Star Wars Celebration gave fans an overload of new information including insight into Galaxy's Edge, Episode IX Rise of Skywalker, new merchandise and so much more! It was amazing to watch so many fans come together to support each other, share stories, and experience the expansive universe that is Star Wars. I only wish I could have been there!
The biggest part of the celebration for this fan girl (aside from the AMAZING new trailer), was the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel. I've been reading the Star Wars extended universe for a long time. So long in fact, that most of the books I love are no longer cannon but considered legends. That's a subject for a different post.
So, where will the Star Wars Universe take us this year? Let's dive in to what the panel revealed.
1. Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: A Crash of Fate by Zoraida Cordova
The panel revealed this book to be a tie into the story of the new Galaxy's Edge land coming to Disneyland and Walt Disney World later this year. According to goodreads.com Crash of Fate is a young adult novel that focuses on Izzy and Jules, best friends who are separated when Izzy's family moves away from Batuu. Jules stays on the planet and becomes unsure of their friendship once Izzy returns to the planet. They go on an adventure together that helps them figure out who they are, and what they mean to each other.
I'm excited to read this one in preparation for going to Galaxy's Edge. Learning more about the world will make the experience even more immersive. The cover is also clever (is that the Black Spire they're climbing?) and gives a little glimpse into the planet of Battu.
2. Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga By: Delilah Dawson
The Skywalker Saga will be a re-telling of the Skywalker story from Episodes I - VIII. According to the synopsis on goodreads.com, the stories are told through the eyes of Anakin, Luke, Leia, and Rey's point of view. It also includes beautiful artwork from Brian Rood.
I'm interested to find out how the stories will differ from the movie when we see it only through one character's point of view. Delilah Dawson did an amazing job making Captain Phasma come to life in her book Phasma and I'm sure this will be even better. The Skywalker saga is near and dear to my heart and I can't wait to have it all in one book.
3. Be More Leia and Be More Lando by Christian Blauvelt
Following Christian Blauvelt's success with his books Be More Yoda and Be More Vader, the panel revealed that he has written two more books in this series. Be More Leia is about finding your inner voice and fully committing to something you believe in. Be More Lando is advice on business and how to get ahead with tips from the galaxy's most successful scoundrel. Both books include funny quotes from Star Wars characters while trying to give sound advice.
I had never heard of Blauvelt's previous books before now, but I plan to read them soon. Who doesn't want advice from Yoda's perspective?
4. Star Wars C-3PO Does Not Like Sand! By: Caitlin Kennedy Illustrated by: Brian Kesinger
The publishing panel had alot of good news for those who love children's books (especially the Star Wars kind). Several will be coming out this year including
Creatures Big & Small by Calliope Glass & Katie Covic, Creatures Vs. Aliens by Pablo Hidalgo, R2D2 is Lost by Caitlin Kennedy. My favorite however, will be C-3PO Does Not Like Sand! by Caitlin Kennedy with Illustrations by Brian Kesinger.
I LOVE Brian Kesinger. I've followed him for a long time and he does amazing mash-ups of everyone's favorite geeky characters. In fact, I have two of his drawings hanging next to my desk in my home office. All of these will be amazing and I can't wait to read them with my kids.
5. Rey and Pals by Jeffery Brown
I was so excited to hear Jeffery Brown's name in the list of new books this year! His previous books Goodnight Darth Vader, Darth Vader & Son, and Vader's Little Princess have been favorites of myself and my kids for a long time. I love that he has a new book featuring the newer characters. I'm sure there will be some hilarious dialog between Kylo and Rey. Not to mention Chewie and the porgs!
6. Secret books.... Justina Ireland, author of Lando's Luck was on the panel and announced she has a secret book coming out with details to come later.
7. Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed
Any Star Wars Rebels fan would be excited to know that Alphabet Squadron features General Hera Syndulla and is set after the Battle of Endor. In the story, she helps keep together a group of New Republic pilots.
I've always liked her character and calm demeanor she has when faced with a crisis. No matter what they go through during this story, the New Republic pilots are in good hands. They always have hope, right?
8. Master and Apprentice by Claudia Gray
I squealed when it was revealed that Claudia Gray would have another Star Wars book published. I love her! Her previous books Lost Stars and Bloodline are two of my favorite cannon stories.
In this book, she takes on the relationship between Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi and really explores the dynamic of their relationship and the characters themselves. Master and Apprentice just came out this week; it's on my to read list for sure!
9. Queen's Shadow by E.K. Johnston
I just finished reading Queen's Shadow and LOVED it! I was surprised to see this on the panel only because it had already been published. I had never read a book by E.K. Johnston before, but her writing style was easy and made the story flow nicely. Queen's Shadow is a story solely about Padme, specifically the timeframe between Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. You can find my full review here.
10. Thrawn Treason by Timothy Zahn
The third book in Timothy Zahn's Thrawn series was also discussed on the panel, revealing that Eli Vanto, one of the main characters from the first book Thrawn, will return. I'm a gigantic fan of Timothy Zahn. I read his first Thrawn Trilogy series when it was still considered cannon. Thrawn quickly became one of my favorite extended universe characters and I'm really happy to see him incorporated into the new cannon. Now, if only they would bring back Mara Jade....
As the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel revealed, the Star Wars Universe is always growing and giving us more information on our favorite characters while introducing us to new ones too. I've already updated my Goodreads list and started saving my money to add these awesome books to my collection. Have you?
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