The Shattered Peace, penned by Jude Watson, represents the tenth installment in the Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice series of novels aimed at young readers. With the exception of the debut novel, The Rising Force, authored by Dave Wolverton, all books in the series are the creation of Jude Watson. This series delves into the adventures experienced by Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi in the time preceding Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.
- Suitable reading for: Children aged 9 to 13
- Format: Paperback, consisting of 130 pages
- Published by: Scholastic Inc.
- Date of Publication: October 2000
- Language of Publication: English
- ISBN 0590520849
For many generations, a tradition existed where the firstborn children of the leaders of Rutan and Senali were exchanged at age seven. The intention was to foster peace and mutual understanding. However, this practice has now pushed them to the verge of armed conflict.
Leed, the one in line to inherit the Rutan throne, expresses a strong desire to remain away from his home planet. His father is fully committed to his son's return, regardless of the cost. Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi find themselves in a position where they must prevent this escalating tension from erupting into a bloody war.
This situation presents their most formidable challenge to date.
Rutan had dominion over its moon Senali for a long time, until the Senali were able to overcome them and force them off their world. Following this, they established a peaceful relationship, with an agreement that the ruling families would send their oldest children to reside on the other world at the age of seven, remaining there until they reached sixteen.
However, Prince Leed is unwilling to go back to Rutan. His father, King Frane, is convinced that his son has been subjected to brainwashing or threats, and is prepared to initiate a war unless Leed is brought back. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn journey to Senali alongside Leed's brother, Taroon, where they discover that Leed has developed a deep affection for his adoptive family and genuinely wishes to stay.
Leed consents to return to Rutan to engage in discussions with his father, but he is abducted by a renegade Senali faction known as the Ghost clan before this can happen. Taroon goes back to Rutan, while Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, aided by Leed's adoptive sister Drenna, manage to rescue Leed. Together, the four of them travel to Rutan with the aim of preventing the outbreak of war.
Leed makes an attempt to persuade Frane to designate Taroon as his successor, but his efforts are unsuccessful. Frane threatens to hold Yaana, the ten-year-old daughter of Meenon, captive until Leed complies. Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, Leed, and Drenna orchestrate Yaana's escape from captivity, thereby eliminating Frane's leverage.
Frane intercepts them at the landing platform. Leed makes a deal to stay if Yaana is allowed to return home, with Drenna taking her place as the Senali hostage.
In the meantime, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon come to the understanding that the Ghost clan was, in reality, composed of Rutanians dispatched by Taroon, who aspires to become king. They confront him, and he admits to also planning an assault on the royal kennels. They successfully thwart the attack, leading Taroon to confess to his father. Impressed by this, Frane declares Taroon as his heir and appoints Leed as the ambassador between their respective worlds.