SWBC: All the Star Wars books published in 2022
Plus: My piece on "The War in Star Wars" for Supercluster.
Star Wars books of 2022 — with reviews
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again — what a year for Star Wars books. There were a dozen novels, dozens more comics, and a bunch of art books, reference books, and story collections published in 2022.
Below are all the core Star Wars books published this year, with reviews written by me and one from my editor over at Dork Side of the Force.
And while you’re here, check out all the Star Wars books expected to arrive in 2023.
The Fallen Star
The concluding adult book in Phase 1 of The High Republic, which sees the Jedi and the Republic brought to their knees with heartbreaking deaths and the destruction of Starlight Beacon.
“In the brutal yet superb conclusion to phase 1 of the High Republic era, author Claudia Gray deals devastating but necessary blows to the Jedi and the Republic at large.”
Mission to Disaster
My manta for reading The High Republic: Don’t skip out on the middle-grade novels because they’re “for kids.” They’re all fun reads, including Mission to Disaster, which teases key plot points for Phase 2 — 150 years in the past.
“Mission to Disaster puts another puzzle piece on the board that’s building a picture of the inner and outer conflicts that dimmed and eventually snuffed out the light of the Jedi. At the end of Phase I, that light has gone dark. In the next phase, we’re looking to the past to find out more reasons why.”
Midnight Horizon
The concluding YA book in Phase 1 of The High Republic gets off to a slow start as it follows key Jedi Padawans on their latest mission on Corellia. But the third act is one of the most intense, thrilling, and tear-jerking rides in all of Star Wars.
“Midnight Horizon burns slowly at first before flaring to life with a lengthy, climactic battle and some of the most touching, relatable soul-searching we’ve seen thus far in The High Republic.”
Queen’s Hope
The final book in E.K. Johnston’s Queens trilogy gives us Anakin and Padmé’s wedding, their newlywed struggles amid the Clone Wars, and satisfying concluding stories for the selfless senator and her handmaidens.
“Overall, Queen’s Hope provides an excellent ending to the story Queen’s Shadow and Queen’s Peril started. All three books have remained consistent in using the characters and their interrelationships to drive the story forward. We already know how Padmé’s story ends, but Johnston’s trilogy adds nuance and depth to the hope-filled tragedy.”
Brotherhood
On the heels of Queen’s Hope was another Clone Wars-set tale — this time focusing on the evolving relationship between Anakin and his former master Obi-Wan Kenobi. Clone Wars fans were truly blessed in 2022.
“Star Wars: Brotherhood does many things right, but most of all, it gives prequel fans the Obi-Wan and Anakin story they’ve been waiting 20 years for.”
Stories of Jedi and Sith
Review from Meg Dowell at Dork Side of the Force:
“Stories of Jedi and Sith is an anthology made up of 10 stories written by 10 separate authors — some familiar to the franchise, others newer to the scene. Each story features a different character or set of characters across different eras of a galaxy far, far away — beginning with The High Republic and ending with a Rey-centered tale. All these narratives revolve around the Force, the people who wield it, and how it defines them … and how it affects those around them.”
Shadow of the Sith
Fans were also treated to the first sequel era-set story since The Rise of Skywalker released. Shadow of the Sith filled in gaps and answered many questions posited by the most recent Star Wars film, but also gave us top-tier Luke and Lando content.
“Shadow of the Sith, the newest adult Star Wars novel, achieves the rare feat of feeling like it belongs in both the epic, adventurous Legends era and the heart- and soul-infused new canon. It’s a Luke Skywalker story. It’s a Lando Calrissian adventure. It’s a deliciously dark piece of Sith lore. It’s essential reading set in the time period we’ve been waiting years for.”
Padawan
Just when we thought we knew everything about this legacy character, author Kiersten White gives us a thrilling adventure story about a teenaged Obi-Wan Kenobi struggling to find his place in the Jedi Order and the galaxy.
“And while this novel explores the events of just a few days, Obi-Wan goes on an epic journey of self-discovery. Knowing Obi-Wan and his character for more than 40 years, fans know his greatest strength (and sometimes weakness) is that he cares immensely about those around him and the meaning of right and wrong.”
The Princess and the Scoundrel
Han and Leia fans, this one is for you — a beautiful tale of love and grief in the aftermath of years of war with the most famous couple in the galaxy.
“And, perhaps most of all, the book is about Han and Leia – how their relationship is evolving from one fueled by the passion and adrenaline of warfare and stolen moments to one where they can finally focus on themselves. Revis deftly shows how Han and Leia complement one another, embracing and challenging each other’s strengths and weaknesses.”
Path of Deceit
The first book released in Phase 2 of The High Republic is a thrilling and ominous YA novel following star-crossed young lovers and the origins of the Nihil villains.
“Path of Deceit is a sizzling, character-driven page-turner that plants the seeds of the Jedi-hating villains of The High Republic era. The YA novel is an excellent start for this next phase of Star Wars storytelling and is friendly to both High Republic newcomers and experts.”
Quest for the Hidden City
The delightfully spooky middle-grade novel is all about teamwork, community, and keeping the faith despite immense hardship. And with George Mann at the helm, Quest for the Hidden City is full of juicy, not-too-scary lore.
“Quest for the Hidden City also pushes the boundaries of what’s normally considered a middle-grade or junior novel, but in the best way. This book would be perfect for Goosebumps or scary movie-loving kids, as it leans farther into more horror elements than previous middle-grade Star Wars books.”
Convergence
The first adult book in Phase 2 of The High Republic is an enemies-to-lovers war story filled with political schemes, assassination attempts, underbelly gambling dens, generational trauma, and the most epic wedding in all of Star Wars. Think Will and Elizabeth’s battle wedding in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
“At its core, Convergence is a character-driven story. What it does well is dropping right into the action from the first page as well as telling a romantic, hope-filled war story with a poignant focus on a small number of characters.”
The War in Star Wars
“Star Wars has been, and always will be, deeply political. It’s also inspired by and rooted in history.”
That’s the crux of my latest piece for Supercluster, which includes an extensive interview with The History and Politics of Star Wars author Chris Kempshall and analysis of the real-life political and historical influences found in Star Wars — from books and comics to the original trilogy and the newest TV series Andor.
Previous coverage: Book talk with ‘The History and Politics of Star Wars’ author Chris Kempshall
Chris is a UK-based historian with expertise in World War I and, being a lifelong fan, in Star Wars. Chris and I talked over the summer just weeks before his book was released — about the deeply political Expanded Universe stories and how outspoken their authors were about their inspirations, and the blatant nods to real world history and events infused into almost every aspect of Star Wars.
“Partly this book, in 100,000 words, is saying: Star Wars has always been political; George Lucas has never hidden this,” Kempshall said. “But also, why wouldn’t it be political? There’s no such thing as an apolitical war.”
Read more: The War in Star Wars
Star Wars books and comics out this week and next
