The Star Wars galaxy is getting a new entry into its criminal underworld—and this time, it ties directly into the upcoming game Star Wars Outlaws. The novel Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon launches on February 3rd, and if you’re planning to dive into Ubisoft’s scoundrel-filled open-world game, this book might just be essential reading.
Written by Mike Chen—a fan-favorite author known for Brotherhood and From a Certain Point of View—Low Red Moon serves as a prequel to the game, expanding the lives of characters who will soon appear on-screen. Even better? It works as a standalone story for readers who just love gritty Star Wars storytelling.
And yes, you can already pre-order it on Amazon here:
A Story From the Underworld — Long Before the Game Begins
Low Red Moon spans two distinct eras of the Star Wars timeline:
- 19 BBY — Immediately after Order 66, when the galaxy plunges into Imperial darkness
- 10 BBY — Right before Solo: A Star Wars Story, during the rise of syndicates, smugglers, and bounty hunters
The book follows Jaylen Vrax (formerly Jaylen Barsha), whose entire family corporation is wiped out in a sudden attack. Left with nothing but questions and a target on his back, Jaylen reinvents himself inside the criminal underworld.
At his side is ND-5, the hardened, ex-Separatist battle droid returning from the Outlaws video game. Their partnership isn’t polished, but it’s deadly.
This novel sets the stage for their dynamic in Star Wars Outlaws—giving readers a deeper emotional anchor before they pick up a blaster in the game.
Crime Syndicates, Bounty Hunters & the Harsh Reality of Survival
Chen has built a reputation for weaving character-driven emotional stories into big Star Wars moments, and Low Red Moon follows that exact formula. Expect:
- Syndicate rivalries
- Personal reinvention
- Deep dives into the Outer Rim’s most dangerous factions
- ND-5’s cold logic clashing with Jaylen’s grief and rage
- Cameos and connections to the era of Solo and the rise of the Empire
If you’re a fan of the scoundrel side of Star Wars—the crime families, slicers, smugglers, fixers, debt collectors, and bounty hunters—this book is absolutely for you.
A Perfect Warm-Up for Star Wars Outlaws
Whether you play the game on day one or just follow the expanding storytelling of the franchise, Low Red Moon offers a rich foundation for:
- The tone and mood of Outlaws
- The shifting criminal power vacuum
- The motivations behind its major characters
- How Jaylen Vrax and ND-5 became who they are
If you plan to dive into Kay Vess’ story in the upcoming game, this novel gives you extra world-building and context before you fly the Trailblazer across the Outer Rim.
Where to Buy It (with Your Affiliate Link)
The book releases February 3rd and is available in hardcover and ebook:
If you collect Star Wars novels, this one fits neatly alongside Most Wanted, Shadow of the Sith, Brotherhood, and the High Republic adventures.
Final Thoughts
Star Wars is at its best when it dives into corners of the galaxy that mainstream stories tend to avoid, and Low Red Moon looks like it’s carving out exactly that kind of niche: emotional, dangerous, character-driven underworld chaos.
Mike Chen has already delivered some of the best modern Star Wars writing, and all signs suggest Low Red Moon is another hit—especially for fans jumping into Star Wars Outlaws.
This is the rare tie-in novel that doesn’t just fill space… it builds a foundation.
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