Star Wars: Before the Awakening shares the backstories for Rey, Poe and Finn. The book begins as any good Star Wars story should, with the line “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away …” and readers learn the First Order is growing powerful and creating conflict, returning the universe to a time reminiscent of when the Jedi and the Republic fought the might of Darth Vader and his stormtroopers. Now the New Republic is returning to protect its citizens.
Rey lives in isolation on Jakku, a planet plagued by famine. She’s young, confident and stubborn, but she struggles, too. Poe is a fighter pilot for the New Republic whose parents had been part of the Rebellion against the Imperial Forces years before. Finn is an officer identified by his superiors as “loyal, dutiful, brave, smart and strong.” Expected to follow orders and not deviate from their mission, Finn feels empathy and can see the people behind the anonymity.
To say much more might spoil the story told in both the book and the new movie. This is far better than your usual movie tie-in book. Star Wars: Before the Awakening fills the gap in the Star Wars mythology between The Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens and is told in an easy and effective way.
Enjoyable and recommended for fans of Star Wars and others - you don’t need to be a Jedi to appreciate these characters or their stories.
Title: Star Wars: Before the Awakening
Author: Greg Rucka
Illustrator: Phil Noto
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont, $17.99 RRP
Publication Date: January 2016
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781760127022
For ages: 10+
Type: Young Adult Fiction