A few months back, LucasFilm and Disney announced that the Star Wars Expanded Universe would undergo a major upheaval in coming months in order to create a more unified universe. This weekend came not just one announcement, but several regarding the future of the Star Wars novels.
Junior novels were announced for Star Wars Rebels last year, causing many adult fans to worry that they had been forgotten. Well, they can put those fears to rest! The first book to be released under the guidance of the Lucasfilm Story Group will be Star Wars: A New Dawn, penned by John Jackson Miller, who wrote the bestseller Kenobi last year. A New Dawn will set the stage for the events of the Rebels series. Miller worked closely with show producers Dave Filoni, Simon Kinberg, and Greg Weisman in order to ensure that the new novel series will live up to the expectations of fans. A New Dawn will be released in e-format and hardcover on September 2, 2014.
Following the new Rebels novel line, three new titles have been announced for the 2014/2015 year. James Luceno’s (Labyrinth of Evil, Darth Plagueis) Tarkin will be released on November 4, 2014. Heir to the Jedi will be written by EU newcomer Kevin Hearne (Iron Druid Chronicles) and hit shelves in January 2015, and Lords of the Sith will be written by Paul S. Kemp (Star Wars The Old Republic: Deceived, Crosscurrent) and goes on sale in March 2015.
In our second upcoming novel created in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group, bestselling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Tarkin the Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life. Coming November 4, 2014. Jacket art by David Smit.
A thrilling new adventure set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, and—for the first time ever—written entirely from Luke Skywalker’s first-person point of view. Created in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group. Coming January 2015. Jacket art by Larry Rostant.
– Star Wars Books Facebook page
When the Emperor and his notorious apprentice, Darth Vader, find themselves stranded in the middle of insurgent action on an inhospitable planet, they must rely solely on each other, the Force, and their awesome martial skills to prevail. Created in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group. Coming March 2015. Jacket art by Aaron McBride.
As of this writing, none of these books are listed for pre-order on Amazon, but that will likely be updated within the next couple weeks.
One thing to note about this development is that the old titles will NOT cease printing as of this time. As fans both new and old grow interested in the tales outside of the films, demand for the older stories will more than likely increase than decline.
And if that weren’t enough to get you excited (or at least talking about this huge news), check out this video that discusses both the past and the future of the Star Wars EU!
About Reporter Michelle Lawhorn:
Michelle, a.k.a. Stormraven, is what can only be described as an eclectic nerd. Her interests and expertise range from Doctor Who to Lord of the Rings, cosplay to comics, and Bollywood to opera to name just a few. When not raving about her “fandoms”, she can be found working on projects as an Associate Editor at Haven Publishing and adding to her ever-growing list of Things to Cosplay. She can currently be found searching for more material to feed her newfound obsession with Star Wars.
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