OUT NOW: 'STAR WARS - VICTORY'S PRICE. AN ALPHABET SQUADRON NOVEL '

The final chapter in Alexander Freed's popular fighter squadron saga has arrived. Here's the official release details:

The aces of the New Republic have one final chance to defeat the darkness of Shadow Wing in this thrilling conclusion to the Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron trilogy!

In the wake of Yrica Quell’s shocking decision—and one of the fiercest battles of their lives—the remnants of Alphabet Squadron seek answers and closure across a galaxy whose old war scars are threatening to reopen.

Soran Keize has returned to the tip of Shadow Wing’s spear. Operation Cinder, the terrifying protocol of planetary extermination that began in the twilight of the Imperial era, burns throughout the galaxy. Shadow Wing is no longer wounded prey fleeing the hunters of the New Republic. With its leader, its strength has returned, and its Star Destroyers and TIE squadrons lurk in the darkness between stars, carrying out the fallen Emperor’s final edict of destruction—as well as another, stranger mission, one Keize has championed not for the dying Empire, but for its loyal soldiers.

Alphabet Squadron’s ships are as ramshackle and damaged as their spirits, but they’ve always had one another. Now, as they face the might of Keize’s reborn juggernaut, they aren’t sure they even have that. How do you catch a shadow? How do you kill it? And when you’re finally victorious, who pays the price?

Excerpt: 

https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-victorys-price-exclusive-excerpt

About the book: https://www.starwars.com/news/victorys-price

Get the book here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Victorys-Price-Star-Wars-Alphabet/dp/1984820079/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=ALPHABET+SQUADRON&qid=1615045863&sr=8-2

The trilogy is complete.

OUT THIS MONTH: 'STAR WARS: ALPHABET SQUADRON - SHADOW FALL'

Acclaimed author Alexander Freed's unique new take, post Return of the Jedi, on the continuing battle between the fledgling New Republic and the wrecked Galactic Empire continues with fast-paced authority and action/drama with Book Two of the Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron series, as Shadow Fall debuts this month (June 2020) in UK hardback, courtesy of Century. All-in-all, another welcome tonic of the reading kind during our very own stay-at-home war against a different kind of enemy!

Here's the official release blurb:

Alphabet Squadron’s hunt for the most dangerous TIE fighters in the galaxy continues in this STAR WARS adventure! News of the New Republic’s victory still reverberates through the galaxy. In its wake, the capital ships of the newly legitimized galactic government journey to the farthest stars, seeking out and crushing the remnants of Imperial tyranny. But some old ghosts are harder to banish than others. And none are more dangerous than Shadow Wing. Yrica Quell’s ragtag Alphabet Squadron still leads the search for Shadow Wing, but they’re no closer to their goal—and the pressure to find their quarry before it’s too late has begun to shake them apart. Determined to finish the fight once and for all, Quell works with New Republic Intelligence’s contentious Caern Adan and the legendary General Hera Syndulla to prepare the riskiest gambit of her starfighting career—a trap for Shadow Wing that could finish the chase once and for all. But in the darkness, their enemy has evolved. Soran Keize, last of the Imperial aces, has stepped into the power vacuum at the head of Shadow Wing, reinvigorating the faltering unit in their hour of need. Once adrift in the aftershocks of the war, Keize has found meaning again, leading the lost soldiers of his unit through to safety. The only thing standing in his way? The most mismatched squadron in the New Republic Navy, led by his former mentee: the traitor Yrica Quell.

Official release excerpt:
https://www.starwars.com/news/shadow-fall-exclusive-excerpt

Get Shadow Fall here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Shadow-Alexander-Freed/dp/1529124603/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7J8XJIAVWSWR&dchild=1&keywords=star+wars+shadow+fall&qid=1590761855&sprefix=star+wars+shadow%2Caps%2C274&sr=8-1

OUT THIS MONTH: 'STAR WARS - ALPHABET SQUADRON'!

New heroes, new history, as Alphabet Squadron debuts.

We've had the history-making Red Squadron who went against the odds and the mighty Death Star during the Battle of Yavin, followed by courageous young Luke Skywalker's command of Rogue Flight during the heady Battle of Hoth. Now, from the gritty war-making imagination and penmanship of fan favourite Alexander Freed, who'd prior brought such detailed and intense life, conflict, honour and duty to his Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Battlefront II novels, comes the all-new Star Wars - Alphabet Squadron, available in UK paperback from Century this 13th June 2019. A new band of diverse flying aces, led by a spirited heroine championed by the Lucasfilm Story Group: Yrica Quell, must challenge the tyrannical Empire after the galaxy-changing events of Return of the Jedi.

An epic and explosive storytelling crossover of novel and MARVEL Comics (of which an eight page full-colour preview centre section is included) surely awaits...

Here's the book info:

On the verge of victory in a brutal war, five New Republic pilots transform from hunted to hunters in this epic STAR WARS adventure. 

The Emperor is dead. His final weapon has been destroyed. The imperial army is in disarray. In the aftermath, Yrica Quell is just one of thousands of defectors from her former cause living in a deserters' shantytown―until she is selected to join Alphabet Squadron.

Cobbled together from an eclectic assortment of pilots and starfighters, the five members of Alphabet are tasked by New Republic General Hera Syndulla herself. Like Yrica, each is a talented pilot struggling to find their place in a changing galaxy. Their mission: to track down and destroy the mysterious Shadow Wing, a lethal force of TIE fighters exacting bloody, reckless vengeance in the twilight of their reign.

The newly formed unit embodies the heart and soul of the Rebellion: ragtag, resourceful, scrappy, and emboldened by their most audacious victory in decades. But going from underdog rebels to celebrated heroes isn't as easy as it seems, and their inner demons threaten them as much as their enemies among the stars. The wayward warriors of Alphabet Squad will have to learn to fly together if they want to protect the new era of peace they’ve fought so hard to achieve.

Book excerpt:
https://www.starwars.com/news/alphabet-squadron-excerpt

Author interview:
https://www.starwars.com/news/alphabet-squadron-alexander-freed-interview

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alphabet-Squadron-Alexander-Freed/dp/152912400X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=STAR+WARS+ALPHABET+SQUADRON&qid=1559476119&s=gateway&sr=8-1

ROGUE ONE: SLIPPED FROM HIS GRASP!

Mere moments too late to stop the Rebel Blockade Runner from escaping with the Death Star schematics transmitted from the now destroyed Imperial facility on Scarif, fearsome Lord Darth Vader,crimson lightsaber blade in hand after much ruthless slaughter of enemy soldiers, will not stop until he has traced the remaining Rebel spies to whatever secret part of the universe they are hiding at, in this great image from the finale to ROGUE ONE that was recently made available on TOPPS card format.

A worthy and exciting UK The Sunday Times bestseller chart entry, don't forget that Alexander Freed's expansive adaptation of ROGUE ONE is out now in meaty paperback form, with additional new scene content, from ARROW.

Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1784752924/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1494421298&sr=1-1&keywords=rogue+one+paperback

ROGUE ONE: REBELS VS WALKERS!

The classic and now infamous deleted scene from the superb teaser trailer for ROGUE ONE, the one which director Gareth Edwards was sad to let go with the films re-shoots, where Jyn and her band of unique Rebel soldiers race headlong into battle against AT-ACT Walkers on the shoreline of Scarif. Terrific art by Matt Ferguson.

Alexander Freed's acclaimed adaptation of the film that ultimately made it to our screens is out now in weighty and wonderful paperback form in the UK via ARROW BOOKS. And if you haven't already got it and absorbed its gritty atmosphere and bold heroics from cover to cover, then do so now!

Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=rogue+one+novel+paperback

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY' NOVELISATION

"Welcome to Rogue One!", out now in hardback from CENTURY PUBLISHING.

The arrival of any new STAR WARS novel adventure is something to be worthily celebrated, but when it's the novel adaptation of one of the film series (especially now in this new once-a-year Lucasfilm/Disney era), then there's something even more cherished and special to be savoured. Out now in hardback from CENTURY is ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, adapted by the well chosen dramatist warmonger that is Alexander Freed, an author of pedigree given the privileged honour of bringing to vivid life on the page the all-important first standalone movie of an  anthology series that will launch a whole new lifecycle of exploration within the George Lucas created universe. Publishing history in the making indeed...

A deadly mission for a new group of heroes.

And if you enjoyed Freed's foray into life, death and warfare with last year's BATTLEFRONT, then you're really going to love his return to conflict here- a solid and quite adult translation of the Gareth Edwards directed adventure, as seen on screen, to book form, of which the the author, following in the footsteps of greats like Alan Dean Foster and Terry Brooks, gets an intriguing opportunity to develop and expand on a diverse and truly life/battle scarred group of redemption seeking central heroes shakily pulling together to risk it all in fighting back against a galaxy-spanning and controlling Empire, and a vital quest to steal the Death Star plans against overwhelming odds - a story that sends them across all corners of enemy territory to a striking do-or-die concluding battle on the shores, skies and space of the lush beach world of Scarif.

A personal journey of courage like never before for thief turned warrior Jyn Erso.

Heroine Jyn Erso's growth from scavenger to Joan of Arc-esque figure is well structured, as is her personal destiny to find her scientist father and fear engineer Galen, after a prior life of hiding and training backstory is explored under the tutelage of her once protector in the skilled and resilient Saw Gerrera. The damaged goods "heroes" alongside her are additionally strengthened beyond the celluloid screen: her trigger ready chaperone in Captain Cassian Andor shows his tough and "necessary evil" duty to the Rebellion, born from a childhood of tragedy that has left its hardened mark on his soul. Then there are the mysterious Guardians of the Whills in Force faithful Chirrut Imwe and his less spiritual protector in the shadowy realist Baze Malbus- a unique friendship forged in honour and battle that gets some exploration, the latter showing true brutality during some neck and bone crunching retaliation against the Imperial Stormtroopers he so hates. At her sanctuary of Yavin IV, there's consequences and action of a different kind- the political ideals and leadership testing of Rebel Leader Mon Mothma given interesting examination, as is her senate history between the events of EPISODE III and ROGUE ONE- Mothma is clearly one of the best fusions of Prequel and Classic Trilogy universes that any STAR WARS fan could ask for.

Next to Jyn, though, its probably former Imperial transport/shuttle pilot with a conscience Bodhi Rook that gets the most expanded character material, especially highlighting his getting by and ignoring it all past, and during his capture and subsequent mind torture by Gerrera and his nomad army on Imperial occupied Jedha. Rook truly is the everyman character we can relate to- the guy caught up in a bigger universe and who has to show his courage in the most explosive of conflicts.

On the rain drenched world of Eadu, Krennic confronts Galen on security matters.

On the enemy side, Freed knows how to make the Empire more loathsome than ever, doing a fine job of character advancing the ambitious Weapons Director Orson Krennic and his love/hate relationship with the scientist he has used and abused for years in Galen Erso- the catalyst for the Death Star, the space station moon whose final construction he plans to cement his reputation on with and for the Emperor. Screen villain great Darth Vader's presence, as in the film, remains brief but essential- a true watchdog to the intensifying power play between Krennic and his rival in Grand Moff Tarkin, the latter as satisfyingly calculating and evil here as he was back in 1977.

With so many trailers and clips showing deleted scenes and an alternate section of the Battle of Scarif, its disappointing that only a few sections of additional dialogue and a few differing action moments make it to the finished book- thankfully, the iconic TIE fighter versus Jyn moment is one such welcome plus. As with all good adaptations, Freed wisely gets to cover up some glaring plot holes- kudos for explaining just how the Expanded Universe named Tantive IV got to be involved in the Battle of Scarif, though a few tribute errors still slip by- one glaringly obvious linked to a certain droid cameo that I can't wait to see Pablo Hidalgo explain away...

The powder keg that is Jedha explodes on the Imperials!

Adding between chapters weight to the drama and its blistering blaster fire and scorched flesh, Freed cleverly weaves in important communiques and documents from Rebel and Imperial lines, from the likes of intelligence reports to the ingenious way that Galen Erso has the thermal exhaust port weakness sneaked in to the Death Star's construction at the last minute, unnoticed by the hungry for activation Krennic - important and further complex shadings of grey added to the universe and era setting, of which Mon Mothma's final tribute to Jyn Erso is nicely handled.

AFICIONADO RATING: Putting the "War" back into STAR WARS, giving us the blood, sweat and tears of new iconic heroes fighting in a time before the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and the emergence of Luke Skywalker, inside a story that we all wanted to see told cinematically, this is a fine adaptation of ROGUE ONE, working effectively as a continuance of James Luceno's earlier released original story CATALYST, and as the tough and rewarding lead-in to Alan Dean Foster's seminal 1976 work. 4 out of 5

Already a best seller, get the book here: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: Amazon.co.uk: Alexander Freed: 9781780894782: Books

Get James Luceno's lead-in: CATALYST:A ROGUE ONE NOVEL here: Star Wars: Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel: Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: 9781780893679: Books

ROGUE ONE: THE COURAGE OF JYN ERSO!

She may have had a tragic and isolated childhood, but Jyn Erso would eventually strike back against the dreaded Empire as a bold resistance fighter, becoming mentor Saw Gerrera's finest combat protege in the process. Her courage and faith in a rebellion built on hope is heavily tested but ultimately shines through during the dramatic and explosive events of ROGUE ONE.

Follow her emotional life journey and mission to rescue her father and retrieve the Death Star plans from Imperial hands in the striking novel adaptation of ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY by Alexander Freed, out now in hardback from CENTURY.

Go beyond the film with a novelization featuring new scenes and expanded material.

As the shadows of the Empire loom ever larger across the galaxy, so do deeply troubling rumors. The Rebellion has learned of a sinister Imperial plot to bring entire worlds to their knees. Deep in Empire-dominated space, a machine of unimaginable destructive power is nearing completion. A weapon too terrifying to contemplate . . . and a threat that may be too great to overcome.

If the worlds at the Empire’s mercy stand any chance, it lies with an unlikely band of allies: Jyn Erso, a resourceful young woman seeking vengeance; Cassian Andor, a war-weary rebel commander; Bodhi Rook, a defector from the Empire’s military; Chirrut Ïmwe, a blind holy man and his crack-shot companion, Baze Malbus; and K-2SO, a deadly Imperial droid turned against its former masters. In their hands rests the new hope that could turn the tide toward a crucial Rebellion victory―if only they can capture the plans to the Empire’s new weapon.

But even as they race toward their dangerous goal, the specter of their ultimate enemy―a monstrous world unto itself―darkens the skies. Waiting to herald the Empire’s brutal reign with a burst of annihilation worthy of its dreaded name: Death Star.

Get it here: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: Amazon.co.uk: Alexander Freed: 9781780894782: Books

ROGUE ONE: WITH ADDITIONAL FIREPOWER!

Most of the ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY action footage of the Imperial Stormtroopers on Scarif shore patrol or fighting the Rebels ultimately never made the final cut, but at least this great shot, also featuring AT-ATC Walkers, managed to survive intact.

No stranger to bringing realistic and vivid war action and gritty characterisation to the printed page, Alexander Freed is surely the right person to pen the upcoming novel adaptation of ROGUE ONE, out this week in UK hardback from CENTURY.

Get it here: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: Amazon.co.uk: Alexander Freed: 9781780894782: Books

OUT THIS MONTH IN UK PAPERBACK: 'STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT: TWILIGHT COMPANY'

We're still five months away from experiencing the gritty, hip-deep-in-the-action characters and camera work of Gareth Edward's Rebel versus Empire battle for the Death Star plans that is ROGUE ONE. Until then, and to get you fully prepared for that incredible and brutal conflict ahead, why not try out the densely atmospheric war tale that is Alexander Freed's acclaimed STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT: TWILIGHT COMPANY, taking the world of populist and innovative video gaming and translating it to the kind of realism, of blood, sweat and consequences, and where people can suddenly transform into brave heroes, that can only be found in novel form, out next week in UK paperback, courtesy of ARROW BOOKS. With such similar content and atmosphere, its no surprise to me that the author has been confidently commissioned by LUCAS BOOKS to handle the official novel adaptation of the eagerly awaited lead-in movie to the original Star Wars!

Excerpt: In Star Wars Battlefront: Twilight Company, Darth Vader Strikes - Exclusive Excerpt! | StarWars.com

Get it here: Star Wars: Battlefront: Twilight Company: Amazon.co.uk: Alexander Freed: 9781784750046: Books

COMING SOON: 'STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT - TWILIGHT COMPANY'

Acting as a timely companion to the upcoming, surely incredible new adrenaline-fuelled BATTLEFRONT video game, and a fine nod to the kind of tie-ins so enjoyed by fans during 1996's SHADOWS OF THE EMPIRE event, Alexander Freed's canon novel of an elite group of Rebel soldiers- Twilight Company - caught in heavy and overwhelming battle against the Empire's immense armries, arrives in formidable hardback from CENTURY PUBLISHING UK this 5th November, 2015 - bringing spectacular STAR WARS universe fireworks to Bonfire Night!

Here's the publicity blurb:

A companion novel inspired by the hotly anticipated videogame Star Wars: Battlefront, this action-packed adventure follows a squad of soldiers caught in the trenches of the ultimate galactic war between good and evil.

The bravest soldiers. The toughest warriors. The ultimate survivors.
 
Among the stars and across the vast expanses of space, the Galactic Civil War rages. On the battlefields of multiple worlds in the Mid Rim, legions of ruthless stormtroopers—bent on crushing resistance to the Empire wherever it arises—are waging close and brutal combat against an armada of freedom fighters. In the streets and alleys of ravaged cities, the front-line forces of the Rebel Alliance are taking the fight to the enemy, pushing deeper into Imperial territory and grappling with the savage flesh-and-blood realities of war on the ground.
 
Leading the charge are the soldiers—men and women, human and nonhuman—of the Sixty-First Mobile Infantry, better known as Twilight Company. Hard-bitten, war-weary, and ferociously loyal to one another, the members of this renegade outfit doggedly survive where others perish, and defiance is their most powerful weapon against the deadliest odds. When orders come down for the rebels to fall back in the face of superior opposition numbers and firepower, Twilight reluctantly complies. Then an unlikely ally radically changes the strategic equation—and gives the Alliance’s hardest-fighting warriors a crucial chance to turn retreat into resurgence.
 
Orders or not, alone and outgunned but unbowed, Twilight Company locks, loads, and prepares to make its boldest maneuver—trading down-and-dirty battle in the trenches for a game-changing strike at the ultimate target: the very heart of the Empire’s military machine.

Get the book here: Star Wars: Battlefront: Twilight Company (Star Wars Battlefront Tie in): Amazon.co.uk: Alex Freed: 9781780893655: Books

The latest STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT game for Xbox One, from EA, arrives November 19th, 2015:

Star Wars Battlefront Reveal Trailer - YouTube
Star Wars Battlefront | Official Trailer |E3 2014 - YouTube
Star Wars Battlefront: Co-Op Missions Gameplay Reveal | E3 2015 “Survival Mode” on Tatooine - YouTube

Get the game here: Star Wars: Battlefront (Xbox One): Amazon.co.uk: PC & Video Games