SWBC: Review of 'Star Wars Hunters: Battle for the Arena'
SWBC: Review of 'Star Wars Hunters: Battle for the Arena'
The new middle-grade novel from Mark Oshiro easily stands out as a seriously fun and fast-paced story - despite the setbacks with the game it's based on.
Review: Star Wars Hunters: Battle for the Arena
Star Wars middle-grade novels are having a moment — featuring some of the best and brightest stories in recent years. Unfortunately, the lack of marketing and promo has made it so many fans don’t even realize the books have been released.
That just happened to Star Wars Hunters: Battle for the Arena, which arrived on March 7. The novel by Mark Oshiro had to compete with the blockbuster release of Jedi: Battle Scars as well as try to stand apart from the issues with the game it’s based upon.
Still, the book is a gem — a seriously fun and fast-paced Star Wars book that easily stands apart from the game that no one has played yet. And as I say with all middle-grade books: don’t be put off by the recommended age group. This book, and other junior novels, are great for fans of all ages.
Some snippets from my review for Dork Side of the Force:
“With all the hype for Jedi: Battle Scars, it was easy to miss another video game tie-in novel that was released on the same day — Star Wars Hunters: Battle for the Arena. And while the game it’s based on has yet to come out, the middle-grade novel penned by Mark Oshiro has just as much action and thrills as it does world-building.”
“Some of the best parts of this middle-grade novel come when Rieve finally realizes it’s possible and important to open yourself up and let others have your back. Your family — found or otherwise — is there for you on your best days and your worst. Though not a Jedi, Rieve also learns the crucial lesson of embracing, not trying to control, her emotions.”
“Without having played the game, it’s hard to say how good a job Battle for the Arena does with connecting to the universe, characters, and vibes of Star Wars Hunters. But as a standalone novel, for now, it’s a seriously fun Star Wars story with essential lessons about teamwork, found family, and embracing your own emotions.”
P.S. the next middle-grade Star Wars book, Quest for Planet X, arrives on April 4. That one has also received little promotion, but I’m hoping I’ll hear something from Disney Books soon. Even if I don’t get an ARC of this one, there will still be a review of The High Republic book soon after its release.
Previous reviews
Quest for the Hidden City by George Mann
Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland
The Mandalorian season 3, episode 4
Prequel kids are having the best day.
The last episode of The Mandalorian, “The Foundling,” finally revealed who helped Grogu escape Coruscant on the night of Order 66.
In my review of season 3, episode 4 for Winter is Coming, I call the flashback scene “a jump-out-of-your-seat and cheer moment” for both prequel fans and Ahmed Best — the actor who played Jar Jar Binks in the prequel films and portrayed Jedi Master Kelleran Beq in the episode.
The character of Master Beq was created for the Star Wars Kids YouTube series Jedi Temple Challenge in 2020. In The Mandalorian, Master Beq helps Grogu get to safety off-planet with the help of some friends from Naboo.
Some more snippets from my review:
“After growing out of previous seasons mostly centered on missions of the week and forming the bond between Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu, in its junior season, The Mandalorian has evolved into a vehicle for both fun fan service and core Star Wars storylines. Season three's fourth episode, "The Foundling," is one of the best examples of this so far, showcasing themes of guardianship and rebirth.”
“The brightest part of the Carl Weathers-helmed "The Foundling" happens in a flashback. As the Armorer (Emily Swallow) crafts the first piece of Grogu's Mandalorian armor, the little green guy has an intense flashback to the night of Order 66, showing the brave Jedi who sacrificed their lives to get him to safety outside the Jedi Temple.
“Bo-Katan seems pleased at having proven herself to the covert through Ragnar's rescue. She also got somewhat of a reluctant thanks from Paz Vizsla — an interesting feat considering Kryzes's sordid history with the Vizslas.
But the episode ending, again, with a shot of Bo-Katan staring at the Mythosaur symbol on the wall of the armory signals a brewing conflict coming soon. Still, the episode doesn't move the core plot forward, even though it was fun to watch. Even with the excellent prequel flashback and inclusion of Best, the too-short episode felt, well, a bit short.”
Another Star Wars special edition for your shelf
Star Wars special edition book collectors rejoice — there is a Goldsboro exclusive edition of The High Republic: Cataclysm coming soon.
The special edition will be numbered and signed by author Lydia Kang and feature blue sprayed edges.
Those who purchased a Star Wars books from Goldsboro before got early access to the sale this week (check your email!). General sale is expected to open on May 28.
The pink sprayed edge edition of Convervence is still available here.
Star Wars teases variant comic covers for Pride Month
Pride Month is almost here, and Marvel is releasing a new set of variant comic covers celebrating the LGBTQ+ characters in Star Wars.
Each variant features stunning artwork created by LGBTQ+ artists, showcasing beloved queer characters of the Star Wars galaxy. There are seven covers in total, and This Week in Star Wars recently revealed the first five showcasing Sana Starros, Domina Tagge, Just Lucky, Magna Tolvan, and Doctor Aphra.
The other two covers will feature Vel Sartha from Andor and Kantam Sy from The High Republic.
Check out the rest of the announced covers and get more insights from the artists at StarWars.com.
New additions to my shelf: Japanese translation of Into the Dark
This week, I received some of the most exciting book mail I’ve ever gotten — the Japanese translation volumes of The High Republic: Into the Dark by Claudia Gray.
These beauties released last month from Gakken, Japan-based publishing company. Because of the translation formatting, Into the Dark is broken up into two volumes featuring stunning artwork of the main characters — Padawan Reath Silas, pilot Affie Hollow, Jedi Knight Orla Jareni, and Master Cohmac Vitus.
Inside each volume, there is a two-page character guide featuring the covers’ artwork on the front and more character art on the inside — featuring Reath, Affie, Orla, and Cohmac as well as Leox Gyasi, Geode, and the young secret Nihil, Nan.
These volumes are now top contenders for the most beautiful Star Wars books on my shelf, and it was well worth the price of international shipping to get them. My collection of translated Star Wars books continues to grow, and I can’t wait to see what I find next.
You can buy both books from Amazon Japan here: Volume 1 and Volume 2
Star Wars books and comics out this week
March 21
The High Republic: Chronicles of the Jedi: An Illustrated Guide to the Galaxy’s Golden Age
March 22
Darth Vader #32