their cell.

Broken by Anonymous

The stormtroopers aren't going to let the farmer from Tawl get away that easily. They're going to capture him; they're going to turn him into the Inquisitors; they're going to collect their reward. But they're going to enjoy him first.

In an episode of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, Tala makes her first appearance and intervenes before Obi-Wan and Leia are in any real danger from the stormtroopers. In this fic, the stormtroopers capture Obi-Wan and Leia instead. In truth, parts of this fic do veer into kinks that I’m not sure I share (no judgment, of course XD), so be mindful of the tags and warnings. However, overall, this fic is realistically done and very emotionally compelling.

Vader’s Revenge

These are fics after Order 66 in which Obi-Wan experiences noncon as a result of Anakin’s revenge as a Sith.

Second Chances by crookedassembly

Anakin finds Obi-Wan in his self-imposed exile on Tatooine and takes him back to Coruscant with him. Set post-Revenge of the Sith.

My favorite thing about this fic is its tags, specifically “Anakin just wants to be loved” and “don’t do this if you want to be loved,” hahaha. Though the fic is abandoned, the writing is incredibly evocative. In the Vader era, Anakin, who has recently murdered Palpatine and become the new Emperor after receiving enough medical care to recover his suitless body, finds out about Luke and captures him in order to lure Obi-Wan into his clutches. Obi-Wan is trying to care for Luke, despite his father’s toxic interference, while also denying Anakin’s creepy sexual (and generally creepy) advances. Very much a Beauty & the Beast style story, except Anakin has serious problems lol. Don’t do this if you want to be loved.

Deep Freeze by LilacCloud

"I won't break," he says after the moment stretches between the both of you. You look down at him, taller even now, and let the dark mangled hate inside writhe. It's like oil, seeping over your skin and clogging your airways. You let it— let it consume you as you remember every way this man has failed you. "I don't need you to," you reply. He's here in your fortress. You don't need anything else from him; you've already won. Order 66 happens differently. The Jedi are are kept as frozen trophies of the Empire— Obi-Wan is no exception.

The premise here is in the summary. After Order 66, the Jedi are kept frozen in cryogenics. Every once in a while, Vader likes to take Obi-Wan out of his cryogenic chamber, wake him up, and scare the shit out of him. There is no actual rape in this fic, but there is creepy touching in a way that I felt merited inclusion.

Decisions, Decisions (and all of them wrong) by sockpuppet_my_sockpuppet

Lord Vader has requested CC-2224 to come to his private chambers. It all goes downhill from there.

This is your classic fic where Vader uses the clone obedience chip in order to assault Obi-Wan via command of Cody. Exactly what it sounds like, and a true treat.

Irremediable Appetites by passeridae

Obi-Wan is captured, and fears the worst — that he will be tortured, or killed, or used as bait to lure someone else to their doom. The reality is worse than even that.

I’m not sure I want to spoil the surprise for y’all because the nature of the whump gave me the actual chills, holy fuck (watch those tags if needed)... but basically Vader requires a certain kind of sustenance in order to maintain his evil Sith powers. Obi-Wan is very much unwilling to provide. Yikes. Haunting as fuck.

Palpatine Variance

This is a subcategory of Vader's Revenge for fics that are basically the same in essence except the assailant is Palpatine, not Vader.

Even As by LuvEwan

The battle on Mustafar ends differently. Obi-Wan is taken prisoner by the Sith.

This is a fic where Obi-Wan is Palpatine’s torture plaything, and Anakin tries (and fails) to deal with it. Even when Anakin puts a stop to things, however, his skewed and terrible priorities remain unchanged; thus, leading to a wonderfully tragic ending—though the ambiguity will allow you to think up whatever ending you would like. Not only is the characterization brilliant, but the prose in this fic is absolutely gorgeous. Just FYI, the author tagged it as Obikin, but I don’t remember any that wasn’t under the lens of unreliable narration.

Apparitions Gone Awry by Fuinixe, a fan continuation of Even As

Palpatine is dead and Obi-Wan is free. That means everything should be better. Right?

Right?

Heartbroken by LuvEwan’s tragic ending in the above fic, a fan wrote a continuation in which Anakin frees Obi-Wan from the empire, and they go off to live elsewhere. I don’t think there is an author on the planet who could seamlessly bridge LuvEwan’s characterization/prose in a continuation, but Fuinixe does an incredible job. For people who need a happy ending, this fic overwrites the ambiguity of its predecessor and delivers the ending we were left hoping for.

Pre-Order 66 Variants

This is a subcategory of Vader's Revenge, for fics that fit into the above except for the fact that they happened prior to Order 66.

i’ll help you fall down with me by zombiekatherine

Obi-Wan has gone undercover as a Sith to find out who Dooku's Master is. Too bad he didn't tell Anakin. Rako Hardeen Arc (or a similar style mission), but rather than faking his death, Obi-Wan fakes a fall to the Dark Side for the mission. In his distress, Anakin falls (for real) and follows after his Master to find and rejoin with him.

Pretty much summed up in the summary—for the Hardeen arc, Obi-Wan doesn’t fake his death but rather fakes his Fall to the dark side. In an attempt to rescue him, Anakin ends up falling. When he finds out the truth of Obi-Wan’s deception, he gets… well, mad. The build-up to the noncon was interesting enough, but what I really enjoyed was the noncon itself. It felt very heartbreaking and raw.

#obi-wan #obi-wan kenobi #obiwan #obiwan kenobi #CW Noncon #fic rec #mine #(in terms of reccing not writing)#kenobster bookmarks

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