SWBC: First excerpt for 'Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade' is set during 'Attack of the Clones'
Plus: A requiem for the Galactic Starcruiser, Disney World's most expensive and exclusive Star Wars experience.
First excerpt from Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade
“Don’t let the chaos in again.”
That’s what Padawan Iskat’s master tells her as they descend upon the planet Geonosis — along with thousands of clone troopers and dozens of Jedi in a galaxy-changing mission to rescue Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker, and Senator Padme Amidala from execution.
The first excerpt from Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade is set at the end of Attack of the Clones and the moment the Clone Wars ignite.
“As the shuttle thundered through the atmosphere of the arid planet Geonosis, Iskat struggled to shut out the staggering cacophony of sensory input and focus on finding her center amid the chaos. This wasn’t just a rescue mission — it was a military operation. The Jedi were soldiers now, but they weren’t fighting alone. Thousands of clone troopers had appeared, seemingly overnight, to join them in supporting the Republic; there was even a clone flying their ship. After years of relative peace throughout the galaxy, the Jedi had swiftly mobilized to do their part as protectors of democracy, justice, and freedom.
Iskat was thrilled . . . and also overwhelmed.”
Read the rest of the excerpt at StarWars.com.
The new book, which comes out on July 18, chronicles Iskat’s journey from an uneasy Padawan soldier during the Clone Wars, the fall of the Jedi and Order 66, and embracing the freedom of being an Inquisitor.
Author Delilah S. Dawson’s new Star Wars book aims to answer the question, “Why would a Jedi want to be a Jedi-hunting Inquisitor?”
Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade arrives on July 18 and is available to preorder now.
Fun fact: Iskat Akaris had her first appearance in Darth Vader (2017) #19-20.
So long, Galactic Starcruiser
In a new column for Orlando Weekly, I wrote a requiem for the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which Disney announced would close at the end of September.
As a diehard Star Wars fan — and someone who never got to experience the Starcruiser — I’m disappointed it’s closing. But I’m also disappointed that Disney couldn’t make it just a little more affordable for more fans.
“Now that the Starcruiser is closing, the same discourse has resurfaced, proving several things can be true simultaneously:
Galactic Starcruiser is unaffordable for the average fan.
Galactic Starcruiser cost a lot to create and to maintain.
Cast members and Imagineers poured heartfelt creativity into one of Disney’s most immersive experiences.
For most people who get to stay onboard Starcruiser, their experience is unique and unforgettable.”
While the price tag and luxury exclusivity of Starcruiser wasn’t created with the average fan in mind, the immersive adventure and story moments clearly were. The 48-hour stay is basically a Star Wars LARPing experience. To get your money’s worth, you have to play along. And who wants to play along in their own Star Wars story than avid fans?
“I, and I’m sure other fans as well, would love to saddle up to the bar and play Sabacc at the Sublight Lounge, hear Gaya sing her best hits, and see an epic lightsaber battle between Rey and Kylo Ren — a story point set between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.
In the end, many Star Wars and Disney fans don’t want to lose a unique experience like the Starcruiser. We just don’t want to feel shut out from a place that was clearly created with us in mind.”
The Galactic Starcruiser will have its last voyages on September 28-30. At least we’ll still have books.
Some Star Wars Insider news…
Guess who’s the newest contributing writer for Star Wars Insider? Me!
The next issue of Insider, #219, will have my interview with Zoraida Córdova, author of The High Republic: Convergence, A Crash of Fate, and several Star Wars short stories.
Then, I’ll have another story in issue 220 — an interview with Lydia Kang, author of The High Republic: Cataclysm.
To say I’m excited about seeing my writing and byline in the official Star Wars print magazine is an understatement. It feels like a launching point for all the dreams and goals I have swirling around in my brain — one of which is to write an in-universe Star Wars history book.
I will share more about these articles when the magazines are released. In the meantime, catch up with all the wonderful stories inside Star Wars Insider through Titan Comics.
Issue 219 will publish on June 13.
Issue 220 will publish on Aug. 1.
Release dates are subject to change.
Star Wars books and comics out this week
May 23
The Essential Legends Collection
May 24
Hyperspace Stories #5
The High Republic Adventures #6
Darth Vader: Black, White & Red #2
The High Republic #10
Giveaway reminder — final day!
Today — May 24th — is the last day to enter my Star Wars Day giveaway!
What’s included:
The High Republic t-shirt (logo is on the back)
Hardcover copy of Quest for Planet X by Tessa Gratton
A booklet of postcard-sized artwork from Star Wars Little Golden Books
How to enter:
Head over to my Star Wars Day Giveaway page, make sure you’re subscribed to the newsletter, and follow the prompt to comment.