Sometimes, new Star Wars characters arrive on the scene (in a movie or TV show) that we don’t get to learn much about before they are thrust into middle of the struggle between Light and Dark. Luckily, we can read more about these characters’ backstories in Star Wars novels.
If you’re a fan of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, you might want to know more about Jyn Erso and her parents, Galen and Lyra. There are two novels that can fill in the gaps regarding the Erso family: Star Wars Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel by James Luceno and Star Wars: Rebel Rising by Beth Revis
Star Wars Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel
From the publisher: As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.
Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.
Star Wars: Rebel Rising
From the publisher: When Jyn Erso is eight years old, her mother is murdered and her father taken from her to serve the Empire. But despite the loss of her parents, she is not completely alone. Saw Gerrera, a man willing to go to any extremes necessary to resist Imperial tyranny, takes her in as his own daughter and gives her not only a home but all the abilities and resources she needs to become a rebel.
Jyn dedicates herself to the cause—and the man. But fighting alongside Saw and his people brings with it danger and the question of just how far Jyn is willing to go as one of Saw’s soldiers. When she faces an unthinkable betrayal that shatters her world, Jyn will have to pull the pieces of herself back together and figure out what she truly believes in . . . and whom she can really trust.
If you have questions about Ahsoka and Admiral Thrawn, you can find out more about these characters, too. If you were first introduced to them by watching The Mandalorian, you might want to start all the way back at the movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008), then watch Star Wars: The Clone Wars (seasons 1-5). If you are all caught up with those, the books with more backstory are Ahsoka by E. K. Johnston and Thrawn by Timothy Zahn.
Ashoka
From the publisher: Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clone Wars, and before she re-appeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally, her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance…
Thrawn
From the publisher: One of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of the Galactic Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn is also one of the most captivating characters in the Star Wars universe… But Thrawn’s origins and the story of his rise in the Imperial ranks have remained mysterious. Now, in Star Wars: Thrawn, Timothy Zahn chronicles the fateful events that launched the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare into the highest realms of power—and infamy.
Then fill in the gaps before The Mandalorian with Star Wars: Rebels (seasons 1-4).
–Post by Melissa Friedlund, Reference Specialist
Giveaway
Enter your name here for a chance to win a pair of laser-engraved, wooden lightsaber hilt bookmarks designed like Ahsoka’s original lightsaber hilts, complete with green tassels: example seen at right.
One entry per person. Drawing to be held approximately 7 days after this post.
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