Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 1 (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Doctor Aphra, Vol. 1
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artists: Kev Walker, Marc Deering, Antonio Fabela, Salvador Larroca, & Edgar Delgado
Recent Release Date: July 3, 2017

Synopsis: Following her time in the clutches of Darth Vader, Doctor Aphra has barely escaped with her life. If he ever learns of her survival, he'll hunt her to the ends of the galaxy. But for now, it's time for a return to what she does best. With the droids 0-0-0 and BT-1 in tow, she's off in search of rare artifacts from the galactic center to the Outer Rim and everywhere in between. Aphra's got debts to pay after all. Just as long as she can stay one step ahead of the Empire, some Bounty Hunters and just about everyone else in the galaxy!

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Review: Doctor Aphra is the first comic original character who gets her own ongoing series. Aphra shines even more on her own than she did in the other ongoing series. The comic book is the perfect medium for this character with her loose morals, humor, and violence. She's essentially an Indiana Jones with less morals.

Aphra's squad is also featured in this comic. Black Krrsantan, Triple-Zero, and Beetee are all such great, original characters. The murderous droids are hilariously dark. I loved seeing Aphra's backstory and time in school. The Archaeological Association suspending her doctorate being a major plot point in a Star Wars comic is wonderful. Seeing Yavin IV post-A New Hope was also cool.

A Marvel Star Wars original character who is canon queer gets her own ongoing comic! I loved this volume. I hope to see more risks like this. I give this volume a 5/5. I can't wait for The Screaming Citadel and the next volume!


--PAUL

Star Wars: Obi-wan and Anakin (comic) - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Star Wars: Obi-wan & Anakin
Author: Charles Soule
Illustrator: Marco Checchetto
Recent Release Date: July 19, 2016

Synopsis: Before their military heroism in the Clone Wars, before their tragic battle on Mustafar, and many decades before their final confrontation on the Death Star, they were Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his young Padawan, Anakin Skywalker. Now join them a few years into the "chosen one" Anakin's training. Teacher and student have grown closer over time, but it's been a difficult road. And things aren't about to get any easier. In fact, when they are called to a remote planet for assistance, the pair may be pushed to breaking point. As they find themselves stranded on a strange world of primitive technology and deadly natives, will they be able to save themselves? First they must learn who called for help...and why!

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Review: A new Marvel Star Wars comic set in the prequel era! Obi-wan and Anakin takes place between episodes I and II. There are a lot of allusions of things to come. The Anakin and Palpatine relationship is interesting. Other than references and characterization, this comic is just another one-off. Obi-wan and Anakin end up stranded on a planet. They meet the local, interesting people and have an adventure. It reminds me of a Star Trek episode because it doesn't really effect anything else in the overall story. 

I want more Prequel era comics! I loved all the bits that took place on Coruscant and that related more directly to the overall Star Wars story. 

I give this graphic novel a 4/5. For those reading all of the new Marvel Star Wars comics, definitely read this one too, but if you're a more casual reader you could skip this one. Unless you're a Prequel era fan like me!


--PAUL

Star Wars: Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Ahsoka
Author: E. K. Johnston
Recent Release Date: October 11, 2016

Synopsis: Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clone Wars, and before she re-appeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally, her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance….

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Review: I am a big fan of what has become of the Star Wars books since the Disney buy. Ahsoka is another Young Adult Star Wars novel and just like Lost Stars by Claudia Gray, this book is a must read!

This book follows Ahsoka between Order 66 and her appearance on Rebels. There were so many things hinted at that I wanted to know more about. Ahsoka is one of my favorite Star Wars characters and I loved getting a book from her perspective. 

I hope there are more books like this. Johnston did an excellent job of capturing Ahsoka's personality. Fans of Clone Wars and Rebels should read this book. 

I give this book a 5/5. It's a necessary read for Ahsoka fans! 



--PAUL

Lost Stars (Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens) by Claudia Gray - Paul's REVIEW

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Title: Lost Stars (Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens)
Author: Claudia Gray
Recent Release Date: September 4th 2015

Synopsis: Star Wars meets Romeo and Juliet in this epic YA novel that follows two best friends who find themselves on opposite sides of the war between the Empire and the Rebellion.

This thrilling YA novel gives readers a macro view of some of the most important events in the Star Wars universe: from the purge of the Jedi in Episode III, to the beginnings of the rebellion in Star Wars Rebels, and through the fall of the Empire in Episodes IV-IV. Readers will experience these major moments through the eyes of two best friends who grow up in these troubling times, and find themselves on opposite sides of the war.

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Review: Star-crossed lovers begin the story from two separate groups on the same planet and end up on two separate sides of a galactic war. Their journey takes them through the events of the original Star Wars trilogy. I absolutely loved the way the Empire, the Rebellion, and just the overall political and social scene of the Star Wars universe was portrayed. The grayness is so much more evident. 

The impact of the large scale events that occur during the original trilogy is shown in depth. The Empire destroyed a planet. The Rebellion demolished a space station full of people. The characters in this book react to these events in realistic ways. 

There were so many great characters introduced in this novel that I am so happy are now canon. I want to see them pop up everywhere! Lohgarra, a white female wookie captain of a transport vessel, was one of my favorite introductions. The Corona Squadron needs to have its own comic book. There were so many characters that are only briefly featured that I want to know more about, which is such a Star Wars thing. The countess intrigues me so much. 

Another wonderful thing about this book is that it surpasses Return of the Jedi and portrays a world post-Death Star II Destruction. The Battle of Jakku takes place in this book. And it is splendid. The ending gave me all the feels. 

I have been fully enjoying the new Star Wars canon books, but this book was AMAZING! I think it even surpassed Dark Disciple, which was my previous favorite. This book is practically tailor-made for me. It's YA. It's Star Wars. It is written beautifully. There is diversity. The main story is part of a bigger picture. The characters have great depth and growth throughout the novel. The only thing that could have catered more to me specifically is if there had been a gay protagonist. 

Many people in the Star Wars community didn't expect much from a YA book, but I already read primarily YA so I was most looking forward to this one. It exceeded all my expectations. And from what I've heard from Star Wars fans who don't regularly read YA, it has exceeded theirs as well. 


At the heart of this novel, there is a wonderful story of a relationship. Yes, there are points where it is romantic, but overall it is a wonderful friendship. A long-term connection between two people. And that's what a romantic relationship really is and should be anyway. This book takes place over a large span of time, which allows for the romance to seem genuine and authentic.

I think the biggest take away from this novel was that there is beard suppressant in the Star Wars universe. All joking aside, I loved this book. Claudia Gray's YA books have been way bumped up on my TBR list. And she has another Star Wars book coming out next year!!!

I give this book a well-deserving 5/5. I HIGHLY recommend it to superfans of Star Wars as well as the casual fan just slightly familiar with the franchise. I think this book can stand on its own. I will be recommending this to all my friends as they tell me their views on The Force Awakens later this week. 

-PAUL

Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Del Ray via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Star Wars: Dark Disciple
Author: Christie Golden
Recent Release Date: July 7, 2015

My Pre-Reading

Synopsis: Based on unproduced scripts from the blockbuster TV show Star Wars: The Clone Wars!

The only way to bring down the dark side's most dangerous warrior may be for Jedi and Sith to join forces.

In the war for control of the galaxy between the armies of the dark side and the Republic, former Jedi Master turned ruthless Sith Lord Count Dooku has grown ever more brutal in his tactics. Despite the powers of the Jedi and the military prowess of their clone army, the sheer number of fatalities is taking a terrible toll. And when Dooku orders the massacre of a flotilla of helpless refugees, the Jedi Council feels it has no choice but to take drastic action: targeting the man responsible for so many war atrocities, Count Dooku himself.

But the ever-elusive Dooku is dangerous prey for even the most skilled hunter. So the Council makes the bold decision to bring both sides of the Force's power to bear—pairing brash Jedi Knight Quinlan Vos with infamous one-time Sith acolyte Asajj Ventress. Though Jedi distrust for the cunning killer who once served at Dooku's side still runs deep, Ventress's hatred for her former master runs deeper. She's more than willing to lend her copious talents as a bounty hunter—and assassin—to Vos's quest.

Together, Ventress and Vos are the best hope for eliminating Dooku—as long as the emerging feelings between them don't compromise their mission. But Ventress is determined to have her retribution and at last let go of her dark Sith past. Balancing the complicated emotions she feels for Vos with the fury of her warrior's spirit, she resolves to claim victory on all fronts—a vow that will be mercilessly tested by her deadly enemy . . . and her own doubt.

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Review: This has taken the spot as my favorite of the new Star Wars canon novels. The storytelling is excellent. Reading this book, I could hear the voices of the animated characters. There wasn't a moment when I thought a character's actions didn't allign with their already canonical self. Ventress especially has excellent quips. 

The material that went into creating this was many unproduced episodes of The Clone Wars tv series. There were certain points where it seemed evident that one arc ended and a new one started. I didn't mind though. There was constant action. I never found myself bored. Since these arcs would have made up a large part of the season, a lot of time passes. This isn't a book that takes place over a few days. Relationships really build and change within this book. 

I liked how this book addressed the Dark Side and the way it was handled make me excited for the future of Star Wars. The Dark Side isn't always connected to the Sith. The Force is used in many different ways. The characters in this novel truly embody the idea of grayness. 

I loved watching the relationship between Vos and Ventress evolve. There were a lot of great parallels to Anakin and Padme. It is even addressed within the book. The Anakin in this book is the closest to Revenge of the Sith I've seen before. The Jedi Order is also degrading and the effects of the war are evident. 

This was an excellent Star Wars novel. It was always moving forward. The story actually progressed. Characters changed. Things happened that truly matter to the overall Star Wars universe. I give this novel a 5/5 and I really hope more stories are told form this time period. I'm sure the focus in the next year will be on post-ROTJ, but I want at least a few Clone Wars era stories. 

--PAUL

Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden - Paul's Pre-reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Del Ray via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Star Wars: Dark Disciple
Author: Christie Golden
Recent Release Date: July 7, 2015

Synopsis: Based on unproduced scripts from the blockbuster TV show Star Wars: The Clone Wars!

The only way to bring down the dark side's most dangerous warrior may be for Jedi and Sith to join forces.

In the war for control of the galaxy between the armies of the dark side and the Republic, former Jedi Master turned ruthless Sith Lord Count Dooku has grown ever more brutal in his tactics. Despite the powers of the Jedi and the military prowess of their clone army, the sheer number of fatalities is taking a terrible toll. And when Dooku orders the massacre of a flotilla of helpless refugees, the Jedi Council feels it has no choice but to take drastic action: targeting the man responsible for so many war atrocities, Count Dooku himself.

But the ever-elusive Dooku is dangerous prey for even the most skilled hunter. So the Council makes the bold decision to bring both sides of the Force's power to bear—pairing brash Jedi Knight Quinlan Vos with infamous one-time Sith acolyte Asajj Ventress. Though Jedi distrust for the cunning killer who once served at Dooku's side still runs deep, Ventress's hatred for her former master runs deeper. She's more than willing to lend her copious talents as a bounty hunter—and assassin—to Vos's quest.

Together, Ventress and Vos are the best hope for eliminating Dooku—as long as the emerging feelings between them don't compromise their mission. But Ventress is determined to have her retribution and at last let go of her dark Sith past. Balancing the complicated emotions she feels for Vos with the fury of her warrior's spirit, she resolves to claim victory on all fronts—a vow that will be mercilessly tested by her deadly enemy . . . and her own doubt.

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Why?: Christie Golden wrote some of my favorite Star Trek books, the Voyager: Homecoming duology! She also has quite the resume with Star Wars books, but I have not had the pleasure to read any of them. This book has been created from unproduced episodes of The Clone Wars animated series. It is also part of the new canon of books. The two main characters are Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Voss. The Clone Wars Darkhorse graphic novels are my favorite comic book form of Star Wars and they featured Vos prominently. There is absolutely no reason why I would not read this book.

Expectations: I'm expecting a high action story with two characters that are the very definition of gray. Quinlan Vos doesn't have much canon backstory before this book compared to his vast history in the old Expanded Universe. I'm interested to see how similar he is to his EU origins. 

Judging a book by its cover: Amazing cover. I loved it the first time I saw it. The colors are great. The way the facial tattoos pop is great. The yellow and green lightsabers are great. I need everything about this book! 


--PAUL

Star Wars: Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Star Wars: Heir to the Jedi
Author: Kevin Hearne

Upcoming Release Date: March 3, 2014


Synopsis: The Galactic Civil War rages on after the destruction of the Death Star and Luke Skywalker struggles to learn more about the Force without the aid of Obi-Wan Kenobi – or indeed without any aid at all. But the few memories he has of Obi-Wan’s instruction point the way to a stronger control of the Force, and he is encouraged to pursue it by a new friend in the Alliance. When Luke, R2-D2 and his new ally are tasked with liberating a valuable asset from the Empire and delivering her to a safe planet where she can aid the Alliance, their journey across the galaxy is fraught with peril – and opportunities for Luke to discover the mysteries of the Force.

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Review: This is the third book in the new Star Wars canon. It is also unique in that it is in first person from the perspective of Luke. I think this was my favorite of the new canon books. A New Dawn introduced us to characters from Rebels and Tarkin showed the Empire pre-Ep IV, but this book really delves into Luke Skywalker's mindset after the Battle of Yavin. 

Luke doesn't really know what being a Jedi means. Ben was his mentor, but now he's gone. His hatred for Darth Vader has also been fueled, having killed both his father and old Ben. 

It was interesting to see the state of the Rebel Alliance at this point. They're right off their first major victory, but they don't have a lot of funds and are in search of a new base. Admiral Ackbar and Princess Leia make appearances, but this book is about Luke. 

He travels from planet to planet on a new mission. There's a great character introduced as his potential love interest. I like her backstory. With this book being first person, Luke's thoughts about her and his mixed feelings for Leia can really be represented well. 

My favorite part of the book was seeing Luke try to understand The Force. He attempts to make a noodle move and his thought process behind it is really cool. 

Luke is known as the whiny farm boy, but in this book his social awkwardness and interest in this new bigger world come forward. 

I give this book a 4/5, but maybe a little over that because it's my favorite of the new canon Star Wars books. I highly recommend it. The great thing about the new canon is that they are all standalone so far, so you don't have to read them in any particular order or with each other. 


--PAUL

Star Wars: Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne - Paul's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Star Wars: Heir to the Jedi
Author: Kevin Hearne

Upcoming Release Date: March 3, 2015


Synopsis: The Galactic Civil War rages on after the destruction of the Death Star and Luke Skywalker struggles to learn more about the Force without the aid of Obi-Wan Kenobi – or indeed without any aid at all. But the few memories he has of Obi-Wan’s instruction point the way to a stronger control of the Force, and he is encouraged to pursue it by a new friend in the Alliance. When Luke, R2-D2 and his new ally are tasked with liberating a valuable asset from the Empire and delivering her to a safe planet where she can aid the Alliance, their journey across the galaxy is fraught with peril – and opportunities for Luke to discover the mysteries of the Force.

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Why?: This is yet another book in the new Star Wars canon. It was originally part of a trilogy entitled Empire and Rebellion. The two books already released in the trilogy became a duology. Each book was supposed to follow one of the main three characters from the original trilogy shortly after the events of A New Hope. I wonder how much changed within this book. This book follows Luke as he tries to discover what it means to be a jedi. 

Expectations: I'm looking forward to this first person point of view from Luke. There have been only a handful of Star Wars books from this perspective. I'm interested to see what it is like inside of Luke Skywalker's head.   

Judging a book by its cover: The cover, to me, looks like a pretty generic Star Wars book. Luke on the cover reminds me of him from Return of the Jedi. 


--PAUL

Star Wars: Tarkin by James Luceno - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectrain in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Star Wars: Tarkin
Author: James Luceno
Recent Release Date: November 4, 2014

My Pre-Reading

Synopsis: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . .

Bestselling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life.

He’s the scion of an honorable and revered family. A dedicated soldier and distinguished legislator. Loyal proponent of the Republic and trusted ally of the Jedi Order. Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly . . . and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion.

Rule through the fear of force rather than force itself, he advises his Emperor. Under Tarkin’s guidance, an ultimate weapon of unparalleled destruction moves ever closer to becoming a terrifying reality. When the so-called Death Star is completed, Tarkin is confident that the galaxy’s lingering pockets of Separatist rebellion will be brought to heel—by intimidation . . . or annihilation.

Until then, however, insurgency remains a genuine threat. Escalating guerrilla attacks by resistance forces and newfound evidence of a growing Separatist conspiracy are an immediate danger the Empire must meet with swift and brutal action. And to bring down a band of elusive freedom fighters, the Emperor turns to his most formidable agents: Darth Vader, the fearsome new Sith enforcer as remorseless as he is mysterious; and Tarkin—whose tactical cunning and cold-blooded efficiency will pave the way for the Empire’s supremacy . . . and its enemies’ extinction. 

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Review: This is the second book in the new Star Wars canon. I really hung on to every detail in this book. Any Expanded Universe things mentioned made me perk up, seeing them acknowledged in the new canon. 

This takes place 5 years after Revenge of the Sith. The interactions between Tarkin and Vader are very interesting. They are both becoming the characters they will be in A New Hope. 

This book follows Tarkin as he addresses a kidnapping and potential threat to the Empire. During this mission, Tarkin reminisces on how he has become the man he is. I liked seeing his origins paralleled with Palpatine's. They are both from Outer Rim worlds. 

I liked the character development and backstory more than the actual story that was happening. The perspective isn't exclusively Tarkin's, switching to both Vader and Palpatine as well as the rebels. I call them rebels, but they are not the Rebels we know from the original series. 

I give this novel a 3.5/5. I enjoyed delving into Tarkin's backstory and seeing what makes him tick, but the actual story of the novel didn't interest me. If you are a superfan of Star Wars like me then this is a book you probably want to pick up. I don't think it's a necessary read for casual fans. 


--PAUL

Star Wars: Tarkin by James Luceno - Paul's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectrain in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Star Wars: Tarkin
Author: James Luceno
Recent Release Date: November 4, 2014

Synopsis: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . .

Bestselling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life.

He’s the scion of an honorable and revered family. A dedicated soldier and distinguished legislator. Loyal proponent of the Republic and trusted ally of the Jedi Order. Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly . . . and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion.

Rule through the fear of force rather than force itself, he advises his Emperor. Under Tarkin’s guidance, an ultimate weapon of unparalleled destruction moves ever closer to becoming a terrifying reality. When the so-called Death Star is completed, Tarkin is confident that the galaxy’s lingering pockets of Separatist rebellion will be brought to heel—by intimidation . . . or annihilation.

Until then, however, insurgency remains a genuine threat. Escalating guerrilla attacks by resistance forces and newfound evidence of a growing Separatist conspiracy are an immediate danger the Empire must meet with swift and brutal action. And to bring down a band of elusive freedom fighters, the Emperor turns to his most formidable agents: Darth Vader, the fearsome new Sith enforcer as remorseless as he is mysterious; and Tarkin—whose tactical cunning and cold-blooded efficiency will pave the way for the Empire’s supremacy . . . and its enemies’ extinction. 

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Why?: This is the second book in the new canon Star Wars. I've read Star Wars books and comics in the past, but now that the Lucasfilm story grown has declared these books canon I'm even more excited to read them. 

Expectations: I'm expecting this book to show Tarkin becoming the malevolent grand moff he is in the original film. He had a cameo in Revenge of the Sith and he was also in The Clone Wars animated series, so he must already be in the military pretty high up when this starts. It will be interesting to see how this book bridges the gap between the prequels and the original trilogy. 

Judging a book by its cover: The cover is reminiscent of the original trilogy in its style and tone. It is dark, which makes sense considering the two characters on the front are villains. Tarkin is at the forefront. It is an okay cover. 


--PAUL

Star Wars: A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra and LucasBooks on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Star Wars: A New Dawn
Author: John Jackson Miller
Recent Release Date: September 2, 2014

Review of Kenobi by John Jackson Miller
My Pre-Reading of A New Dawn


Synopsis: 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . . 

“The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning.”—Emperor Palpatine 

For a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights brought peace and order to the Galactic Republic, aided by their connection to the mystical energy field known as the Force. But they were betrayed—and the entire galaxy has paid the price. It is the Age of the Empire.

Now Emperor Palpatine, once Chancellor of the Republic and secretly a Sith follower of the dark side of the Force, has brought his own peace and order to the galaxy. Peace through brutal repression, and order through increasing control of his subjects’ lives.

But even as the Emperor tightens his iron grip, others have begun to question his means and motives. And still others, whose lives were destroyed by Palpatine’s machinations, lay scattered about the galaxy like unexploded bombs, waiting to go off. . . .

The first Star Wars novel created in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group, Star Wars: A New Dawn is set during the legendary “Dark Times” between Episodes III and IV and tells the story of how two of the lead characters from the animated series Star Wars Rebels first came to cross paths. Featuring a foreword by Dave Filoni.

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Review: This book sets the scene for the new Star Wars canon. It is a prequel to the new tv series Star Wars Rebels. This book shows how two of the main characters in the tv series, Kanan and Hera, met. Since the series is only beginning, the characters don't feel fully fledged out. Hera has almost no backstory. Kanan was only a padawan during the Jedi Purge. I liked learning about his past. I hope for more stories set closer to right after the Purge. 

With this whole new era of Star Wars, they're really trying to get back to the feel of the original trilogy. The world present in this novel is a mix of the original trilogy and the prequels. It's mostly the original, but with some more modern things. I liked how a stormtrooper was randomly a female. It was the most subtle thing, but I liked the diversity they are presenting. A primary antagonist is also female captain of a star destroyer.

Usually Star Wars stories are grand and in exotic locales. This novel takes place mainly on a mining planet. This added to the gray tone reminiscent of the film that started it all. 

Although Star Wars Rebels may be a children's show, this novel is not. There are some pretty brutal deaths. 

Vidian is the main villain of the novel. Unfortunately, he does not seem very original. He is another cyborg Star Wars villain. He does have an interesting background, even though it may be really bureaucratic. 

I think a downfall of this novel is that it couldn't make any big changes. The Star Wars story group had a lot of influence on this novel. I think John Jackson Miller was a little restricted. I preferred his Kenobi book. 

I give this novel a solid 3/5. If you are a complete Star Wars superfan, you may enjoy this book as a prelude to Rebels. But, if you don't have to read every Star Wars book that comes out then I'd say you can pass on this one.   


--PAUL

Star Wars: A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller - Paul's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectra and LucasBooks on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Title: Star Wars: A New Dawn
Author: John Jackson Miller
Recent Release Date: September 2, 2014

Review of Kenobi by John Jackson Miller

Synopsis: 

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . . 

“The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning.”—Emperor Palpatine 

For a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights brought peace and order to the Galactic Republic, aided by their connection to the mystical energy field known as the Force. But they were betrayed—and the entire galaxy has paid the price. It is the Age of the Empire.

Now Emperor Palpatine, once Chancellor of the Republic and secretly a Sith follower of the dark side of the Force, has brought his own peace and order to the galaxy. Peace through brutal repression, and order through increasing control of his subjects’ lives.

But even as the Emperor tightens his iron grip, others have begun to question his means and motives. And still others, whose lives were destroyed by Palpatine’s machinations, lay scattered about the galaxy like unexploded bombs, waiting to go off. . . .

The first Star Wars novel created in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group, Star Wars: A New Dawn is set during the legendary “Dark Times” between Episodes III and IV and tells the story of how two of the lead characters from the animated series Star Wars Rebels first came to cross paths. Featuring a foreword by Dave Filoni.

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Why?: The Star Wars universe recently went through an overhaul. All the books are now noncanon and considered a part of the Star Wars Legends banner. This is one of the first books that will be within the canon of the upcoming trilogy. The canon consists of the two movie trilogies, the most recent Clone Wars animated tv series and the upcoming Rebels animates series. This book is a prequel to that series, showcasing two of the main characters (Hera Syndulla and Kanan Jarrus). I'm really excited to see what mood this book sets. 

Expectations: I'm expecting this book to bridge the gap between the trilogies, while trying to stick with the feel of the original trilogy more. With the upcoming trilogy it seems that they want the aesthetic and overall feel of the classic movies. I'm also expecting a cool origin story for these two characters. I'm hoping it will give me a look into why they act how they do in the upcoming Rebels tv series. John Jackson Miller also wrote Kenobi, which i enjoyed. It took place in the same time period.  

Judging a book by its cover: I like the cover. It has a similar feel to the Rebels artwork I have seen. The Empire is going to be a big threat in this book. 


--PAUL