What to know about the next four Star Wars novels coming out in 2025
Their stories are set all over the timeline, from The Acolyte and Imperial eras to after The Rise of Skywalker.
The year may be more than halfway over, but there are still four new Star Wars novels yet to come in 2025. And as with all new Star Wars books, I’m very excited for every single one.
Two Star Wars books will release in the next two weeks — The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown and Sanctuary — A Bad Batch Novel. The former is a young adult prequel to the events of the show and follows Padawans Jecki and Yord as they reluctantly team up for a mission. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to receive a copy of this book from Disney Books, so it’s unlikely I will have a review on release day (July 29). It’s possible I’ll get a copy any day now, and I’m a fast reader, but not that fast.
I do have copies of The Bad Batch book, however. The novel is set during season 2 — specifically after the episode “Pabu” — and according to author Lamar Giles, the story is supposed to be like a bonus episode. Yes, that means we get more Tech content.
“I wanted it to feel like seeing old friends after some time apart amid an intense adventure,” Giles said to Polygon, which posted an excerpt from the book.
After a break from new books in September, comes two of my most anticipated releases that were only just recently announced. The Last Order by Kwame Mbalia follows Finn and Jannah in the first story set after The Rise of Skywalker. The young adult novel also delves into the pasts of the two former First Order stormtroopers.
Then the last Star Wars book of the year arrives on Nov. 11 — Master of Evil by Adam Christopher. Set shortly after the events of Revenge of the Sith, the book follows Darth Vader’s “haunting pursuit for the power to conquer death.” Now’s the perfect time to read Christopher’s Shadow of the Sith and these Legends novels — Darth Plagueis and Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader.
Add these books to your calendar, preorder them, and let me know in the comments which ones you’re most looking forward to reading.
Star Wars books to come in 2025
July 29: The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown
Aug. 5: Sanctuary — A Bad Batch Novel
Oct. 21: The Last Order
Nov. 11: Master of Evil
More Star Wars books coming later this year
Beyond the new original novels, there are 11 other art books, reference guides, Archives collections, Essential Legends, and special edition Star Wars books coming out through the rest of 2025. All of these are going on my wishlist for my birthday (October) and Christmas.
July 29: The Star Wars Archives: Episodes I-VI, 1977-2005
Aug. 19: The Art of Star Wars: Outlaws
Aug. 19: The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic Vol. 2
Sept. 9: The Phantom Menace: A Visual Archive
Sept. 16: Encyclopedia of Starfighters and Other Vehicles
Oct. 7: Star Wars The Blueprints
Oct. 14: Revenge of the Sith: Episode III (Deluxe Edition)
Nov. 4: Essential Legends Collection
Choices of One
Razor’s Edge
Honor Among Thieves
Nov. 11: Path of the Lightsaber Vol. 1
Lucasfilm Publishing panel at San Diego Comic-Con
San Diego Comic-Con is this weekend, and on Friday, Lucasfilm Publishing will host a panel moderated by publishing director Michael Siglain. The panel begins at 10 a.m. PT, and features authors Tessa Gratton, Soo Lee, Ian McCaig, Charles Soule, and more.
Later in the day, author Clayton Sandell will host the Star Wars Books from Random House Worlds panel along with RHW editorial director Tom Hoeler, editor Gabby Munoz, author Charles Soule, and voice actor Marc Thompson. Hoeler teased on Twitter that the panel will include deep dives into the Star Wars books of 2025 and peeks ahead to what’s coming in 2026.
Coming Friday: A roundup of Star Wars book news from Comic-Con
As I did with previous conventions, I will get embargoed information about all the Star Wars book reveals coming out of these panels. That means a newsletter and social media posts will go up as soon as the panel ends — the embargo lifts at 11:05 a.m. PT/ 2:05 ET. So, check back here on Friday for a recap!
Previous coverage:
'Thrawn,' 'Jedi: Fallen Order' and more manga adaptations revealed at Star Wars Celebration
Star Wars reveals two 'Acolyte' tie-in books starring Vernestra and Jecki
Master of Evil, definitely 👍🏻
That Master of Evil one looks pretty good.