Resistance

          The First Order was born from the ashes of the Empire, complete with Star Destroyers, TIE Fighters, stormtroopers, and a wannabe Emperor-figure with his black masked and red-bladed enforcer. When the New Republic demilitarized following the defeat of the Empire at the Battle of Jakku, need for a secret group embodying the ideals of the Rebel Alliance arose. Who else to lead the new rebellion but the Princess-turned-General, Leia Organa? The galaxy needed a military group to defend it from the evils of the First Order. That’s where the Resistance fits in.

          Leia is supported by numerous other heroes of the Alliance, including Admiral Ackbar, Nien Nunb, and C-3PO. Joining the old-timers are the new faces of the Sequel Trilogy: X-Wing pilots like Poe Dameron, Snap Wexley, and Jessika Pava; bombers like Paige Tico and her technician sister, Rose; droids like BB-8 and PZ-4CO; not to mention Rebel scum like Finn their own resident Jedi, Rey! There is an incredible wealth of characters and stories to be explored within the Resistance.

          But let’s be honest—distinguishing the difference between Empire and First Order, Rebels and Resistance can be difficult for the average moviegoer. That’s where the Expanded Universe comes in handy. Claudia Gray’s Bloodline, set seven years before The Force Awakens, tells of the origins of both the Resistance and First Order and of Leia’s place in galactic politics. New books on the horizon, Resistance Reborn and Spark of the Resistance promise to give us more detail than ever before. Recently released Black Spire sees Resistance agents Vi Moradi and Archex on a mission to set up a secret Resistance base on the out-of-the-way planet of Batuu. After reading these, you’ll be ready to be the light that will burn the First Order down! Or at least to be the spark that will light the fire, but regardless, there’s some good books here to read!

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