SWBC: What to know about the 9 new Star Wars books coming this year
There are five more High Republic books and at least four other Star Wars books coming out this year.
The High Republic books coming soon
The third and final phase of The High Republic is well underway with the first wave of books and comics already out. But the next wave arrives in just a few months with five books releasing through the rest of the year.
Temptation of the Force
Release date: June 11
Adult book; Random House Worlds
Publisher’s summary:
For over a year, Jedi Masters Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann were kept apart by the Nihil’s Stormwall. After Avar makes a daring escape from inside the Occlusion Zone, the star-crossed Jedi are reunited. But while the physical distance between them has evaporated, their shared grief over their failure to protect the galaxy from the Nihil threat remains.
To rally the Jedi Order and the Republic, Avar and Elzar cling to their belief in serving Light and Life. Together, they lead a daring mission into Nihil space to liberate the planet of Naboo and show those trapped behind the Stormwall that the Jedi will never abandon them. Now back within close orbit of each other, the two Jedi Masters can no longer deny the bond that has always drawn them back together and made them stronger.
After finally embracing their true desires and imbued with renewed purpose, Avar and Elzar devise a plan to turn the tide of the conflict with the Nihil once and for all. Accompanied by Jedi Knights Bell Zettifar, Burryaga, and Vernestra Rwoh, the Jedi begin their hunt for Marchion Ro. But to seek out the Nihil’s dangerous leader, the Jedi will have to survive the Nameless terrors that thus far they have been powerless to stop.
Read these books before:
The Edge of Balance Vol. 3
Adult manga; Viz Media
Release date: Aug. 13
Publisher’s summary:
The destruction of Starlight Beacon also destroys the peace once protected by the great Jedi of the High Republic Era. In the year since Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi defied the Council's order to return to Coruscant, the Nihil continued to storm through the galaxy, advancing in from the Outer Rim and expanding their territory. Despite the encroaching Stormwall, Lily stands her ground and reestablishes Banchii's Jedi Temple. Banchii is not to be abandoned and its long held secrets begin to unfurl as Jedi Master Arkoff returns to connect the pieces to a mystery long buried.
Read these books before:
The Edge of Balance volumes 1-2
The Edge of Balance: Precedent (Phase 2 prequel story)
Beware the Nameless
Middle-grade; Disney Books
Release date: Aug. 27
Publisher’s summary:
This next installment in the New York Times best-selling series is written by award-winning author Zoraida Córdova and features six full-color pages of art!
It is a dark and dangerous time for the galaxy, and the Jedi of the High Republic must face their greatest trials yet. Over a year has passed since the destruction of the Starlight Beacon space station, and hopeful Jedi-in-training—including Tep Tep and Kildo from Escape from Valo—must work with Ram Jamoram and a few new friends to overcome their fears . . . and stop the monsters that threaten the very existence of the Jedi. Even the most reluctant readers won’t be able to put this down!
Read these books before:
Tears of the Nameless
Young adult; Disney Books
Release date: Sept. 24
Publisher’s summary:
It’s been over a year since the fall of the Starlight Beacon space station, and both heroes and villains alike must face the consequences of their decisions. When Jedi Knight Reath and Padawan Amadeo Azzazzo are sent on a mission to test their theories about the Nameless, they’ll come face-to-face with the terrifying creatures once thought to be myth—and learn the true meaning of fear . . . fear that fallen Jedi Azlin Rell advised them to embrace if they have any hope of defeating the monsters . . .
Read these books before:
Tempest Breaker
From SWBC: Star Wars book news: 'Tempest Breaker' audio drama starring Lourna Dee arrives in December
Adult audio drama; Random House Worlds
Release date: Dec. 3
Publisher’s summary:
The Jedi reluctantly team up with the nefarious Lourna Dee in this all-new Star Wars audiobook original, narrated by a full cast.
Read these books before:
The High Republic comics by Cavan Scott
More Star Wars books announced for this year
Beyond The High Republic, there are four other Star Wars books coming this year — from two prequel-set novels and an in-universe history book to a sweet, love-filled children’s book.
The Living Force
Author: John Jackson Miller
Adult book; Random House Worlds
Release date: April 9
Reading update: I’m currently reading a digital ARC and will post a full review on the release date.
Publisher’s summary:
In the year before The Phantom Menace, Yoda, Mace Windu, and the entire Jedi Council confront a galaxy on the brink of change.
The Jedi have always traveled the stars, defending peace and justice across the galaxy. But the galaxy is changing, and the Jedi Order along with it. More and more, the Order finds itself focused on the future of the Republic, secluded on Coruscant, where the twelve members of the Jedi Council weigh crises on a galactic scale.
As yet another Jedi Outpost left over from the Republic’s golden age is set to be decommissioned on the planet Kwenn, Qui-Gon Jinn challenges the Council about the Order’s increasing isolation. Mace Windu suggests a bold response: All twelve Jedi Masters will embark on a goodwill mission to help the planet and to remind the people of the galaxy that the Jedi remain as stalwart and present as they have been across the ages.
But the arrival of the Jedi leadership is not seen by all as a cause for celebration. In the increasing absence of the Jedi, warring pirate factions have infested the sector. To maintain their dominance, the pirates unite, intent on assassinating the Council members. And they are willing to destroy countless innocent lives to secure their power.
Cut off from Coruscant, the Jedi Masters must reckon with an unwelcome truth: While no one thinks more about the future than the Jedi Council, nobody needs their help more than those living in the present.
Reading recommendations:
Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss
Author: Steven Barnes
Adult book; Random House Worlds
Release date: Aug. 6
Publisher’s summary:
Jedi Master Mace Windu travels to a dangerous, remote planet on a mission that challenges even his deadly prowess—all to fulfill Qui-Gon’s last request.
The Jedi are reeling from Qui-Gon Jinn’s sudden death at the hands of a Sith. Jedi Master Mace Windu’s feelings about Qui-Gon have always been complicated—and have not been made any simpler by death. While they often disagreed, Mace valued Qui-Gon’s unique perspective, and their shared dedication to the Force made them allies. Without Qui-Gon and his unorthodox views, Mace feels out of balance.
While considering his fallen friend’s legacy, Mace is surprised to receive a final message from Qui-Gon, marked to be delivered to Mace in the event of Qui-Gon’s death. The message contains a last request: a plea to help the Outer Rim planet Metagos.
Many years ago, a violent solar flare transformed the surface of the desert planet into a landscape of irradiated glass—as beautiful as it is dangerous. Now most of the surviving inhabitants live underground, where rival clans fight to control the planet’s limited resources. As a young Jedi, Qui-Gon protected the Sa’ad farming clan from the planet’s less-scrupulous factions. The Sa’ad practice the art of dream-weaving, retaining their waking minds upon sleep in order to communicate and coexist with the wild creatures around them. Qui-Gon vowed to return if they ever required his aid, but now it falls to Mace to fulfill that promise. The Sa’ad’s leader, KinShan Nightbird, has begged for the Jedi’s help in freeing Metagos from the crime lords who threaten to eradicate her people’s way of life.
Intent on carrying out Qui-Gon’s final wishes, Mace travels to Metagos and infiltrates the enemies of the Sa’ad. But as the Jedi Master investigates the intricate web of adversaries and allies, Mace finds himself pushed to the boundaries of the Jedi code, with his beliefs and his relationship to the Force itself challenged.
Reading recommendations:
Mace Windu comics
The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire
Author: Dr. Chris Kempshall
History reference book; DK Publishing
Release date: July 9
Publisher’s summary:
A history of the dark times
“So this is how liberty dies—with thunderous applause.”
-Senator Padmé Amidala
When Palpatine declared the birth of his new Empire, he expected it would stand for millennia. Instead, it lasted only 24 years. This is the story of how a tyrannical regime rose from the ashes of democracy, ruled the galaxy with an iron fist, and then collapsed into dust.
It is a story of war and heroes, of the power of propaganda and the dangers of complacency. But most of all, it is a story of normal people trying to live their lives in the face of a brutal dictatorship.
From the ruthlessness of Darth Vader’s campaigns to the horrors of the Tarkin Initiative, this book offers fresh new insights into the dark entity at the core of Star Wars.
Reading recommendations:
Someone Who Loves You
Author: Beth Revis
Children’s book; Disney Books
Release date: Dec. 3
Publisher’s summary:
Celebrate one of Star Wars’ most iconic couples—Han and Leia—with this giftable illustrated book perfect for weddings, Valentine’s Day, or just because it’s time to exchange an I love you, I know.
Han and Leia are about to get married! But before they can walk down the aisle, some curious Ewoks want to know what “love” is. Together, Han and Leia find the words to define what love means to them: Love can be a lot of things, but in the end, it’s a reminder we’re never alone.
With romantic and painterly illustrations, this is a sweet, relatable, and at times humorous story about two people who found family in each other.
Reading recommendations:
Which Star Wars books are you most looking forward to reading? Let me know in the comments!
This week’s Star Wars releases
March 13
The High Republic Adventures (2023) #4
Darth Vader (2020) #44
Mace Windu #2
Can I say all of them??? I am partial to prequel content though, and am very much lookong forward to Chris's book - so exciting for him!
Good to know the publishing is going strong. Hope to one day bring my own original Clone Wars novel to print.