AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'MOST WANTED' (UK EDITION)

Fast times, fast trouble for Han Solo and Qi'ra in Most Wanted. Image: EGMONT.

Back in 1977, when Han Solo first appeared in Star Wars, confidently settling in to meet the naive ex-farmboy Luke Skywalker in a shady booth of the Mos Eisley cantina, a very young Lawrence Kasdan knew that the shady, seasoned smuggler with the glint in his eye was quickly going to be the most popular character of the saga, of which the future screenwriter would have daydream ambitions to one day bring this fascinating and relatable character's backstory to life. By 2017, those once misty dreams would become a proud reality, as the respected filmmaker joined forces with his equally enthused and imaginative son Jon to create the fun and thrilling story and script that would become Solo: A Star Wars Story. And now The New York Times best-selling author Rae Carson gets the chance to join the duo in that small elite circle bringing further facets of Solo's early origins to believable life, via the all-new movie tie-in: Most Wanted, out now in UK paperback from Egmont.

Living on the edge from his early days: Corellian orphan Han Solo.

In a book that sets the fuse to the eventual movie baptism of fire for the galaxy's most talented pilot, the Han of Most Wanted is a mould in the raw, and still has lots of to learn about life. But most of the elements we'll know and love about him in his later years - notably his recklessness and his ability to improvise - are clearly prescient. It's also in this earlier life where new snippets are revealed about the orphan (some of it also referenced in Solo), of which, amongst the surprises, is the fact that he hasn't yet become so jaded as he will be by the time of A New Hope- in fact, we get to see a point in Han's life where he actually did trust some people and would even have good relations with droids and Rodians (at a time before he encountered Greedo!) - in a noble friendship with a young green-gilled member of that race, the tech-wizard Tsuulo (who also intriguingly just happens to believe in that 'hokey religion' called the Force of Others). In further character foundations, the boy Corellian knows the beauty and potential of 'junk' and likes to soup things up to make them faster. Desperate to escape the troubles of his current criminal-edged life, he's also been building up his own connections for a one day escape- his dream to become the ultimate star pilot of a lightspeed hot spacecraft firmly lodged in his psyche!

No mere street urchin, Qi-ra is always on the look out to escape her meagre existence.

And as Han's story beginning are revealed, so too is that of his co-star in this journey of discovery and danger: Qi'ra- another unique young survivor of life's brutalities, struggling and adapting at the lower end of the food chain on Corellia within the cruelty and harshness of this relatively new First Galactic Empire. Knowing that status and power are the only way to win freedom, Qi'ra is shrewd and intelligent, always planning ahead when she can and looking for the best exit points out of any hostile situation. Having known Han for a fair while as the book starts, she's not a particular fan of the cocky youngster-in fact, she could quite easily punch his face in at times. Numerous times, actually. Their relationship is tested by the fact that there's also a rivalry between them and several others to win the new open position within the organisation of which they have so far not been able to escape from- the White Worms Gang, led by the malignant, shadow dormant Lady Proxima.

More facets of the young Han Solo are revealed.

As part of this test of suitability, Qi'ra and Han, amongst the oldest of the 'scrum rats', are sent out on seemingly separate important assignments for Proxima, both determined to do well for her. Soon enough, events for them fuse as one to go dangerously out of control, as a unique data cube from a deal that's gone murderously sour ends up in their possession, with everybody bearing any inclinations for power and ambition from what the cube contains soon out to get them for it. As the threats to their lives intensify, and being weaponless, the duo's bond grows strong when they have to rely on their well-honed instincts- neither of our young characters knowing they can truly trust anyone: a fact of life that they've always lived with. Sure enough, their enemies include a dangerous rival syndicate, their own organisation, and even the Empire, in the lead-up to a meeting with their mysterious and highly talented 'The Engineer'.

Harsh times with the White Worms crime gang.

Though the data cube story is the main thrust of the adventure, the background layering of Solo and Qi'ra's lives is well developed by Rae Carson, giving us the hardships of their day-to-day survival within the aforementioned, almost cult-like White Worms gang (with its need to be larger in scope and ambition via Lady Proxima). And more detail on the young and old orphans also forced to exist and steal for both her and second-in-command Moloch, the latter as equally unconcerned with the well being of their human work force as Proxima, and ready to cull the weak and disloyal at a whim.

Whilst Han and Qi'ra work fast to find a solution that doesn't mean their extermination, readers minds are opened to lots of seedy new locales on the planet of Corellia now made real for the big screen. Amongst them Cornet City's factories, sewers, scrap yards and underground realms. Plus visits to the weird and wonderful climes of The Silo, once home to Qi'ra in her darkest days - literally a freighter graveyard, plus a pod racing championship, underground realms, and a chase through the life-shortening industrial realms of The Foundry. There's also the kind of prisoner break-in and breakout that Han will eventually be used to by the time of his arrival on the first Death Star (links to that 'long-term construction project', as well as all kinds of references to the classic trilogy, there for fans to further enjoy, and some subtle future links to the recent Solo/Lando novel Long Shot's droid plotline involving the spirited L3-37, seen in Solo. The book culminates with a journey into space for a secret rendezvous whose pleasing outcome will shape Han and Qi'ra's destinies one step further, bringing the pair closer together in their will to ultimately escape Corellia.

AFICIONADO RATING: As author Carson keeps things bright and breezy, the early genesis of Han and Qi'ra's early history, and their individual destinies leading up to Solo, proves satisfyingly revealed. And though the book isn't quite as memorable as other recent Egmont SW film tie-ins like Rogue One's Rebel Rising, Most Wanted nonetheless capably acquits itself admirably as an efficient and entertaining adventure in its own right. 3.5 OUT OF 5

Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Wanted-Rae-Carson/dp/1405291486/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1530718372&sr=8-1&keywords=star+wars+most+wanted

'SOLO': TO ESCAPE THE PAST!

Harsh realities for Han and Qi'ra on Corellia.

They've lived the most miserable of existences and faced terrible cruelty and hardship in the near-slave lives forced upon them as 'Scrumrats' for the harsh underworld ghetto leader Madame Proxima. Now times are changing for young Han Solo and his loyal friend and lover Qi'ra - finally gaining an opportunity to escape their past and soar towards a potentially hopeful new future. If they can escape the White Worms gang, that is. And if they can broker successful passage from one of Corellia's tightly controlled Imperial spaceports...

Will Han's lucky dice bring good fortune, or the worst kind of trouble?

Find out more about young Han and Qi'ra's early days in a fast-paced adventure set pre-Solo: A Star Wars Story: Most Wanted, written by best selling novelist, Rae Carson. It's out now in the UK from DISNEY PRESS/EGMONT.

More info:

Set before the events of Solo: A Star Wars Story! Han and Qi'ra don't have a lot in common other than not having a lot. They're street kids on the industrial planet Corellia, doing whatever it takes to get by, dreaming of something more. They each jump at a chance to prove themselves in the perilous world of Corellia's criminal underbelly, only to discover they are on the same mission for the same unscrupulous boss. When the job goes disastrously wrong, Han and Qi'ra are on the run - from pirates, a droid crime syndicate, the Empire, and their boss - and will have to learn to trust each other if they are going to survive.


Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Most-Wanted/dp/1405291486/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1528282527&sr=8-2&keywords=star+wars+most+wanted

OUT THIS WEEK IN UK PAPERBACK: 'THE LAST JEDI - A JUNIOR NOVEL'

Following on from his 2015 success in adapting the franchise re-launching The Force Awakens, Michael Kogge makes a sterling return in charting the further all-new adventures of our exciting band of STAR WARS sequel heroes to Junior Novels, with The Last Jedi, based on the story by writer/director Rian Johnson, and published by EGMONT just in time to accompany the film's UK Blu-ray/DVD release next week from LUCASFILM/DISNEY.

Kogge once more delivers the accomplished goods with this fast-paced read that features lots of deleted scenes given reality on the page (a lot of which can be found on the new blu-ray release), as well as crafting further insightful opportunities showcasing the expanded adventures of Jedi-to-be Rey, who gets more than she bargained for in meeting the enigmatic self-exiled legend Luke Skywalker, ex-Stormtrooper turned hero Finn's travels to an intergalactic casino world, and the new leader of the Resistance in bold X-wing pilot Poe Dameron, taking on the mantle of responsibility from his friend and leader in Leia Organa in fighting the brutal pursuit of the evil First Order, led by the antagonistic, power-hungry, adolescent psycho Kylo Ren. By the conclusion on the salt world of Crait, Kogge gives both Luke and Leia's characters a welcome sense of closure, for him as a mythic and inspirational Jedi, and her as the original leader of the Resistance. Other memorable fill-in-the blanks between sequences moments are well honed, and, unlike the film, we also finally discover what happened to that shady hacker known as 'DJ'!

Light rises to meet darkness once again, and the resultant conflict in novel form will thoroughly entertain readers old and new.

Get the book here (please note- the UK edition does NOT contain a colour photo section):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Last-Junior-Novel/dp/1405289228/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522771088&sr=8-1&keywords=the+last+jedi+junior+novel

Other important STAR WARS movie books from Egmont UK.

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

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'REBEL RISING'

What better way to celebrate the approaching first anniversary of the superb Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and its key heroine, than this look back to a fine book that debuted earlier this year (2017), and a tale chronicling Jyn Erso's formative years as a solider for the charismatic but dangerous partisan warrior Saw Gerrera, as well as the later lead-up to her capture to and eventual rescue from the Imperial's brutal labour planet prison of Wobani: Beth Revis' very worthy entry into official Expanded Universe canon with Rebel Rising.

A perfect bridging tale between James Luceno's official lead-in book Catalyst and the official film novelisation of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story by Alexander Freed, Rebel Rising literally picks up where the beginning of Rogue One's teaser opening saw a lonely, fearful, unsure whom to trust child Jyn stranded underground on the refuge world of Lah'mu, suffering the loss of her mother and the departure of her scientist father via a mysterious and deadly group from the Empire, led by a cruel figure she barely recognises from her time on Coruscant. Ultimately feeling betrayed by her father, now seemingly dedicated to an Imperial cause, this dark notion of his conspiracy will fester in her mindset for years to come and lead to a simmering hatred against him and the galaxy at large, creating the scenario that she can truly only trust herself as intergalactic events take their toll- though at least she grows up with a protector and mentor of sorts in Saw Gerrera, becoming his de-facto companion and a singular-minded and truly talented resistance fighter for him in his obsessive missions to right so many wrongs across the galaxy, determined to win no matter what the cost and ready to make all kinds of sacrifices, right up to the point in her later life where she will eventually be abandoned. Above all else. though, Saw's priority is to find out how and why Galen Erso's scientific talents are being used by the Empire-in particular his knowledge of the powerful Kyber crystal energies and the devastating destructive power they wield. It will prove a mystery for Saw that will endure for over a decade.

At this point in the STAR WARS timeline, it seems that the galaxy has never been more to heel under the power of the Empire and its legions of soldiers and power, with only a few pockets of resistance to stand up to them. Saw's cell, a thorn in the side to the actual building-in-numbers Rebel Alliance, proves the most effective, of which news of his deeds-despite often shockingly violent and unorthodox- soon travel to raise the spirits and make him and the seemingly loyal do-or-die men and women under his command, fleshed out in the book a little bit more, and in ways that could never have been done onscreen- desirable targets for capture and execution, not just by the Empire but via bounty hunters and other types of scum and villainy. A difficult scenario for Saw to balance aside his plans, as his adopted daughter becomes so visible, with a true identity that must be kept secret at all costs.

Within such drama and intrigue, Rebel Rising's storytelling works best in this first third, as Revis effectively charts and develops that very unique relationship between Jyn (between the ages of 14-16) and Saw: giving them moments of friendship, distrust and an almost yet too edgy father/daughter nature that we all know will never last between them- two truly 'damaged goods' individuals. The end truly justify the means with Saw, a complex and haunted personality, a genuinely tortured soul with the loss of his fellow fighting sister, Steela, during an early battle on their Onderon homeworld during The Clone Wars, seeding his long journey into darkness and his efforts to fight the Galactic Empire whose leaders betrayed his home, family and peoples' legacy, and later the galaxy. His remembrances of Steela are important here- the woman whom he knows should ultimately have been the rebel leader, and that in their struggle he should have been the one to die, not her. We get the feeling that Saw sees a lot of Steela in Jyn, especially in her adaptability and personal courage.

As their missions become more dangerous and more innocent lives are lost, the book's second half reveals the catastrophic event that led to their ultimate separation, and the fiery end wrought to their intense relationship in an explosive incident at an Imperial mining facility, an aftermath that changes both of them psychologically, and for Saw physically, by the time they are eventually reunited onscreen in Rogue One. After that separation, for Jyn comes the wilderness years, of which she once more falls back on her singularly developed skills in trying to evade both the Rebellion and Empire, ultimately to no avail, seeking a place of refuge across the galaxy at a time of adventure, danger and further personal tragedy. Coming of age as a woman during the book's final third, this is when the incoming tide of the Rebel Alliance's uprising eventually catches up with her, sending her back into danger, captured and put in an Imperial prison where few survive long, and to an appointment with her father's lifetime research legacy perverted into a nightmare super weapon made reality.

A destiny for Jyn that will lead to the Death Star, eventual personal salvation, and the liberation of her spirit- an emotional baptism of true courage...

AFICIONADO RATING: Best read to Michael Giacchino's film soundtrack, Rebel Rising is a worthy part of the Rogue One legacy and an essential purchase from EGMONT, proving itself an even better book than their previous STAR WARS heroine showcase for Ahsoka Tano. 4 out of 5 

Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Rising-Beth-Revis/dp/1405285079/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510411221&sr=8-1&keywords=star+wars+rebel+rising

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

ILM CLASSIC IMAGE: MICRO FALCON!

By the time of effects filming for The Empire Strikes Back in 1979 and Return of the Jedi in 1982, numerous sizes of Han Solo's unique Millennium Falcon were needed rather than what was originally created and used back in 1976, for example this incredibly small version that's as full of detail as the larger size creations.

Models may sadly have gone into extinction for the most part of the creation of today's new post-Lucas STAR WARS movies, but when it comes to merchandise, the Falcon remains a unique ship that people love to recreate. So thanks to EGMONT UK for their latest franchise release, just in time for Christmas stocking deliveries:STAR WARS Millennium Falcon Book and Mega Model.

Here's the blurb:

Jump aboard the fastest ship in the Star Wars galaxy with this amazing book and model to make of the Millennium Falcon!

Join Han Solo and his co-pilot Chewbacca for an adventure in this book filled with fun facts, character profiles, ship schematics and story moments from across the entire Star Wars saga.

Press out the pieces to build the Millennium Falcon – with no glue required! When fully built this model is approximately 30x30cm and has moveable cannons and radar dish. Removable panels allow you to look inside to find out more about this famous freighter.

Have you collected all the titles in the Star Wars Construction Books series:

Star Wars: Battle Stations - Activity Book and Model
Star Wars Empire Tin
Star Wars Rebellion Tin
Star Wars: Smuggler's Starship - Activity Book and Model

Get it here (from October 5th, 2017): https://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=millennium+falcon+book+and+mega+model

CLASSIC IMAGE: WOOKIEE STAR POWER!

I think it unlikely that Wookiees have face lifts, but Chewbacca nonetheless has that youthful look about him in the Prequel era's EPISODE III, looking pretty good for his circa 180 years of age!

Before we get to see the world's favourite Wookiee pilot/sidekick in action for The Last Jedi, enjoy his starring role as a family favourite via the fun, busy, colourful and visually mind bogglingly full, yet eye-catching second volume of Where's the Wookiee? It's out now in the UK from EGMONT.

Here's the blurb:

The exciting sequel to the bestselling Star Wars book of the past 10 years, Where’s the Wookiee.

Chewbacca is back and on the loose across the galaxy, and this time he’s brought some Wookiee friends. Find the hairy hero and a host of favourite characters in another search and find adventure. All new locations from Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Rogue One: A Star Wars story, as well as scenes from throughout the Star Wars saga.

Join Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Kylo Ren, Darth Vader and many more for another adventure. The perfect gift for Star Wars fans of all ages!

Get the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wheres-Wookiee-Search-Activity/dp/1405284188/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1505948994&sr=1-2&keywords=wheres+the+wookie

ROGUE ONE: ON A SINGULAR PATH...

A heroine truly cut from a different cloth to previous strong females seen in the cinematic STAR WARS saga, not raised in the relative protective shelter of a Royal family or blessed with an Ambassadorial heritage, and with a difficult past and formative years in the build up to the Rebel Alliance against the Empire proving different to anything expeineced by the under no less hardship Rey on the frontier wilderness of Jakku, Jyn Erso's status as a franchise power player icon to be admired and saluted is cemented with Rogue One. In addition to her recent animated appearances in Forces of Destiny, let's hope that the character will sooner rather than later reappear in other substantial areas of the franchise, be they books, comics or a potential pre Rogue One appearnce for the talented Felicity Jones in a standalone movie.

For more on Jyn's captivating and emotional backstory on the path to Rogue One, I recommend the enjoyable page-turner Rebel Rising, a novel by Beth Revis, published in the UK by DISNEY/EGMONT.

Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Rising-Beth-Revis/dp/1484780833/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1503578781&sr=1-1&keywords=star+wars+rebel+rising

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'STAR WARS: GUARDIANS OF THE WHILLS'

Chirrut and Baze- together again. Art by Diogo Saito.

Spiritual and battle hardened defenders of the faith and the mysterious Force to the end, exiled former Guardians of the Whills Chirrut Imwe and Baze Malbus played a key and memorable role in the Rebel Alliance's ultimate success at the Battle of Scarif- their noble sacrifice saving the lives of billions against galactic tyranny and earning them instant and well deserved cult status with worldwide fans of the STAR WARS cinematic universe and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Now, relive some of their earlier previously unrevealed adventures in the Holy City of Jedha, at a time no less crucial and enlightening in their lives, of which their abilities and long-time friendship forged in courage and adaptability against evil shines through anew: Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills, out now in UK paperback from Egmont, written by Greg Rucka, and featuring terrific cover and inside B/W spread art scenes by Diogo Saito.

Their former status as Guardians may now have been denied them, but their dedication to the protection of Jedha's innocent people, especially the orphans whose lives have been torn apart by building Imperial occupation, remains undiminished. The arrival of steadfast and boldly brutal Saw Gerrera and his extemeist Rebel band, to whom the duo will add their allegiance from time to time, intensifies the situation still further as the bridging to Rogue One begins (we even find out the story of that street-crashed black and white X-wing fighter- a nice touch!). Author Rucka weaves a pleasing tale full of action that truly captures the personalities of the two quirky cinematic heroes: the spiritually enlightened and ready for action Chirrut, and the loyalty of his lovably gruff, stormtrooper killing friend/comrade-in-arms that is the long suffering Baze Malbus. 

AFICIONADO Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Get the exciting adventure here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Guardians-Greg-Rucka/dp/140528501X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1502365922&sr=1-1&keywords=star+wars+guardians+of+the+whills

OUT NOW IN THE UK: THE CLASSIC TRILOGY AND 'TFA' JUNIOR NOVELS!

Just in time for the 40th Anniversary of George Lucas's inspired opus mythology, with each title blessed with a specific character lightsaber (a lovely nod to one of the early teaser posters to Return of the Jedi), young UK readers can join in the celebratory fun and relive in young novel form, courtesy of EGMONT/DISNEY, the three films that started it all via their Special Edition adapted personas, from that talented literary imagineer and longtime LUCAS BOOKS collaborator Ryder Windham, bringing the stories of A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, to blistering, fast paced form, whilst also giving additional perspectives and character oversights to all our main heroes and villains. A pleasing reprint tribute for the continuing book collection.

2015's The Force Awakens junior novel from Michael Kogge, a satisfying telling with additional scenes, also gets a reprinting from EGMONT in this anniversary format, with Kylo Ren's fiery cyberpunk-esque lightsaber gracing that book's cover.


Get them here: 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Hope-Junior-Novel/dp/1405285427/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493209554&sr=8-1&keywords=star+wars+ryder+windham

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Empire-Strikes-Junior/dp/1405285435/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493209554&sr=8-2&keywords=star+wars+ryder+windham 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Return-Junior-Novel/dp/1405285443/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1493209554&sr=8-5&keywords=star+wars+ryder+windham 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Force-Awakens-Junior/dp/1405287438/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493210312&sr=8-2&keywords=the+force+awakens+junior+novel

OUT NOW: 'ROGUE ONE' - JUNIOR NOVEL ADAPTATION

Giving us a fast paced, always page turning adaptation of the action, intrigue, loyalty, bravery and danger experienced by the resolute Rebel heroine Jyn Erso and her loyal team in stealing the plans to the fearsome Death Star battle station from right under the very noses of their Imperial enemy, Matt Forbeck can be commended for his sterling work with this new Junior Novel, out now from DISNEY/EGMONT, that proves a worthy edition to the modern and fresh appealing STAR WARS printed realm for readers 9+.

Get it here: Star Wars: Rogue One: Junior Novel: Amazon.co.uk: Matt Forbeck: 9781405285681: Books

Note: Sadly, the UK edition of the book does not come with the colour photo section publicised with the American edition.

NEW 'STAR WARS' TITLES OUT MARCH '17 - FROM EGMONT

March 2017 is certainly a bumper month for UK STAR WARS fans to enjoy via those imaginative publishing greats at EGMONT. The new ADVENTURES IN WILD SPACE adventure, The Cold, as well as fan favourite novel AHSOKA, will keep the older readers happy. Now comes two titles for the younger fans to enjoy across the Easter holidays, and beyond!

STAR WARS: MAKE & DO

Learn how to draw your favourite Star Wars characters, create cool crafts, and design your own masterpieces in this incredible activity folder.

Follow the steps to sketch and colour Yoda, Darth Vader, R2-D2 and many more. Make a hairy Wookiee puppet and a papier mache stormtrooper helmet. Then use the sketchpad to bring your own ideas and drawings to life.

Includes stickers and templates to enhance your creations, this is the Star Wars activity book that no child should be without.

Look out for other Star Wars activity books:

Star Wars: Art Therapy

Star Wars: Dot to Dot

Star Wars: Colouring by Numbers

Star Wars: Galaxy of Colouring

Star Wars Art of Colouring: The Force Awakens

Get it here: Star Wars Make and Do: Amazon.co.uk: 9781405279970: Books

STAR WARS - ART OF COLOURING: THE FORCE AWAKENS

Relax, and let the creativity flow through you. Whether a skilled artist or an everyday dabbler of drawings and doodles, fans of all ages will enjoy the awesome new vehicles, locations, and characters from box office sensation, The Force Awakens. Colour in Rey, Finn, Kylo Ren, BB-8 and many more in this beautifully illustrated book.

In The Force Awakens, Luke Skywalker has vanished. In his absence, the sinister first order has risen from the ashes of the Empire and will not rest until, Skywalker, the last Jedi has been destroyed.

Look out for other Star Wars activity books:

Star Wars: Dot-to-Dot

Star Wars: Galaxy of Colouring

Star Wars: Colouring by Numbers

Star Wars: Doodles

Get it here: Star Wars Art of Colouring The Force Awakens (Star Wars Colouring Book): Amazon.co.uk: Lucasfilm: 9781405285797: Books

THE CLONE WARS: AHSOKA'S JUST CAUSE...

Art by Dave Filoni.

Always leading from the front, former Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano is reunited with her ever loyal Captain Rex and his troopers, plus loyalist Bo-Katan, as the battle begins to retake war-torn Mandalore from the returned evil of Darth Maul - a surely epic confrontation, set just prior and leading into the events of EPISODE III, that we sadly never got to witness with the cancellation of THE CLONE WARS after five seasons, though it has often been tantalizingly talked about by animation director/producer Dave Filoni, most notably at the UK's 2016 STAR WARS CELEBRATION event honouring the legacy of Ahsoka, where he also revealed the above piece of personal conceptual art.

And there are still lots of important stories left to be told about Ahsoka too, especially between the events of her leaving the Jedi Order and becoming a later key member of the Rebel Alliance against the Galactic Empire. Some of these, including hints about Ahsoka's pre-EPISODE III Mandalore confrontation, are revealed in E.K. Johnston's acclaimed young adult novel: AHSOKA, now fully available in UK large paperback from EGMONT, as of March 9th, 2017.

Check out our original book review here: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'STAR WARS: AHSOKA'

Get it here: Star Wars: Ahsoka: Amazon.co.uk: E K Johnston: 9781405287906: Books

Star Wars: Ahsoka Audiobook Excerpt Read By Ashley Eckstein | Rebels Report

OUT THIS WEEK: 'ADVENTURES IN WILD SPACE: THE COLD'

The latest EGMONT Books STAR WARS release in the acclaimed young reader series ADVENTURES IN WILD SPACE, The Cold, by Cavan Scott, hits stores and online from March 9th, 2017.

And watch out - Imperial Snowtroopers are back!

Here's the blurb:

An original Star Wars fiction series for children, The Adventures in Wild Space takes place in the period between Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: A New Hope. Star Wars fans can meet a whole host of new characters, including a new droid, CR-8R, and a new villain, Captain Korda.

It is a time of darkness. With the end of the Clone Wars and the destruction of the Jedi Order, the evil Emperor Palpatine rules the galaxy unopposed. After their parents were kidnapped by the ruthless Imperial Captain Korda, young explorers Lino and Milo Graf set out to find them.

In the fifth instalment of this exciting series, the children have picked up their parents' trail - but an ambush in the depths of Wild Space leaves them stranded on a desolate ice planet. With an old enemy out for revenge, can they survive THE COLD?

Get it here: Star Wars: The Cold (Star Wars: Adventures in Wild Space): Amazon.co.uk: Cavan Scott, Lucasfilm, David M. Buisán: 9781405285483: Books

ROGUE ONE: NEW TITLES FROM EGMONT BOOKS UK

As ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY finally reveals its delights to fans worldwide, the various accompanying books and merchandise can also excitingly be revealed just in time for Christmas. Leading the rebellious charge is a whole host of veritable and diverse goodies for younger readers from EGMONT. Here's a preview of the releases.

ROGUE ONE: MISSION FILES

That familiar Rebel operative codenamed "Jason Fry" takes us on an immersive trip to a time and galaxy when hope is needed more than ever before, outlining the gathering Rebel Alliance and their new operative Jyn Erso's mission to capture the Death Star plans from the Imperial stronghold of Scraif. Presented here are the full facts and information needed about this incredible and vital assignment: its team, key support help and technological access from from across the galaxy, plus vital data on the fearsome enemies whom they will ultimately face. Full of great art, schematics and new photos.

Star Wars Rogue One: Mission Files: Amazon.co.uk: 9781405285032: Books

ROGUE ONE: PROFILES AND POSTER BOOK

New heroes and new villains are born with this film- icons for fans of all ages, especially younger ones, to enjoy- this 24 page paperback reveals their origins and their adventure: from the determined heroine Jyn Erso, and her friends in loyal Captain Cassian Andor and quirky droid K-2SO, to the formidable Imperial menace represented by Director Orson Krennic and his legions of diverse Stormtroopers. Twelve posters are inside, including a lovely cast fold out.

Star Wars Rogue One: Profiles and Poster Book: Amazon.co.uk: 9781405285025: Books

ROGUE ONE: ART OF COLOURING

We've had several very impressive high quality colouring books related to STAR WARS characters, scenes and tech from EGMONT, and this edition covering ROGUE ONE is most welcome. At 128 pages, and showcasing 100 images, this will really keep kids of age nine plus truly happy over the festive season.

Star Wars Rogue One: Art of Colouring: Amazon.co.uk: Lucasfilm: 9781405286374: Books

ROGUE ONE: MAKE YOUR OWN U-WING 

We've seen it in impressive action onscreen-travelling Hyperspace, showing its sturdiness in dizzying planetary atmospheres and working as a reliable under fire troop carrier in action during the Battle of Scarif. Now fans can build their own showcase U-wing fighter and find out even more about this versatile Rebel Alliance craft with this nice size hardback opportunity.

Star Wars Rogue One Book and Model: Make Your Own U-wing (Star Wars Construction Books): Amazon.co.uk: Lucasfilm: 9781405285001: Books

Official site and full range: Star Wars – Egmont

ROGUE ONE: JOURNEY TO JEDHA!

An angle of the packed-in city of Jedha ultimately not seen in ROGUE ONE.

A planet and populace rich in religion combined with mysticism, now on the brink of extinction, what with the loss fifteen years earlier of the esteemed Jedi of whom they dutifully worshipped. Instead of religion, Jedha has now become a hotbed for resistance and brutal street battle conflicts against the Imperial occupation force that has continued to molest, intimidate and plunder it, involving peoples and species from all corners of the universe.

Genuinely rich in atmosphere and diversity, whilst we hope that the STAR WARS franchise will one day manage to explore Jedha again in some form of storytelling media, fans can at least discover more about the planet, its realms and society, its mysterious visitors and its place in the Force via a special ROGUE ONE spread found inside the all-new and beautifully realized STAR WARS GALACTIC ATLAS from EGMONT BOOKS, the title also covering the seven previous film's key planets and history in exciting and worthy detail.

Previous review: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'STAR WARS: GALACTIC ATLAS'

A must-have book for Christmas, get it here: Star Wars: Galactic Atlas: Amazon.co.uk: Lucasfilm, Tim McDonagh: 9781405279987: Books

CLASSIC IMAGE: WOOKIEE OFFENSIVE!

The Separatist attack force is nearing their shores, and now is the time for action, as the Wookiee armies break cover and attack, in this classic and defining image from the end of the Kashyyyk battles during the Clone Wars, from EPISODE III.

Find out more about the epic battle and the lush green world of Kashyyyk- its incredible populace, wildlife and characters in spread art map illustration and timeline, via the all-new and beautifully realized STAR WARS GALACTIC ATLAS, covering all seven films in the STAR WARS universe so far (and a special spread for the upcoming ROGUE ONE), out now from EGMONT BOOKS.

Previous review feature: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'STAR WARS: GALACTIC ATLAS'

A must-have Chistmas book for any STAR WARS fan, get it here: Star Wars: Galactic Atlas: Amazon.co.uk: Lucasfilm, Tim McDonagh: 9781405279987: Books

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'STAR WARS: GALACTIC ATLAS'

A universe of heroes and villains explored in STAR WARS: GALACTIC ATLAS. Images: EGMONT and © and TM 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd.

EGMONT UK have released some beautiful STAR WARS books for fans of all ages to enjoy during the last eighteen months, but I think they may have outdone themselves with their latest release: the truly beautiful, ultra-detailed, highly-informative STAR WARS GALACTIC ATLAS, a wonderful visual fusing of the entire eight film (so far) saga's characters and far-ranging story/timeline (including the two animated series, a special all-new planet spread linked to the upcoming ROGUE ONE, and the now fully approved iteration of the post DISNEY era Expanded Universe) within a variety of key planetary locations and environments (from icon worlds like Yavin IV to Endor, Prequel favourites Naboo and Mandalore, plus the recently seen Jakku and Starkiller Base from THE FORCE AWAKENS), all explored and brought to striking life (across eighty unique pages) via the detailed eye and talent of artist Tim McDonagh.

Trailer: Star Wars: Galactic Atlas book trailer - YouTube

The galactic history events of the desert world of Tatooine are charted in one of many super spreads.

We've had STAR WARS related maps and timelines before in prior partworks and selected official books over the years, but certainly not like anything seen with this very special presentation. The GALACTIC ATLAS must surely be the definitive endeavour in the field and an essential purchase - especially for Christmas - that fans will be examining and enjoying for a long, long time to come.

Get the book here: Star Wars: Galactic Atlas: Amazon.co.uk: Lucasfilm, Tim McDonagh: 9781405279987: Books

ROGUE ONE: DK BOOKS COMING SOON...

Harder-edged and more adult ROGUE ONE will hopefully be, but the traditional adventure and excitement elements of STAR WARS are also in place to attract fans of all ages, as demonstrated with these character icon covers to two eagerly awaited titles from DK BOOKS, available December 16th, 2016.

Star Wars Rogue One The Ultimate Visual Guide: Amazon.co.uk: DK: 9780241232422: Books

Star Wars Rogue One Ultimate Sticker Encyclopedia: Amazon.co.uk: DK: 9780241232453: Books

Titles coming this December from DK BOOKS and EGMONT UK.