Updates to the official Star Wars book timeline in 'The Mask of Fear'
Plus: Updates to The High Republic reading guide.
With The Mask of Fear, big changes to the Star Wars book timeline
On the timeline: 19-18 BBY
The newest Star Wars book comes out next month, which means a new book timeline. Usually, there aren’t big changes to the book timeline besides where the respective new book fits in. But Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear has a few key updates.
First, The Mask of Fear (19-18 BBY) is set immediately after Revenge of the Sith. As I’m reading my ARC, it’s clear this book explores events and stories in the immediate months after Order 66 and the creation of the Empire. On the timeline, Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel comes next.
The second big update is where Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade fits on the timeline. This book — my favorite Star Wars novel — spans the Battle of Geonosis, through the Clone Wars, and ends around 14 BBY. So, book collectors like me looked to the official timeline published in the books, which put Inquisitor right after Revenge of the Sith. With The Mask of Fear, the timeline moved the book to right after Attack of the Clones with Brotherhood following it.
The final big update is Wayseeker: An Acolyte Novel appearing on the timeline for the first time. The novel starring Master Vernestra Rwoh and Master Indara is set around 150 BBY — around 20 years before The Acolyte.
Coming soon: A full canon book timeline
I’ve been working on this one for a while, and I’m happy to say it’s ~almost~ done. Relatively speaking because, like The High Republic guide, it will be updated as more books come out. I hope to publish this sometime next week.
Note: This will be for paid subscribers, but if you’re a free subscriber, you can use your “free paid post” on it. I appreciate your support (all 820 of you!), especially to those who share and contribute to keep this newsletter running.
Updates to The High Republic reading guide
There are only three books left in The High Republic era. After four years of publishing multiple books and dozens of comics a year, plus short stories, art books, reference books, and more, it all ends this year.
My High Republic reading guide is the most-viewed post in this newsletter — nearly 50,000 views that attracted more than 115 new subscribers to the Space Wizards Book Club. To say I owe a lot of my success to The High Republic is an understatement. Reading and reviewing Light of the Jedi in 2021 set off a chain reaction of incredible opportunities that keep coming. Some of those things you already know about — writing for Star Wars Insider is a big one. But I can’t wait to tell you about a few more things in the works. I have The High Republic to thank for them.
I made some major updates to the guide linked below. This will be the last update before The High Republic ends with Trials of the Jedi in June.
This week’s Star Wars releases
Jan. 21
The High Republic Adventures (2023) Vol. 2
Jan. 22
Battle of Jakku: Last Stand #4
Ooh I can’t wait! I have canva slides I update with Star Wars books I’ve read in timeline order and it’s been so long since I’ve read some of them that my memory of where things fit is fuzzy 😅 this will help so much 🤩
I think 2026 is going to be the year I dedicate to reading the High Republic. Of course, I still have no idea when I'm going to get caught up on canon books. Too many books, too little time.