SWBC: 'Padawan' review | Star Wars book news from Comic-Con
SWBC: 'Padawan' review | Star Wars book news from Comic-Con
Plus: The Star War books I'm most excited about in August & an update on paid subscriptions.
Padawan review
“A fun Obi-Wan Kenobi story of adventure and self-discovery”
Star Wars: Padawan by Kiersten White is finally out in the world, and I cannot recommend this young adult novel enough — especially for fans of Master & Apprentice.
The book follows a 16-year-old Obi-Wan Kenobi grappling with insecurities while also caring so, so much about those around him and his role as a peacekeeper in the Jedi Order. He’s also dealing with a dash of teen angst and a sprinkle of rebellion even as he tries to rigidly adhere to the Order’s rules and teachings. And, he’s struggling to understand his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, and why he was paired with him in the first place.
Snippets from my review for Dork Side of the Force:
“White’s descriptions of the flora and fauna of the planet are reminiscent of the world of Pandora from the Avatar franchise. And the group of teens and younglings Obi-Wan encounters give off some serious Lost Boys vibes.”
“The main action and adventure of the book are just plain fun. The mystery of the planet and of the eventual “villain” of Padawan makes it easy to devour this over 400-page book quickly. The pacing and neat packaging of this Obi-Wan story harkens back to the Jedi Apprentice book series and even the multi-episode arcs of The Clone Wars.”
“With each Star Wars book featuring Jedi, we get moving perspectives on what the Force and spirituality mean to each wielder. With Padawan, Obi-Wan’s introspective discovery is an excellent way to show how the young Jedi developed such a deep connection with his master and what influenced his relationship with his own padawan 10 years later.”
“It’s the adventurous and heartwarming young Obi-Wan Kenobi story we didn’t know we need and now can’t imagine living without.”
Star Wars book and comics news from #SDCC
ICYMI, San Diego Comic-Con happened last weekend. While most of the biggest Star Wars news came during Star Wars Celebration, SDCC still had some awesome reveals of new and upcoming books and comics during the Lucasfilm Publishing panel.
All eyes are on The High Republic Phase 2, which is expected to kick off in early October with a young adult novel. The first waves of Phase 2, which run fall 2022 through spring 2023, are set to include two each — adult novels, YA books, and middle-grade books — as well as several comics series.
Perhaps the biggest reveal from SDCC was the full cover for The Battle of Jedha, a new audio drama written by George Mann. The audiobook comes out on Jan. 3, 2023, with the script book expected on Feb. 14, 2023.
Del Rey Books also shared the full cover art of The Princess and the Scoundrel, including Leia’s stunning wedding gown.
The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis comes out on Aug. 16. I’ll have a full review closer to the release date.
Check out my post on Star Wars book news from SDCC for more.
August books and comics I’m most excited for
Essential Legends Collection: The Krytos Trap by Michael A. Stackpole (August 2)
Book 3 in the X-Wing/Rogue Squadron series, The Krytos Trap follows the aftermath of the Rogues’ capture of Coruscant, where New Republic leaders believe Corran Horn died and where a horrific non-human virus has just been unleashed. Tycho Celchu is now on trial for treason and Corran’s death, but the ace pilot was actually captured by Imperial leader Ysanne Isard.
The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis (August 16)
Starting the night of the Rebellion’s victory at the Battle of Endor, The Princess and the Scoundrel follows the wedding and newlywed days of Princess Leia and Han Solo. It also explores all the hard work and sacrifice yet to be made as the Rebels try to stamp out the Empire for good and form the New Republic. Review coming soon!
Star Wars Rebels trade paperback from Dark Horse (August 16)
The 504-page paperback collects comic short stories that originally appeared in Star Wars: Rebels Magazine and Star Wars: Rebels Animation Magazine. It includes Rebels Magazine #1-#35, #37, and #39; and Rebels Animation Magazine #1-#4. Review coming soon!
The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars and Democracy by Chris Kempshall (August 11)
This study details the real-life history that paralleled the making of Star Wars as well as the people, events, and regimes that influenced the politics and themes of the galaxy far, far away. It’ll be essential reading for those wishing to understand how much Star Wars fits into our real-world history and politics and why its lessons through entertainment are as important as they are timeless. Interview with the author and review coming soon!
Non-Star Wars books:
Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw (August 2)
- Read my review here.
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood (August 23)
- Review coming soon
Babel by R.F. Kuang (August 23)
For a full list of all the Star Wars books and comics coming out in August, click here.
Star Wars books and comics out this week
Star Wars: Padawan (July 26)
Doctor Aphra #22 (July 27)
Obi-Wan #3 (July 27)
Launch Alert: Paid subscriptions to Space Wizards Book Club
ICYMI: The Space Wizards Book Club hit over 200 subscribers last week! Today’s newsletter also marks one month of this humble Star Wars books project, and I can’t thank you enough for being a part of it.
To celebrate, I’m launching paid subscriptions with some fun benefits.
Free subscribers will still get weekly newsletters delivered on Wednesdays with reviews, news, upcoming releases, reading recommendations, and pretty pictures of books. But I’ve also got a ton of ideas for curated and customized stories, posts, and newsletters.
What paid subscribers will get:
Access to discussions and FAQ forums to talk about recent releases and ask me and others questions about Star Wars books
Personalized reading guides and recommendations
Behind-the-scenes posts about how I read, review, collect, photograph, and annotate books
More access to giveaways and subscriber-only giveaways
Full access to the archive
And, of course, paid subscriptions support my work — reading, writing, photographing, and putting this newsletter together.
Again, I can’t thank you enough for the support, and I hope you’ll stick around and share this community with your Star Wars- and book-loving friends!
Dark Legends giveaway winner
Congratulations to Nicole (@commicallycaffeinated on Instagram) for winning the Dark Legends giveaway!
I have plenty more fun book giveaways planned, so stay tuned to Space Wizards Book Club and my Instagram (@adastralibri) for what’s next.