Star Wars: Jedi Healer, part two of the Medstar Duology was written by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the Clone Wars in the Rise of the Empire era, 21 BBY (21 years before the battle of Yavin)
SUMMARY
Barriss Offee is ready to leave the Medstar, she believes her duty is done, two guilty parties are now dead, the Bota now without a threat of being taken. Yet, her master says no, she still has a job to do. She is to remain, to assist the medical team and put to use her Jedi Healing power. Barris wants to be tested, she thinks she could heal anywhere.. she desires to become a Jedi Knight.
The Bota is loosing its potency! The healing affects are diminishing, which creates a sort of urgency for it’s transport off the world by all parties seeking it, the Republic, the Separatists, and even the crime organization, Black Sun.
A new surgeon fills the role of the fallen Zan Yant, who was killed during an attack on the Rimsoo unit. This creates a bit of an issue with Jos Vondar and puts a wedge in his relationship with Tolk le Trene.
THOUGHTS
My favorite moments from this story would be the bits with Barriss Offee and her struggle with self control. She recalls a warning from her master about the deceptive temptation of the dark side, how it will arise when all hope seems lost and that the power it could release would be used to right the wrongs, but in reality will ultimately destroy the one who uses it. There’s also this nice moment when a young character asks Barriss can use her Lightsaber (violently) and also be a healer. I liked how she explained the Jedi’s role in the current galactic conflict.
I laughed when Figrin Dan and the Modal Nodes were mentioned, they’re a pretty old band! I guess their playing at the Cantina on Tatooine is equivalent to some older bands playing at Casinos or State Fairs (nothing wrong with that). There’s also a strange sort of reference to the Wizard of Oz. I5 (a droid) wins a game of Sabbacc, and when asked why a droid needs credits, I5 says he’s going to a a sorcerer to buy a heart and brain.
While the book offers a few good moments throughout, I really did not care for this second book of the Medstar duology. In my opinion, it just wasn’t as fun as the first book, Jedi Surgeons. I do think that the authors did a pretty good job of with dialogue and the descriptive details, but there’s just something about this story that wasn’t as captivating for me.
RATING
I will give Medstar II: Jedi Healer a C-.