My favorite Star Wars books of 2024
Plus: "Padawan" gets a gorgeous new Japanese edition.
The best Star Wars books I read in 2024
It was another banger year for new Star Wars books — 30 books released in 2024, including new novels, art and reference books, Essential Legends, and audio originals.
This year, I read 28 Star Wars books — some new, others new to me, and a few that had been on my TBR for too long. I can’t pick one favorite; it was hard enough to narrow it down to five (I’m counting the Aftermath trilogy as one). But these are my top Star Wars books of the year.
Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton: I’m still feral, clawing at my enclosure, wholly unwell after reading this High Republic book. I felt everything reading this — elation, heartbreak, giggling and kicking my feet, and screaming satisfaction. Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann are each other’s world and mean the world to me.
The Aftermath trilogy by Chuck Wendig: I cannot believe I waited this long to read this trilogy. These post-Return of the Jedi books do not get enough love, but entirely too much hate for no discernable reason (in my opinion). They gave us Norra Wexley, Sinjir Rath Velus, and Mister Bones. I’m so glad I finally read them this year. And if the writing style throws you off, I highly recommend the audiobooks.
The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire by Dr. Chris Kempshall: I’m convinced this book was written specifically for me. I’ve told author Chris Kempshall as such. I’m a historian, he’s a historian, and his first full-length Star Wars book is everything I could want out of a galactic history textbook. This is essential reading for every Star Wars fan.
Darth Plagueis by James Luceno: I can’t believe it took me two tries to full love Darth Plagueis, and now I’m putting it on my list of best Star Wars books of the year. Wild. Everything fans have said about this book is true — the good and the not so good. It’s epic and dark and violent. It’s just as much about Palpatine’s origins as it is about Plagueis and the infiltration of the Republic by the Sith. At times dense and meandering, but the payoff is so worth it. I also recommend the audiobook.
Tears of the Nameless by George Mann: Author George Mann really put the characters and the readers through the ringer with this one. One word to describe Tears of the Nameless: Trauma. Still, this book answers so many juicy questions we’ve been asking for years since The High Republic started, especially about the Nameless. And it perfectly sets up what’s likely to come as The High Republic concludes in the spring.
What are the best Star Wars books you read this year? Let me know in the comments!
Padawan’s gorgeous new edition
You all know how much I love collecting special editions of Star Wars books. Especially if they have new cover art and are published by Gakken. My current collection of Star Wars books from Gakken includes Ahsoka and the first three young adult High Republic books.
The newest Japanese Star Wars book is Padawan by Kiersten White — available on Jan. 16, 2025.
The title text. The art of teenage Obi-Wan Kenobi watching a Coruscant sunset. The other cover art of him in the jungles of the mysterious planet where he goes through a journey of self-discovery. All of it is so beautiful.
The book is split into two volumes at ¥ 1,650 a piece (about $11 USD). With conversion rates and shipping, past purchases of Gakken Star Wars books were around $45. Though they won’t be available in time for the holidays, these books make awesome gifts for Star Wars readers and book collectors.
This week’s Star Wars releases
Dec. 11
Battle of Jakku: Republic Under Siege #4
I just ordered a new copy of DEATH STAR by Michael Reavis and Steve Perry. It is one of the best books I've ever read in the STAR WARS universe. I can't say enough about it. It takes place during the construction of the Death Star, with the attempted rescue of some unknown Princess by Rebels who somehow managed to get on board -- all taking place in the background, and not even part of the plot. Instead, the story follows (about) seven people, all from different walks of life who interact on the satellite. I can't wait to get into it again. THIS, is the story they need to make into a series...come to think of it, maybe I should try and see what I can do with it? (Sigh) If only I knew who to contact about it...
I never understood the dislike for the Aftermath trilogy as well.