6 Star Wars Novels to Read While You Wait For The Last Jedi
The Force is in the air. Last week was Star Wars Celebration, and Star Wars fans were legion. Between incredible cosplays to special appearances from Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford to Ahsoka day, the festivities were a fan’s heaven. The biggest deal was the long-anticipated teaser reveal for Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. But there’s something else Star Wars book nerds have to look forward to: the unveiling of three new novels from Del Rey. Fantasy and science-fiction heavy hitters Claudia Gray, Ken Liu, and Delilah Dawson will be bringing to life some of the franchise’s most beloved characters. But if the December 15 release date of The Last Jedi seems way too far, far away, here are some novels set in the Star Wars universe to hold you over. May the Force be with you, always.
The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy, by Alexandra Bracken
This novelization of A New Hope by New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Bracken shows the galaxy’s heroic trio in a new light. Leia is a fierce princess fighting for the future of her people. Luke is a farmer who dreams of adventure. Han is everyone’s favorite scoundrel and smuggler. The unlikely allies start something that will change the galaxy forever.
Ahsoka, by E.K. Johnston
Ahsoka Tano has been a fan favorite since TV’s The Clone Wars. She started her Jedi training as Anakin Skywalker’s Padawan, then left the Jedi Order. Who is she after spending so long trying to become a Jedi? E.K. Johnston gives fans an in-depth look at who Ahsoka has become. Her pursuit of a quiet life is disrupted by the arrival of Imperial forces, and Ahsoka finds herself answering the call to join the rebellion and become part of something greater
Lost Stars, by Claudia Gray
This unforgettable novel highlights two new characters from the Star Wars universe: Ciena Ree and Thane Kyrell. Once childhood friends, they find themselves on opposite sides of a war they didn’t ask for but nevertheless must fight. One is an Imperial officer, the other a rebel pilot. They fall in love despite everything that threatens to break them apart. Lost Stars takes place between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, shedding light on the fall of the Empire. Do not miss this novel.
Rebel Rising, by Beth Revis
Jyn Erso is the enigmatic hero from Rogue One. She’s broody and tough. She wants to be left alone. But in the end, she was a driving force behind getting the Death Star plans to the Rebel Alliance. But what came before, in the years between Jyn becoming an orphan and joining forces with the rebels? In Rebel Rising, Beth Revis dives deep into Jyn Erso’s past. At just five years old she watched her mother get murdered and her father get kidnapped by the Empire. After that, Jyn was raised by extreme rebel Saw Gerrera. Saw is a character who didn’t get enough screen time in Rogue One, and we can’t wait to see how their relationship plays out on the page.
Leia, Princess of Alderaan, by Claudia Gray (September 1)
And now for a couple of reads you’ll have to wait for. One of the three novels revealed during Star Wars Celebration, this tale shows Princess Leia like we’ve never seen her before. Claudia Gray brings the galaxy’s favorite rebel princess to life in a novel that takes place before A New Hope. The Princess Leia cameo at the end of Rogue One is a hint to what’s to come.
The Legends of Luke Skywalker, by Ken Liu (October 31)
Not much information has been divulged about this novel. All we know is that it predates the events of The Last Jedi. From moisture farmer to Jedi, Luke Skywalker’s journey packs a punch. Hugo, Nebula, and Locus award–winning author Ken Liu takes the helm of Luke’s story, and we’re positive it’s in good hands.