Lucasfilm and DelRey announced the next edition of Star Wars Books to be published this April, all part of “The Essential Legends Collection”!
To celebrate Lucasfilm’s 50th anniversary, Del Rey reprinted a series of novels under the title “The Essential Legends Collection”, which contain some of the most acclaimed written stories in Star Wars.
In 2021 we got The Thrawn Trilogy, The first 2 issues of The Bane Trilogy, Shatterpoint and X-Wing: Rogue Squadron.
April 2022, marks the release of the next batch, as well as an adaptation of the Dr. Aphra comics and Queen’s Hope (These are not part of the Essential Legends Collection).
Here’s a little info about each book so you can decide which one to pick up first!
Star Wars: Dynasty of Evil (Book 3 of the Darth Bane Series)
This is the third issue in the Darth Bane series. Dynasty of evil explores the life-spawn of Darth Bane and his apprentice, Zannah. The everlasting conflict between the Sith has been put to an end, and the Rule of Two will prevail until the last of them dies. Unless the apprentice fails to overthrow the master… Darth Bane will need to find a solution to this new concern while Zannah starts to doubt his master’s intentions.
Drew Karpyshyn, the lead writer for the one and only Knights of the Old Republic and the Mass Effect series, was in charge of bringing Darth Bane’s story to life in this dark and epic trilogy. It was published for the first time on December 8th, 2009 by Lucas Books.
Star Wars: Kenobi
This story takes place between the events of Episode III and Episode IV. The galaxy is now ruled by the Galactic Empire and Kenobi’s only priority is to ensure Luke Skywalker’s safety. Obi-Wan will need to resist his urges to help the people of Tatooine and abandon his self-concept of a Jedi to become the lonely & strange hermit on the desolated planet. Please note that this novel is not part of the Disney canon, so it‘s not the same plot as the upcoming Obi-Wan Kenobi series.
Published in November 21st, 2013. Written by New York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller. He has worked in other big-name franchises like Halo, Star Trek, Iron Man, Battlestar Galactica and Mass Effect.
Star Wars: Darth Plagueis
“Did you ever hear the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?”
Darth Plagueis is one of the most powerful and patient Sith Lords to ever exist, so powerful that he could control life and death. After killing his master, he swore to never suffer the same fate. With Sheev Palpatine, his powerful and extremely ambitious acolyte, a master plan that has been plotted for decades will be completed, or so he thinks.
Published on January 10th, 2012. Author James Luceno is another New York Times Best-Selling author in charge of a Star Wars novel. We’ve seen his work in other Star Wars novels that include Tarkin, Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel, The Rise of Darth Vader and many more.
Star Wars: Wedge’s Gamble (Book 2 of the Rogue Squadron Series)
X-Wing pilots are skillful, swift and deadly. Wedge and his rebel forces are planning to attack what once was the Republic’s capital city, Coruscant. A bold and dangerous move, but first they must infiltrate to gather vital information. Avoiding death and capture will not be easy when a traitor is disguised as one of their own.
This is the second issue of the X-Wing series. The oldest of these re-releases as it was published May 2nd, 1996. Michael A. Stackpole is the New York Times bestselling author of several titles in the Star Wars universe, these include the Star Wars X-Wing novels, the New Jedi Order: Dark Tides novels Onslaught and Ruin. He has also worked on other videogame franchises like World of Warcraft.
Stat Wars: Doctor Aphra
This book is an expanded adaptation of the comics series. Doctor Aphra is an eccentric and reckless scientist, the drastic methods she uses have made her an enemy of powerful people. In a strange twist, she ends up working for Darth Vader himself. With the help of her loyal droids, Triple-Zero and BT-1, Doctor Aphra will need to find a way to please his new boss while also pursuing her own agenda.
Sarah Kuhn is Doctor Aphra’s author, she’s recognized for writing strong female characters and has earned multiple awards in her career. Some of her work includes Shadow of the Batgirl and Heroine Complex. First published July 21st, 2020.
Star Wars: Queen’s Hope (New canon book)
With the ongoing war, Senator Amidala is horrified by the devastating consequences of an exhausting war. While Anakin Skywalker, his husband, is on the frontlines fighting the separatists, she will venture on a secret mission. Sabé, her handmaiden takes her place in the Senate, but this time she will realize that this is not the role she wants to play in this conflict. All of this, with Palpatine observing and influencing the pieces on the board.
Written by New York Times bestselling author E.K. Johnston, this is the last book in a trilogy series following Queen’s Shadow & Queen’s Peril. Johnston earned her place among Star Wars fans after writing Ahsoka. Some of her work includes Aetherbound, That Inevitable Victorian Thing and Prairie Fire.
