In the 45 years since George Lucas's interstellar fantasy epic Star Wars first hit theaters, the saga has grown to include 12 canonical feature-length films (and counting), a growing number of shows (both animated and live-action), and hundreds of novels and comics inspired by that galaxy far, far away. But there's nothing quite like the magic of a Star Wars audiobook. Fully produced with rich soundscapes, bits of familiar scores, and world-class performances from the likes of audio legends Marc Thompson, Jonathan Davis, and January LaVoy, these listens are strong in the Force, indeed.
Even still, some stand out above the rest. The stories featured in this collection are as vast and varied as the universe in which they're set. With such a wealth of content by passionate, wildly talented creators with limitless imaginations, we had a deep well of selections to draw from for our roundup. There's truly a Star Wars audiobook out there for everyone, whether you're a die-hard fan or a newly initiated acolyte.
So, when it comes to listening to one of the 66—see what we did there? Sheev Palpatine would be so proud!—best Star Wars audiobooks available, we have just one bit of advice: Do or do not—there is no try.
Note: The list below is sorted by Canon and Legends—the two distinct timelines that expanded universe content fall into. For a rundown on the difference between the two (and what led to the schism in the first place), check out our explainer guide.
We've also suggested just a few recommendations for those looking for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the saga's production and legacy—for more, read on here.
Browse by Canonicity
This star-studded listen houses 40 individual stories from 40 talented authors, all exploring scenes from 1977’s original Star Wars (now known as Episode IV: A New Hope)—the origins of the fan favorite Cantina band, the background of ill-fated bounty hunter Greedo, and the heartbreaking, posthumous ponderings of Beru Whitesun Lars among them—from previously unexplored perspectives.
An admiring portrait of a beloved character for those already invested in her story, Leia also serves as a great entry point for listeners less familiar with the expanded universe. From fleshing out characters like Bail and Breha Organa to shedding light on the ins-and-outs of intergalactic government, this audiobook gives listeners a window into a young Leia on the cusp of being declared heir to Alderaan, just starting her path toward galactic heroism.
Though Episode VI: Return of the Jedi comes to a close with a decisive Rebel victory at the Battle of Endor, the Empire is slyly regrouping. It’s up to former Rebel fighter Norra Wexley, her bounty hunter son, and a defected Imperial soldier to stop the Empire. In the process, listeners get to traverse a new planet and meet a new group of underdog heroes to cheer for.
In this listen, Ashley Eckstein reprises her much-adored portrayal of Ahsoka Tano, a character she brought to life in The Clone Wars and Rebels animated series. Her deep understanding of Ahsoka comes through in her energetic, emotional performance, exploring the disillusioned heroine’s journey as she struggles to find purpose and meaning after leaving the Jedi Order prior to the devastating purge of Order 66.
Timothy Zahn’s calculating, brilliant big bad Chiss gets a reintroduction to the canonical Star Wars audioverse. This gripping origin story and political thriller follows Thrawn as he plots his way into the upper echelons of the Empire. Marc Thompson’s uncanny ability to switch effortlessly from upbeat, punchy action narration to Thrawn’s cold, low voice makes this selection a standout performance.
Claudia Gray expands on the relationship between Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi, uncovering the early years that led up to the events of The Phantom Menace. The dual narrative threads of Qui-Gon’s training of Obi-Wan and, through flashbacks, his own training with Dooku set up a reflection on the nature of master-apprentice relationships and the mysterious ways of the Force.
Based on the Star Wars Battlefront video game, this action-packed war fantasy is marked by elements of both gritty reality and mesmerizing otherworldliness. It follows a group of Rebellion fighters as they doggedly work towards victory in the trenches of the Galactic Civil War, focusing on ordinary soldiers performing extraordinary heroics.
A full cast audio original, this adaptation of a Marvel comic series is one of the most dazzling ways to experience Star Wars outside of a theater. Archaeologist Dr. Aphra seeks the relics of the past—for use in her arsenal. But when Lord Vader unexpectedly saves her life, she’s put into his employ, where she must please her new boss and the Emperor—or face the consequences.
A ragtag team of New Republic pilots, gathered and tasked by General Hera Syndulla (a familiar name to fans of Rebels), are sent out to bring down a threatening TIE fighter cell known only as Shadow Wing. But while each member of the squadron is eager to find their place in the war between good and evil, they first have to battle their own demons.
Dark Disciple is based on unproduced episodes of The Clone Wars, unearthing more stories of Asajj Ventress, former Sith devotee and reformed protege of the villainous Count Dooku, as she navigates the moral ambiguity that lies between the light and dark sides of the Force. When Ventress is paired with Quinlan Vos, a Jedi Knight known for bending the rules, the pair must overcome their deep distrust of one another to take down Dooku once and for all.
From Vader to Grievous, author James Luceno is known for his in-depth looks at some of the most fearsome villains in the franchise. In Tarkin, he swings his focus to the pallid, high-cheekboned Grand Moff who commanded the Death Star. Set five years after Revenge of the Sith, this listen tells of the early days of the Empire as then-Governor Wilhuff Tarkin is rapidly ascending through the Imperial ranks.
Galen Erso, one of the galaxy’s most brilliant scientists and father to Rogue One protagonist Jyn Erso, attempts to design a strong, more efficient power source to improve life in the galaxy. But his research draws the interest of the burgeoning Empire, and Orson Krennic, a loyal commander working on the Death Star project and an old friend, begins to manipulate Galen into unknowingly creating the greatest weapon the galaxy has ever seen.
This listen provides an inside look at the government of Naboo, the monarchy and those who support it, and Padmé Amidala Naberrie’s mindset as she transitions from Queen to Senator of the Galactic Republic. Catherine Taber, who so deftly voiced Padmé in The Clone Wars, narrates this singular selection, giving listeners the impression that the Senator herself is telling her story.
An absorbing audio play set amidst our favorite galaxy far, far away, Jedi Lost offers insight on Count Dooku before he fell to darkness as the ruthless Darth Tyranus. Long before his career with the Sith and the Separatists, Dooku was a Jedi with a Padawan of his own—the young Qui-Gon Jinn. But when the curiosities of ancient relics and prophecies come calling, Dooku can hardly resist.
Zahn fleshes out his fan favorite character in this prequel (the start of a trilogy) that breathes life into a young Thrawn, the Unknown Regions, and the enigmatic world of the Chiss. This listen takes us back to the violent attack on the Ascendancy, the event that brought chaos to an otherwise structured world—and an act that saw one familiar, exceedingly bright military officer’s rise to command.
Acclaimed sci-fi author Ken Liu (we’re pretty partial to The Armies of Those I Love) brings a depth and nuance to the many stories shared about one of the galaxy’s most famous figures: Luke Skywalker. To some, he’s a friend, a comrade, a brother. But to others, he’s just a myth, a tall tale Jedi hero. That is, unless he's faking it—or he's part droid?!? A delightful set of in-universe fictions shared amongst the crew of a cargo ship set for Canto Bight, this listen is not to be missed.
In the era of the High Republic, the most recently introduced milestone of the Star Wars timeline, the Jedi Order is at the height of their power, benevolent leaders ensuring that peace continues to reign across the galaxy. That harmony is shattered in Light of the Jedi, a listen that begins with unmitigated disaster, leaving the Jedi to pick up the pieces, guided only by the Force and their own intuition and training.
In this prequel to the video game Star Wars Battlefront II, an elite Imperial unit of four expert soldiers attempts to infiltrate and destroy an extremist subset of the Rebellion known as the Dreamers, formerly led by the fierce but fallen Saw Gerrera. Set after the Battle of Yavin and the destruction of the first Death Star, this listen sheds a new, human light on the soldiers that comprise the Empire, lending much-needed depth to a group of characters too often written off as one-dimensional villains.
As a loyal diplomatic servant to the New Republic, Leia Organa devotes herself to steadying the newborn government, monitoring the activities of criminals, Imperial sympathizers, and extremists across the galaxy. There’s a lot to explore here, and this listen offers details on everything, including the impact of Vader’s death on the galaxy (and the revelation of Leia’s parentage), the illusion of peace following the Battle of Endor, the rise of the First Order, and the birth of the Resistance.
A planet of lush forests, precarious mountains, and towering petrified trees, Batuu is on the furthest frontier of the galactic map, the last settled world before the mysterious expanse of Wild Space. And when Vi Morandi, General Leia Organa's top spy, finds herself on the run from a shuttle full of storm troopers, she'll need to rely on the rogues, smugglers, adventurers, and heroes of Black Spire Outpost to not only survive but spark the fire of the Resistance before the First Order snuffs it out entirely.
The conclusion of Revenge of the Sith ushers in some of the galaxy’s darkest years. Though the Jedi are all but eradicated and the Republic has been replaced by the ironfist of the Empire, there are still those determined to persist in the name of what’s right—like surviving Jedi Kanan Jarrus and pilot Hera Syndulla. A New Dawn tells how the legendary duo met and worked together to face down the devastations of an upended galaxy.
In Phasma, Delilah S. Dawson sheds some light on the titular chrome-plated, caped stormtrooper, fleshing her out beyond a threatening symbol of the First Order’s absolute power and mercilessness. Exploring the enigmatic character’s origins and motivations through the interrogation of Resistance spy Vi Moradi (yep, the same Vi from Black Spire!), this listen is both a high-pressure tale of torturous cross-examination and a revealing look at a character previously shrouded in mystery.
Countless bands of resistance fighters formed in the wake of Vader's rise to power, determined to challenge the might of the Sith Lord and his puppeteering Master. One such group of rebels is at the heart of the story in Lords of the Sith—a group of Twi’Lek freedom fighters on Ryloth. But the daunting, ruthless Emperor Palpatine and his pupil Darth Vader are determined to quell the insurrection; in the process, they find themselves stranded on Ryloth, testing their bond and challenging the powers of the Darkside.
Who says that teen romance doesn't have its place in a war-torn galaxy? In this YA addition to the Star Wars canon, you'll meet Izzy and Jules, who were best friends until Izzy's family abruptly left Batuu when she was six. Now she's back, and Jules, the boy who never left, is unsure what to make of her. While on the run from vengeful smugglers and an angry pirate, Jules and Izzy will come to terms with who they are and just how much they mean to one another.
The novelizations of the Star Wars films add context and deeper meaning to the story told on-screen. And Rogue One is one of the best. From a more nuanced view of wisecracking droid K-2SO and his final sacrifice to a look at the inner thoughts and emotional lives of our motley crew of heroes, this listen follows along with the unlikeliest band of allies the Rebellion has ever seen—and the vital mission they took on to offer the galaxy some much-needed hope.
Acclaimed authors the likes of Martha Wells and Hank Green contribute to this short story collection that hones in on the backgrounds and perspectives of players both big and small in the original trilogy’s second installment, The Empire Strikes Back. Whether you’re curious about the Ugnaughts living on Cloud City or the wampa who lost a limb to Luke, you're sure to find a story to satisfy here.
As a listener review for Into the Dark recommends: “If you see Claudia Gray’s name, buy it.” It’s difficult to disagree. Gray again wields her knack for bringing emotional depth and nuance to stories set in the Star Wars universe in this High Republic title, a listen that follows Jedi Padawan Reath Silas on a journey to undeveloped space that goes awry when his ship is jolted out of hyperspace. A high-stakes gem with a mystery as its core, this is a standout of the series.
Okay, maybe we’re just a little biased, but there’s something truly special about a Star Wars listen that was crafted specifically for audio. After all, so much of the universe—from John Williams's impeccable score to the throbbing whoosh of a seismic charge—is all about the ears. Cavan Scott’s audio original Tempest Runner demonstrates how special a full cast with a developed soundscape can be, bringing a vicious Nihil marauder face-to-face with her Jedi captors.
Fans seeking a listen that bridges The Last Jedi to the Skywalker Saga-concluding The Rise of Skywalker will find a story that builds in a bit more context with Rebecca Roanhoarse's Resistance Reborn. With the Resistance devastated, Luke Skywalker one with the Force, and General Organa’s pleas for support unanswered, our heroes must traverse the galaxy in search of Rebel leaders, new and familiar, willing to join the cause.
Best suited for younger listeners, this anthology, written by multiple authors, retells stories from The Clone Wars animated series from the perspectives of characters ranging from Captain Rex to Darth Maul, with narration from a cast comprised of voice actors who worked on the show. The struggle between the Republic and the Separatists is as explosive as ever in this assortment of memorable moments from the battlefield and beyond.
If you’re a Star Wars fan, you know who Bazine Netal is, even if you may not know her name. It’s Netal who notifies the First Order after spotting BB-8 at Maz’s castle on Takodana, setting into motion a series of events with far-reaching galactic consequences. Get to know her a bit better in this short story, which introduces the mercenary and spy alongside all her unique talents and relentless daring.
Author of the editorially beloved Code Name Verity, Elizabeth Wein is an in-house favorite. Listen in as she pivots to the wide world of the Star Wars universe in Cobalt Squadron, focusing on the character of Rose Tico, the resistance mechanic with a heart of gold, and her gunner sister Paige. As touching as it is a thrilling ride through hyperspace, this young listener title is made all the more special by the splendid narration of Kelly Marie Tran, the actor who brought Rose to life on screen.
Hear stories from Jyn Erso's childhood, her time with the Partisans, and the journey that led her to the Rebellion in this prequel to the main events of Rogue One. After Jyn’s mother is murdered and her father captured by and forced to serve the Empire, she’s left in the hands of freedom fighter Saw Gerrera, who will hesitate at nothing to upend Imperial oppression. But just how far is Jyn willing to go to aid her new family?
Okay, technically speaking, Ronin isn't considered canonical in terms of the overarching thread of continuity, instead existing in an alternate history. Nevertheless, it's not to be missed, as it's one of the expanded universe's most imaginative ventures, an exploration of a culture all its own that adds a new air of intrigue and depth to a recognizable universe. Based on an entry from the 2021 anime anthology Star Wars Visions, this listen reflects George Lucas's very inspiration for the Saga by rooting a samurai tale in the lore of the Star Wars universe.
Some of our favorite Star Wars audiobooks center on everyday folks navigating the universe in the face of larger-than-life war and rebellion. Force Collector, which follows Karr Nuq Sin, a teenage boy on Merokia living, by all accounts, a fairly normal life. He goes to school, helps out with the family tailoring business, and enjoys exploring. But he carries a perplexing secret—whenever Karr touches a historically significant object, he finds himself blacking out with bizarre visions of people he doesn't know and planets he’s never before seen.
In Revenge of the Sith, Anakin playfully jabs that his Master owes him one after the 10 times he's saved his life thus far; Obi-Wan responds that it's only the ninth time, as "that business on Cato Neimoidia doesn't...doesn't count." But what was that business, exactly? You'll have to listen to Mike Chen's excellent new installment, Brotherhood, to find out. Fans of the fascinating dynamic between Kenobi and Skywalker will be rewarded by this in-depth look at the complex tensions brewing between them. Oh, and did we mention Asajj Ventress plays heavily into the plot? Trust us: don't miss this one.
At the end of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan Kenobi is a pained, conflicted Jedi Master, having just left his wayward former Padawan for dead on Mustafar. Still reeling, he's tasked with a daunting mission: to protect Anakin's son, Luke, and ensure his safety on Tatooine. More or less alone in this new terrain, Obi-Wan is unable to ignore the injustices transpiring around him—but he quickly finds his noble fight for justice may endanger not only his own life, but also the fate of the galaxy.
If any book can be credited with single-handedly reinvigorating fan interest in the greater Star Wars universe, it’s Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire. Set five years after the Rebel victory at the close of Return of the Jedi, this listen sees husband and wife Han and Leia expecting twins, Luke ascending as a Jedi Knight, and the remnants of the Empire lurking in the shadows. And at the heart of it all is one of Legends’ greatest foes: Grand Admiral Thrawn, the brilliant tactician at the helm of the fledgling Imperial fleet.
In this Legends tale, hear the full story (it’s not one the Jedi would tell you) of the legendary Sith Lord capable of creating and extending life. Following the destructive cycle created by the Sith’s Rule of Two, Plagueis absorbs his Master’s knowledge—only to kill him and assume his powerful position. Taking on his own apprentice, the cunning Darth Sidious, Plagueis plans to dominate the galaxy and destroy the Jedi Order. But tensions rise as Sidious’s ambitions spar with Plagueis’s fixation on life and death.
Further explore the depths of Vader’s anguish and the impact of his specter of power in Dark Lord. Order 66 has wreaked havoc on the Jedi Order. Obi-Wan and his former Padawan have engaged in their fateful final duel on Mustafar. And to the rest of the galaxy, the hero of the Republic known as Anakin Skywalker is assumed dead. Though the shell of Skywalker remains, his mind is shattered and soul consumed by darkness in the wake of his turn toward the Sith—and a new identity as the hateful, powerful Darth Vader.
There are few Sith Lords more legendary than Darth Bane—explore his origins in this listen. Bane was born Dessel, a child who grew up oscillating between his abusive household and the torturous mines where he toiled day in and day out. He gets his ticket off-world by blending into the Sith army and shipping off to war, taking the new title of Bane. But will he be able to endure the trials of the Sith and triumph over the treacherous tendencies of his fellow disciples?
Alas, poor Mace Windu! We knew him well. Get to know him a little bit better in Shatterpoint, a listen that follows Windu on a trip back to his homeworld, Haruun Kal, after his former Padawan goes missing. Now a council member, Depa Billaba was sent to the jungle planet to train the locals in combat against the Separatists. Master Windu is left with only an eerie recording, telling of madness behind the battlefield. It’s up to him to put the pieces back together so he can save—or perhaps stop—Depa, before everything falls apart.
Ask many old school Star Wars fans about their favorite EU character, and they might just mention Revan, the playable protagonist of the first Knights of the Old Republic game that’s explored further in this listen. A complex and complicated character, Revan’s shattered mind and torn allegiances took him from hero to traitor to savior, from the Jedi Order to the dark side and back again. With his memories wiped, Revan struggles to piece together a threat he once perceived—before it’s too late.
The last Legends title released before the canonical timeline was reset in 2014, Crucible offers a worthwhile sendoff to the stories of Han, Luke, and Leia that unfolded within the prior EU’s timeline. This listen brings the original trio back together again, this time in an adventure that originates as a dispute at Lando Calrissians’s mining operation—and soon takes them into the twisted world of the brilliant but diabolical Qreph brothers.
Another entry from fan favorite Timothy Zahn, this listen takes on the galaxy’s greatest smugglers and syndicates. Our favorite scruffy-looking nerf-herder Han Solo is in deep, deep debt—and even bigger trouble—with notorious crime boss Jabba the Hutt. His only hope lies in his team of rogues and a risky job, one that offers a hefty pay-out—if everything goes according to plan. If you’re a big fan of Han and Chewie, give this one a listen—after all, there aren’t enough scoundrels in your life.
Is there any Star Wars symbol more enduring than an X-wing pilot at the controls, the starbird crest of the Rebel Alliance emblazoned on their helmet? Get to know the heroes behind the dogfights in this Legends tale, which sees hero Wedge Antilles gathering up recruits and rebanding the iconic Rogue Squadron battalion six years after the Battle of Yavin. He assembles a team capable of great feats, all willing to die for the cause. And with the odds they’re facing, that last trait is more valuable than ever.
From the moment we laid eyes on him in Episode I, a predator with ruthless eyes and enviable (dual-sided!) saber skills, one thing was clear: few in the Star Wars universe are as awesomely intimidating as Darth Maul. In this intense audiobook, Maul finds himself imprisoned alongside some of the most bloodthirsty convicts in the universe. His mission: to retrieve a powerful object and deliver it to Darth Plagueis and Darth Sidious. But first, he’ll have to survive the routine bloodshed and gladiatorial combat between inmates.
This listen from James Luceno sheds some light on the path from the events of Attack of the Clones to those of Revenge of the Sith. As the Separatists’ vicious attacks on the Republic rage on, it’s up to valiant heroes like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to counter their aggression—and root out the darkness wrought by the efforts of Dooku, Grievous, and Sidious. When they come across a holotransceiver with a wealth of new intel, the duo might come closer to unveiling and apprehending Darth Sidious than ever before.
If you’re a sci-fi fan, chances are you're well acquainted with Martha Wells, author of The Murderbot Diaries. In Razor’s Edge, Wells cuts right to the heart of the Rebellion: Princess Leia Organa. Amidst the construction of the Echo Base on Hoth, Leia and Han set out to the Mid Rim to barter and collect supplies. When their trip goes off course and they find themselves surrounded by marauders hailing from the recently destroyed planet of Alderaan, Leia is torn between aiding her people and ensuring the future of the Rebellion.
Set concurrently within the events of the first season of The Clone Wars, this Legends listen offers fresh insight from characters ranging from Senator Padme Amidala to the nefarious Count Dooku. After Obi-Wan is left wounded by a scrape with the Separatists, he sends Anakin and Padawan Ahsoka Tano off to face General Grievous. Senator Bail Organa then takes Obi-Wan along for an intelligence mission that turns sideways. (As Admiral Ackbar would say: It’s a trap!)
While the Canonical timeline expands on the history of the Jedi Order through the adventures of the High Republic series, Legends tells the secrets of the ancient Je’daii. A young Force-sensitive disciple of the mysterious Order, Lanoree Brock lives out her days as a peace-keeping Ranger patrolling the galaxy—until the Je’daii Council gives her orders to stop a fanatical, unstable villain from destroying the galaxy. Oh, and that madman? He just so happens to be her long-lost brother.
The torch has been passed, and it’s Luke Skywalker’s turn to restore the Jedi Order. Now with a number of Jedi Knights—including his nephew, Jacen Solo, and his son, Ben Skywalker—behind him, Luke faces down a rising evil (including visions of a Vader-level evil) that will put him at odds with his own nearest and dearest. As the real-world ramifications of political strife begin to mount, uprisings threaten the galaxy’s newfound stability, as many assert that Galactic Alliance is no less oppressive than the Empire.
It’s been 30 years since the ragtag group of commandos and pilots that comprised Wraith Squadron last gathered up arms. Their unique abilities, dauntless spirit, and roguish amalgamation of heroes made them the perfect fit for the Rebellion’s most treacherous missions. And their skills are no less needed in the post-Imperial era, as they’re called in yet again to root out and capture a traitor in the interstellar republic’s midst—by any means necessary.
Depending on who you ask, she’s either a piece of junk or a freighter that’s got it where it counts. Either way, there are few ships in the whole of science fiction more iconic than the Millennium Falcon. Set after Darth Cadeus (formerly Jacen Solo) was defeated by his sister, Jedi Jaina Solo, this listen opens on Han and Leia navigating their complex grief. But when Jacen's daughter Allana makes a discovery onboard the Falcon, the Solo clan sets out on an adventure that just may offer hope in a time of great sorrow.
If you’re a fan of both Star Wars and horror listens, Death Troopers has you covered. This grisly, off-the-beaten-path installment is as unsettling as it is gruesome. When a ship full of Imperial prisoners is left stranded in uncharted space, the inhabitants scavenge a derelict Star Destroyer for parts to get back up and running. But when they return, it’s not only with parts: Stowed aboard is a nightmarish contaminant that kills within hours. And that’s just the beginning, as those who have fallen victim to the disease reanimate, starving and without remorse.
James S.A. Corey—yes, the very same pair of writers who brought us The Expanse series—bring the epic flare they’re known for to this Legends listen. When a Rebel asset needs extraction from the depths of an Imperial stronghold, no man is better suited for the job than Han Solo. There’s just one problem—their spy, Scarlet Hark, has no intention of leaving her post behind enemy lines, especially when lives are at risk and stolen secrets lie in wait.
This listen, set directly before The Phantom Menace, sets the stage for much of the political drama and senatorial corruption explored in the film. Discontent born from the Trade Federation’s grip on the galaxy (and the unwillingness of senators to get involved without personal benefit) is coming to a head. Chaos breaks out at an emergency trade summit called by the largely distrusted Chancellor Valorum, as accusations of greed and misconduct fly. And behind all these machinations is Darth Sidious, a Sith Lord driven not by money, but something far more sinister: unlimited power.
The Hand of Thrawn duology plays with a concept similar to Palpatine's return in The Rise of Skywalker: How will our heroes react to a rumored resurrection of such terrible foes? Luke, Leia, and Han think their struggle against Grand Admiral Thrawn is over—that is, until it seems Thrawn has risen from the dead, ready to restore the Empire to its former glory. With plot threads ranging from clone-manned pirate ships to the budding romance between Luke and Mara Jade, this listen is a Legends classic.
The galaxy is in shambles in the wake of Darth Caedus’s rise and fall, and the need for peace, restoration, and negotiation has never been greater. But what does this call to order mean for the Jedi, the very organization that saw Jacen’s development? Luke Skywalker, once a galactic hero, becomes a wanted man as he is charged with failing to prevent former pupil’s descent. Now in exile with his son, Luke traces the history of Jacen’s corruption, uncovering revelations more shocking than he could have ever anticipated.
A companion to the now non-canonical LucasArts video game of the same name, this listen opens on the rise of the Empire, as Emperor Palpatine takes the throne and Vader crosses the galaxy quashing insurrectionists. But Vader is not alone—the Sith Lord has trained an apprentice to aid him in his wicked enforcement, a young man gifted in ways of the Force. But does Starkiller's destiny align with Vader's wishes?
Ah, the man who started it all. In George Lucas: A Life, Brian Jay Jones offers a thorough and thoughtful biography of the Star Wars creator. From Lucas’s childhood as a comics and sci-fi-obsessed kid in Modesto, California, to his rise to fame as the mind behind some of the biggest blockbusters ever made, Jones examines his subject with a balance of awe and honesty, emphasizing the staggering magnitude of Lucas’s influence. As much a deeply fascinating bio of George Lucas as a history of the conception, making, and promotion of the Skywalker Saga, this is a must-listen for every fan and aspiring filmmaker alike.
The brilliant Carrie Fisher's final memoir, published before her tragic death in 2016, is as openhearted as all the rest, with a slightly narrower scope. Narrated by the author and her daughter, Billie Lourd, The Princess Diarist reflects on journals Fisher kept while working on the set of the first Star Wars film in 1977. Reminiscing on her relationship with co-star Harrison Ford, behind-the-scenes antics and cherished memories alike, and the follies that followed her stint as the galaxy’s most famous royal, Fisher leaves us with the very thoughtful musings and quick wit that will forever cement her legacy. You're forever our princess.
What truly made the golden guide of human-cyborg relations instantly memorable is the performance of Anthony Daniels, who made the polite and panic-stricken droid one of the series’ most lovable constants. In I Am C-3PO, Daniels recounts his experience working on all nine films of the Skywalker Saga, from 1977’s A New Hope to 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. In his familiar and warm voice, he shares memories from his time spent in and out of the metallic costume (a costume he could not even sit down in while wearing), taking a nostalgic glance back at the making of Star Wars, from his co-stars to the press tours.
Behind the scenes of any work of movie magic is a host of creatives, all collaborating to craft the best on-screen experience possible. And film editing is among the most unsung arts of the process. In A Long Time Ago, in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away, Paul Hirsch—a celebrated film editor who worked on both A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back—sheds a bit of light on the role of film editors and, more specifically, the work he did on films including the first two blockbusters in the original Star Wars trilogy, teen comedy classic Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and horror favorite Carrie.
Warwick Davis is sci-fi and fantasy royalty. He's portrayed both Professor Flitwick and goblin banker Griphook in the Harry Potter series, the title character in the 1988 adventure classic Willow, and the fuzzy Ewok warrior Wicket in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. His endlessly endearing memoir, Size Matters Not houses stories from his time on the Skywalker Saga's set alongside anecdotes hilarious and heartwarming alike—from the cult favorite Leprechaun series to his struggles with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. The enthusiasm that makes Davis an absolute joy to watch on screen shines through in every recollection.
Wondery’s Inside Star Wars podcast is an audio treasure trove for fans who want to know all the ins-and-outs of the making of 1977’s original Star Wars. Creator and host Mark Ramsey brings a sense of wit, humor, and levity to the often difficulty-plagued production, unearthing struggles ranging from malfunctioning droids to one less-than-enthusiastic Oscar winner cast in one of the film’s chief roles. This podcast is an absolute joy to listen to, with sound effects, music, and production that make you feel as if you’re actually on set alongside the likes of George Lucas and Harrison Ford.