'STAR WARS - THE HIGH REPUBLIC: THE FALLEN STAR' - COMING SOON

Critically acclaimed author Claudia Gray returns to the Star Wars Expanded Universe, taking on fresh creative challenges within the popular all-new The High Republic series of bestseller adventures, as The Fallen Star comes to UK paperback from Century on 4th January, 2022.

Here's the official release blurb.

In this gripping sequel to Star Wars: The Rising Storm, the light of the Jedi faces its darkest hour.

Time and again, the vicious raiders known as the Nihil have sought to bring the golden age of the High Republic to a fiery end. Time and again, the High Republic has emerged battered and weary, but victorious thank to its Jedi protectors-and there is no monument to their cause grander than the Starlight Beacon.

Hanging like a jewel in the Outer Rim, the Beacon embodies the High Republic at the apex of its aspirations: a hub of culture and knowledge, a bright torch against the darkness of the unknown, and an extended hand of welcome to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. As survivors and refugees flee the Nihil's attacks, the Beacon and its crew stand ready to shelter and heal.

The grateful Knights and Padawans of the Jedi Order stationed there finally have a chance to recover-from the pain of their injuries and the grief of their losses. But the storm they thought had passed still rages; they are simply caught in its eye. Marchion Ro, the true mastermind of the Nihil, is preparing his most daring attack yet-one designed to snuff out the light of the Jedi.

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Fallen-High-Republic/dp/1529150140/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3TV6T748C3CR8&keywords=the+fallen+star+star+wars&qid=1639660042&sprefix=the+fallen+star%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1

Also released that month (6th January, 2022) in the paperback edition of Cavan Scott's earlier book in the series: The Rising Storm.

More info here:

https://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.com/2021/06/out-this-month-high-republic-rising.html

Get it here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Rising-Storm-Republic/dp/0593357310/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+rising+storm+star+wars+paperback&qid=1639660414&sr=8-1

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'MASTER & APPRENTICE'

Having capably written adventures for key Star Wars saga heroes within the Classic and Sequel Trilogy Expanded Universes, the acclaimed Claudia Gray now gets the lucky opportunity to enter the Prequel-sphere, to build on its own unique realms and characters in crafting an all-new tale of mystery, intrigue and danger for Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his dutiful Padawan learner, Obi-Wan Kenobi, set at a time before the events that see them encounter The Phantom Menace. Master & Apprentice, out now in UK hardback from Century, is another fan gift delivered in this year's notable 20th Anniversary celebrations for EPISODE I.

Our popular Jedi heroes- ready for action.

Kick-starting the book off on an action note, Gray has our heroes in conflict with a slimy member of the Hutt clan on Teth, effectively re-establishing the two Jedi's original, formidable pairing, yet also the tense, uneasy relationship between them. Seventeen-year old Obi-Wan has the reckless streak he'd remind Yoda about years later, as well as making the odd cheeky comeback about dangerous situations we'd be used to during the opening to EPISODE I. But there is deep uncertainty nonetheless on whether his tutelage and friendship with the older, seasoned veteran in Qui-Gon Jinn will endure, his never seemingly able to do right by him, Qui- Gon, himself is as equally insecure, ponders whether he should have been given a learner, the maverick in him remembering his unusual teaching and partnership during his younger years with the enigmatic Count Dooku, who, at this point in the saga, has showed his disappointment with the Order and quit to return to his ancestral home on Serenno. In this time of internal crisis, a place is vacant in the Jedi leadership, and an offer is made to Qui-Gon that may change his and Obi-Wan's lives indefinitely.

The dutiful yet troubled young Obi-Wan Kenobi still has the chance to raise a smile or two during their assignment.

Meanwhile, on the far-off realms of the planet Pijal, another unorthodox Jedi- Rael Averross - former friend to Qui-Gon, but with a controversial past to prior separate them, is acting as regent to a young, barely out of her teens, crown princess (who has, along the way in tutelage, picked-up some of his best and worst qualities) at a critical time in her planet's history. Far more inexperienced than a certain, later queen of Naboo, Fanry's leadership, and Pijal itself, is soon threatened with terrorism from a rather unusual source by the the eve of her coronation, alongside the signing of an important treaty linked to the recent discovery of a new hyperspace link capable of opening up trade for her once isolationist system. With his concerns building, it isn't long before Averross sends a call for assistance to Coruscant, of which our duo are swiftly dispatched, discovering that there is more to this terrorist scenario than meets the eye.

In their investigations, Qui-Gon will face the greatest of tests: to his friendship and partnership with his Padawan learner, his once loyalties to his old friend in Averross, and to his past prophecy/teachings legacy acquired from Count Dooku. Elements all linked to a series of macabre and violent Force visions of the future related to the Pijal princess and the upcoming coronation.

The legacy of Count Dooku resonates throughout the book.

As with her distinguished work bringing the seasoned General Leia Organa to life in Bloodline, Gray's grasp of the existing iconic Star Wars characters presented in Master & Apprentice remains consistently excellent. Her developing of the noble but flawed Qui-Gon Jinn proves especially satisfying. As too is more information on the disturbing presence and legacy of Count Dooku, a complex, shadowy figure- never one to have had an easy relationship with the Jedi Council, what with his differing viewpoints on certain past and present decisions they have made. The dour and disciplined Dooku, and his strict relationships with the young and eager to please Qui-Gon on Coruscant, as well as his former pupil in Averross - in past prologues - reveal hints of the disturbing nature building within his nature, and whose own unorthodox streak would become a part of his Padawan learners lives and instincts as established Jedi, though in different way. Gray capably develops some of the early through-lines that will lead Dooku on the dark path, her work acting as an additional tie-in to the upcoming audio novel for the enigmatic villain, written by Cavan Scott. Furthermore in the Lucas-created playground, she also provides some intriguing tit-bits and details about the Jedi and their temple environment, expanding on what was seen in the Prequels, alongside those aforementioned clever lead-ins and subtle tributes to EPISODE I.

Prophecies and danger await Qui-Gon Jinn.

The author equally enjoys crafting her own new civilisation with a deliberately different in tone royal leadership to the one seen with Queen Amidala and Naboo in EPISODE I. Sadly, Pijal fares as one of the Expanded Universe's less memorable forays, whilst her new supporting players operating within it failed to be interesting enough to capture any of my personal enthusiasm. The new Jedi in Rael Averross is another of those quirky Han Solo-ish types, not too dissimilar to Kenobi's later Clone Wars comrade Quinlan Vos, created so as to get away from the serious and very dry personalities of the Order on Coruscant, and generate better dialogue, banter and conflict with our existing heroes. It's all been done before - in fact, why didn't Miss Gray just tailor the story for that existing character in the first place! Likewise lacking in originality, a duo of galaxy-traversing gem thieves searching for a special and familiar crystal on Pijal, plus a rather nondescript galactic corporation whose strength and persuasion in the political scheme and destiny of events threatens to upset things further for the Queen's official rule.

Ultimately, the Prequel Trilogy should have had a more thrilling adventure than what we ultimately got with Master & Apprentice. Indeed, this could easily have been a Star Trek novel, for which Kirk and Spock would have been Federation ambassadors instead of our Jedi duo. Despite the notable icon characterisations, the tale lacks that special quality which makes Star Wars so unique and vigorous in comparison to other sci-fi/fantasy. Continuing the originality and huge scale of George Lucas's imagination within the Prequels seems difficult for authors to truly aspire to.

AFICIONADO RATING: Though I eagerly applaud any new Prequel-era set book, I'm overall sorry to say that Master & Apprentice was not quite the page-turner I'd enthusiastically hoped for. To Miss Gray's credit, it is a well-plotted tale that manages to generate a surprise or two by conclusion, but it's unlikely to be pulled down from my book shelf for a re-read anytime soon, especially in comparison to older, more exciting Expanded Universe adventures. 3 out of 5

Get Master & Apprentice here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Master-Apprentice-Star-Wars-Claudia/dp/1780899882/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QMPIKV0VSW6D&keywords=master+and+apprentice+star+wars&qid=1556456839&s=gateway&sprefix=MASTER+AND+APPRE%2Caps%2C309&sr=8-1

Author interview:
https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-master-apprentice-claudia-gray-interview

OUT THIS MONTH IN THE UK: 'MASTER & APPRENTICE'

'For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic...'

Epic and evocative words from the Jedi Master in self-exile Obi-Wan Kenobi to the young and impressionable Luke Skywalker, then for the first time wielding the magical lightsaber of his father, from the original Star Wars. Words that made an impressionable impact on the minds of millions of worldwide cinema-going fans too, whose wish to see these extraordinary Samurai/monk-like heroes of old in their prime finally came to life twenty-two years later with the arrival of George Lucas's prequel saga, and in particular via the realisation of a younger more hot-headed version of Kenobi, brought to life with enthused zeal by Ewan McGregor, paired with an all-new character of noble yet maverick charisma, truly at one with the so far known nature of the Living Force- Master Qui-Gon Jinn, as played with distinction by Liam Neeson. On screen, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gonn made for a worthy pairing, especially in the dramatic scenes linked to the potential discovery of The Chosen One, and in their breathtaking final apocalyptic lightsaber duel against the emergent emissary of the Dark Side in Sith Assassin, Darth Maul.

But before the Invasion of Naboo, and before the entire events of the Prequel era launched with EPISODE I, popular author Claudia Gray returns to the franchise's book realms, charting an all-new 'past' adventure for the two Jedi, during the early testing days of what will become their unique friendship as servants of the Old Republic. Out this month in the UK (April 18th, 2019), the eagerly awaited Century hardback edition: Master & Apprentice.

Here's the book details:

A Jedi must be a fearless warrior, a guardian of justice, and a scholar in the ways of the Force. But perhaps a Jedi’s most essential duty is to pass on what they have learned. Master Yoda trained Dooku; Dooku trained Qui-Gon Jinn; and now Qui-Gon has a Padawan of his own. But while Qui-Gon has faced all manner of threats and danger as a Jedi, nothing has ever scared him like the thought of failing his apprentice.

Obi-Wan Kenobi has deep respect for his Master, but struggles to understand him. Why must Qui-Gon so often disregard the laws that bind the Jedi? Why is Qui-Gon drawn to ancient Jedi prophecies instead of more practical concerns? And why wasn’t Obi-Wan told that Qui-Gon is considering an invitation to join the Jedi Council―knowing it would mean the end of their partnership? The simple answer scares him: Obi-Wan has failed his Master.

When Jedi Rael Aveross, another former student of Dooku, requests their assistance with a political dispute, Jinn and Kenobi travel to the Royal Court of Pijal for what may be their final mission together. What should be a simple assignment quickly becomes clouded by deceit, and by visions of violent disaster that take hold in Qui-Gon’s mind. As Qui-Gon’s faith in prophecy grows, Obi-Wan’s faith in him is tested―just as a threat surfaces which will demand that Master and Apprentice come together as never before, or be divided forever.

Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Master-Apprentice-Star-Wars-Claudia/dp/1780899882/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1VY27MUGAT0YN&keywords=master+and+apprentice+star+wars&qid=1554044871&s=gateway&sprefix=master+and+apprentice%2Caps%2C471&sr=8-1

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'LEIA: PRINCESS OF ALDERAAN'

NOTE: This review contains mild spoilers...

A worthy tribute to Carrie Fisher, Princess Leia and the saga's landmark anniversary, Claudia Gray returns to the STAR WARS book franchise, bringing her commendable characterisation skills to bear once more in capturing the essence of Carrie Fisher's portrayal of the classic heroine, this time in a pre- A New Hope time: Leia's younger, to-be-defined years as a Princess and Rebel cell leader, as Leia: Princess of Alderaan becomes another must-have book for any Classic STAR WARS fan's collection, out now in the UK from EGMONT.

Aged sixteen, the story begins for Leia on a warm and positive note within the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of her home of Alderaan, as the beloved young Princess takes the traditional time of age vows in readiness to accept her ultimate positioning as the next benevolent and inspiring Queen of her people. The author brings affectionate depth to the character's genesis, effectively weaving the elements together for a memorable and well realized portrait of a young Leia, keeping her early years in continuity with the princess and rebel leader she will become by the time of A New Hope.

Worrying times on Alderaan for Leia and Bail Organa. Art by Chris Trevas.

And in Princess of Alderaan, Leia Organa is certainly young. Very young. She's impressionable, bold, daring, spiky and imaginative-her heart full of passionate neediness to make her parents happy, and genetically hardwired to help and aide her people and the many imperiled across the galaxy by the longstanding dominions of the Galactic Empire. The gusty and instinctive side of Leia we all enjoy may shine through on the outside, but on the inside, however, she still has many of the doubts, insecurities, and worries that any normal sixteen year old would have. even with her privileged royal status. Fallibilities that show on her whilst on the brink of entering womanhood, though with the supportive comfort of having the most dedicated, loyal and loving adopted parents that she could ever wish for In Queen Breha and Viceroy Bail Organa.

Helping her father in his diplomatic work, going back and forth across the galaxy and particularly cultivating her skills from political offices on Coruscant, Leia soon enters the start of her Apprentice Legislature career within the Galactic Senate, whilst finally let off the leash in being able to start doing work on her own that will surely benefit the poorer and less fortunate member worlds within the Empire, many of whom have already had their fates decided for the worst in the prior aftermath of The Clone Wars. Her first solo mission, under the watch and protection of loyal Captain Antilles aboard the Tantive IV cruiser, takes us to the planet Wobani, where her ingenuity and quick-thinking to save and relocate some of its withering populace, working within the tight restrictions prior imposed by the Emperor, quickly establishes her reputation, to be loathed by the irritated Imperials unable to act against her whilst Alderaan wields some political influence inside the Imperial Senate. With this starting point it won't be long before the Princess becomes legendary and exemplified for her "mercy missions". With such maneuverings, even her colleagues and soon friends in the legislature will start feeling a little exhausted by her noble and compassionate efforts.

Undercover in her duty to the Rebellion.

At the same time that Leia is fully seeing the effects of Palpatine's rule and the heavy bullying of his legions of commanders and troopers, the first hints of the Rebel Alliance's attacks on the Empire are now beginning to pique her curiosity, and just as she is starting to feel anxious and unsettled about her parents, that they seem more distant and preoccupied with outer duties of which she knows nothing about. A mysterious situation that soon changes with that early work on Wobani, and Leia's personal investigative discoveries about why her parents have seemingly ignored her. Once revealed, she cannot resist the urge, the calling in her heart, to aid them wherever she can, despite their paternal worries and early protestations. But with the burden pressures and emotional isolation of her family secrets, and not being able to tell anyone else, the risks to life-the death of innocents and the potential discovery of her parents involvement- all too great, how long can she keep a bold front and not feel the need to confide in someone herself?

Amilyn Holdo, as she'll be seen by the time of  The Last Jedi.

As this new calling and its many pressures build, her physical and psychological training for the legislature continues as a welcome and guiding distraction, not just set on Alderaan but other key worlds whose diverse environments are a key to personal growth and inner development, amidst a group of trainees that include a quirky tomboy figure  soon be one of the major Resistance players alongside Leia introduced during The Last Jedi: Amilyn Holdo, very much a quirky spiritualist- of colourful hair and standout manners as one the senate's rising stars, soon winning the friendship of Leia, as she too works within the rules to challenge tyranny and oppression, and whose love of  astrology soon proves beneficial. Most importantly, the Princess will find love, too, specifically with a fellow Alderaanian who is just as passionate and fired up about fairness, justice and peace as she is: Kier Domardi. A young romantic liaison that will surely end in tragedy- as they all seemingly do in fairy tales- though from its consequences will come a stronger resolve in the Princess's heart and mind in wanting to defeat the Empire

Queen Breha of Alderaan gets a fine showcasing in the book.

There's no doubt that Gray's capturing of Leia is impressive but so is the author's development of Alderaan, one of the original mystery worlds of the 1977 film, notably its epicentre Royal House and lineage past and present, all of which is a joy to read, especially continuing on from what was established at the end of EPISODE III and seen with The Clone Wars episode, Assassin.We all know how brave Bail Organa is working under the lines of evil, but this book is noteworthy in bringing to life Queen Breha and her parental relationship with Leia -we realise just how important she will be to the cause and how firm her beliefs are in the rebel fight,

There's some nice cameos from the likes of Rebel heroes-to-be like Mon Mothma, two certain droids, a mention here and there of Saw Gerrera and his trouble-causing partisans, and early spars with the cruel Governor Tarkin, already suspicious of the Organa family's associations. Planet visitations old and new are an integral part of the story, plus another vital link to The Last Jedi with the new/old world of salt and red core that is Crait. Even the Naboo system gets a welcome look-in decades after the prequels- in her visit there, surely the closest that Leia will ever get to seeing her original secret heritage at that point (but never knowing it), she'll meet its current beleaguered queen, as well as an intriguing cameo from a former patriot hero linked to EPISODE I - all of which is nicely handled.

With an intriguing first sign of her powers in the Force subtly revealed, the story ends with a race against time by Leia to aid her father, resulting in the end of her innocence. Even darker days lie ahead for her and the rebellion, but their light will emerge...

AFICIONADO RATING: Not so much a book with a central story, rather a story of character development and growth, about a girl evolving into womanhood and iconic hero-dom within the STAR WARS universe. 4 out of 5

Get the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Leia-Princess-Alderaan/dp/1405288906/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512663799&sr=8-1&keywords=princess+of+alderaan

OUT NOW IN UK PAPERBACK: 'LEIA - PRINCESS OF ALDERAAN'

Having won acclaim for her excellent characterisation of a middle-aged General Leia Organa caught-up in political intrigue and danger during the build-up to The Force Awakens, in Bloodline, Claudia Gray returns to pen another eagerly awaited tale for the 'Legacy' heroine, this time taking her back to her Classic Trilogy days, when she was the younger, though no less spirited and capable Princess Leia Organa, for the new EGMONT UK title: Leia - Princess of Alderaan, out now in bookshops and online. And, as a book that's part of the new Journey to The Last Jedi series, expect several important links to the upcoming VIII in its storytelling.

Here's the story blurb:

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away ... there was a princess who became a legend.

Sixteen-year-old Princess Leia Organa faces the most challenging task of her life so far. To be named heir to the throne of Alderaan, she must prove herself in body, mind and heart; she's taking rigorous survival courses, practicing politics, and spearheading relief missions to worlds under Imperial control. But Leia has worries beyond her claim to the crown. Her parents, Breha and Bail, aren't acting like themselves; determined to uncover their secrets, Leia sets down a dangerous path that puts her right under the watchful eye of the Empire. And when she discovers what her parents and their allies are planning behind closed doors, Leia
is faced with an impossible choice: dedicate herself to the people of Alderaan - including the man she loves - or to a galaxy in desperate need of a rebel hero ...

Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Leia-Princess-Alderaan/dp/1405288906/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1510244863&sr=1-1&keywords=leia+princess+of+alderaan

OUT NOW IN UK PAPERBACK: 'BLOODLINE'

She fought long and hard with words and blaster power in equal measure, made personal sacrifices beyond the call of duty, and suffered the loss of so many loved ones to restore the Republic from the prior decades of Galactic Empire dictatorship, so Senator Leia Organa will be damned if she lets the rising evil of what will become the First Order try and carve a foothold against the just about peace that has been kept for over fifteen years, as Claudia Gray's entertaining prelude to THE FORCE AWAKENS, Bloodline, arrives in UK paperback today from ARROW. Its definitely worth a read, of which the author captures Leia's personality, strength, vulnerability and courage effectively.

This paperback edition also comes with a STAR WARS INSIDER MAGAZINE short story from Delilah S. Dawson: Scorched.

Review: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: BLOODLINE

Get it here: Star Wars: Bloodline: Amazon.co.uk: Claudia Gray: 9781780892627: Books

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'BLOODLINE'

A troubled past, a troubled future for Princess Leia Organa, in Bloodline, out now in UK hardback.

STAR WARS: BLOODLINE

By Claudia Gray

Out now in UK hardback from CENTURY PUBLISHING

Reviewed by Scott Weller


Its been three years since her last main showcase adventure with the disappointing Razor's Edge (of what was to have been the ultimately doomed Empire and Rebellion book strand- remember that?!), but Princess Leia Organa is back, and in a much better adventure for her character, as the second prequel novel leading up to the events of THE FORCE AWAKENS, the ramifications-packed Bloodline, brought to us by the talented and acclaimed Claudia Gray, arrives worldwide in bookstores and online.

Leia's place within the New Republic Senate becomes fragile and threatened.

The idea of Leia for the most part spurning the fact of Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker as being her biological father, in favour of her adoptive parent hero figure of Bail Organa, had long been a part of Expanded Universe storytelling yore prior to its extinction a few years back, but Miss Gray firmly and effectively uses that element in more potent and memorable ways in Bloodline, as both a pivotal storytelling device and as part of a deepening character examination- Leia's secret heritage used deliberately against her by an ambitious, subtly manipulative female senatorial rival, deliberately detonated with all the power of a Death Star laser blast, just when she and her trio of blossoming young aides in adventure and mystery are investigating the emergence of a lethal new band of galactic pirates, soon uncovering behind them the first steps in the formation of what will eventually become the terror and might of the First Order.

Past and present collide, of which a dark parentage is explored.

Her Classic Trilogy traits of nobility, pluckiness, sarcasm and blaster aim brilliance, as well as her reputation as "Huttslayer", continue to shine brightly in Bloodline, yet Leia, seemingly not taking up her abilities as a Jedi, has also become older, wiser and vulnerably lonelier, quickly recognising that the New Republish she helped see in via the many consequences-packed battles of the past (once alongside the now absent Mon Mothma and the retired Admiral Ackbar) has now become as corrupted, manipulated and dangerous as the prior disintegration of the Old Republic and its re-genesis into the Empire, with uneasy and vain power clashes between Populist (of which Leia is a part) and Centrist fractions going nowhere, and only the incredulous temerity of a political opponent from the other side- the flamboyant, youthful and risk-taking rival in politics Senator Casterfo, possessing a strange but equally plot important fascination, nay repugnance to Leia, with old Empire "antiques", showing any willingness to help her within the Senate. But for how long? And just how will the turn of events eventually propel her from being a Princess to a General, and with it the creation of a Resistance?

Though her scenes were mostly cut in THE FORCE AWAKENS, a younger Korr Sella (Maisie Richardson-Sellers) gets to live again in Bloodlines.

Having the most to do in the book as a new character, Casterfo is realised well enough, and has some good interaction with Leia as the story heads towards its strong, well-constructed final third, though Leia's often awestruck aides in action with seeking X-wing pilot Joph Seastriker (a deliberate nod to the heroism of a young Luke Skywalker, so yearning for adventure he'd make Yoda squirm anew!) and pilot with a secret in former racer Greer Sonnel, failed to capture my enthusiasm. With their times and places in the Sequel history storytelling not yet confirmed, Luke Skywalker is conspicuous by his absence (communication with him at his secret Jedi Temple location having been cut off by electrical interference), as are her young and not yet corrupted son in Ben, and the evil Snoke, who really should have been placed somewhere in the tale. Thankfully, golden fusspot Threepio (now a master of more than a million forms of communication!) and hubby/scoundrel Han Solo make some strategically welcome appearances here and there to shore up the Classic Trilogy icons appearance list. Introducing characters in novel form that will become so important with THE FORCE AWAKENS (and beyond) must surely have been an additional joy for Miss Gray (alongside her clear skill at binding Classic and Prequel characters/histories together), as too weaving in the subtle contributions of EPISODE VIII's upcoming writer/director Rian Johnson, linked to the political skullduggery on the New Republic world of Hosnian Prime. Oh, its a tough job being a STAR WARS novelist, but somebody's gotta do it!

AFICIONADO RATING: Surely capturing the love and rabid attention of the new Sequel-ites, and with lots of echoes to the original Expanded Universe for older fans to enjoy, Claudia Gray looks set to become an important part of the STAR WARS book universe for the next few years with Bloodline and beyond. 3.5 out of 5. 

Get the book here: Star Wars: Bloodline: Amazon.co.uk: Claudia Gray: 9781780892627: Books

Details and Excerpt from Claudia Gray’s Novel Bloodline! | Star Wars News Net

Leia Organa: The Galactic Senate’s Only Hope — Galleys — Medium

Behind the scenes: The Star Wars Underworld: Lucasfilm's Pablo Hidalgo Shares 'Star Wars: Bloodline' Behind the Scenes Details on Twitter

CLASSIC IMAGE: THE PRINCESS, THE WOMAN...

One of my all-time favourite posed promotional images of Carrie Fisher, looking absolutely stunning in the outdoor light, from RETURN OF THE JEDI's publicity campaign. Revealed as "the other" by Obi-Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker, Leia certainly showed her mettle in this final film of the middle trilogy, killing the gross-out Jabba the Hutt, demonstrating her skills as a speeder bike pilot and taking out numerous Imperial Stormtroopers in the final battle for the destruction of the shield generator protecting the second Death Star in orbit above Endor. The original STAR WARS heroine, Leia, and Carrie Fisher, continue to be an important part of why the saga has been popular and enduring for forty years as we head towards 2017.

‘Star Wars’ Day: Carrie Fisher On What It Was Like Wearing That Famous Gold Bikini | Access Hollywood

US teaser poster for the new BLOODLINE novel.

Find out more about Leia's adventures in the years before her much-needed return with THE FORCE AWAKENS, as Claudia Gray's acclaimed new book, BLOODLINE, arrives in UK hardback from May 5th, 2016, via CENTURY.

8 Reasons Star Wars: Bloodline Will Be Essential Reading | StarWars.com

Get it here: Star Wars: Bloodline: Amazon.co.uk: Claudia Gray: 9781780892627: Books

BLOODLINE: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: EPISODE VII: IN LEIA WE TRUST...

EPISODE VII: IN LEIA WE TRUST...

She anticipated the oncoming danger of the First Order, and saw the once prosperous governing New Republic stagnate and divide itself through two decades. Now, General Leia Organa's small and covert Resistance, including her returned to the fold ex-husband in Han Solo, is all that's left to face the approaching onslaught of their new dark enemy, and its system annihilating Starkiller Base, in this scene from THE FORCE AWAKENS, out now on UK Blu-ray, DVD, and HD download from DISNEY/LUCASFILM.

The path to Leia's vital formation of the Resistance, and what prior happened to her after the once glorious events of destroying the second Death Star and crippling the Empire, will soon be revealed in Claudia Gray's exciting all-new adventure set before TFA: Bloodline, out in UK hardback May 5th 2016, via CENTURY PUBLISHING.

Here's the book blurb:

WITNESS THE BIRTH OF THE RESISTANCE



When the Rebellion defeated the Empire in the skies above Endor, Leia Organa believed it was the beginning to a lasting peace. But after decades of vicious infighting and partisan gridlock in the New Republic Senate, that hope seems like a distant memory.

Now a respected senator, Leia must grapple with the dangers that threaten to cripple the fledgling democracy―from both within and without. Underworld kingpins, treacherous politicians, and Imperial loyalists are sowing chaos in the galaxy. Desperate to take action, senators are calling for the election of a First Senator. It is their hope that this influential post will bring strong leadership to a divided galaxy. 

As the daughter of Darth Vader, Leia faces with distrust the prospect of any one person holding such a powerful position―even when supporters suggest Leia herself for the job. But a new enemy may make this path Leia’s only option. For at the edges of the galaxy, a mysterious threat is growing. . .

Get it here: Star Wars: Bloodline: Amazon.co.uk: Claudia Gray: 9781780892627: Books

Look for the AFICIONADO review of Bloodline soon...

Get THE FORCE AWAKENS on Blu-ray and DVD here: Amazon.co.uk: the force awakens: DVD & Blu-ray