SWBC: My favorite Star Wars books of the year
Plus: How to be a part of my next story for Star Wars Insider.
My favorite Star Wars books of 2023
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again — what a great year for Star Wars books. I’ll probably say the same thing next year, too.
There was something for everyone, every interest, and every age — from stories in all three phases of The High Republic and two short story collections to even more Essential Legends reprints.
I’m still thinking about how much fun I had reading Jedi: Battle Scars, a book that included both tears and kicking my feet. And I’ll forever be haunted by the story of Iskat Akaris in Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade — in my opinion one of the most important Star Wars stories ever told.
The High Republic also knocked it out of the park this year, continuing to exceed all my expectations with even more thrills, chills, and incredible character work. The young adult novel Path of Vengeance and its sequel short story “A Closed Fist Has No Claws” are masterpieces of horror-tinged Star Wars storytelling.
And then we closed the year with the arrival of Phase 3 of The High Republic and George Mann’s The Eye of Darkness — a brutal and beautiful exploration of Jedi grief and guilt that ends with the foundation of Star Wars stories: hope.
I have broken down all of my favorites from 2023 below.
Favorite High Republic book: The Eye of Darkness
Favorite non-High Republic book: Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade
Favorite young adult and middle-grade book: Path of Vengeance; Hunters: Battle for the Arena
Favorite debut author (book or short story): Adam Lance Garcia — “The Veteran” from From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi
Favorite cover: Path of Vengeance
Favorite Essential Legends reprint: Outbound Flight
Favorite new Star Wars book and read of 2023: Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade
What were your favorite Star Wars reads this year? Share them in the comments!
My next story for Star Wars Insider
One of the best things to happen to me in 2023 was getting to write not one but two stories for Star Wars Insider — the official Star Wars magazine.
The next story I’m working on is even more exciting and will be published just in time for The Phantom Menace’s 25th anniversary.
A big part of that story is hearing from fans about their memories of the lead-up to the film, midnight showings, teasers and trailers, merch, etc. That’s why I’m asking for your help!
Simply fill out this Google Form and answer the provided questions, especially if you’d like to be contacted for further insight.
The more the merrier, so please share with your friends who may have exciting The Phantom Menace memories to share.
The next Essential Legends books arrive in February
Even more Essential Legends reprints are coming next year! Those new covers just keep getting prettier and prettier.
Arriving on Feb. 6, 2024:
Order 66: Book 4 of the Republic Commando series: The fourth and final book of the series, Order 66 sees the Null ARCs and Commandos consider getting out of the Republic’s army amid the climax of the Clone Wars. Then, Chancellor Palpatine sends the mandate to “execute Order 66.”
Wraith Squadron: After the epic action of the X-wing/Rogue Squadron series comes Wraith Squadron — a group of starfighter pilots and commandos formed by Wedge Antilles. In the first book, the misfits of Wraith Squadron have to work together to gain valuable intel by impersonating an Imperial warship’s crew.
The Old Republic: Knight Errant: More than a thousand years before the original Star Wars saga, the Old Republic era sees Sith lords running rampant and fighting both the Jedi and each other. In the middle of it all is Jedi Kerra Holt trying to save as many innocent lives — and take down as many dark lords — as she can.
All the Essential Legends books released so far:
Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void
The Old Republic: Deceived
The Old Republic: Revan
The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance
The Old Republic: Annihilation
Darth Bane trilogy (Path of Destruction, Rule of Two, Dynasty of Evil)
Darth Plagueis
Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter
Shatterpoint
Republic Commando: Hard Contact
Republic Commando: Triple Zero
Republic Commando: True Colors
Yoda: Dark Rendezvous
Outbound Flight
Kenobi
Death Troopers
X-Wing: Rogue Squadron
X-Wing: Wedge’s Gamble
X-Wing: The Krytos Trap
X-Wing: The Bacta War
The Courtship of Princess Leia
I, Jedi
Thrawn trilogy (Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last Command)
Survivor’s Quest
Star Wars books and comics out this week
Dec. 19
Yoda trade paperback
Dec. 20
Darth Vader (2020) #41
Doctor Aphra (2020) #39
Revelations (2023) #1
Thank you for the Path of Vengeance love!
As I'm somewhat forever-behind in my SW reading, Shadow of the Sith might be my favourite of those I've read this year. Really liked Yoda issue 10 as well... Congrats on the Insider articles - about the Phantom Menace one, I was -3 when the film released so I guess I can't answer it? Also would there be a problem with me contributing if I have articles pitched to write for next year's Insider issues? Or is the fact that I haven't heard anything mean that's probably a pass for those pitches (if you can/would know to answer that)?