SWBC: Star Wars books of 2023 so far, and what's coming next

Plus: Star Wars books and comics arriving in July.

Star Wars books of 2023 so far

There have been eight new Star Wars books released in 2023 so far. I’ve read all of them, plus I finally finished the Thrawn trilogy with Thrawn: Treason.

And I’ve loved all of them. I rated none of them below four stars, which is not a surprise for me since I generally have a great time with every new Star Wars book that comes out.

Call me whatever you want, but I feel so lucky to live in a time where we get new Star Wars stories almost every month — and that’s not counting the animated and live-action TV shows. I also feel lucky to be a part of such a welcoming community of people who obsess over Star Wars books.

The ones I’ve rated 5 stars:

• The Battle of Jedha (changed to 5 stars after reading the script book)

• Jedi: Battle Scars

• Cataclysm

• Chronicles of the Jedi

• Path of Vengeance

The ones I’ve rated 4 stars:

• Star Wars Hunters: Battle for the Arena

• Quest for Planet X

• The Edge of Balance — Precedent

• Thrawn: Treason

What’s next in Star Wars books

• Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade (July 18)

• Essential Legends Collection (Aug. 15)

  • The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance

  • Republic Commando: Triple Zero

  • Outbound Flight

  • Survivor’s Quest

• From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi (Aug. 29)

• The High Republic: Tales of Light and Life (Sept. 5)

• The Mandalorian Vol. 1 manga (Sept. 12)

• Crimson Climb (Oct. 10)

• Essential Legends Collection (Oct. 24)

  • The Old Republic: Annihilation

  • Republic Commando: True Colors

  • The Courtship of Princess Leia

  • I, Jedi

• The High Republic: The Eye of Darkness (Nov. 14)

• The High Republic Character Encyclopedia (Dec. 5)

What’s your favorite Star Wars book of 2023 so far? And what are you most looking forward to reading? Let me know in the comments!

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Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade updates

We’re about two weeks away from the release of Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson, and today the review embargo lifts.

That means you’ll start seeing full reviews of the book — and they main contain some spoilers. My review of the book will arrive closer to its release date of July 18. I’m nearly halfway done reading my ARC, and last week I switched over to tabbing and highlighting the book thanks to the arrival of a finished physical copy from Random House Worlds.

My halfway done thoughts — this is shaping up to be one of the most important Star Wars books ever published. You may think you have strong opinions about the Jedi Order and their “peacekeeping” roles during the Clone Wars, but I guarantee this book will have you questioning those beliefs.

It may also make you uncomfortable with how the Jedi Order and its tenets have been viewed over the decades of Star Wars history. And how Jedi who question or go against the Order’s strict dogma are treated.

It may make you question who the real heroes are — if there are any at all.

One of my favorites parts about Star Wars book release time is the arrival of a new editing playlist from Del Rey senior editor Tom Hoeler. The playlist for Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade landed today, and it’s full of absolute bangers.

Save the playlist below to listen to while you read the book on July 18 — or listen now to get a taste of the book’s vibes.

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Courtesy of Star Wars

Where’s Burryaga?

The last time we saw the beloved Wookiee Padawan, he was fighting a Rathtar on the lower half of Starlight Beacon, which was slowly plummeting into the ocean on Eiram.

Burry’s closest friend Bell Zettifar was the last person to see him. And though Burry was presumed dead — along with many other Jedi — Bell was convinced he was still alive and determined to find him.

Today, July 5, we’re going to find out Burry’s fate in a new episode of The High Republic Show on the Star Wars YouTube channel.

Find Burryaga in these books:

• Light of the Jedi

• Into the Dark

• The Great Jedi Rescue

• The Rising Storm

• Showdown at the Fair

• The Fallen Star

• The Battle for Starlight

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Star Wars books and comics arriving this month: July 2023

It may be the slower summer months, but that doesn’t mean there’s a lack of new Star Wars books.

My top picks for July:

• Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson

• Little Golden Book — Young Jedi Adventures: Get Well, Nubs!

• The Book of Boba Fett Collector’s Edition

• Hyperspace Stories Vol. 1: Rebels and Resistance

July and August are also great times to catch up on The High Republic and reread some books to prep for phase 3 and prep for the arrival of Ahsoka on Aug. 23.

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Star Wars books and comics out this week

July 5

• Yoda #9

• Star Wars #36

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More Space Wizards Book Club

• Star Wars books to read for Ahsoka

• 1 year of Space Wizards Book Club!

• Book recommendations for beginner Star Wars readers

• How to read The High Republic books