Justina Ireland

Making her entry into the Star Wars universe with 2018’s Lando’s Luck, Justina Ireland brought not only serious literary chops as a New York Times bestselling author and college creative writing instructor, but also an established reputation as a fierce advocate for underrepresented voices in young adult fiction.

Working as a civil servant and adjunct lecturer while pursuing a doctorate, she’s clearly also a master at time management. In addition to a growing portfolio of immensely enjoyable Star Wars junior readers, young adult novels, and graphic novels, Ireland is also the author of the Dread Nation historical fiction/horror series as well as three other novels.

With a track record for strong female characters, her Spark of the Resistance features Rey in a growing leadership role in General Organa’s movement between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. Since then, in her High Republic works including A Test of Courage and Out of the Shadows, she’s gone on to introduce us to Vernestra Ro, a young Mirialan Jedi Knight who finds herself thrust into challenges far beyond her years—but not beyond her capacity for strength, leadership, and empathy.

As you may have heard or read from us here at Youtini before, don’t let the Young Adult—or, in this case, even junior novel—label lead you to dismiss these titles. Justina Ireland is a gifted storyteller who weaves fast-paced and entertaining plots with wonderfully developed and compelling characters, all told in a fresh voice that’s a welcome addition to Star Wars storytelling.