As many of us count down the days (160 to be exact) in anticipation to the December 18 release date of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ we can now help pass the time by delving into the series ‘Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.’ While the 20 titles of the series have yet to receive publication dates, we know they will start rolling out this Fall leading up to the film’s theatrical debut. Said to tell the story of what unfolds between the different installments of the ‘Star Wars’ saga, as well as hint at possible future story lines, StarWars.com has now released some detailed synopses of a few of the anticipated titles to give us a better idea of what’s to come. Check out the new ‘Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ book covers and synopses below.
Star Wars: Aftermath (Del Rey), written by Chuck Wendig
Synopsis:
As the Empire reels from its critical defeats at the Battle of Endor, the Rebel Alliance — now a fledgling New Republic — presses its advantage by hunting down the enemy’s scattered forces before they can regroup and retaliate. But above the remote planet Akiva, an ominous show of the enemy’s strength is unfolding. Out on a lone reconnaissance mission, pilot Wedge Antilles watches Imperial Star Destroyers gather like birds of prey circling for a kill, but is taken captive before he can report back to the New Republic leaders.
Meanwhile, on the planet’s surface, former Rebel fighter Norra Wexley has returned to her native world — war weary, ready to reunite with her estranged son, and eager to build a new life in some distant place. But when Norra intercepts Wedge Antilles’s urgent distress call, she realizes her time as a freedom fighter is not yet over. What she doesn’t know is just how close the enemy is—or how decisive and dangerous her new mission will be.
Determined to preserve the Empire’s power, the surviving Imperial elite are converging on Akiva for a top-secret emergency summit — to consolidate their forces and rally for a counterstrike. But they haven’t reckoned on the Norra and her newfound allies — her technical genius son, a Zabrak bounty hunter, and a reprobate Imperial defector — who are prepared to do whatever they must to end the Empire’s oppressive reign once and for all.
Star Wars: Lost Stars (Disney-Lucasfilm Press), Young Adult novel written by Claudia Gray
Synopsis
The reign of the Galactic Empire has reached the Outer Rim planet of Jelucan, where aristocratic Thane Kyrell and rural villager Ciena Ree 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 the Empire uses to maintain its ironclad rule.
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.
Now on opposite sides of the war, will these friends turned foes find a way to be together, or will duty tear them — and the galaxy — apart?
Star Wars: The Weapon of a Jedi – A Luke Sywalker Adventure (Disney-Lucasfilm Press), written by Jason Fry
Synopsis:
Luke Skywalker returns in an all-new adventure!
In this story, set between Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Luke finds himself drawn to a mysterious planet, where he must use the Force to save a young girl — and survive in a dangerous duel against a strange new villain.
Star Wars: Moving Target – A Princess Leia Adventure (Disney-Lucasfilm Press), written by Cecil Castellucci and Jason Fry
Synopsis:
Princess Leia returns in an all-new adventure!
In this story, set between Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Princess Leia must lead a ragtag group of rebels on a treacherous decoy mission against the evil Galactic Empire.
Star Wars: Smuggler’s Run – A Han Solo & Chewbacca Adventure (Disney-Lucasfilm Press), written by Greg Rucka
Synopsis:
Han Solo and Chewbacca return in an all-new adventure!
In this story, set between Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Han and Chewie must fly the Millennium Falcon on a top-secret mission for the Rebellion, while evading ruthless bounty hunters and a relentless Imperial agent.
Star Wars: Shattered Empire (5-issue Marvel comic book series), written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Marco Checchetto
Synopsis:
The second Death Star has been destroyed. The Emperor is dead. The galaxy celebrates. What happens next? Written by Greg Rucka and illustrated by Marco Checchetto, Shattered Empire will help tell the story of what happened following the collapse of the Empire.
What do you think of the new titles coming out? Will you be reading them before going to see ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ this winter? Let us know your thoughts below!
