Rebel Alliance
A Youtini Collection

Star Wars books you should read if you like
Rebel Alliance

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Rebel Alliance
"Rebellions are built on hope."
I

n a time when most of the galaxy had long since lost its hope, a rebellion rose up against an enemy no one believed could lose … and won.

With foundations dating back to before the Clone Wars, the Alliance to Restore the Republic -- commonly called the Rebel Alliance -- sought one goal: to defeat the Galactic Empire, the dark force that cast so many innocent lives in shadow.

Bail Organa, and later Mon Mothma, formed the Alliance in secret and quietly began to gather allies in the early days of the Empire. Informants collected intel. Senators met behind closed doors. At least one princess eventually joined the cause -- and risked her life on more than one occasion to save it.

Eventually, the rebels defeated the Emperor and his lingering forces before finally restoring the Republic Palpatine so masterfully destroyed. But not before heroes of all ages and skill sets gave everything they had to make this ultimate victory possible.

In this collection, you will find stories that establish characters significant to the formation and function of the Rebel Alliance, as well as key novelizations from the original trilogy that tell of the rise of the Rebellion in even greater detail.

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Books in this Collection

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

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

Written by
Donald F. Glut
Artwork by

You’ve probably seen the movie a hundred times, so why not give the novelization a try? You just might enjoy the story in a whole new light, especially if you keep in mind that the novel came out shortly before the film’s release so this is how some fans experienced Empire Strikes Back for the first time. Imagine finding out about THAT spoiler through the book!

The adventures of Luke Skywalker did not end with the destruction of the Death Star.

Though the Rebel Alliance won a significant battle, the war against the Empire has only just begun.

Several months have passed, and the Rebels have established a hidden outpost on the frozen wasteland of Hoth. But even on that icy backwater planet, they cannot escape the evil Darth Vader’s notice for long.

Soon Luke, Han, Princess Leia, and their faithful companions will be forced to flee, scattering in all directions—with the Dark Lord’s minions in fevered pursuit.

Canon
Canon
YA Novel

Rebel Rising

Written by
Beth Revis
Artwork by

When Jyn Erso joined the ranks of the Rebellion in an attempt to free her father from the Empire's grasp, she brought along a remarkable set of skills. These abilities allowed her to complete the most crucial mission of her life in service of the Rebels, but where did she acquire those techniques in the first place?

Enter Rebel Rising. Beth Revis takes us into the depths of Gerrera's Partisans as a young Jyn Erso learns how to fight, how to survive, and perhaps most importantly...how to know who to trust. Loyalty and betrayal intermingle marvelously in this Young Adult foray into the Erso Family Canon.

When Jyn Erso was five years old, her mother was murdered and her father taken from her to serve the Empire. But despite the loss of her parents, she is not completely alone - Saw Gerrera, a man willing to go to any extremes necessary in order to resist Imperial tyranny, takes her in as his own and gives her not only a home but all the abilities and resources she needs to become a rebel herself.

Jyn dedicates herself to the cause - and the man. But fighting alongside Saw and his people brings with it danger and the question of just how far Jyn is willing to go as one of Saw's soldiers. When she faces an unthinkable betrayal that shatters her world, Jyn will have to pull the pieces of herself back together and figure out what she truly believes in...and who she can really trust.

Canon
Canon
YA Novel

Ahsoka

Written by
E.K. Johnston
Artwork by

After the events of Order 66, survivors of the Jedi Purge must navigate the galaxy undetected. It's been a year since Ahsoka Tano watched the Galactic Republic fall, and she's leaving yet another planet to dodge Imperial suspicion and start over. Again. Something strange is happening, however, and she can't help but let her curiosity get her into serious trouble.

E.K. Johnston's young adult novel builds an important bridge between the Ahsoka we knew from The Clone Wars and the Fulcrum we meet in Star Wars Rebels. It's in this story that our hero must come to terms with her past and discover the role she is meant to play in her darkened galaxy's future.

Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clone Wars, and before she re-appeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally, her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance?
Legends
Legends
Adult Novel

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi

Written by
James Kahn
Artwork by

Return of the Jedi was the conclusion to a trilogy many never thought would take off the way it did. But seeing the final duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker and the destruction of the Empire -- and so much more -- made it one of the biggest events of its era. You've seen the movie a dozen, if not a hundred times. You can experience it again in the form of a book.

In the original novelization of the movie Star Wars fans are treated to what is claimed to be one of the best film-to-book adaptions in the franchise.

It was a dark time for the rebel alliance...Han Solo, frozen in carbonite, had been delivered into the hands of the vile gangster Jabba the Hutt. Determined to rescue him, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Lando Calrissian launched a hazardous mission against Jabba's Tatooine stronghold.

The Rebel commanders gathered all the warships of the Rebel fleet into a single giant armada. And Darth Vader and the Emperor, who had ordered construction to begin on a new and even more powerful Death Star, were making plans to crush the Rebel Alliance once and for all.

Canon
Canon
YA Novel

Leia: Princess of Alderaan

Written by
Claudia Gray
Artwork by

In keeping with Alderaanian tradition, Princess Leia undergoes her Day of Demand, where she claims her right as heir to the throne and sets forth how she will prove herself worthy. Yet things have been tense between her and her adopted parents, Queen Breha and Viceroy Bail Organa. As Leia - also a member of the Empire's Apprentice Legislature - undertakes her challenges of the Body, Mind, and Spirit, she learns more about her adoptive parents than she ever suspected and begins her own journey that will forever change the galaxy.

Claudia Gray excels at taking on the challenge of portraying one of the most important and beloved characters in the entire Star Wars mythos, and along the way treats us to compelling depictions of other on-screen characters as diverse as the former Captain Panaka, the future Vice Admiral Holdo, and Bail Organa. This book presents the not-to-be-missed backstory of how Leia became the fearless rebel we meet, and love, in the films.

Sixteen-year-old Princess Leia Organa faces the most challenging task of her life so far: proving herself in the areas of body, mind, and heart to be formally named heir to the throne of Alderaan. She's taking rigorous survival courses, practicing politics, and spearheading relief missions to worlds under Imperial control. But Leia has worries beyond her claim to the crown. Her parents, Breha and Bail, aren't acting like themselves lately; they are distant and preoccupied, seemingly more concerned with throwing dinner parties for their allies in the Senate than they are with their own daughter.

Determined to uncover her parents' secrets, Leia starts down an increasingly dangerous path that puts her right under the watchful eye of the Empire. And when Leia discovers what her parents and their allies are planning behind closed doors, she finds herself facing what seems like an impossible choice: dedicate herself to the people of Alderaan--including the man she loves--or to the galaxy at large, which is in desperate need of a rebel hero...

Canon
Canon
Adult Novel

Heir to the Jedi

Written by
Kevin Hearne
Artwork by

Heir to the Jedi, published in 2015, was the third novel in the new canon and picks up just after a New Hope in the timeline. The novel describes a mission given to Luke by Admiral Ackbar, to go undercover and rescue a captured cryptographer that is being used by the Empire. Luke teams up with Nakari, who also desires to fight against the Empire, aboard her yacht, as the two undertake the espionage mission.

The novel is unique in its first-person narrative, giving us a look inside the mind of Luke just after the death of Obi-Wan and destruction of the first Death Star. It provides an interesting perspective on Luke acquiring new Force abilities as he learns more. Reviews on the novel are mixed and reception was generally lukewarm–the story is not outstanding, but it is recommended reading for fans of Luke Skywalker and those looking to read more about his exploits with the Rebellion.

Luke Skywalker’s game-changing destruction of the Death Star has made him not only a hero of the Rebel Alliance but a valuable asset in the ongoing battle against the Empire. Though he’s a long way from mastering the power of the Force, there’s no denying his phenomenal skills as a pilot—and in the eyes of Rebel leaders Princess Leia Organa and Admiral Ackbar, there’s no one better qualified to carry out a daring rescue mission crucial to the Alliance cause.

A brilliant alien cryptographer renowned for her ability to breach even the most advanced communications systems is being detained by Imperial agents determined to exploit her exceptional talents for the Empire’s purposes. But the prospective spy’s sympathies lie with the Rebels, and she’s willing to join their effort in exchange for being reunited with her family. It’s an opportunity to gain a critical edge against the Empire that’s too precious to pass up. It’s also a job that demands the element of surprise. So Luke and the ever-resourceful droid R2-D2 swap their trusty X-wing fighter for a sleek space yacht piloted by brash recruit Nakari Kelen, daughter of a biotech mogul, who’s got a score of her own to settle with the Empire.

Challenged by ruthless Imperial bodyguards, death-dealing enemy battleships, merciless bounty hunters, and monstrous brain-eating parasites, Luke plunges head-on into a high-stakes espionage operation that will push his abilities as a Rebel fighter and would-be Jedi to the limit. If ever he needed the wisdom of Obi-Wan Kenobi to shepherd him through danger, it’s now. But Luke will have to rely on himself, his friends, and his own burgeoning relationship with the Force to survive.

Canon
Canon
Adult Novel

Rogue One

Written by
Alexander Freed
Artwork by

Plucked directly from the opening credits of A New Hope, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story brought us exactly the type of adventure that fans had been longing for. The dark yet hopeful tone of the film is mirrored beautifully in the words of Alexander Freed in this novelization as he weaves the tale of Jyn and her compatriots.

As opposed to some other film adaptations, Freed uses this opportunity to create a novel that can truly stand on its own regardless of the reader's previous history with the film. And if you loved Rogue One as much as we did, you'll be awed by his masterful characterizations of the beloved team as they're plunged into the most harrowing moments of their lives.

As the shadows of the Empire loom ever larger across the galaxy, so do deeply troubling rumors. The Rebellion has learned of a sinister Imperial plot to bring entire worlds to their knees. Deep in Empire-dominated space, a machine of unimaginable destructive power is nearing completion. A weapon too terrifying to contemplate . . . and a threat that may be too great to overcome.

If the worlds at the Empire’s mercy stand any chance, it lies with an unlikely band of allies: Jyn Erso, a resourceful young woman seeking vengeance; Cassian Andor, a war-weary rebel commander; Bodhi Rook, a defector from the Empire’s military; Chirrut Îmwe, a blind holy man and his crack-shot companion, Baze Malbus; and K-2SO, a deadly Imperial droid turned against its former masters. In their hands rests the new hope that could turn the tide toward a crucial Rebellion victory—if only they can capture the plans to the Empire’s new weapon.

But even as they race toward their dangerous goal, the specter of their ultimate enemy—a monstrous world unto itself—darkens the skies. Waiting to herald the Empire’s brutal reign with a burst of annihilation worthy of its dreaded name: Death Star.

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
Omnibus

Star Wars (2015): Jason Aaron (Hardcover Omnibus)

Written by
Jason Aaron
Artwork by
Various

When Star Wars returned to Marvel, Jason Aaron was the ideal candidate to steer the rebels into all-new adventures! Now Aaron's entire saga is collected in full! The Death Star has been destroyed - but the Empire isn't toppled yet! Join Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO and R2-D2 as they continue the fight for freedom against Darth Vader! Luke battles Boba Fett! A woman from Han Solo's past returns! The Dark Lord crash-lands - but you can't keep Vader down for long! And the roguish Doctor Aphra lures Luke to the Screaming Citadel!

Marvel Comics; US hardcover, first printing, March 2019: ISBN 9781302915377

Marvel Comics; US hardcover, second printing, April 2022: ISBN 9781302934095

     
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Star Wars (2020) Vol. 02: Operation Starlight (Trade Paperback)

Written by
Charles Soule
Artwork by
Jesús Saiz, Ramon Rosanas, Jan Bazaldua

Star Wars Vol. 2: Operation Starligh

A trade paperback compilation of Marvel Comics' Star Wars (2020)

Commander Ellian Zahra has been tasked by the terrifying Darth Vader with the job of tracking down the remnants of the Rebel Fleet, scattered across the galaxy since the Battle of Hoth. From the bridge of her fl agship, the Tarkin's Will, her goal is to eradicate all resistance. But her secret goal is to destroy Leia Organa!

COLLECTING: STAR WARS (2020) 7-11

Legends
Legends
Omnibus

Legends Epic Collection: The Rebellion Vol. 1

Written by
Various Authors
Artwork by
Various
Part of the
Epic Collection
When Death Star falls, what will happen next for the galaxy? Find out in this collection of tales set in the immediate aftermath of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope! Stinging from defeat, Darth Vader is consumed with tracking down the Force-strong young pilot who destroyed his battle station. What would it mean for the Empire if Vader and the evil Emperor Palpatine discover Luke Skywalker's identity? With the Rebellion emboldened, Princess Leia leads a stealth squadron, Han Solo and Chewbacca face off against the bounty hunter Boba Fett, and Luke and Wedge Antilles infiltrate an Imperial Destroyer. Witness the continuing adventures of everyone's favorite Star Wars heroes and villains!
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