I have a responsibility to make this feel as epic and as notable and as real as anything that I experienced with Star Wars. The stories that meant so much to me, this should mean as much to anybody else.
Since he began writing in a galaxy far, far away with 2015’s Lando miniseries for Marvel Comics, Soule has written some of the most monumental, galaxy-altering, jaw-dropping stories to hit the shelves.
“I think the easiest way to distill the way I approach telling a Star Wars story is to not approach it as fiction,” Charles Soule said in an interview with What the Force. “I approach every opportunity I have to write a Star Wars story I write as part of an overarching history, or mythology. . . I try to make sure everything I write feel like it is part of the history of the Roman Empire, or World War II, or things that actually happened. Because, the way I grew up, Star Wars was real to me, as real as any historical narrative you could name. I have a responsibility to make this feel as epic and as notable and as real as anything that I experienced with Star Wars. The stories that meant so much to me, this should mean as much to anybody else.”
And his stories have done exactly that.
With his first full-length prose Star Wars novel coming with The High Republic: Light of the Jedi, Soule is taking his first step into a larger world—and we couldn’t be more excited! He has cemented his legacy as among the greatest Star Wars writers of all time with his work for Marvel Comics—writing the cataclysmic titles like The Rise of Kylo Ren and Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith. His work brings tremendous gravitas and gut wrenching tragedy in a way that is virtually unparalleled in tie-in fiction.
His understanding of Star Wars as a tragic mythology certainly comes through on the page as he steps out on limbs that make us say “Can he do that?!” time and time again.
This reading guide is
Coming Soon
Our team is hard at work building out this collection. Stay tuned!
Coming Soon
Our team is hard at work building out this collection. Stay tuned!
Books in this Collection
The Youtini Collections team has hand-selected the books in this collection
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Lando: Trade Paperback
Part of the
Marvel Comics Lando Mini-SeriesVery Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
What have we here? From creators Charles Soule and Alex Maleev, Lando is a Marvel miniseries from 2015, set before The Empire Strikes Back. At the time, the only stories centered around Lando were the Neil L Smith books from the 80s, which were certainly some of the weirder SW books. This story is also the best Lobot story you didn’t know you needed. Soule wove together an incredible cast of both new and familiar characters. It’s at its core a heist story, but is also perfectly spooky. It’s got romance. It’s got rogues. It’s got betrayal. It’s got bounty hunters. It’s about smugglers and it’s also about Sith. It’ll surprise you, delight you, and break your heart.
Very Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Obi-Wan & Anakin: (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Obi-Wan & Anakin Mini-SeriesGood
7.8
7.8
7.8
In this Marvel miniseries, we get a glimpse at a mission wherein Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, receive a distress call to a remote snowy planet where two factions wage war for dominance. Written by masterful comics writer Charles Soule, this series provides something quite rare for Star Wars canon publishing–a Jedi team dispatched on a mission to preserve peace for the galaxy. It’s not a part of a larger galactic war, but a more localized story to a lone planet and two Jedi struggling to form a bond after the Force brought them together.
Good
7.8
7.8
7.8
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 1: Black Squadron (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesGood
7.2
7.2
7.2
The Force Awakens introduced fans to the best pilot in the Galaxy—the Resistance's X-Wing pilot, Poe Dameron. In this, his ongoing comics series set in the months leading up to Episide VII, we get introduced to to the full cast of characters who comprise Black Squadron. We also meet Agent Terrix, Poe's arch nemesis, a high-ranking First Order officer with a complex backstory explored throughout the series. Not to mention BB-8's wonderful role as Poe's sidekick!
Good
7.2
7.2
7.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 2: The Gathering Storm (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesVery Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Picking up where Poe Dameron Volume I: Black Squadron leaves off, this next installment collects Issues 8-13 of Charles Soule's Marvel Comics series. Terex continues to hunt Black Squadron, and Poe is forced to wonder just how it is his nemesis always knows their next move. But first, he and C-3PO have an important mission assigned by none other than General Leia Organa.
Very Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Canon
Canon
Adult Novel
From A Certain Point of View
Good
7.4
7.4
7.4
A truly unique and heroic feat in Star Wars publishing, From a Certain Point of View is a compilation of forty short stories by more than forty incredible authors to retell the story of A New Hope in celebration of its fortieth anniversary. Not only did Del Rey assemble a massive team consisting of their catalog of regular Star Wars writers such as Chuck Wendig, John Jackson Miller, and Claudia Gray, they managed to rope in many award-winning authors to pen their first stories in a galaxy far, far away. Such authors include Ken Liu, Sabaa Tahir, Zoraida Córdova, and Rae Carson. All of the book’s authors donated their pay to First Book, a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy.
The stories represent the points of view of many of the notable side characters from A New Hope, such as Wedge Antilles, Greedo, and Grand Moff Tarkin. But they don’t stop there. The book benefits from forty years of expanding the Star Wars universe, and as such many characters not originally in the original film provide perspective in creative ways–Lando Calrissian, Yoda, Breha Organa, and even Qui-Gon Jinn! It is a compilation not only of characters and authors, but also styles and tones. At times heartbreaking, hilarious, and head-scratching. Some stories will connect differently with different readers. It certainly has something for everyone and is a remarkable read.
Good
7.4
7.4
7.4
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 3: Legend Lost(Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesVery Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
The adventures of the best pilot in the Resistance continue as Poe Dameron and Black Squadron continue to gather intelligence, fuel, and recruits for General Organa. But it's a dangerous galaxy, with First Order and other assorted adversaries waiting at seemingly every turn.
Very Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Vol. 1 (Trade Paperback)
Very Good
8.6
8.6
8.6
Charles Soule achieved true greatness with his run on Darth Vader. Conceived of as “baby Vader,” Soule sought to pick up the story of the newly armored Dark Lord directly after Revenge of the Sith. He hasn’t been Darth Vader very long; in fact, at the beginning of the story, he’s still more Anakin Skywalker than Sith Lord. This is the story of how Vader finished becoming Vader.
The story arcs of Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith tell crucial moments in Vader’s history in original and epically creative ways. The first volume tells of his quest to create his own red-bladed lightsaber, taking advantage of the new canon lore regarding taking a Jedi’s lightsaber and conforming the crystal to his will by “bleeding” the crystal. From there, we find Vader on a mission to find the remaining Jedi on his hit-list who escaped Order 66—including an incredibly compelling clash with none other than the Jedi librarian Jocasta Nu. The final arc is the continuation of Vader’s quest from Episode III to save Padmé from dying, as he looks to open a portal to Rebels’ World between Worlds to bring her back to life. It’s also the story of the origin of Vader’s Castle, introduced in Rogue One. Not to mention the introduction of another Sith, Lord Momin! This series is one you don’t want to miss.
Very Good
8.6
8.6
8.6
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Vol. 2 (Trade Paperback)
Very Good
8.8
8.8
8.8
An absolute standout volume from an already spectacular comics series, Soule's second Vader volume pits him against Jedi librarian Jocasta Nu as she seeks to build a new academy to secretly train a new generation of Jedi—and we see her in action like we never thought possible!
Very Good
8.8
8.8
8.8
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 4: Legend Found (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesVery Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Having solved their mole problem, Poe Dameron's Black Squadron is back to searching for explorer Lor San Tekka, who Leia Organa and the Resistance hope has the key to securing the galaxy's future. But they find that he's got problems of his own, and they have to find a way to save him while continuing to stay one step ahead of the First Order.
Very Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Vol. 3 (Trade Paperback)
Incredible
9.2
9.2
9.2
The third volume of Charles Soule's monumental Vader series continues his rampage against the few Jedi survivors who remain hidden after Order 66. Originally pitched by Soule as "Baby Vader," this series is set immediately after the events of Revenge of the Sith and sees the menacing Dark Lord sever his last ties with the Jedi who once was Anakin Skywalker. This time, the Jedi he's up against is a battle-scarred Saesee Tin, leading a resistance movement on the water world of Mon Cala. And he knows exactly who Vader really is under the helmet. . .
Incredible
9.2
9.2
9.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 5: The Spark And The Fire (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesVery Good
8.4
8.4
8.4
The final volume of Charles Soule’s Poe Dameron series closes the gap into The Force Awakens, showing the mission to retrieve the map to Luke Skywalker, Poe’s journey after crash-landing on Jakku, and as well as what Black Squadron was up to during the events of the film. Breaking from the format of the preceding issues in the series, the events tying in to The Force Awakens are told in a frame narrative as Poe fills in Rey and Finn onboard the Millennium Falcon after the events of The Last Jedi.
Very Good
8.4
8.4
8.4
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Vol. 4 (Trade Paperback)
Incredible
9.0
9.0
9.0
In the final chapter of the infamous Darth Vader story by Charles Soule, we see not only the construction of Vader's Castle on Mustafar, but the ancient Sith Lord who aids in its construction—and almost defeats Vader in the process. . .
Incredible
9.0
9.0
9.0
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
The Rise of Kylo Ren: (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Rise of Kylo Ren Mini-SeriesIn one of the most game-changing stories to hit the shelves in the Sequel Trilogy era, Charles Soule chronicles Ben Solo's descent into the dark. Described as "From Ben to Ren," this series begins with the burning of Luke's Jedi Academy and shows Ben being manipulated by Snoke, grappling with his Skywalker/Solo legacy, and encountering the Knights of Ren. It's got gravitas, gut-wrenching twists, and absolutely masterful storytelling that will deepen your love-hate relationship with the man we come to know as Kylo Ren.
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Star Wars (2020) Vol. 01: The Destiny Path (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Star Wars (2020) SeriesMarvel’s relaunch of their flagship ongoing Star Wars series takes place in between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Luke deals with the loss of his hand and the crushing news that Darth Vader is his father. Leia looks for a way to rescue Han. Lando tries to fill Solo’s shoes and navigate the team dynamics of having just betrayed Han to the Empire—while also looking for a way to get even and reclaim Cloud City! A spectacular start to a great series.
Canon
Canon
Adult Novel
The High Republic: Light of the Jedi
Part of the
The High Republic SeriesMasterpiece
9.6
9.6
9.6
Rich with Force Lore. An all-new Star Wars era. Some of the most compelling original EU characters ever written. And the start of a multi-year, multimedia story.
Set two hundred years before The Phantom Menace, Light of the Jedi kickstarts the High Republic publishing program with the lauded and legendary comics writer Charles Soule's first prose Star Wars novel. The book follows Jedi Master Avar Kriss, Padawan Bell Zettifar, and a ragtag band of evil space Vikings as they navigate the explosive Great Disaster rocks the galaxy to its core.
Masterpiece
9.6
9.6
9.6
Canon
Canon
Adult Novel
The High Republic: Light of the Jedi
Part of the
The High Republic SeriesMasterpiece
9.6
9.6
9.6
Rich with Force Lore. An all-new Star Wars era. Some of the most compelling original EU characters ever written. And the start of a multi-year, multimedia story.
Set two hundred years before The Phantom Menace, Light of the Jedi kickstarts the High Republic publishing program with the lauded and legendary comics writer Charles Soule's first prose Star Wars novel. The book follows Jedi Master Avar Kriss, Padawan Bell Zettifar, and a ragtag band of evil space Vikings as they navigate the explosive Great Disaster rocks the galaxy to its core.
Masterpiece
9.6
9.6
9.6
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
The Rise of Kylo Ren: (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Rise of Kylo Ren Mini-SeriesIn one of the most game-changing stories to hit the shelves in the Sequel Trilogy era, Charles Soule chronicles Ben Solo's descent into the dark. Described as "From Ben to Ren," this series begins with the burning of Luke's Jedi Academy and shows Ben being manipulated by Snoke, grappling with his Skywalker/Solo legacy, and encountering the Knights of Ren. It's got gravitas, gut-wrenching twists, and absolutely masterful storytelling that will deepen your love-hate relationship with the man we come to know as Kylo Ren.
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Vol. 1 (Trade Paperback)
Very Good
8.6
8.6
8.6
Charles Soule achieved true greatness with his run on Darth Vader. Conceived of as “baby Vader,” Soule sought to pick up the story of the newly armored Dark Lord directly after Revenge of the Sith. He hasn’t been Darth Vader very long; in fact, at the beginning of the story, he’s still more Anakin Skywalker than Sith Lord. This is the story of how Vader finished becoming Vader.
The story arcs of Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith tell crucial moments in Vader’s history in original and epically creative ways. The first volume tells of his quest to create his own red-bladed lightsaber, taking advantage of the new canon lore regarding taking a Jedi’s lightsaber and conforming the crystal to his will by “bleeding” the crystal. From there, we find Vader on a mission to find the remaining Jedi on his hit-list who escaped Order 66—including an incredibly compelling clash with none other than the Jedi librarian Jocasta Nu. The final arc is the continuation of Vader’s quest from Episode III to save Padmé from dying, as he looks to open a portal to Rebels’ World between Worlds to bring her back to life. It’s also the story of the origin of Vader’s Castle, introduced in Rogue One. Not to mention the introduction of another Sith, Lord Momin! This series is one you don’t want to miss.
Very Good
8.6
8.6
8.6
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Vol. 2 (Trade Paperback)
Very Good
8.8
8.8
8.8
An absolute standout volume from an already spectacular comics series, Soule's second Vader volume pits him against Jedi librarian Jocasta Nu as she seeks to build a new academy to secretly train a new generation of Jedi—and we see her in action like we never thought possible!
Very Good
8.8
8.8
8.8
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Vol. 3 (Trade Paperback)
Incredible
9.2
9.2
9.2
The third volume of Charles Soule's monumental Vader series continues his rampage against the few Jedi survivors who remain hidden after Order 66. Originally pitched by Soule as "Baby Vader," this series is set immediately after the events of Revenge of the Sith and sees the menacing Dark Lord sever his last ties with the Jedi who once was Anakin Skywalker. This time, the Jedi he's up against is a battle-scarred Saesee Tin, leading a resistance movement on the water world of Mon Cala. And he knows exactly who Vader really is under the helmet. . .
Incredible
9.2
9.2
9.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith Vol. 4 (Trade Paperback)
Incredible
9.0
9.0
9.0
In the final chapter of the infamous Darth Vader story by Charles Soule, we see not only the construction of Vader's Castle on Mustafar, but the ancient Sith Lord who aids in its construction—and almost defeats Vader in the process. . .
Incredible
9.0
9.0
9.0
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Lando: Trade Paperback
Part of the
Marvel Comics Lando Mini-SeriesVery Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
What have we here? From creators Charles Soule and Alex Maleev, Lando is a Marvel miniseries from 2015, set before The Empire Strikes Back. At the time, the only stories centered around Lando were the Neil L Smith books from the 80s, which were certainly some of the weirder SW books. This story is also the best Lobot story you didn’t know you needed. Soule wove together an incredible cast of both new and familiar characters. It’s at its core a heist story, but is also perfectly spooky. It’s got romance. It’s got rogues. It’s got betrayal. It’s got bounty hunters. It’s about smugglers and it’s also about Sith. It’ll surprise you, delight you, and break your heart.
Very Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Star Wars (2020) Vol. 01: The Destiny Path (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Star Wars (2020) SeriesMarvel’s relaunch of their flagship ongoing Star Wars series takes place in between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. Luke deals with the loss of his hand and the crushing news that Darth Vader is his father. Leia looks for a way to rescue Han. Lando tries to fill Solo’s shoes and navigate the team dynamics of having just betrayed Han to the Empire—while also looking for a way to get even and reclaim Cloud City! A spectacular start to a great series.
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 1: Black Squadron (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesGood
7.2
7.2
7.2
The Force Awakens introduced fans to the best pilot in the Galaxy—the Resistance's X-Wing pilot, Poe Dameron. In this, his ongoing comics series set in the months leading up to Episide VII, we get introduced to to the full cast of characters who comprise Black Squadron. We also meet Agent Terrix, Poe's arch nemesis, a high-ranking First Order officer with a complex backstory explored throughout the series. Not to mention BB-8's wonderful role as Poe's sidekick!
Good
7.2
7.2
7.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 2: The Gathering Storm (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesVery Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Picking up where Poe Dameron Volume I: Black Squadron leaves off, this next installment collects Issues 8-13 of Charles Soule's Marvel Comics series. Terex continues to hunt Black Squadron, and Poe is forced to wonder just how it is his nemesis always knows their next move. But first, he and C-3PO have an important mission assigned by none other than General Leia Organa.
Very Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 3: Legend Lost(Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesVery Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
The adventures of the best pilot in the Resistance continue as Poe Dameron and Black Squadron continue to gather intelligence, fuel, and recruits for General Organa. But it's a dangerous galaxy, with First Order and other assorted adversaries waiting at seemingly every turn.
Very Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 4: Legend Found (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesVery Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Having solved their mole problem, Poe Dameron's Black Squadron is back to searching for explorer Lor San Tekka, who Leia Organa and the Resistance hope has the key to securing the galaxy's future. But they find that he's got problems of his own, and they have to find a way to save him while continuing to stay one step ahead of the First Order.
Very Good
8.2
8.2
8.2
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Poe Dameron Vol. 5: The Spark And The Fire (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Poe Dameron SeriesVery Good
8.4
8.4
8.4
The final volume of Charles Soule’s Poe Dameron series closes the gap into The Force Awakens, showing the mission to retrieve the map to Luke Skywalker, Poe’s journey after crash-landing on Jakku, and as well as what Black Squadron was up to during the events of the film. Breaking from the format of the preceding issues in the series, the events tying in to The Force Awakens are told in a frame narrative as Poe fills in Rey and Finn onboard the Millennium Falcon after the events of The Last Jedi.
Very Good
8.4
8.4
8.4
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel
Obi-Wan & Anakin: (Trade Paperback)
Part of the
Marvel Comics Obi-Wan & Anakin Mini-SeriesGood
7.8
7.8
7.8
In this Marvel miniseries, we get a glimpse at a mission wherein Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, receive a distress call to a remote snowy planet where two factions wage war for dominance. Written by masterful comics writer Charles Soule, this series provides something quite rare for Star Wars canon publishing–a Jedi team dispatched on a mission to preserve peace for the galaxy. It’s not a part of a larger galactic war, but a more localized story to a lone planet and two Jedi struggling to form a bond after the Force brought them together.
Good
7.8
7.8
7.8
Canon
Canon
Adult Novel
From A Certain Point of View
Good
7.4
7.4
7.4
A truly unique and heroic feat in Star Wars publishing, From a Certain Point of View is a compilation of forty short stories by more than forty incredible authors to retell the story of A New Hope in celebration of its fortieth anniversary. Not only did Del Rey assemble a massive team consisting of their catalog of regular Star Wars writers such as Chuck Wendig, John Jackson Miller, and Claudia Gray, they managed to rope in many award-winning authors to pen their first stories in a galaxy far, far away. Such authors include Ken Liu, Sabaa Tahir, Zoraida Córdova, and Rae Carson. All of the book’s authors donated their pay to First Book, a nonprofit dedicated to improving literacy.
The stories represent the points of view of many of the notable side characters from A New Hope, such as Wedge Antilles, Greedo, and Grand Moff Tarkin. But they don’t stop there. The book benefits from forty years of expanding the Star Wars universe, and as such many characters not originally in the original film provide perspective in creative ways–Lando Calrissian, Yoda, Breha Organa, and even Qui-Gon Jinn! It is a compilation not only of characters and authors, but also styles and tones. At times heartbreaking, hilarious, and head-scratching. Some stories will connect differently with different readers. It certainly has something for everyone and is a remarkable read.
Good
7.4
7.4
7.4
