Happy Star Wars Day to all of you who enjoy a tall glass of blue milk and dream of twin Tatooine sunsets on the horizon.
To add to the annual Star Wars spree of all things from a galaxy far, far away, we bring news of a new space opera novel from Del Rey titled “Star Wars: Brotherhood,” hitting bookstores and outlets. Earthly online sale on May 10. (You can save 29% by pre-ordering it now on Amazon.)
Written by Mike Chen (“A Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back”), this latest Star Wars story is the ideal introduction to Disney Plus’ upcoming live-action miniseries “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” starring Ewan McGregor. as the aging space wizard in exile and lands on the streaming platform starting May 27.
For more “Star Wars” goodness, check out our guides to the best Star Wars books, epic Lego Star Wars deals, and even a ranking of the best Star Wars movies.
“Star Wars: Brotherhood” is set during the turbulent times of the prequel era, right after the chaotic events that unfolded in 2002’s “Star Wars: Attack of the Clones.”
The narrative focuses on how Count Dooku’s cunning Sith apprentice Asajj Ventress first met Kenobi at the start of the devastating Clone Wars, and delves into the complex relationship between Anakin’s former master and the newly anointed Jedi Knight as they are called to investigate a shocking tragedy on the Trade Federation planet of Cato Neimoidia.
Here’s the official synopsis for Del Rey:
“The Clone Wars have begun. Battle lines are being drawn across the galaxy. With each world that joins the Separatists, the peace guarded by the Jedi Order slips through their fingers.
“After an explosion devastates Cato Neimoidia, the jewel of the Trade Federation, the Republic is blamed and the planet’s fragile neutrality is threatened. The Jedi send Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the most gifted diplomatic minds in the Order, to investigate the crime and maintain the balance that has begun to shift dangerously. the sinister hand of Asajj Ventress in the mists that cover the planet.
“Amidst the looming chaos, Anakin Skywalker rises to the rank of Jedi Knight. Despite the mandate that Obi-Wan travel alone, and his former master’s insistence that he listen this time, Anakin’s stubborn determination means that Nothing can stop him from crashing the party and bringing with him a promising but troubled young man.
“Anakin, once Obi-Wan’s Padawan, now finds himself on an equal but uncertain footing with the man who raised him. The ongoing friction between them increases the danger to all around them. The two knights must learn a new way of working together, and they must learn quickly to save Cato Neimoidia and his people from the fires of war. To overcome the threat they face, they must grow beyond master and apprentice. They must stand together as brothers.”
For Chen, “Brotherhood” was a dream project that takes place in his favorite era of the “Star Wars” saga and chronicles the transition between Anakin and Obi-Wan as a master of feuds and an apprentice of the bonds of brotherhood forged under a extreme conflict. This is how it all happened:
Space.com: What was the genesis of “Fraternity“ And why was this a story you wanted to tell?
mike chen: I’ve talked quite a bit with my agent about wanting to do a character-centric story for the prequel era, so on the business side of things, it really started with that and my short story in “From a Certain Point of View “. “anthology. That said, this is literally a dream project for me, as I love the complexity of both the Clone Wars era and Anakin Skywalker as a character. The galaxy is changing in ways our heroes know and don’t.” , and that makes his path from point A (“Attack of the Clones”) to point B (“The Clone Wars” movie) fascinating and conducive to exploration.
Space.com: Where did your research process take you to compose this story of Obi-Wan and Anakin?
Chen: I rewatched “Attack of the Clones” quite a bit, along with a short list of “Clone Wars” episodes and parts of “Revenge of the Sith.” Once the narrative outline was in place, a lot of that repetition was centered around voice and physical gestures, as well as trying to get into the characters’ heads at specific moments so I could talk about it in prose. I also constantly researched links to other connective tissue knitting material there, as well as speaking with EK Johnston, author of “Queen’s Hope” (which takes place immediately before my book).
space.com: What were some of the geeky freebies you included in “Brotherhood”?
Chen: I have a spreadsheet of over 70 references, links, and easter eggs woven throughout “Brotherhood.” Of those, there’s a standout for Anakin and Obi-Wan that I’m glad they let me do. For Anakin, it’s about translating the sun dragon motif from Matthew Stover’s novel “Revenge of the Sith” and connecting it with Anakin’s childhood and his relationship with his mother. For Obi-Wan, it’s about expanding on his personal history with Mandalore’s Satine Kryze, and in particular connecting with a detail from John Jackson Miller’s Legends novel “Kenobi.”
Space.com: Do you have a favorite “Star Wars” memory and special plans for “Star Wars” Day?
Chen: I was born in the late 1970s, so I’ve been a fan all my life. Which means there are a lot of memories to choose from, but I think one thing I really hold on to is my daughter’s reaction to seeing the series using the Machete Order (as documented in this essay).
By the time we finished, it was clear that rather than just be cool spaceships and lightsabers, this would be something that would carry emotional weight for her. Knowing that we built that deep bond for her and that we can enjoy it together is very special. So we’ll probably spend Star Wars Day as a family watching something together and knowing he’ll always be there for us.
Mike Chen’s “Star Wars: Brotherhood” arrives May 10 from Del Rey Books.
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