Looking for a book to commemorate this auspicious day in the Star Wars Universe? I definitely have a few recommendations!
Starting with the chronologically oldest book, let’s talk about “Light of the Jedi” by Charles Soule, which is the first book in the High Republic era series of publications. I really enjoy the High Republic books. They take place centuries before the Battle of Yavin and the events of the movies. When the Republic was smaller and the Jedi were less corrupted by politics.
“Light of the Jedi” opens with a shocking catastrophe in hyperspace that tears a ship to pieces, the flurry of shrapnel emerging from the disaster threatens an entire system. Even as the Jedi battle valiantly against calamity, something truly deadly grows beyond the boundary of the Republic. The hyperspace disaster is far more sinister than the Jedi could ever suspect.
When it comes to Star Wars novels, Claudia Gray gets it. She has several titles and everything I have read is excellent and so I’m going to mention two of hers!
“Lost Stars” is essentially a star-crossed lovers story. Aristocratic Thane and rural villager Ciena bond over their love of flying. Enrolling at the Imperial Academy together to become fighter pilots for the glorious Empire is nothing less than a dream come true for the both of them. But Thane sours on the dream when he sees firsthand the horrific tactics of the Empire. Bitter and disillusioned, Thane joins the fledgling Rebellion — putting Ciena in an unbearable position to choose between her loyalty to the Empire and her love for the man she’s
known since childhood.
I also recommend “Master and Apprentice”! Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn always had an interesting relationship. Qui-Gon’s rebelliousness and love of prophecy often come into conflict with Obi-Wan’s practicality and adherence to the rules. When Jedi Rael Averross requests their assistance with a political dispute, Jinn and Kenobi travel to the royal court of Pijal for what may be their final mission together.
And a little something for fans of the Dark Side or maybe you’ve heard rumors of Thrawn’s return to the Star Wars universe and you want to learn about his beginnings. Follow the events that launched the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare into the highest realms of power and infamy in “Thrawn” by Timothy Zahn.
For people searching for something more hands-on to celebrate the day, brush up on your lightsaber skills!
Use the Force and strengthen your skills as the library’s very own Jedi Master instructs you on proper lightsaber technique. This video will take you from Padawan to Jedi Knight in no time.
