SWBC: 'Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter' retro review; Star Wars books arriving in September
Plus: Full details of Leia's stunning wedding dress, an update on season 2 of 'The Bad Batch,' and my September TBR plans.
Retro Review: Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter
What happens when a traitorous Neimoidian steals away with Darth Sidious’s secret plans to use the Trade Federation to blockade the planet Naboo? You’ll find out in Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter by Michael Reaves.
The Star Wars book, originally published in 2001, got the Essential Legends treatment earlier this month with stunning new artwork and a captivating unabridged audiobook. For this retro review, Penguin Random House Audio graciously sent over the audiobook files to listen to.
I cannot heap enough praise on the Shadow Hunter audiobook, which is read by Sam Witwer — the voice of Maul in The Clone Wars and Rebels. It excels in all the things I love about Star Wars audiobooks and adds deliciously creepy depth to one of the most fascinating and underrated characters in the canon.
As a prequel to the prequel, Shadow Hunter also fleshes out some of the key villains in The Phantom Menace — namely, Maul and the Neimoidians. What I loved most about this book was the deep, dark dive into Maul’s psyche — he’s basically fueled by white-hot homicidal rage and is very impatient to show off his ruthlessness and pride in being a Sith apprentice.
And Witwer’s superb voice talents breathe new life into this more than 20-year-old Legends story.
Read my full review at Dork Side of the Force
Star Wars books and comics arriving in September
September is finally almost here — summer is just about over, even though temperatures here (Florida) still creep into the upper 80s and 90s with sticky humidity.
And while this month will be lighter on new Star Wars books, there are still plenty of comics, reference books, and special editions to add to your shelves.
The new books I’m most looking forward to are the special editions of Kenobi by John Jackson Miller — one is part of the Tales of Kenobi Barnes & Noble edition, and the other is an exclusive Portuguese edition from Brazil.
I’m also looking forward to getting my hands on The Art of Star Wars: Visions book and the next issue of Hyperspace Stories from Dark Horse.
Here are all the new Star Wars books and comics coming out in September — including links to buy!
In other HoloNet news…
On Monday, Variety exclusively revealed a full look at Princess Leia’s wedding dress from The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis. The official concept art of the beautiful green gossamer gown was created by illustrator Tara Phillips, who also drew the back cover art of Padme in her Naboo lake dress for Queen’s Hope by E.K. Johnston.
The Princess and the Scoundrel is an NYT bestseller
Another Star Wars book has made the New York Times bestseller list. As of Tuesday evening, The Princess and the Scoundrel is ranked #12 on the list of hardcover fiction bestsellers.
Congratulations to author Beth Revis and all those involved in bringing this amazing book to life.
The Bad Batch season 2 updates
When will we get The Bad Batch season 2? If you ask some, the answer is Sept. 28. But for others, there is no official release date yet.
There has yet to be an official announcement from Disney+ or Lucasfilm via social media or a press release. But, some dedicated fans found a listing for the new season arriving on Sept. 28 on Disney Australia’s website.
Another fan reached out to Disney+ customer service, asking when The Bad Batch would return. The representative also said the animated series would premiere on Sept. 28.
With Disney+ Day coming on Sept. 8, it seems likely The Bad Batch season 2 will finally get an official release day — or confirmation of the Sept. 28 date.
Last year, I recapped and reviewed every episode of the animated series’ first season, absolutely loving the focus on the ragtag Clone Force 99 and the introduction of Omega.
Check out my review of The Bad Batch season 1 premiere — Aftermath.
And the season 1 finale — Kamino Lost.
Mike Chen’s next novel has wholesome vampires and corgis
Mike Chen, the bestselling author of Star Wars: Brotherhood, has an exciting new novel arriving in January 2023. Earlier this week, Chen shared a look at the cover and the first chapter of Vampire Weekend via Paste Magazine.
He said the book features wholesome vampires, punk rock, immigrant family drama, union organizing…and corgis! Needless to say, I requested a review copy from him.
Vampire Weekend releases on Jan. 31, 2023.
Some personal news: I made an AT-AT fall decoration
This AT-AT popcorn bucket from Disney World has just been sitting and gathering dust on my bookshelf. So, I bought some short-stemmed faux flowers from Michael’s, stuck them in its popcorn receptacle, and officially declared it fall in my house.
How do you combine your nerdy collectibles with holiday decor? Share your ideas in the comments!
Recent book reviews
Thrawn (2017) by Timothy Zahn
Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
Currently reading
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien (audiobook)
Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
Bloodline by Claudia Gray
Babel by R.F. Kuang
On my September TBR
Since September is a lighter month for new Star Wars books, I plan to read or listen to ones that have been on my TBR for a while and are perfect prep for Andor — Rebel Rising by Beth Revis and Thrawn: Alliances by Timothy Zahn.
And since I love pretty much all genres of books beyond Star Wars, I’m working on catching up with a bunch of books with sequels or prequels coming later this year and in early 2023. I probably won’t finish all of these in one month, but here’s what I’m adding to my TBR.
Defend the Dawn by Brigid Kemmerer (just finished Defy the Night, and I was sent a digital ARC of this sequel)
Ithaca by Claire North (not a sequel or prequel, but I was sent a digital ARC)
The Atlas Six by Olivia Blake (The Atlas Paradox arrives on Oct. 25)
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn (Bloodmarked arrives on Nov. 8)
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo (Hell Bent arrives on Jan. 10, 2023)
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon (A Day of Fallen Night arrives on Feb. 28, 2023)
Do you want to see more news, reading guides, and updates on my non-Star Wars reading? Let me know in the comments!