Welcome to SWBC: 'Shadow of the Sith' review; Kenobi book recs; Star Wars book giveaway

It's the Space Wizards Book Club's first newsletter!

It’s my first newsletter!

And it all started with a recommendation from my husband, who patiently listens to me recap the juiciest parts of new Star Wars books and gently suggested I channel that chaotic energy into writing.

What you’ll find in this newsletter, which you’ll get every other Wednesday: Star Wars book reviews and news, recommended reading and guides, Star Wars merch announcements and links sent to my inbox, and updates on my freelance writing life and work as a journalism instructor.

I also plan to sometimes include roundups of some of the best Tweets and Instagram posts I’ve seen during the week, and maybe some links to TikTok videos as well. If you follow my book content on Instagram or TikTok, you’ll probably see some familiar (book) faces.

But while I love a pretty picture or video of books, my first love and passion is writing, so that’s where this newsletter comes in.

I hope you stick around and get as much joy from these books as I do. And please share this newsletter with your Star Wars-loving friends!

Only when the eyes are closed can we truly see - written by Jedi Master Quinlan Vos inside The Path hideout on the planet Mapuzo

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REVIEW: Shadow of the Sith by Adam Christopher

Shadow of the Sith is finally out in the world, and I’m so excited for fans to dig into this hefty, epic adventure.

• Pages: 496

• Main characters: Luke Skywalker, Lando Calrissian, Rey’s parents (!), Ochi of Bestoon

• Time period: About 17 years after Return of the Jedi; about 13 years before The Force Awakens

Snippets from my review:

“…achieves the rare feat of feeling like it belongs in both the epic, adventurous Legends era and the heart- and soul-infused new canon.”

“Shadow of the Sith shines like a brilliant red lightsaber when it leans into dark, esoteric Sith lore. When Luke finally confronts this mysterious Sith worshipper, it gets real weird, real fast. The book dips a toe into tales of Star Wars horror I hope we’ll get to read and see more of very soon.”

“Shadow of the Sith is essential, fundamental reading for every kind of Star Wars fan.”

Read my full review over at Dork Side of the Force.

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Upcoming Star Wars releases

• Marvel Comics: Star Wars Epic Collection: Tales of the Jedi Vol. 2 (June 28)

• Star Wars: Rebels Vol. 3 manga (June 28)

• Darth Vader #24 (June 29)

• Doctor Aphra #21 (June 29)

• Han Solo & Chewbacca #3 (June 29)

• Obi-Wan #2 (June 29)

What’s next in Star Wars books

• Star Wars: Rebels TPB (Dark Horse; July 13)

• Padawan by Kiersten White (July 26)

• Essential Legends re-releases: The Krytos Trap, Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter, Death Troopers (August 2)

• The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis (August 16)

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Miss Obi-Wan Kenobi? Here are some reading recommendations

From Brotherhood to Leia: Princess of Alderaan, check out these recommendations for books to read after finishing Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney+.

Photo courtesy of Disney

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In other HoloNet News…

The Obi-Wan Kenobi limited series soundtrack has arrived. Catch me sobbing to “Young Leia” and “I Will Do What I Must.”

More Essential Legends Collection re-releases announced: The Old Republic - Revan and Deceived; The Bacta War (Dork Side of the Force)

All the Star War books and comics announced at Star Wars Celebration 2022 (Dork Side of the Force)

Review of Star Wars: Stories of Jedi and Sith (by Dork Side of the Force editor Meg Dowell)

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Recent work for Creative Loafing, the alt-weekly newspaper in Tampa, FL: New book by USF anthropologist details the horrors and hope at Dozier school

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Teaching updates: My summer B course started June 27! Like last summer, I’m teaching two sections of Journalists in the Movies - an undergrad and graduate course exploring journalism ethics through the portrayal of the media in popular film. This first week we’re watching Shattered Glass, which stars Darth Vader Hayden Christensen.

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Currently reading:

• The History and Politics of Star Wars by Chris Kempshall (August 11)

• Star Wars: Padawan by Kiersten White (July 26)

• Wedge’s Gamble (Book 2 of the Rogue Squadron/X-Wing series)

• For the Throne by Hannah Whitten

• Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw (July 5)

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Giveaway!

Thanks for reading this first newsletter :)

To celebrate the launch of the Space Wizards Book Club, my first year on Bookstagram (@adastralibri), and reaching 1,000 followers on the platform, I’m giving away a copy of Star Wars: Dark Legends by George Mann.

Head over to the Dark Legends giveaway post to enter.

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Have ideas for the Space Wizards Book Club? Want to see a particular book, series, or author featured? Looking for a reading guide or retro reviews?

Let me know in the comments!