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Articles by Matt Rushing
Star Wars: Path of Vengeance - Review
The second phase of The High Republic comes to a close in Path of Vengeance by Cavan Scott. Cataclysm has already given us the story of the Battle of Dalna from the perspective of the Jedi. Path of Vengeance goes back to fill in the story from the perspective of the Path of the Open Hand, through the eyes of Marda and Yana Ro who were first introduced to readers in Path of Deceit.
Star Wars: Quest for Planet X - Mini Review
Phase II of The High Republic has been very good the last few stories. Convergence , and have created a very good focus for the story lines which left me with a lot of excitement for what was next in this series. Sadly Quest for Planet X by Tessa Gratton brings that narrative momentum to a grinding halt.
Star Wars: Cataclysm - Review
Things are beginning to pick up in The High Republic series. Now in its second phase, one hundred and fifty years before phase one and titled “Quest of the Jedi”. The previous two entries, Convergence and The Battle of Jedha have seen The Path of the Open Hand’s intentions become more clear as they stoke the fires of “The Forever War” between Eiram and E’ronoh. From the ashes of Jedha, the Jedi pursue answers to the mysterious Path, seeking to understand exactly what it is they are working towards.
Jedi: Battle Scars - Review
Cal Kestis and the crew of the Mantis are back as author Sam Maggs fills in some the gaps between the hit game Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel, Jedi: Survivor. When the crew pick up an unlikely person on a mission who by their very presence challenges every single member to come to terms with what they truly believe.
The Star Wars Archives: 1999-2005 - Review
With his first Archives book, Paul Duncan was able to illuminate The Original Trilogy in a new way through his extensive research, use of concept art, behind-the-scenes pictures that had never been seen before and interviewing George Lucas. Thankfully he has been able to do the same thing now for The Prequel Trilogy in The Star Wars Archives: 1999-2005. Like the first Archives book, this one is presented in a XXL format.
Star Wars: The Battle of Jedha - Review
After the events of Convergence, the war between the planets of Eiram and E’ronoh looks to finally be over. To celebrate this momentous occasion, the ecumenical enclave of Jedha is chosen as a neutral site to host the peace treaty signing during the newly instituted holiday, the Festival of Balance. Yet all is not what it seems, as theological terrorists and corporate criminals conspire to see war renewed for their own nefarious purposes.
Star Wars: Convergence - Review
This review is going to be a little different, as the reviewer I have to get something off my chest first before diving into the latest book in The High Republic‘s second phase. This series was teased all through 2020 as Project Luminous. When it was finally announced what the project was going to entail, I was excited. I love the Jedi and the thought of seeing them at their peak was something I was ready for. As we got closer, my excitement grew because the art for the series looked fantastic.
Star Wars: Quest for the Hidden City
The second phase of The High Republic continues in George Mann’s Quest for the Hidden City. This is Mann’s first full length novel for Star Wars. His previous works include Myths & Fables, Dark Legends and the Life Day Treasury. Mann’s writing feels right at home in novel form, capturing the Star Wars cadence well. 150 years before the events of Light of the Jedi, the galaxy is a much wilder place. Pathfinders still work tirelessly to find new hyperspace paths into the Outer Rim.
Star Wars: Path of Deceit - Review
The High Republic began in 2021, introducing Star Wars fans to a whole new era which takes place two hundred years before The Phantom Menace. With completion of Phase One the series now moves on to Phase Two which is set another one hundred and fifty years in the past. Billed as a way to bring new readers on board, Path of Deceit is the first book in the new phase. It is written by newcomer Tessa Gratton and previous High Republic author Justina Ireland.
Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel - Review
The courtship of Princess Leia has been covered before in Star Wars. But with the old expanded universe having been made legends, the story was ripe for the re-telling. Thankfully Beth Revis, who’s previous Star Wars story, Rebel Rising was fantastic, is up to the challenge in, The Princess and the Scoundrel. Revis nails the characters of Han and Leia and she doesn’t take the easy road with either of them.
Star Wars: Padawan - Review
The life of Obi-Wan Kenobi has found new resonance in recent months with the release of the Obi-Wan Kenobi show from Disney Plus. The character has continued to be a favorite with fans and has spawned countless stories in the literature. His past as a padawan had been throughly explored in Legends with the Jedi Apprentice series by Jude Watson, but since that past has been erased, there has been little in the way of stories for Kenobi as a padawan.
Star Wars: Shadow of the Sith
Since The Force Awakens was released in December of 2015, which kicked off the Sequel Trilogy of Star Wars, fans have had questions. In many ways, each subsequent film added more questions than they answered. The literature around the series created even more questions, as they were always dancing around the upcoming films and diverging storylines of different directors, never able to give the answers fans craved.
Star Wars: Brotherhood - Review
The Clone War rages across the galaxy in the wake of Geonosis and continues to spread like wildfire. And just as it seems that things could not get worse, Cato Neimoidia suffers a terrifying terrorist attack on it’s capital city and first evidence points to the Republic being involved.
Begun, the Clone War has. The Clone War rages across the galaxy after the Battle of Geonosis. In the wake of that battle, Padmé and Anakin make their way back to Naboo and plan their impending nuptials. This is where Queen’s Hope begins, setting the stage for the biggest change in Padmé’s life since she stepped down as queen. Queen’s Hope is the final book in E.K. Johnson’s trilogy about Padmé and her handmaidens.
Star Wars: Mission to Disaster - Review
When The High Republic series was announced and the list of authors involved was revealed, I was not familiar with Justina Ireland. Since then, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find that her books have actually been the some of the best and thankfully that trend continues in Mission to Disaster. One of the best things about Ireland’s work for The High Republic is her use of characters she introduced in her first book, A Test of Courage.
The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian: Season Two - Review
The Mandalorian‘s first season introduced everyone to the post Return of the Jedi universe in Star Wars, while at the same time giving us new characters and focusing on the fan-favorite, Mandalorian culture. Yet with everything that season one was able to accomplish it was nothing compared to what season two would bring. The second season of The Mandalorian built upon the foundation of the first while expanding it in surprising ways.
Star Wars: Midnight Horizon - Review
The Jedi on Corellia have been called away on an important diplomatic mission so when the Nihil are suspected of being on the planet, Starlight Beacon is contacted. Jedi Masters Cohmac Vitus and Kantam Sy, with Padawans Reath Silas and Ram Jomaram are sent to investigate. Could the Nihil have infiltrated a world as important as Corellia? Midnight Horizon is the young adult companion novel to The Fallen Star, giving fans some interesting surprises along the way.
Star Wars: The Fallen Star - Review
“A flaw more and more common among Jedi.” The might of the Republic has been challenged twice. First it was the great hyperspace disaster, then it was the debacle of the Republic Fair and now the pride of the Republic, Starlight Beacon, is under siege. Will the Jedi be able to pull a miracle out of their hats or will Starlight be extinguished forever? Pride Goes Before The Fall Proverbs are such because of the truth held in them and none is more true of the Republic and the Jedi in The Fallen Star.
Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil - Review
In 1991, author Timothy Zahn created one of the most memorable Star Wars villains of all time in Heir to the Empire. Since that time, Thrawn has been made canon through the Star Wars Rebels television show and Zahn has been able to expand on our knowledge of the character through two new trilogies of books. Now, the Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy reaches its epic conclusion with Lesser Evil. The Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy has given readers one of the deepest studies of a Star Wars culture ever.
Ronin: A Visions Novel - Review
In celebration of Star Wars: Visions, which was released on Disney Plus in September, Del Rey Publishing has released a novel based on the first episode, The Duel. The beginning of the book is the episode retold, then continuing the story where the episode left off. This allows author Emma Mieko Candon to expound on the world presented in The Duel. The closest Star Wars has come to this type of story before were the Infinities comics from the early 2000s.
Life Day Treasury - Review
Star Wars books has had some fun in the last few years exploring stories from inside the galaxy far, far away. The first book was Myths & Fables, giving readers a taste of the kinds of things tales people might share with their children. The second book in the series was Dark Legends, stories one might heard told around a camp fire on Vandor to scare a friend or fellow scoundrel.
Tempest Runner - Review
Star Wars audio books have been some of the best produced in the business for years, with music and sound effects bringing the stories to life. In 2019, Random House Audio took it one step further with their original audio drama, Dooku: Jedi Lost. This audio drama mirrored the greats in the genre, with a full cast, music and sound effects to immerse you in the story. After Jedi Lost, they released one about Doctor Aphra and their third is in The High Republic era.
Star Wars: Out of the Shadows - Review
It has been a year since the devastating Emergence hyperspace incident, but the Nihil continue to battle the forces of the Republic and the Jedi at every turn. In the aftermath of the attack on the Republic Fair on Valo, a new threat arises that could disrupt hyperspace travel in ways that make the Emergence disaster look like child’s play. Out of the Shadows is Justina Ireland’s second book in The High Republic series.
Star Wars: Race to Crashpoint Tower - Review
Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram has always assumed that his life would be spent in the garage on Valo, working with the machines that he understands so well. Little does he know his life is about to be forever altered as the Nihil launch their attack on the Republic Fair held on his planet. Daniel José Older’s book fits nicely into the larger story that Cavan Scott’s The Rising Storm tells, while being more accessible for a younger audience.
Star Wars: The Rising Storm - Review
“Your overconfidence is your weakness.” – Luke Skywalker The Republic has launched Chancellor Soh’s first great work in the Starlight Beacon station. The Jedi have helped the Republic navigate “The Great Disaster” as well as worked to contain the Drengir threat. In light of these things, it’s time for Chancellor Soh’s next great work, the Republic Fair which is to be held on the planet of Valo. The Rising Storm picks up from the first phase of The High Republic.
Doctor Aphra - Review
Last year, Del Rey released its second audio production, Doctor Aphra. It was in the same vein as Dooku: Jedi Lost, but this audio play is an expanded adaptation of Aphra’s Marvel comic series, issues one through six. The book is the script of the audiobook. I loved the audio play for Dooku: Jedi Lost but I have not had the opportunity to listen to the one for Doctor Aphra, so my only exposure to the story is the comics and this script. Honestly this format just did not work for me.
Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising - Review
In 1991 author Timothy Zahn continued the Star Wars trilogy with his book, Heir to the Empire. The story was not only a continuation of our favorite characters’ stories but also an introduction to new characters. One of these creations has stood the test of time, having been adapted into canon by appearing in Star Wars Rebels and having his story continue in the literature. His name is Thrawn.
From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back - Review
When I read tie-in fiction, the best thing the story can do is add something to the existing material that makes me see things in a new light. This means that something from a book or comic adds to my understanding of the movie or television show I watch. Star Wars has a fantastic track record in this regard with books like A New Dawn, Catalyst, Master & Apprentice, Rebel Rising, Lost Stars or comics like Charles Soule’s Darth Vader run.
Victory’s Price - Review
The events of Shadow Fall have left Alphabet Squadron shattered and picking up the pieces in light of Yrica Quell’s betrayal. They have a chance to take down Shadow Wing for good as Operation Cinder rears it’s ugly head again, forcing Alphabet Squadron to defend Imperial worlds from destruction as the Empire eats its own. The end of the war feels near yet our heroes are left with the scars from years of fighting that may never heal.
Star Wars: Into the Dark - Review
There have been two books in The High Republic time period so far, both were released on the same day to kick off the series. Light of the Jedi was an adult novel and A Test of Courage was a middle-grade novel. Into the Dark is the first young-adult novel in the series from best-selling author Claudia Gray. The story follows a group of Jedi who have hired a ship to take them to Starlight Beacon for it’s opening.
Dark Legends - Review
Last year author George Mann and artist Grant Griffin brought us the whimsical book Myths & Fables, giving Star Wars fans the opportunity to experience in-universe tales from the galaxy, far, far away. This year they have something a little more foreboding in their latest collaboration, Star Wars: Dark Legends. The book is a collection of seven scary tales from the dark side of the universe. Art by Grant Griffin To get into the grimmer part of Star Wars, Mann uses the Dark Side virtues.
Stories of Light and Dark - Review
The Clone Wars wrapped up it’s seventh and final season this May, leaving fans with a bittersweet feeling, knowing there would be no more of the series. In celebration of the series Disney Lucasfilm Press has released Stories of Light and Dark. The book is a collection of eleven stories from the seasons of The Clone Wars. Thankfully the retelling of the episodes from the series are more that just regurgitations. Each story is told from the view point of one character from that episode.
Star Wars: Light of the Jedi - Review
This is a spoiler free review. Star Wars: Light of the Jedi will be released on January 5th, 2021. For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire. – Obi-Wan Kenobi In 2012 the Walt Disney Company bought Lucasfilm and one of their first acts was to mothball the Expanded Universe that had begun with Heir to the Empire in 1991.
Shadow Fall - Review
Shadow Fall continues the adventures of Alphabet Squadron as they help General Syndulla and her battle group secure the Cerberon system as well as create a plan to entrap the dangerous Shadow Wing. In many ways, Shadow Fall follows the mold of The Empire Strikes Back in splinting up the characters, as well as getting to the heart of who they are and who they are going to chose to be.
Star Wars: Knitting the Galaxy
I am not a knitter, but I am a Star Wars fan. Thankfully I have a mother-in-law that is a master knitter and so she was the perfect person to ask to review this book I received from Insight Editions. These are her thoughts – It’s a lovely book! Overall, well illustrated and edited. I cannot speak to whether the choice of iconic objects for these projects will be popular, but I can speak to aspects of knitting: the editing, instructions, and project intrigue.
Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good - Review
Thrawn has defeated Yiv the Benevolent and in the aftermath, the Chiss Expansionary Fleet roots out the leftover Nikardun nests. Unbeknownst to the Chiss, the phantom menace of Jixtus is secretly working to insight a civil war in the Ascendancy. Will Thrawn and his allies be able to decipher his plot and stop him in time? Timothy Zahn is at the top of his game with the Thrawn Ascendancy series as the second book, Greater Good does not disappoint.
The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian - Review
In the Disney era of Star Wars, the “making of” book has gone out of fashion, with the “art of” book become the all-in-one for those looking for a behind the scenes information on the creation of new Star Wars material. There have been “art of” books for the new Episodes as well as the Story films and now fans are being treated to The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian covering the inaugural season of Star Wars’ first live action television show on Disney+.
Free Fall - Review
The character of Poe Dameron was not supposed to live beyond his salvation of Finn at the beginning of The Force Awakens, yet J.J. Abrams was so taken with the character, he worked out a way for him to survive. Fast forward to 2019 where The Rise of Skywalker finally gave fans a peek behind the curtain of this hotheaded pilot’s history by introducing us to a mysterious spice runner from his past.
Star Wars: A Test of Courage - Review
The High Republic series continues in A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland. The book is not a direct sequel to Charles Soule’s Light of the Jedi, but more of a companion piece that chronologically takes place in the middle of that book. Venestra Rwoh is one of the youngest Jedi Knights at the age of sixteen. Her first assignment is to escort Avon, the twelve-year old daughter of Senator Ghirra Starros, to the dedication of the new deep space station, Starlight Beacon.
Queen’s Peril - Review
The Phantom Menace introduced viewers to the youngest queen ever elected on Naboo and her loyal handmaidens who not only helped serve her, but also protector in a variety of ways. The depth and the breath of just how this group was formed and came together has often been discussed by fans since 1999. Now, the answers have been revealed, as E.K. Johnson returns to the life of Padmé, as she assumes the role of queen, in the book Queen’s Peril.
The Art of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Review
In December 2019, the final film in the Skywalker Saga hit theaters. Unlike the previous two films in the Sequel Trilogy, which saw the release of the “Art of” book on the same day as the film, the book for The Rise of Skywalker was delayed for almost three months. Thankfully the wait is over! The “Art of” books for the Sequel Trilogy have taken the place of the “Making of” books common in the era of The Prequels.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition - Review
The Rise of Skywalker brought the Skywalker Saga to a close. If there was any criticism this reviewer had of the film, it was that the movie should have been longer, to allow scenes to breathe more, giving us more background, as well as more character moments.
Star Wars Storyboards: The Original and Prequel Trilogy - Reviews
Storyboards were an incredibly important part of Star Wars history. These drawings helped bring to life the universe even before a single shot had been filmed. And, in the days well before previz technology, they helped Lucas find his vision for the movie. Abrams Books has published the most comprehensive collection of storyboards from The Original Trilogy and The Prequel Trilogy, giving fans and movie lovers the opportunity to see the foundations for the most beloved Saga of all time.
Force Collector - Review
The Journey to The Rise of Skywalker continues with the young adult novel, Force Collector by Kevin Shinick. Imagine you’re growing up in the Star Wars universe sometime after the fall of the Empire. The Jedi are myths that have almost been forgotten. You have a strange ability to see visions when you touch certain objects, but the only one that believes you and tries to help you is your grandmother. This is Karr’s life.
Rebel Starfighters: Owners’ Workshop Manual - Review
One the biggest parts of any science fiction franchise are the ships and Star Wars is no exception. Over the last few years, Haynes, know for their repair manuals for earth vehicles, has brought fans the complete manuals for the Millennium Falcon, the Death Star and Tie Fighters. They have just released a brand new manual devoted to the starfighters of the Rebel Alliance and the Resistance. The book is structured like The Jedi Path, in that, it is presented as an in-universe manual.
The Secrets of the Jedi - Review
In The Last Jedi, Luke Skywalker had a very cynical attitude about the Jedi Order. Now, as fans eagerly anticipate The Rise of Skywalker, the words from the teaser trailer seem to indicate a softening in Luke’s heart towards these mystic monks when he says, “We’ve passed on all we know, the thousand generations live in you now, but this is your fight”.
Resistance Reborn - Review
“A choice to be better” – Poe Dameron When The Last Jedi ended, the Resistance found itself shattered, what was left of it fit abroad the Millennium Falcon plus there were the pilots of Black Squadron who’d defended Ikkrukk against the First Order and what was left of Inferno Squad. It’s not a lot to work with as Resistance Reborn begins. Leia and Poe are left with the task to trying to rebuild the Resistance from scratch, as well as figure out why all of their allies seem to be disappearing.
Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop-up Galaxy - Review
I must confess, I have loved pop-up books since I was a child and that love only intensified as I ran a children’s department at a Barnes and Noble for a few years. The first Star Wars pop-up book actually came out while I worked there and I spent many hours playing with it and showing it to families. Now Matthew Reinhart has done the impossible, he’s created a new Star Wars pop-up book that not only surpasses his first but may be one of the best pop-up books I’ve ever seen.
The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook - Review
Galaxy’s Edge is delighting Star Wars fans at Disney Parks, giving them a chance to inhabit the far away galaxy for themselves. One highlight of the park is the exotic delicacies available to eat from around the Star Wars universe. Now fans don’t have to wait till they visit the park to try these. They just have to pick up a copy of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost Cookbook. The cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes, it’s an experience.
Spark of the Resistance - Review
This review does feature spoilers. The Journey to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has begun. There are three books and a comic series as part of the lead up to Episode IX from Lucasfilm Publishing. The first book out of the gate is Spark of the Resistance by Justina Ireland. Like Before the Awakening, that preceded The Force Awakens, this is a middle grade book with art from the brilliant Phil Noto.
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