Daniel José Older
A Youtini Collection

Star Wars books you should read if you like
Daniel José Older

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Daniel José Older
"First lesson in learning about yourself … is not everything is about you."
D

aniel José Older's writing career began by blogging about his experiences as a New York City paramedic, capturing what he could in the back of an ambulance between calls. His start as a published author came with the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series. It had its television and film rights optioned within a year of the first novel's debut. Since then, he has published successful adult, young adult, and middle-grade series, standalone novels, and short works.

Older won an International Latino Book Award for the first book of his Shadowshaper Cypher series (he's also been nominated for several others). He has been outspoken about representation, especially in the fantasy genre. In an interview with Youtini, he spoke about how important it is for different people to see themselves and their humanity in a character without first having to translate. In 2014, he petitioned to change the World Fantasy Award's statuette to make the genre more inclusive for both writers and fans.

He made his debut in the galaxy far, far away with 2017's short story anthology From a Certain Point of View. His story, "Born in a Storm," features a patrol of infamously bamboozled stormtroopers and a dewback — a species for which Older has often expressed his affinity. He also has a story in the second anthology with a unique look at Zuckuss and 4-LOM, a duo he would revisit later in a one-shot War of the Bounty Hunters comic.

Older's next adventure in the Star Wars universe was 2018's Last Shot, a tie-in to Solo: A Star Wars Story. Introducing another diverse cast of characters, Last Shot features an Ewok slicer and a Gungan whose syntax might change what you think you know about the species. It also occurs in three different timelines and features antagonists straight out of your nightmares. 

In 2019, Older became one of the original story architects in The High Republic multimedia publishing initiative (initially known as "Project Luminous"). He is the author of The High Republic Adventures (2021) comic series, which introduces Padawans Lula Talisola, Quort, Farzala Tarabal, and their friend Zeen Mrala. It also features the memorable Torban Buck, also known as "Buckets of Blood". The unique nickname comes from a former paramedic colleague who called himself the same thing on the radio (which sounds like a streaming series waiting to happen). He also writes The High Republic Adventures 2022 run, featuring Padawan Sav Malagán and none other than Maz Kanata.

His other work in The High Republic also includes the Trail of Shadows comic miniseries, which puts a Star Wars spin on the old-school noir detective genre. His young adult novel Midnight Horizon concludes Phase I of The High Republic with a bang. The Padawans from The High Republic Adventures are brought into this book to help stem the Nihil's violent tide, connecting his various works within the era.

All his High Republic stories, like his work outside the Star Wars universe, have showcased young people as heroes, but that doesn't limit their appeal. While the stories focus on kids, they also explore themes such as self-discovery, friendship, loyalty, fear, and courage —all while having a good time and great adventures.

This reading guide is
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Books in this Collection

The Youtini Collections team has hand-selected the books in this collection
Canon
Canon
Adult Novel

From A Certain Point of View

Written by
Various Authors
Artwork by

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.

Forty years. Forty stories.

In honor of the fortieth anniversary of Star Wars: A New Hope, this collection features Star Wars stories by bestselling authors, trendsetting artists, and treasured voices from Star Wars literary history. More than forty authors have lent their unique vision to forty "scenes," each retelling a different moment from the original Star Wars film, but with a twist: Every scene is told from the point of view of a background character. Whether it's the X-wing pilots who helped Luke destroy the Death Star or the stormtroopers who never quite could find the droids they were looking for, Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View places the classic movie in a whole new perspective, and celebrates the influence and legacy of the unparalleled cultural phenomenon, Star Wars.

Canon
Canon
Adult Novel

Last Shot

Written by
Daniel José Older
Artwork by

When a common foe from Han and Lando's past shows up on the latter's doorstep, the recent hero of the Rebellion and new father to Ben Solo must rush off once more to save both his friend and possibly, the entire galaxy.

Last Shot uniquely employs a number of different eras throughout the novel, and while jumping between time periods, we get to experience Han, Lando, L3-37 and more at various points in time, allowing us to witness the maturation and evolution of our favorite characters right before our eyes.

With a host of new characters right alongside the classics, including a villain that can't help but terrify all those who encounter him, Last Shot is an essential addition to the Han Solo story.

THEN:

It’s one of the galaxy’s most dangerous secrets: a mysterious transmitter with unknown power and a reward for its discovery that most could only dream of claiming. But those who fly the Millennium Falcon throughout its infamous history aren’t your average scoundrels. Not once, but twice, the crew of the Falcon tries to claim the elusive prize—first, Lando Calrissian and the droid L3-37 at the dawn of an ambitious career, and later, a young and hungry Han Solo with the help of his copilot, Chewbacca. But the device’s creator, the volatile criminal Fyzen Gor, isn’t interested in sharing. And Gor knows how to hold a grudge. . . .

 

NOW:

It’s been ten years since the rebel hero Han Solo last encountered Fyzen Gor. After mounting a successful rebellion against the Empire and starting a family with an Alderaanian princess, Han hasn’t given much thought to the mad inventor. But when Lando turns up at Han’s doorstep in the middle of the night, it’s Fyzen’s assassins that he’s running from. And without Han’s help, Lando—and all life on Cloud City—will be annihilated.

With the assistance of a young hotshot pilot, an Ewok slicer prodigy, the woman who might be the love of Lando’s life, and Han’s best and furriest friend, the two most notorious scoundrels in the New Republic are working together once more. They’ll have to journey across the stars—and into the past—before Gor uses the device’s power to reshape the galaxy.


Canon
Canon
Adult Novel

From A Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back

Written by
Various Authors
Artwork by
The first iteration of this tubular collab was so well-received that readers were eagerly anticipating its sequel. The From a Certain Point of View series welcomes so many new authors to the Star Wars Expanded Universe in a way that allows them to extend their reach to other parts of the galaxy while also treating us with stories from well-known authors of the beloved franchise. To all of the new contributors making their debut in this book, we will be watching your career with great interest.
Press Release:On May 21, 1980, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back made its theatrical debut. To celebrate the classic film’s landmark 40th anniversary, StarWars.com presents “Empire at 40,” a special series of interviews, editorial features, and listicles.Forty years of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, 40 authors retelling its stories? Sounds good to us.The anthology series From a Certain Point of View is set to return with From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back, celebrating 40 years of Episode V and arriving November 10. Like its predecessor, From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back will feature 40 stories by 40 authors reimagining the classic sequel through the eyes of background characters — heroes, villains, droids and creatures. Check out the cover below!All participating authors have generously forgone any compensation for their stories. Instead, their proceeds will be donated to First Book — a leading nonprofit that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to educators and organizations serving children in need. To further celebrate the launch of this book and both companies’ longstanding relationships with First Book, Penguin Random House will donate $100,000 to First Book, and Disney/Lucasfilm will donate 100,000 children’s books — valued at $1,000,000 — to support First Book and their mission of providing equal access to quality education.Always in motion is the future…but follow the hashtag #FromaCertainPOVStrikesBack to get an early sneak peek at some of the authors participating, and come back to StarWars.com on Monday, June 16, for a reveal of the entire author roster.Authors:Tom Angleberger Sarwat ChaddaS.A. Chakraborty Mike ChenAdam ChristopherZoraida Córdova Delilah S. Dawson Tracy Deonn Seth DickinsonAlexander Freed Jason FryChristie Golden Hank GreenRob Hart E. K. Johnston Lydia KangMichael Kogge R.F. Kuang C.B. Lee Mackenzi Lee John Jackson Miller Michael MoreciDaniel José Older Mark OshiroAmy Ratcliffe Beth Revis Lilliam Rivera Cavan Scott Emily Skrutskie Karen Strong Anne Toole Catherynne M. Valente ​Austin WalkerMartha WellsDjango Wexler Kiersten White Gary Whitta Brittany N. WilliamsCharles YuJim Zubkavich
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

The High Republic Adventures Vol. 1 (Trade Paperback)

Written by
Daniel José Older
Artwork by
Harvey Tolibao
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, Vol. 1 is a canon trade paperback that collects issues 1–5 of the 2021 comic-book series Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures. Two hundred years before the events of the Skywalker Saga, the galaxy is experiencing unparalleled peace–until a new enemy threatens everything the Jedi have built. In the days of the High Republic, the Jedi are at the height of their power. But the emergence of the piratical, anarchic Nihil proves that even the most successful peace is fragile, and the Jedi’s influence is neither as pervasive nor as benevolent as they would believe. Now Lula, Farzal [sic], and Qort, inexperienced Jedi Padawans, must help the inhabitants of Trymant IV in the wake of a Nihil attack. All the while, they’ll face suspicion and outright opposition from a group of subversive citizens who resent and fear the Jedi. Two of those citizens, Zeen and Kriz, [sic] will have to decide whether to accept the Padawans’ aid or try to save the day on their own. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures is part of a broader publishing initiative exploring a mysterious, bygone era of the Galactic Republic through comics and prose. Collects Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures issues #1-5.
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

The High Republic Adventures, Vol. 2 (Trade Paperback)

Written by
Daniel José Older
Artwork by
Harvey Tolibao & Nick Brokenshire

The High Republic Adventures, Vol 2

This Is the second canon trade paperback that collects issues of the IDW comic book series Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures.

An even longer time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the adventures continue for Lula and her fellow Padawans in the Republic's golden age!

The High Republic is an unexplored period in Star Wars history, set hundreds of years before the events of the Skywalker Saga—when the Jedi were at their height and Master Yoda was much younger, and still training Padawans in the field.

It is here where we find Jedi Padawans Farzala and Qort, who are taking a break from the ongoing battle against the dangerous marauders known as the Nihil. As part of a secret mission, they join an aging Jedi Knight on the starship The Vessel to negotiate a peace treaty with the Hutt crime family. Hey, what could go wrong? As it turns out: literally everything.

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures is part of a broader storytelling initiative exploring a mysterious, bygone era of the Galactic Republic through comics and prose.

Collects

  • Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures issues #6–8
  • The High Republic Adventures Free Comic Book Day 2021
  • The High Republic Adventures Annual 2021
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

The High Republic Adventures, Vol. 3 (UK Trade Paperback)

Written by
Daniel José Older
Artwork by
Harvey Tolibao & Toni Bruno
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, Volume Three. (Available in the UK only)

This is the third and final canon trade paperback from the IDW The High Republic Adventures Series

The High Republic is an unexplored period in Star Wars history, set hundreds of years before the events of the Skywalker Saga - when the Jedi were at their height and Master Yoda was much younger, and still training Padawans in the field. The Padawans are off on another mission! This time to Takodana, to assist the lone Jedi defending the local Jedi temple against the ever-growing threat of the Nihil. But Qort has trouble focusing when he comes face to face with his own past amidst new dangers and old allies. Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures is part of a broader storytelling initiative exploring a mysterious, bygone era of the Galactic Republic through comics and prose.

Collecting

The High Republic Adventures issues #9-13

Canon
Canon
Junior Reader

The High Republic: Race To Crashpoint Tower

Written by
Daniel José Older
Artwork by
Older is writing a middle grade book, Race to Crashpoint Tower. It focuses on the Republic Fair and a new mechanic Jedi, Ram Jamoram, wants to hide in his garage. Crashpoint also contains new creatures, the Bonbraks, who hang out with Ram in his shop, and it’s a good thing because we needed some cuteness to balance out the Nihl and the Drengir! The story follows Lula Talisola (from Older’s High Republic Adventures from IDW) who hangs out with Vernestra Rwoh (from A Test of Courage). Plus a new droid! Who doesn’t love a new droid?

The High Republic: Race to Crashpoint Tower is a junior novel and part of Phase 1, second wave, of the multimedia project Star Wars: The High Republic.

The Republic Fair is coming! Visitors from all over the galaxy are traveling to the planet Valo for a massive, awe-inspiring festival celebrating the Republic. While his fellow Valons prepare for the fair, Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram is hiding out in his favorite place: a dingy garage filled with mechanical parts and tools. But when a security alarm goes off on the nearby hilltop nicknamed Crashpoint Peak, he ventures out with his trusty droid V-18 to investigate. There he discovers that someone has knocked out Valo's communications tower—a frightening sign that Valo, and the Republic Fair, are in danger. Sure enough, as Ram races to warn the Jedi, the dreaded Nihil unleash a surprise attack! It's up to Ram to face down the enemy at Crashpoint Tower and send a call for help to the Republic. Luckily, he's about to get some assistance from unexpected new friends…

Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

The High Republic: Trail of Shadows (Trade Paperback)

Written by
Daniel José Older
Artwork by
David Wachter

The High Republic: Trail of Shadows

The trade paperback the collects all five issues of the Marvel canon comic book miniseries Star Wars: The High Republic: Trail of Shadows.

Canon
Canon
YA Novel

The High Republic: Midnight Horizon

Written by
Daniel Jose Older
Artwork by
Star Wars: The High Republic: Midnight Horizon is a young adult novel written by Daniel José Older as part of the multimedia project Star Wars: The High Republic. It was published by Disney–Lucasfilm Press on February 1, 2022. The novel is set in the High Republic era, 200 years before the events of the Star Wars prequel trilogy. It follows the adventures of a group of Jedi Knights and Padawans as they investigate a series of mysterious attacks on the Starlight Beacon, a new space station that is the center of the Republic's efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the galaxy. Midnight Horizon is the third novel in the High Republic series, following Light of the Jedi and Rising Storm. It is a fast-paced and exciting adventure that will appeal to fans of Star Wars and young adult fiction alike.

The High Republic: Midnight Horizon

This is a canon young adult novel and part of the third wave in Phase 1 of the multimedia project Star Wars: The High Republic.

Two hundred years before the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, in the era of the glorious High Republic, the Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy!

After a series of staggering losses, the Republic seems to finally have the villainous Nihil marauders on the run, and it looks like there's light at the end of the tunnel. Until word comes of a suspected Nihil attack on the industrial cosmopolitan world of Corellia, right in the Galactic Core.

Sent to investigate are Jedi Masters Cohmac Vitus and Kantam Sy, along with Padawans Reath Silas and Ram Jomaram, all fighting their own private battles after months of unrelenting danger. On Corellia, Reath and Ram encounter a brazen young security specialist named Crash, whose friend was one of the victims of the Nihil attack, and they team up with her to infiltrate Corellia's elite while the Masters pursue more diplomatic avenues. But going undercover with Crash is more dangerous than anyone expected, even as Ram pulls in his friend Zeen to help with an elaborate ruse involving a galactic pop star.

But what they uncover on Corellia turns out to be just one part of a greater plan, one that could lead the Jedi to their most stunning defeat yet….

Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2

Written by
Shima Shinya & Daniel José Older
Artwork by
Mizuki Sakakibara

Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance, Vol. 2

This is the second trade paperback release in the manga series Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance.

A massive, interconnected cross-publisher initiative focused on an all-new era of Star Wars storytelling.

It is the era of the High Republic and Republic expansion is at its height. As trusted guardians of peace, the renowned Jedi protect the Republic and shine their light on those exploring the darkest reaches of the galaxy.

Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi learns the Drengir attack on Banchii was not an isolated event but part of a coordinated attack orchestrated by the Nihil. Master Arkoff is on orders from the Jedi Council to help Master Stellan Gios's investigation, leaving Lily in charge of rebuilding Banchii and restoring hope to the community. Lily vows the temple will not be put in danger again, not under her watch! When a disruptive unannounced visitor appears, Lily must maintain her focus as she seeks the best way to protect Banchii, Keerin, and the Younglings from the growing Nihil threat.

Canon
Canon
Single Issue Comic

War of the Bounty Hunters: 4-LOM & Zuckuss #1

Written by
Daniel José Older
Artwork by
Kei Zama

War of the Bounty Hunters – 4-LOM & Zuckuss 1 is a one-shot comic issue within the Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters event. The issue is written by Daniel José Older, illustrated by Kei Zama, and published by Marvel Comics.

ZUCKUSS BATTLES 4-LOM! WAR OF THE BOUNTY HUNTERS TIE-IN! Together, lethal droid 4-LOM and Gand Findsman Zuckuss make an unparalleled bounty hunting team. Yet a brutal battle with Boba Fett has divided them. Lost and alone on the crime-infested streets of Nar Shaddaa, Zuckuss faces down an utterly transformed 4-LOM…but why is his old friend out for blood? The answer may lie in the past, from an early mission that helped forge their formidable partnership. Daniel José Older and Kei Zama's one-shot is the second of four action-packed "War of the Bounty Hunters" tie-ins about the criminal underworld's most notorious hunters and scoundrels, all told by the best STAR WARS writers and illustrators in the galaxy.

Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

The High Republic Adventures (2022): Volume 1 (Trade Paperback)

Written by
Daniel José Older
Artwork by
Toni Bruno
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures, Volume 1

This is the trade paperback that collects issues 1-4 of the Dark Horse Comics The High Republic Adventures (2022) Series

For young Padawan Sav Malagan, joining the ranks of the noble Jedi Order has been all she's ever wanted.

But a chance encounter with a crew of eccentric misfits makes her question everything she's taken for granted in her life. Trapped aboard the ship of infamous space pirate Maz Kanata, will Sav ever be able to rejoin the Jedi? And if she spends much long with Maz and her crew, will she even want to?

Collects Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures issues #1-4

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