Star Wars book recommendations for 'Andor' and the Imperial era

Plus: Star Wars book mail and some Black Friday deals.

Nov 22, 2024

It is, unfortunately, a great time to read Star Wars books about the Imperial era. Luckily, there are plenty to choose from, including a new trilogy kicking off in February. All of these books are excellent picks to read before, during, and after Andor season 2, which premieres on April 22, 2025.

Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear: This new Star Wars book by Alexander Freed is the first in a new trilogy that follows leading political figures like Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera during the height of Imperial control. This first book is set in the earliest days of Emperor Palpatine’s reign following the events of Revenge of the Sith. The trilogy follows these figures on their journeys to become architects of the Rebel Alliance. Release date: Feb. 25, 2025.
Catalyst: Exploring the later years of the Clone Wars through the early days of the Empire, Catalyst chiefly follows Galen Erso and Orson Krennic in the years before Rogue One. This James Luceno book explores Imperial political machinations and ethical and moral conflicts as the Death Star project begins to take shape.
Tarkin: Another James Luceno novel, Tarkin explores the ruthless Imperial leader’s political career and his journey to becoming a Grand Moff about five years after Revenge of the Sith. Darth Vader may be the Emperor’s enforcer, but Tarkin becomes Palpatine’s closest adviser and arguably, his most dangerous weapon.
Rogue One: A novelization of the movie, but this book also expands upon the characters and their perspectives and motivations. Rogue One by Alexander Freed will have you experiencing the heartwrenching and hopeful story of the movie in a whole new way.
A New Dawn: Set a little over a decade before A New Hope, A New Dawn stars Kanan Jarrus and Hera Syndulla as they meet and experience the sparks of rebellion that will lead them to become Rebel heroes. This John Jackson Miller novel is a great prequel to the Rebels TV series.
Rebel Rising: A prequel to Rogue One, Rebel Rising follows Jyn Erso after the fateful day the Empire came to reclaim her father and his knowledge about the Death Star. This Beth Revis young adult book follows Jyn’s journey with Saw Gerrera and his Partisan soldiers.
Thrawn (2017): With Orson Krennic confirmed for Andor season 2, now’s a great time to read the Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn. The book follows the brilliant Chiss’s ascension through the Imperial ranks after his exile from the Ascendancy. Thrawn: Treason (the third book) is a great pick to read or revisit, as Thrawn and Krennic fight a battle of wills to get their respective projects funded — Thrawn’s TIE Defenders or Krennic’s Death Star.
Lost Stars: Any chance I get, I will recommend Lost Stars. If there is a perfect Star Wars book out there, it is this one. Much of the book takes place during the height of the Empire and follows ordinary people fighting for what they think is right. Of these childhood friends, one firmly believes in the safety and order of the Empire, and the other defects and joins the Rebellion. Claudia Gray brings her signature style to this incredibly moving Star Wars novel.
The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire: Ever wonder what it’s like being a student in the Star Wars galaxy studying history? Well, the closest we get is this in-universe history textbook by Dr. Chris Kempshall. I’ve been raving about this one since it came out over the summer, and I consider it required reading for all Star Wars fans. I can only hope to write a book like this someday.
The History and Politics of Star Wars: Want nonfiction Star Wars? This one is also by Kempshall, who explores the real-world history, events, and issues that inspired the galaxy far, far away. Another one that should be required reading for all Star Wars fans.

Previous coverage:

Star Wars books to read before watching 'Andor'

Chelsea Zukowski

July 12, 2022

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Star Wars book mail

It’s been a great week for Star Wars book mail. I got two digital review copies of upcoming books — Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear and The High Republic: Tempest Breaker.

You’ll remember The Mask of Fear was announced in July as the first in a new trilogy of books chronicling, you guessed it, the Reign of the Empire. With the announcement, Random House Worlds editor Tom Hoeler noted that each book covers a part of the 20-year period between the end of the prequels and the beginning of the original trilogy. The Mask of Fear is set in the early days of the Empire post-Order 66 and Revenge of the Sith.

But this is not a Jedi story. The books will chiefly follow political figures like Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera along with other familiar characters and regular galactic citizens.

I haven’t started reading my ARC of The Mask of Fear yet, but I likely will in December. It’s also been exciting to see so many people get ARCs of this book — many of whom have never gotten a Star Wars ARC before. There’s also no embargo for reviews. Random House Worlds really wants people talking about this book, and we are happy to oblige.

Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed arrives on Feb. 25, 2025.

About two weeks from release, we reviewers also got files of The High Republic: Tempest Breaker — the newest and last High Republic audio drama from Cavan Scott. A sequel of sorts to his Tempest Runner, Tempest Breaker again puts Lourna Dee in the spotlight and expands upon the former Nihil character’s story from the Marvel comics.

I’ll admit, I’m woefully behind on the Phase 3 comics. It’s something I hope to remedy this weekend so I can start listening to Tempest Breaker.

The High Republic: Tempest Breaker arrives on Dec. 3. The printed script book is expected on May 13, 2025.

Star Wars Black Friday deals

Though not a book, those Dr. Squatch soaps smell SO GOOD.

Black Friday is still a week away, but many places have been sharing sales all month. That includes Amazon, which started their Black Friday Week sales on Thursday.

I have an Amazon Storefront, where I can earn commissions for purchases made through it. However you feel about Amazon, Storefronts are great ways for writers and creators like me to earn a little extra money — something that’s so important during the expensive holiday season.

I updated my Star Wars Black Friday deals storefront for this year, and so far there are more than a dozen books on sale. I’m adding more deals as I find them, and there will likely be even more next Friday.

Elsewhere in my Storefront, I’m working on updating my bookish holiday gifts list and guides to all the Essential Legends paperbacks and High Republic books.

And I will have a sale in my Etsy shop sometime next week for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Be on the lookout for discounts and a few new items!

As always, I so appreciate any and all support for this newsletter — whether through subscribing, sharing my work, or shopping at my Etsy store or Amazon Storefront. Your support helps me keep doing what I love — writing about and sharing my love for Star Wars.