Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott

Cover Art Courtesy of Goodreads

After reading Black Spire, I decided to tackle the entire Del Rey Star Wars canon. For those counting, it's currently at 23 books long. Jumping in at the beginning of the canon, my first read was Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott. Now this one is a little bit different, in that it was originally created as an audio production, then the script was turned into a book. Because of this, I chose to listen to the audio while I read along to the script so I was able to consume the media in its intended form.

This is basically Count Dooku's back story. This tells the tale of how Dooku started as a Padawan, training to become a Jedi. It talks about his family, as well as the relationships he had with other major Star Wars players, like Master Yoda (he was Yoda's own Padawan), and Qui-Gon Jinn (who Dooku chose as his Padawan). It also tells of how he abandoned the life of a Jedi to become Count of Serenno. The whole story is basically told through flashbacks, as his assasin Asajj Ventress learns about what makes her master tick.

I loved listening to the audio of this story as I read along with the script. It did take me a while to get through it this way, but hearing the full cast along with the sound effects really brought the story to life. I don't listen to a ton of audiobooks, but when I do I really prefer ones with a full cast.

I think learning about Dooku's back story was fascinating, and I really enjoyed the insight into why he is the way he is as we know him in the movies. You also got to learn more about Ventress through this story as well. 

Next up in the canon for me is Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray, a story about Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Black Spire by Delilah S. Dawson

Cover Art Courtesy of Goodreads

I am a huge Star Wars fan, but I'd never read any of the canon novels until now. When Black Spire by Delilah S. Dawson was released, I had to pick up a copy to read before my visit to Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World, a land featuring the Black Spire Outpost: the main setting for this read. Vi Moradi has been sent by General Leia Organa to the planet Batuu, specifically the Black Spire Outpost, to determine its feasibility and set up a new base for the Resistance. But the First Order is onto her, and sends a party to Batuu determined to find her and shut down her mission.

I can't even begin to put into words how much I loved this story. Vi Moradi was an amazing character with startling ambition, especially when faced with tremendous adversity. I couldn't get enough of the sassily morose droid Pook. All of the side characters were wonderful, and Batuu was so well described that when I walked into the land at WDW I felt like I was coming home.

Me outside the Droid Depot
with some blue milk!

I'm so happy I read this book before visiting Galaxy's Edge. It made the whole experience so much better for me. I recognized all the businesses, as well as understood the back story and characters present in the land. I was thrilled to have drinks at Oga's Cantina, especially after knowing how terrifying its mob boss owner was, and excited to grab a snack from Ronto Roasters. I even shrieked as I saw Vi Moradi herself, blue hair and all, running through the land on her quest to evade the First Order. If you're planning a visit to Galaxy's Edge at WDW or Disneyland, I highly recommend reading this book first!

After reading and loving this novel so much, I've decided to read all of the Del Rey Star Wars canon novels in order, starting with Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott, which just came out yesterday. I'm sure I've spoiled some things for myself, since Black Spire comes towards the end of the canon, but I'm totally fine with that if it means I get to experience more amazing Star Wars novels.

Bright suns!

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

It's no secret that I love Star Wars. When Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) passed away in December, I was distraught. Shortly before her passing she had released a new book, The Princess Diarist (in fact, she was on the press tour for this book when she had the heart attack that ultimately killed her). I put it on my to-read list right after it came out, but due to her death it was sold out virtually everywhere. I FINALLY managed to get my hands on a copy, and devoured it immediately. 

The book details Carrie's experiences filming the first Star Wars movie, her naivete in Hollywood, and of course, her affair with Harrison Ford *swoon*. In addition to her modern narrative, it also includes excerpts from the diaries she kept while filming-everything from self-loathing entries to romantic poetry. It closes with what it personally meant to her to be Princess Leia, which was in my opinion the most touching part of the book. Interspersed throughout the book are also black and white images from Carrie's golden years, including snaps with her Star Wars costars and with Warren Beatty on the set of her first film, Shampoo. 

This was a quick, enjoyable, and sadly nostalgic read. I feel like Carrie was the perfect combination of brutally honest, sarcastic, and witty, and that came through so well in this book. My only complaint would be that I wish the diary entries were more scattered throughout the book rather than all shoved smack dab in the middle.

Thanks, Carrie, for giving us one of the most badass female characters of all time. Rest in peace, Princess, and may the Force be with you.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars