SWBC: 'The Living Force' arrives; new Star Wars releases in February
There are a little over two months before the Jedi Council is bullied by Qui-Gon Jinn to take a road trip together.
The Living Force arrives in my inbox
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.
More than two months before its release, The Living Force by John Jackson Miller arrived in my inbox yesterday. I’m a prequel girlie through and through, so this book is one of my most anticipated of the year.
The novel is set a year before The Phantom Menace and stars all 12 members of the Jedi Council as they struggle to change alongside the Republic and the galaxy at large. None other than Qui-Gon Jinn continues to challenge the Order’s increasing isolation (I like to think he’s bullying them).
Then, Mace Windu suggests a road trip to help a planet that’s about to have its Jedi Outpost (“left over from the Republic’s golden age”) decommissioned. During this period, however, the Jedi aren’t always welcome wherever they go. And there are warring pirate factions who unite to assassinate the Jedi.
It’s…a lot for the Jedi Council members, most of whom I assume haven’t seen on-the-ground action and adventure in quite some time. I can’t wait to see how they fare.
The Living Force by John Jackson Miller will be released on April 9.
Reviews are embargoed until late March, so you won’t see any spoilers or much more details from me until then. Since I still have Defy the Storm releasing on March 5, I probably won’t start reading The Living Force until after that book.
Star Wars books and comics arriving this month: February 2024
The first — and what felt like the longest — month of the year is over, and another month of excellent new Star Wars releases is upon us.
February (also a leap year this year!) has another wave of Essential Legends paperbacks, a new Mace Windu comic, an artbook of Jedi: Survivor, and more.
Check out the list below and let me know which ones you’re most looking forward to reading.
Feb. 6
New Essential Legends Collection releases
Knight Errant
Order 66: A Republic Commando Novel
X-Wing: Wraith Squadron
Feb. 7
Mace Windu #1
Obi-Wan Kenobi #5
Feb. 14
The High Republic Adventures (2023) #3
Darth Vader (2020) #43
Feb. 20
The Art of Star Wars: Jedi: Survivor
The Mandalorian Collection (reference book from Star Wars Insider Series)
Feb. 21
Visions: Takashi Okazaki #1
Star Wars (2020) #43
Feb. 28
Thrawn: Alliances #2
January reading recap and reviews
All the books I read in January:
The Hurricane Wars (⭐⭐⭐.5): This book was one of my most anticipated of 2023, but it just didn’t live up to my expectations. I loved the magic system and world-building, even though both needed more work. I also loved this was a Reylo fanfic-turned-traditionally published novel. But the female main character was immature and oftentimes cringey, the male main character felt one-dimensional, and the romance was…meh. Yes, I’ll still read the next book.
Legends & Lattes (⭐⭐⭐⭐): This was exactly what I expected from THE cozy fantasy book of the year. Low stakes, high rewards, and incredibly delicious descriptions of coffee and cafe delicacies. The book is also a quiet and sweet journey of self-discovery after a long, hard career.
When the Moon Hatched (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): Epic, unforgettable fantasy that seeps into your bones, setting the standard for all romantic fantasy stories to come. It’s got dragons, a wholly original world and magic system, and a sweeping, one-for-the-ages romance. When the Moon Hatched is now one of my favorite fantasy books of all time.
The Legend of Gasparilla (⭐⭐⭐⭐): A steamy historical pirate romance inspired by real Florida myths and legends. I also interviewed author S.T. Fernandez about her debut novel and its Gasparilla ties for Creative Loafing Tampa Bay.
The High Republic: Escape From Valo (⭐⭐⭐⭐): The newest High Republic middle-grade novel is full of delightful, rebellious chaos and a lot of heart. Read my full review here.
Queen of Shadows (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐): Fire-breathing bitch queen goes scorched earth on her enemies and I am here. for. it. I’m so glad I stuck with this series, but it’s as incredible as everyone says. Though this book feels like a climactic ending, I know there’s so much more excitement (and heartbreak) to come. Now, on to the tandem read of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn!
What were your favorite reads of January? Share them in the comments!