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Content/Trigger Warnings: Death, sacrifice, mentions of bullying, violence, oppression, loss of a parents/loved one, kidnapping, slavery, abandonment
Oh how I loved this so very much! I meant to read this book last year during the winter, after it had released, but never got around to it because of the holidays and family gatherings. So when the opportunity came around for me to finally sit down and read this, I couldn’t resist!
This is a beautifully written and illustrated book, compiled of nine short stories and fables in the Star Wars universe. From fierce warriors defending the innocent to bounty hunters avoiding being caught, this is a great book to introduce those not familiar with the Star Wars universe.
As always with anthologies, short story collections, and bind-ups, I like to do a break down of each one and keep them as spoiler free as I possibly can.
“… stories were told told amongst the people of a kindly wanderer who would emerge from the mist to aid the people in their hour of need, assisting them with their most difficult or dangerous plights.”
🌌 The Knight and the Dragon – A great dragon by the name Krayta becomes awoken by a nomadic people who made their home in in the harsh desert sands on the planet, Tatooine. With the dragon stealing their livestock and their people, these nomadic people are reduced to desperate measures. Until one day, an old knight started looking into the disappearing people of the nearby town.
🌌 The Droid with a Heart – This story follows two characters. The first bit follows a little big about the backstory of General Grievous, how he became obsessed with becoming a droid. However, his cruelty well known among the droids who work under him. In the midst of a war between the Republic and the Separatists, a singular tactical droid stands against the general to save it’s fellow droids from destruction in the general’s tactical plans.
🌌 Vengeful Waves – Our fable follows two races, the Nautolans and the Anselmi, on the planet Glee Anselm. For two millennia, both races thrived and their cultures flourished. Until one day, Anselmi allowed their greed to get the better of them. After ignore all warnings, they’ll be faced with the angered ocean spirit of the planet.
🌌 The Wanderer – On the planet Cerosha, a stranger known as The Wanderer helped the people of Solace during three major events. After those three events, the kind Wanderer never returned to Solace.
🌌 The Black Spire – At the heart of the Black Spire Outpost, there stands an ancient tree tall, black tree that has survived thousands of years. The tree has witnessed many terrors, but has witnessed the advent of heroes. One hero in particular, a young girl named Anya, who saved her siblings from a terrible fate. A story of heroism that is all but forgotten, except with the spire and Anya, herself.
🌌 Gaze of Stone – A strory that follows the tale of a Twi’lek boy, Ry Nymbis, who was gifted with the force and taken under apprenticeship of Darth Caldoth. Though, this is not a happy tale and soon Ry learns he’ll experience a fate worse than death itself.
🌌 The Witch & the Wookiee – In the Outer Rim, a small band of pirates came to find themselves on a ship with a huge haul of treasure. After they betray their fellow criminals, they soon find themselves hunted by their former allies and the Imperial governor. So they create a plan to escape to Wild Space and find themselves landing on the moon of Jhas Kill. But even in the darkest corners lurk danger and sometimes you’ll cross the one that delivers the worst punishment.
🌌 Dark Wraith – Returning to the planet Cerosha, the city of Mock faces the ruins of Solace. Whispered even in hidden most places, the citizens talk about the Dark Wraith, the one who punished the people of Solace into a melancholy graveyard.
🌌 Chasing Ghosts – The scoundrel named Misook has been on the run from a bounty hunter ever since he reneged on a deal with a notorious crime boss. Now he flees to Wilder Space, hoping to shake his bounty hunter. But Mirialan is persistent and trying to make a name for herself. But things changed when Misook made up the tale of Arquel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this. I find Star Wars is the most common reason why I find myself reading Sci-Fi. And this book definitely hinted at some of my favorites from this universe. This book really shows how vast this universe really is and I hope we see more books like this come out in the future. If you’re interested in reading more about the Star Wars or you’re trying to get someone into the Star Wars universe, I think this is a great book to start with.
Read for The Reading Rush 💚
Chapter Malliumpkin 