One of the biggest lingering mysteries from The Acolyte just got a major lore twist. According to series creator Leslye Headland, The Stranger wasn’t just another dark side wildcard — he was designed to be the first Knight of Ren. The reveal comes from The Art of The Acolyte, which dives into the deeper creative intentions behind the show’s characters and mythology. A Sith Rule Problem… and the Solution Headland explains that the character’s role had to work within established Sith canon — specifically the Rule of Two. “It was in the design of the character, as well as knowing that we were going to introduce Darth Plagueis, who has to end up with Palpatine as his apprentice. Following the Rule of Two – a precept that limited the Sith to just two at any given time, a master and an apprentice – one way to keep it going is…
books
Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon Offers a First Listen with Exclusive Audio Excerpt
Fans of Star Wars literature can now get an early taste of what’s to come from the soon-to-be-released novel Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon — complete with an exclusive audio excerpt featuring main characters Jaylen Vrax and ND-5. An audiobook snippet has been made available ahead of the official launch, giving readers a unique first look at this Star Wars Outlaws prequel and its gritty, character-driven narrative. What the Audio Excerpt Reveals The exclusive audio preview, narrated by Eric Johnson and Jay Rincon, focuses on pivotal early moments in the story. It introduces Jaylen Vrax — a former heir stripped of wealth and status — alongside the reprogrammed battle droid ND-5, whose loyalty and sense of purpose have become central to their survival. In the excerpt, we hear how Jaylen is forced into a new life after tragedy strikes his family, and how the unlikely partnership with ND-5 becomes…
Ian Doescher Announces William Shakespeare’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian of Nevarro (Part the First)
If you ever read Ian Doescher’s William Shakespeare’s Star Wars books and thought, “Okay… but what if Din Djarin spoke in iambic pentameter?” — congratulations. You’re about to be rewarded. Because yes: Ian Doescher has officially announced a new entry in the series, and this time we’re going full theater-kid in a beskar helmet. The next book is called: William Shakespeare’s Star Wars: The Mandalorian of Nevarro — Part the First…and it’s scheduled to arrive April 7, 2026. The Bard Returns — This Time With Grogu The William Shakespeare’s Star Wars series has already done the full Skywalker Saga: Original Trilogy, Prequels, Sequels — all transformed into dramatic stage plays with monologues, stage directions, and a suspicious amount of “verily.” But now, we’re stepping into Disney+ territory. This new release retells The Mandalorian, specifically “Part the First,” meaning: yes, they’re treating Mando like an epic Shakespearean drama broken into acts…
Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon Drops Next Month — And the Audiobook Has a Full Cast Connection
Star Wars loves a good cross-media rollout, but this one’s especially slick: Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon is landing next month, and the audiobook version is going all-in with full audio production and narrators straight from the game. If you’ve been enjoying Outlaws for its scoundrel energy and grounded “underworld Star Wars” tone, this book looks like the next stop on that same hyperspace lane. Why this matters now Star Wars publishing can sometimes feel like a separate galaxy from the games — but Outlaws is clearly being treated like something bigger than just a one-off release. A new novel arriving this soon after the game’s momentum means Lucasfilm is actively building Outlaws into a story ecosystem, not just a Ubisoft experiment. And the audiobook casting is a massive tell. What’s been revealed (the facts) Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon is releasing next month. Even more interesting: the…
Doug Chiang: The Cinematic Legacy Is Out Now — The Ultimate Christmas Gift for Star Wars Fans
If you’re looking for the definitive Star Wars art book this year — or the perfect Christmas gift for the fan who already has everything — look no further. Doug Chiang: The Cinematic Legacy has officially been released, and it’s nothing short of monumental. Published by Abrams Books, this stunning two-volume set clocks in at 800 pages and delivers the most comprehensive look ever at the legendary career of Doug Chiang — the artist who has shaped the visual identity of Star Wars more than anyone since Ralph McQuarrie. If you want to grab it right now, you can order it here on Amazon Celebrating a Five-Decade Career Doug Chiang is not just another designer — he’s the creative force behind countless ships, creatures, droids, and environments that defined the modern era of Star Wars. His work has influenced every corner of the galaxy since he joined Lucasfilm for The…
Reserve Your Signed Pablo Hidalgo Book at Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens – A Must-Have Moment for Star Wars Fans
If you love Star Wars lore, reference books, behind-the-scenes world-building, or collectible merch, you’ll want to mark your calendar. Pablo Hidalgo, one of the key architects behind modern Star Wars canon, is offering signed copies of his books as part of the upcoming Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens 10th-anniversary event. Hosted in Fordingbridge on December 7, 2025, this celebration honors a full decade since The Force Awakens relaunched the saga for a new generation. And now, fans have the chance to take home a signed piece of Star Wars history. What Is Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens? Thank the Maker is part fan event, part creator panel, and part deep dive into the making of Episode VII. It’s built around celebrating the film’s 10-year legacy — from the comeback of Han Solo and Chewbacca to the introduction of Rey, Finn, Poe, and BB-8. The event promises: For lore…
Yoda: Dark Rendezvous Turns 21 — The Clone Wars Novel That Still Goes Hard
Twenty-one years ago today, Yoda: Dark Rendezvous by Sean Stewart dropped into the Star Wars Expanded Universe and immediately earned its reputation as one of the smartest, weirdest, and most heartfelt Clone Wars stories ever put to paper. It’s the rare Legends novel that fans still talk about with that “No, seriously, you have to read this one” energy—and for good reason. Released in 2004, the book stands as a shining example of just how rich Star Wars storytelling could be long before the Disney era. And now, at 21 years old, this chaotic, philosophical, occasionally unhinged little masterpiece deserves some celebration. Yoda at His Best (and Funniest) Most stories treat Yoda like a mystical space oracle, dropping cryptic wisdom between dramatic pauses. Dark Rendezvous flips that. Sean Stewart presents Yoda as: It’s Yoda at maximum personality—still wise, still deadly, but so much more alive than his usual “talk in…
The Force Awakens 10th Anniversary Special Edition: A Stunning Look Back at the Film That Rebooted Modern Star Wars
A decade has passed since Star Wars: The Force Awakens blasted into cinemas and reset the franchise’s trajectory. Whether you loved it, argued about it, or rewrote half the script in your head (don’t act like you didn’t), Episode VII reshaped Star Wars for a new generation. Now Lucasfilm and Titan Magazines are celebrating that milestone with something genuinely worthy of your shelf: Star Wars Insider Presents: The Force Awakens – The 10 Year Anniversary Special Edition. It’s a beautifully assembled, interview-rich hardcover packed with behind-the-scenes photography, concept art, and fresh insights into how the film was made. And yes, you can already order it on Amazon right here What Makes This Anniversary Edition Special Sure, “special editions” are announced regularly, but this one earns the label. Titan Magazines has pulled together a curated, archival-style retrospective full of never-before-seen production stills, costume details, creature workshop shots, and director-driven commentary. Across…
Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon Releases February 3rd – A New Prequel Novel Expands the Underworld
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: The book follows Jaylen Vrax (formerly Jaylen Barsha), whose entire…
Star Wars Battlefront: Twilight Company Released 10 Years Ago Today – The Gritty Side of the Galactic Civil War
Ten years ago today, Star Wars Battlefront: Twilight Company hit bookshelves, delivering one of the most grounded and hard-hitting war stories in the Star Wars galaxy. Published on November 3, 2015, and written by Alexander Freed, the novel served as a companion to EA’s Star Wars Battlefront video game — but it quickly became much more than a tie-in. This wasn’t about Jedi or Sith, prophecies or politics. Twilight Company focused on the boots-on-the-ground soldiers of the Rebel Alliance, exploring what it truly meant to fight in the shadow of the Empire. A Star Wars Story Told from the Trenches Set during the height of the Galactic Civil War, Twilight Company follows the 61st Mobile Infantry — a ragtag band of Rebel soldiers known for surviving impossible missions across the galaxy. Through the eyes of Hazram Namir, a cynical mercenary-turned-Rebel, readers experienced a darker, more human side of Star Wars….
Star Wars: Master of Evil – A Spoiler-Free, Fan-to-Fan Review
Okay, let’s get this out of the way first: if you’re even remotely into Darth Vader, this book is going to hit you right in the lightsaber-loving heart. Star Wars: Master of Evil by Adam Christopher is not just another Vader story. It’s a moody, mysterious, and surprisingly emotional deep dive into the early days of the galaxy’s most iconic villain. And yes, I devoured it with the same energy I bring to binge-watching Clone Wars at 2 a.m. Before we go further — if you’re already sold and just want to order the book (I don’t blame you), you can grab it right now on Amazon . No judgment. I’d click too. A Dark Lord, Fresh Out of the Fire This story picks up shortly after Revenge of the Sith — and if that doesn’t excite you already, then my friend, we need to talk. Vader’s suit is still…
Prime Day Star Wars Gaming Deals — Save Big on Outlaws and More
Prime Day has landed, and it’s bringing some seriously good news for Star Wars gamers. Whether you’re chasing credits across the Outer Rim or just looking to build your collection, there are a few limited-time deals you won’t want to miss. Star Wars Outlaws Limited Edition – Only $25! If you’ve been waiting to jump into Star Wars Outlaws, now’s your chance. The Star Wars Outlaws Limited Edition is currently on sale for just $25 — that’s a steal for one of the most anticipated open-world Star Wars games to date. 👉 Grab it here before the deal vanishes into hyperspace:Star Wars Outlaws Limited Edition – $25 on Amazon The Limited Edition includes exclusive digital bonuses, collectible artwork, and early access content. Perfect for fans who want to dive into Kay Vess’s underworld adventures in style. The Art of Star Wars Outlaws – $45 For those who love the artistry…
George Lucas and the “Parallel Universe” of Star Wars Continuity
Star Wars creator George Lucas on set in 1999. Lucas famously regarded the licensed Star Wars novels, comics, and games as a separate “parallel universe” distinct from his film saga. Over the decades, as the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) grew into a vast collection of offshoot stories, Lucas consistently maintained that his movies (and later his own TV projects) were the only true canon of the Star Wars narrative. The books, comics, and games were enjoyable spin-offs – but in Lucas’s view, they did not represent “what is really going on” in his Star Wars world. Early Expansion: A Tale of Two Universes After Return of the Jedi in 1983, Star Wars continued in print with novels, comics, and games. By 1991, Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire and other works launched a new wave of storytelling beyond the films. From the start, Lucasfilm Licensing tried to keep these…
Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon – ND-5 and Jaylen Vrax Get Their Moment in the Twin Suns
The galaxy just got grittier—and a whole lot more intriguing. Revealed during San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Star Wars Outlaws: Low Red Moon is the next big narrative piece to drop in the expanding Outlaws corner of the canon. Set before the events of the upcoming Star Wars Outlaws video game, this new novel by Mike Chen gives us the backstory we didn’t know we needed about two of the galaxy’s shadiest operators: ND-5 and Jaylen Vrax. If you’re into morally grey droids, tortured freedom fighters, and the occasional laser-blast-to-the-face, this one’s for you. And yes—you can already preorder it here. Meet the Outlaws: ND-5 and Jaylen Vrax We’ve seen glimpses of ND-5 in game trailers—a towering, trench coat-wearing droid with the vibe of a bounty hunter, the ethics of a sabacc cheat, and the dry wit of someone who’s been rebooted one too many times. Jaylen Vrax, on the other…
Star Wars SDCC 2025: What Went Down at the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel
The Force was definitely strong at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, especially inside the Lucasfilm Publishing panel—where future canon and legends collided in the form of new novels, comics, art books, and surprises that had Star Wars junkies buzzing like malfunctioning mouse droids. From dark side drama to High Republic hijinks, here’s everything worth knowing—without having to elbow through the SDCC crowds. The High Republic Marches On Lucasfilm Publishing has zero plans of slowing the High Republic freight train. The panel confirmed that Phase III will expand deeper into the Jedi Order’s golden age—and its unraveling. Expect more Nihil chaos, political intrigue, and lightsaber diplomacy in upcoming titles like: These books are connecting more closely to the Star Wars movies and video games canon than ever before—bridging gaps that may or may not involve the acolytes of the Sith. Legends Reforged: Inquisitors, Bounty Hunters, and… Thrawn? One of the more eyebrow-raising…
The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition – Book Review
Ever finish a Star Wars movie and wish you had a few extra scenes or answers? Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – Expanded Edition by Rae Carson is exactly that – the official novelization of Episode IX that promises more than what we saw on screen. In a galaxy of blockbuster films, competitive gaming championships, and high-stakes bets, it’s refreshing to slow down with a book that dives deeper into the story. This review takes a witty, conversational look at how this expanded novel stacks up for Star Wars enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a good thrill (whether it’s an esports final or a nail-biting casino game). For those ready to dive in, the Expanded Edition is available on Amazon – but first, let’s explore why it might be worth your time. Ready to turn the page and ignite the galaxy? Grab your copy now A New Way to…
Happy Birthday, Ben Burtt – The Sonic Genius Behind Star Wars
The Man Who Made the Galaxy Audibly Legendary July 12 marks the birthday of Ben Burtt, the mastermind behind some of the most unforgettable sounds in cinema. He didn’t just fill the silence—he created the literal voice of the galaxy far, far away. On this day, it’s only right to honor the man who gave a hum to the lightsaber, breath to Vader, and charm to droids. Iconic Sound Creations That Echo Through the Galaxy Lightsabers & Blaster Fire That iconic lightsaber hum? It wasn’t created in a lab—it was crafted from analog magic. Burtt combined the buzz of an old projector with feedback from a TV set to invent the most recognizable weapon sound in cinema. And the blaster fire? A hammer striking a guy-wire, tweaked until it became pure Star Wars. Vader’s Breathing You can’t have the Dark Side without that ominous breath. Burtt recorded himself breathing through…
A Sneak Peek at The Art of Star Wars Outlaws – Previews, Pre-orders, and Pure Eye Candy
With Star Wars Outlaws preparing to take players deep into the seedy underworld of the Outer Rim, it’s only fitting that the visual art book is gearing up to hit shelves just in time to keep the hype burning like a lightsaber through durasteel. The Art of Star Wars Outlaws is set to release next month, and we now have preview pages showing off what’s in store. Spoiler alert: it’s stunning. From vast open-world sceneries to grimy cantinas and underworld tech, this hardcover companion is going to be a must-have for Star Wars lovers, digital art collectors, and yes—even that friend who only plays games to “appreciate the visuals. And here’s the kicker: you can pre-order it now for $5 off right here. What Makes The Art of Star Wars Outlaws So Special? Unlike your run-of-the-mill concept art book, this one dives straight into the gritty charm and sleek design…
Last Shot by Daniel José Older – A Star Wars Book Review
Last Shot by Daniel José Older is a Star Wars adventure that reunites Han Solo and Lando Calrissian for a wild ride across the galaxy. This novel spans multiple timelines, blending past and present in a story as thrilling as a high-stakes sabacc game. If you’ve ever wondered what Han and Lando get up to in their “happily ever after” (spoiler: trouble still finds them), then buckle up. Our spoiler-packed review dives into how Last Shot hits the mark for fans of space opera, esports-style teamwork, and even a dash of casino caper flair. (If you’re ready to dive in yourself, you can order Last Shot on Amazon here to start your own adventure.) If you haven’t picked it up yet, you can grab a copy of Last Shot on Amazon right here and see what all the delightful chaos is about. Plot Overview: A High-Stakes Gamble Across the Galaxy…
Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron Trilogy Review – High-Stakes Pilot Action (Spoilers)
(This review contains spoilers for Alphabet Squadron, Shadow Fall, and Victory’s Price.) The Alphabet Squadron Trilogy by Alexander Freed is not your typical sunny Star Wars adventure. It’s more like an intense starfighter tournament with life-or-death stakes – a trilogy that follows a ragtag group of New Republic pilots hunting down an elite Imperial TIE unit in the chaotic aftermath of Return of the Jedi. Think Rogue One’s grit meets Top Gun aerial action, with a dash of esports team drama and the suspense of a high-stakes Sabacc game thrown in. If that mix sounds wild, well, buckle up (and maybe grab a cocktail from Canto Bight’s casino for the nerves), because Alphabet Squadron, Shadow Fall, and Victory’s Price deliver an emotional rollercoaster at lightspeed. Get a copy of the books here What is Alphabet Squadron? (Overview) In the Star Wars galaxy’s post-Emperor era, Alphabet Squadron is a five-pilot team…
From a Certain Point of View – Star Wars: A New Hope (Book Review)
From a Certain Point of View (grab it here on Amazon) is a bold experiment in storytelling that flips the classic A New Hope script upside down, sideways, and through hyperspace. It’s an anthology of 40 short stories by 40 different authors, each telling the tale of Star Wars Episode IV from the perspective of background characters — the kind of folks who usually get two lines of dialogue, or none at all. If you ever wondered what the guy in the Death Star control room was thinking while Vader choked another officer, or what it’s like being a Jawa with droid envy, this book is your jam. A New Hope… but Make It Weird and Personal This isn’t a traditional Star Wars novel. There’s no Luke Skywalker chapter (unless he’s being judged by someone else). Han, Leia, and Obi-Wan appear, but always at a distance — filtered through the…
Star Wars: Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse – Book Review
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore how Resistance Reborn fits into the broader Star Wars canon (from movies to comics to video games), discuss Roanhorse’s writing style and background, and compare the novel to other major Star Wars books—all without spoiling the plot. If you’ve ever wondered how the Resistance got from that tiny band of survivors at the end of The Last Jedi to the fighting force we see later, this book provides some answers in a fun and engaging way. Before diving in, a quick note: this review is spoiler-free, focusing on themes and connections rather than plot twists. And for those eager to jump into the story themselves, you can Buy Resistance Reborn on Amazon to experience this adventure firsthand. A Galaxy in Peril After The Last Jedi At the end of The Last Jedi, things looked dire for our heroes. Resistance Reborn picks up immediately after…
Book Review: Aftermath by Chuck Wendig – A Bold New Chapter in the Star Wars Universe
The Death Star is dust. Palpatine took a fatal tumble. Vader’s gone full tragic redemption story. And still, things are far from okay. Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath lands us right in the middle of the fallout, the political scramble, and the emotional wreckage of a galaxy that’s seen too many battles and not enough healing. If you ever wondered what happens after the Ewok party wraps up—beyond the confetti and fireworks—Aftermath gives you a front-row seat. This Isn’t the Star Wars You’re Used To Let’s get this out of the way: Wendig doesn’t write like Zahn or Luceno. His prose is clipped, quick, often present-tense, and it sometimes reads like he’s narrating a heist movie rather than a galaxy-spanning epic. That said, it works here—mostly because this galaxy is burning. Aftermath is gritty, weirdly funny, unflinchingly political, and deeply personal. And it’s busy. If you’re expecting a straightforward narrative, you’ll need…
The High Republic Phase III and More: Every Big Lucasfilm Publishing Reveal from Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025
Lightsabers weren’t the only thing lighting up the halls of Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025 — the Lucasfilm Publishing panel delivered a data burst of new stories, characters, and surprises that will keep readers flipping pages (and screens) well into next year. At the heart of it all? Phase III of The High Republic, titled Trials of the Jedi — and it’s already sounding like the most dramatic era yet. Trials of the Jedi: The High Republic Phase III Heats Up The next wave of The High Republic is officially underway with Phase III: Trials of the Jedi. It’s a direct continuation of the chaos unleashed in The Fallen Star, The Eye of Darkness, and the battle with the Nihil. If you thought things couldn’t get worse for the Jedi, Lucasfilm Publishing just proved you wrong. In Trials of the Jedi, the order is fractured, the Republic is strained, and…