the clone wars – Author Anthony Avina

The Synopsis

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….

The Review

As a longtime Star Wars fan, I can easily say Ahsoka is one of the greatest modern characters in the franchise. Her rise from a Jedi Padawan to a powerful Jedi in her own right to leaving the Order right before its demise makes her character arc so intriguing. Knowing her future thanks to the shows Rebels and The Mandalorian, it’s great that this author has found a way to highlight the early years after the Empire’s rise, and how much she had to endure before she became the rebel known as Fulcrum.

The story feels like a natural and engaging new chapter in the Star Wars mythos. Having the story focus on aspects of her journey like having her powers and connection to the force dulled was an incredible detail to add to the story. The novel itself feels like a great character study for such an integral part of the Clone Wars/Rebels saga of storytelling. The imagery really made the story feel alive and like I was in that fabled galaxy far, far away, and the author’s attention to detail in the mythology itself really sold this story overall.

The Verdict

An action-packed, faithful, and entertaining read, author E.K. Johnston’s “Ahsoka” is a must-read Star Wars story. The attention to detail for longtime fans of the series and its mythos will absolutely love this dive into the narrative. A beautiful blend of the end of the Clone Wars and the rise of the Empire, this story showcases how in one of the franchise’s darkest moments, the hope that the Jedi once represented is still alive and thriving in the legacy of Ahsoka Tano. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

E.K. Johnston had several jobs and one vocation before she became a published writer. If she’s learned anything, it’s that things turn out weird sometimes, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Well, that and how to muscle through awkward fanfic because it’s about a pairing she likes.

You can follow Kate on Twitter (@ek_johnston) to learn more about Alderaanian political theory than you really need to know, or on Tumblr (ekjohnston) if you’re just here for pretty pictures.

Star Wars: Dark Disciples by Christine Golden Book Review

One of the most complicated love stories ever told in the Star Wars universe!

Let me start off by stating the obvious: I’m a huge Star Wars fan. No, I can’t speak Wookie or list the entire history of the Republic, but I do
love the story and the characters of the Star Wars universe started by George Lucas and curated by several writers and creators over the decades.
In Christine Golden’s novel Star Wars: Dark Disciple, fans are treated to an untold story from just before the end of the Clone Wars, when the
Jedi Order became desperate and turn to an unlikely ally for a mission to end the war. Here is the synopsis:

Based on unproduced scripts from the blockbuster TV show Star Wars: The Clone Wars!

The only way to bring down the dark side’s most dangerous warrior may be for Jedi and Sith to join forces.

In the war for control of the galaxy between the armies of the dark side and the Republic, former Jedi Master turned ruthless Sith Lord Count
Dooku has grown ever more brutal in his tactics. Despite the powers of the Jedi and the military prowess of their clone army, the sheer number
of fatalities is taking a terrible toll. And when Dooku orders the massacre of a flotilla of helpless refugees, the Jedi Council feels it has no
choice but to take drastic action: targeting the man responsible for so many war atrocities, Count Dooku himself.

But the ever-elusive Dooku is dangerous prey for even the most skilled hunter. So the Council makes the bold decision to bring both sides of the
Force’s power to bear—pairing brash Jedi Knight Quinlan Vos with infamous one-time Sith acolyte Asajj Ventress. Though Jedi distrust for the
cunning killer who once served at Dooku’s side still runs deep, Ventress’s hatred for her former master runs deeper. She’s more than willing to
lend her copious talents as a bounty hunter—and assassin—to Vos’s quest.

Together, Ventress and Vos are the best hope for eliminating Dooku—as long as the emerging feelings between them don’t compromise their mission.
But Ventress is determined to have her retribution and at last let go of her dark Sith past. Balancing the complicated emotions she feels for
Vos with the fury of her warrior’s spirit, she resolves to claim victory on all fronts—a vow that will be mercilessly tested by her deadly enemy
… and her own doubt.

The intimate and complicated love story of Ventress and Vos is something to behold. Both beheld to a sense of duty, (Vos to the Jedi, Ventress to
her revenge and mission to leave the dark side behind her), the novel does an excellent job of exploring the shades of grey that exist amongst
the Force users of the Star Wars universe. While for some it’s as simple as the light versus the dark side, there are others who see a chance to
explore the depths of both sides of the force. The ruthless nature of the Clone Wars and the way these two characters are tested between their
mission and their feelings for one another makes this a gripping tale that every Star Wars fan should read.

Overall, this is a fantastic novel. I love the chemistry between Voss and Ventris, and the way their story impacts major characters like Obi-Wan
and Anakin Skywalker. I especially loved getting to see more sides of Ventris, who has always been a complicated character in the mythology, from
a Sith assassin to a fallen Nightsister to a bounty hunter for hire. Author Christie Golden really has done a masterful job of bringing these
characters to life in a way where you feel emotionally connected to them, and this is a true testament to the power of the author’s writing. If
you haven’t yet, you should check out Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden today!