Star Wars Books to Read Before ‘Andor’ Season 2

The second season of Andor is just around the corner, but if you’re looking for Star Wars books that capture the tone and intensity of the series, this is the exact guide for you.

Apr 9, 2025

Cassian Andor in a yellow tint in front of a green geometric background

Lucasfilm/Youtini Illustration

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The second season of Andor is just around the corner, but if you’re looking for Star Wars books that capture the tone and intensity of the series, this is the exact guide for you.

  1. Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed

Cover for Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed showing Mon Mothma in the imperial senate under a beam of light

Random House Worlds

Why you should read it:

  • Received a Masterpiece rating from our review team

  • Remarkably relevant plot with storylines that reflect the present day

  • Incredible prose with chilling scenes and masterful character work

  • One of the most recent Canon novels that reflect the current state of Star Wars publishing

Andor tie-ins:

  • Features Mon Mothma in her most prominent role yet in Star Wars publishing

  • Could be considered an intense political thriller featuring the same overall tone as the series

  • Appearances by Saw Gerrera (already confirmed for Season 2) and Bail Organa (rumored for Season 2 appearance)

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  1. Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel by James Luceno

Cover for Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel by James Luceno featuring the first Death Star

Random House Worlds

Why you should read it:

  • Intricate look at the workings of the Empire in the years before Rogue One

  • Humanizes Galen Erso and Orson Krennic in ways that will significantly change your viewing of the film

  • Behind the scenes view of the atrocities that helped grow the Galactic Empire

Andor tie-ins:

  • Stars Galen Erso, Lyra Erso, and Orson Krennic (confirmed for Season 2)

  • Revolves around the creation of the Death Star project just like the One Way Out arc

  • Same general time period as the series

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  1. Rebel Rising by Beth Revis

Cover for Rebel Rising faeturing Jyn Erso above the silhouettes of stormtroopers

Why you should read it:

  • Criminally underrated story about Jyn Erso’s early life

  • Surprisingly brutal scenes that showcase the harsh realities of war in the Rebellion

  • Provides a great understanding of Jyn’s character by the time she appears in Rogue One

Andor tie-ins:

  • Heavily features Saw Gerrera which will inform his actions in Season 2

  • A deep look at the growing Rebellion that Cassian joins at the end of Season 1

  • Similarly somber, brutal tone as the series

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Andor Season 2 will release on Tuesday, April 22nd with the first three episodes only on Disney+

Further Reading:

Eric Eilersen is a Senior Writer at Youtini and co-host of The Youtini Show. He loves collecting Star Wars Funkos, lightsabers, and LEGO as well as playing video games, reading Brandon Sanderson novels, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his partner and pets. You can follow him at @EricEilersen.

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