Feature & Giveaway: May the 4th Be With You
May the 4th is a religious institution for Team BookCrushin. Today we celebrate Light side of the force with some reading recs, merch we can’t wait to buy (there’s soooo much on sale!), creators we love, and how the fandom is celebrating today. We also have a giveaway of your choice of pre-order of a light or dark side book! Join us – and May the Force Be with You!
Star Wars Reading Recommendations
For the new fan
Maybe you’ve watched a few of the movies, as an adult or as a kid. You understand that there is a light side and dark side, and that Vader is Luke’s father (spoiler?). We have some picks that require only the most basic of Star Wars knowledge!
Lost Stars (Star Wars)
by Claudia GrayPublished by: Disney Lucasfilm Press
on September 4, 2015
Pages: 551
Bookshop, IndieBound
Goodreads
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…
Eight years after the fall of the Old Republic, the Galactic Empire now reigns over the known galaxy. Resistance to the Empire has been all but silenced. Only a few courageous leaders such as Bail Organa of Alderaan still dare to openly oppose Emperor Palpatine.
After years of defiance, the many worlds at the edge of the Outer Rim have surrendered. With each planet’s conquest, the Empire’s might grows stronger.
The latest to fall under the Emperor’s control is the isolated mountain planet Jelucan, whose citizens hope for a more prosperous future even as the Imperial Starfleet gathers overhead…
If you’re a YA fan and don’t know Claudia Gray, I assume you’ve been in hibernation for some time. Lost Stars is a bridge story set before the original trilogy, with no major character or world crossing. This story is a stand-alone in the universe and should be enjoyed by everyone! Prepare to cry because this is STILL a Claudia book.
Lost Stars, Vol. 1 (Star Wars)
by Claudia Gray, Yuusaka KomiyamaPublished by: Yen Press
on May 1, 2018
Pages: 258
Bookshop, IndieBound
Goodreads
Seduced by the Galactic Empire's promises of unity and change, the planet's of the galaxy and the hearts of their people fall under the Emperor's control one by one...
Sharing a love of ships and an admiration for the Empire, childhood friends Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree enroll in the Imperial Academy in hopes of realizing their dream of joining the fleet. The more they learn, however, the more their loyalties--to the Empire and to each other--are put to the test.
Will Thane and Ciena's friendship--or even they themselves--survive the trials ahead?
There’s also a manga, which is a fantastic adaptation!
For the casual fan
If you’re a fan of the movies and looking to expand your knowledge, check out these recs!
Queen's Shadow (Star Wars)
by E.K. JohnstonPublished by: Disney Lucasfilm Press
on March 5, 2019
Pages: 345
Bookshop
Goodreads
The end of her reign is just the beginning...
When Padmé Amidala steps down from her position as Queen of Naboo, she is ready to set aside her title and return to life outside of the spotlight. But to her surprise, the new queen asks Padmé to continue serving their people—this time in the Galactic Senate. Padmé is unsure about the new role but cannot turn down the request, especially since, thanks to her dearest friend—and decoy—Sabé, she can be in two places at once. So while Padmé plunges into politics, Sabé sets off on a mission dear to Padmé's heart.
On the glistening capital planet Coruscant, Padmé's new Senate colleagues regard her with curiosity—and with suspicion for her role in ousting the previous chancellor. Posing as a merchant on Tatooine, Sabé has fewer resources than she thought and fewer options than she needs.
Together with Padmé's loyal handmaidens, Padmé and Sabé must navigate treacherous politics, adapt to constantly changing landscapes, and forge a new identity beyond the queen's shadow.
Padme is such a badass character and there’s so much that happens behind the scenes to be explored. Queen’s Shadow ebook is FREE right now and does exactly that – explores how Padme came to her position, the culture of Naboo, and builds out what that you didn’t see in episodes 1-3. It’s the Star Wars Show Book Club pick for next month so don’t miss it!
Star Wars: Lando - Double or Nothing
by Rodney Barnes, Paolo VillanelliPublished by: Marvel
on November 6, 2018
Pages: 112
Bookshop, IndieBound
Goodreads
Straight from the frames of the highly anticipated film Solo: A Star Wars Story swaggers a younger — and somehow even cockier — Lando Calrissian! Before his days in the Rebellion, before he ran Cloud City, even before he lost the Millennium Falcon, comes this tale of Lando's adventures and misadventures in search of love and money — leading right up to his appearance in Solo! Lando isn't one to stick his neck out…unless there are credits to be had. So when oppressed workers in a droid junkyard need his help, they'd better hope their freedom is worth something to him. But one of their number is out to turn Lando over to his enemies — and there are plenty of those. Will a galaxy of bad guys finally get their due against the ultimate thorn in their side?
COLLECTING: LANDO: DOUBLE OR NOTHING #1-5
When Lando showed up in The Rise of Skywalker, I cheered. There is not enough Lando in the movie-verse but the book and comic world has done an excellent job of giving us lots of Lando. I love Double or Nothing because it’s Lando BEFORE Solo: A Star Wars Movie, so he’s not in service to a movie or character plot but himself.
For the go-deep fan
If you’re looking to go deep into the lore, we have a book and comic rec for you!
Alphabet Squadron
by Alexander FreedPublished by: Del Rey
on June 11, 2019
Pages: 408
Bookshop
Goodreads
On the verge of victory in what seemed an endless war, five former rebel pilots transform from hunted to hunters as they strike out against the vestiges of Empire. Set after Return of the Jedi, Alphabet Squadron follows a unique team, each flying a different class of starfighter as they struggle to end their war once and for all.
Grab Alphabet Squadron for $5, set after episode 6 when the universe has not settled, the Imperials are holding out the last of the fight after the death of their Empire, and those who were soldiers of the Empire without choice are reconciling the things they did. This story is unique because it ties in with the Marvel universe! It’s also the first pick of the Star Wars Show Book Club, which Jana and I are participating in! Check out the details below and be sure to grab this great deal.
Star Wars: Kanan, Vol. 1: The Last Padawan (Star Wars: Kanan, #1)
by Greg Weisman, Pepe Larraz, Mark Brooks, Jacopo Camagni, David Curiel, Joe CaramagnaPublished by: Marvel Comics
on November 3, 2015
Pages: 144
Bookshop, IndieBound
Goodreads
In Star Wars: Rebels, Kanan Jarrus is a cocky, sarcastic renegade fighting the Galactic Empire alongside the ragtag crew of the Ghost. But years before, during the Clone Wars, he was known as Caleb Dume, a Jedi Padawan training under Master Depa Billaba. Neither master nor apprentice ever suspected that their “loyal” Clone Troopers would turn on them upon the issuing of Order 66 — the Emperor's directive to execute all Jedi. How did Caleb Dume escape the Jedi purge? How did he learn to survive on his own after his master fell? And how did he become the man we know as Kanan Jarrus? What can a Padawan do when being a Jedi makes him a target? Join young Caleb for a tale that bridges the years between the Clone Wars and Rebels!
COLLECTING: KANAN 1-6
I might be biased because Kanan is my favorite Star Wars character but I am SO GLAD I read Kanan’s comic series before I watched Rebels. In Rebels, you assume Kanan has been through some shit because of Order 66 and Kanan’s graphic novel series shows you exactly what that is.
The first reveal of The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark released today so come check it out!
Merch
Everything but make it THE CHILD. I want them all.
The Ahsoka ears were debuted the same weekend I bought a custom pair and I….still need them.
Check out all the Star Wars deals here!
Spotlight on Star Wars Creators
Jody Houser writes all over the Star Wars universe (and so many more) and to say I am excited for her expansion of The Rise of Skywalker is an understatement.
While Charles Soule took on the Dark Side of the Force with The Rise of Kylo Ren and Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith last year, he’s back this year with some light side material in Light of the Jedi, out in August.
Celebrate Star Wars with the Fandom
Celebration is up in the air but we can celebrate today and tomorrow with a virtual Star Wars con!
Disney+ is giving us some insight with original concept art for each movie and series! Check them all out in this thread.
I can’t wait to meet all the new characters in the High Republic but for now – Lego customs!
Giveaway
Win a preorder of Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule OR Into the Dark by Claudia Gray! Open international so long as Book Depository ships to you.
a Rafflecopter giveawayCheck back tomorrow for a spotlight on the dark side!
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[…] we celebrated the Light Side of the force and today we are back celebrating the Dark Side of the force with more reading recs, […]