Star Wars Visions: Ronin

A Visions Novel (Inspired by The Duel)

By: Emma Mieko Candon

Narrated by: Joel de la Fuente

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

National best seller

A mysterious former Sith wanders the galaxy in this stunning Star Wars tale, an original novel inspired by the world of The Duel from the Star Wars Visions animated anthology.

The Jedi are the most loyal servants of the Empire.

Two decades ago, Jedi clans clashed in service to feuding lords. Sickened by this endless cycle, a sect of Jedi rebelled, seeking to control their own destiny and claim power in service of no master. They called themselves Sith.

The Sith rebellion failed, succumbing to infighting and betrayal, and the once rival lords unified to create an Empire...but even an Empire at peace is not free from violence.

Far on the edge of the Outer Rim, one former Sith wanders, accompanied only by a faithful droid and the ghost of a less civilized age. He carries a lightsaber, but claims lineage to no Jedi clan, and pledges allegiance to no lord. Little is known about him, including his name, for he never speaks of his past, nor his regrets. His history is as guarded as the red blade of destruction he carries sheathed at his side.

As the galaxy's perpetual cycle of violence continues to interrupt his self-imposed exile, and he is forced to duel an enigmatic bandit claiming the title of Sith, it becomes clear that no amount of wandering will ever let him outpace the specters of his former life.

©2021 Ballantine (P)2021 Random House Audio

Confusing...

I like the book, the idea for the Visions novel was a great idea. Set in an alternate universe where the Jedi are protectorates of the Galaxy, and the sith are all but extinct. It got me in some parts where I had to rewind a minute or two just to understand what exactly had just happened. This happened about a couple times during the whole novel. It was good, the idea was flawlessly executed, but I think the writing could have used some more, explanation, in some parts.

Not a Normal SW Story, Different but Good

People who complain about this book being "different" don't realize that that is the point. It's a reimaging of the Star Wars universe via Japanese culture and it's an interesting one at that. The way Jedi and Sith work here is much different than any other Canon or legends story and that ads to the mystery. If you liked the Vision's episode, "The Duel", this retells that episode and continues "The Ronin's" journey. Some people might be put off by how different this is and the story can be confusing because of it but I enjoyed listening to this narrative, meeting all the new characters and the world building it had to offer. Apparently people have also complained about the non-binary character that's in this but they're a lot of fun and they have an interesting backstory. Good production value with music, sound effects, awesome narration and immersion. If you want something different from a Star Wars book, like Samurai stories and don't mind how different the lore is, I would recommend it.

good for not cannon

good book and good story for not being cannon. the performance was good but I think a woman should have been added

what the High Republic should have been

The best StarWars book in a very long time. I want more from this universe!

Meh

Confusing hard to follow story with way too many flowery words that did just made it more obscure.

I finished it like a chore, just to complete it.

The Star Wars Universe is better off without whatever this is.

Not your usual Star Wars tale.

Well written, subtle, and fun adventure. Parts Star Wars, samurai adventure, and ghost story.

Purists may not gravitate to this visions story, however for people open to a world where Sith are not all bad and the force is not simply light or dark may enjoy a different type of story.

enjoy

cool to know what happens after his battle in the show. I think the ending was ok. crazy tho

Best Star Wars book since the Darth Bane Series

Just down right a great read/listen. The performance of the narrator is perfectly in line with the feel of a Samurai in feudal Japan, but with a lure of the Star Wars universe. This story captures what so many recent Star Wars books fail to do (excluding Timothy Zahn). Please keep up this story line as it is great to venture to very beginning of the Star Wars tales outside the norm. Great job to all involved with brining this story to us true fans!

really cool take on things

it was super interesting and good, the worse part was sometimes the story would jump between chapters with no explanation. can be confusing when you stop in-between chapters

Interesting alternative Star Wars story

The alternative Star Wars universe of Ronin is interesting, listening to the book i had the same feeling i had when i played KOTOR for the first time. The world is familiar but different. The dynamic between the Empire, Jedi and Sith feels refreshing and maybe a bit more believable than what we got this far. Enjoyable story, but because it's written mostly in conversations you get lost where they are or what character is saying, thinking it. The chapter transitions felt very unnatural in Thrawn trilogy it feels better but over all great performance.