Where to Start: Your Guide to Star Wars Series & Audiobooks

Since the 70s, Star Wars has been a favorite among viewers and has only been getting more popular as more content is released and the years go on. The 2019 debut of The Mandalorian on Disney+ brought in more fans to the franchise and with the upcoming release of The Book of Boba Fett in December of 2021, people just can’t get enough.

But did you know that there’s a whole world of extra Star Wars content just waiting to shed more light on the characters you know and love? There are hundreds of books spanning countless series, and we are still seeing new releases all the time. So, why not celebrate May the 4th (Star Wars Day) this year by jumping into the written world of Star Wars.

We’ve put together a quick-start guide for canonical Star Wars series, so that you can figure out where to start, as there are a lot of books and it can be overwhelming. While this list is not exhaustive, we think it’s a good place to start your journey!


Star Wars: The High Republic Series (2021)

Long before the Clone Wars, the Empire, or the First Order, the Jedi lit the way for the galaxy in a golden age known as the High Republic! In this series the Jedi Knights face a terrifying threat to themselves, the galaxy, and to the Force itself.

Start the series:
Star Wars: Light of the Jedi (The High Republic)
Star Wars The High Republic: A Test of Courage
Star Wars The High Republic: Into the Dark
Star Wars The High Republic: The Rising Storm (available for pre-order)


Star Wars Disney Canon Novels (1976 – Present)

This group of canon audiobooks spans over many eras and can be broken into more manageable, bite-sized pieces. You can learn more about the start of the Rebellion while also following Padmé’s journey to finding her identity as the Queen in both Queen’s Peril and Queen’s Shadow. Then take a journey into Catalyst, which will set the stage for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
From here you can venture into Dark Disciple, which is based on unproduced episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. This audiobook follows Asajj Ventress, former Sith apprentice turned bounty hunter and one of the great antiheroes in the Star Wars galaxy.
Curious about Grand Moff Tarkin, Vader’s right hand man? Tarkin explores the backstory of this character from A New Hope.
Next up, Ahsoka. Follow her during the beginning of the Rebellion and find out what happened to her after leaving the Jedi Order. Finally, round out your Star Wars listening with Bloodline. In this audiobook, Leia grapples with and rejects the idea of one single person in power, but a new threat may leave that as her only option.
These are just a few recommendations from the Star Wars Disney Canon Novel series, but they should all give you a great foundation to start with.

Start the series:
Star Wars: Queen’s Peril
Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow
Catalyst (Star Wars): A Rogue One Novel
Dark Disciple: Star Wars
After the fall of the Jedi:
Tarkin: Star Wars
Star Wars: Ahsoka
The era of the Empire’s reign:
Twilight Company (Star Wars: Battlefront #1)
Star Wars: A New Dawn
From the former Rebellion to the New Republic:
Bloodline


Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy Series (2020 – Present)

This series, penned by Timothy Zahn, centers around the origins of Mitth’raw’nuruodo (Thrawn) and the Chiss Ascendancy in the Unknown Regions. The third release in this series. Lesser Evil, is due out later this year.

Start the series:
Chaos Rising (Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy #1)
Greater Good (Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy #2)


Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens Series (2015)

These titles debuted during the lead up to the theatrical release of The Force Awakens. These listens will add even more depth and background to the storyline that we know you’re craving.

Start the series:
Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens Lost Stars
Aftermath (Star Wars: Aftermath #1)


Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Series (2019)

With the grand opening of Disney Parks’ Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge came both of the audiobook tie-ins A Crash of Fate and Black Spire. These listens explore the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order.

Start the series:
A Crash of Fate (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge #1)
Black Spire (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge #1)


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Our Top Staff Picks of 2019 So Far

We’re just past the halfway point for 2019 and so far there have been so many fabulous listens both classics and new releases. In honor of National Book Lovers Day, we wanted to share some of our favorite Audiobooks.com Staff Picks from 2019.

From uplifting self-help bestsellers to fantasy oldies, but goodies, the staff at Audiobooks.com have been keeping their ears busy with some great audiobooks and, may I say, some stellar reviews to boot.


Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Jennifer BealsJudy GreerBenjamin BrattPablo Schreiber
Staff Pick by: Pam

Now a Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine book club alumni, Daisy Jones & The Six tells a compelling story of one of the biggest (fictional) bands of the seventies and what lead to their split at the height of their popularity.

In her review, Pam describes how Taylor Jenkins Reid paints such a vivid picture that she had to keep reminding herself that this wasn’t an actual band from the seventies. Read more about what made this such a buzz-worthy listen this year in Pam’s full review.

Read more and sample the audio →


On the Come Up by Angie Thomas, narrated by Bahni Turpin
Staff Pick by: Lena

On the Come Up follows Bri, a sixteen year old who, an aspiring rapper. With the odds stacked against her and her family, she no longer just wants to make it, she has to.

In Lena’s review, she dives into how she came to love On the Come Up and how it should be equally revered as Thomas debut, The Hate U Give. Click here to read Lena’s full review.

Read more and sample the audio →


The Farm by Joanne Ramos, narrated by Fran De Leon
Staff Pick by: Chrissy

In The Farm, Jane, an immigrant from the Philippines, is searching for a better future and finds it at Golden Oaks (the Farm). Now, pregnant and vulnerable, she grows desperate to reconnect with her life on the outside.

Chrissy was drawn into this listen from the eye-catching cover and I don’t blame her! Read more about what made Ramos The Farm stick with Chrissy long after she was finished reading it.

Read more and sample the audio →


Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman, narrated by Lenny Henry
Staff Pick by: Graeme

After Fat Charlie Nancy’s dad drops dead on a karaoke stage, Fat Charlie finds out that not only was his dad a god, but he also has a brother he never knew about.

Graeme loved this listen from Gaimanclick here to find out why!

Read more and sample the audio →


Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow by E. K. Johnston, narrated by Catherine Taber
Staff Pick by: Jennifer

In E. K. Johnston‘s second Star Wars novel, Queen’s Shadow, we are reunited with Padmé Naberrie, “Queen Amidala” of Naboo. When she resigns from her position she is asked to become Naboo’s representative for the Galactic Senate. Now, Padmé must navigate her new role and all of the politics that come with it.

Jennifer’s review goes deeper into why this story is so important when it comes to Star Wars canon. Click here to read her review.

Read more and sample the audio →


Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis, narrated by Rachel Hollis
Staff Pick by: Caitlin

In this self-help book, Rachel Hollis aims to inspire women to break the pattern of defining themselves in light of other people, and she challenges them to pursue their dreams.

In Caitlin’s review, she chats about how Girl, Stop Apologizing spoke to her and helped her overcome her own self-doubt. Read Catilin’s full review here.

Read more and sample the audio →


Stay Sexy & Don’t Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark, narrated by Paul Giamatti, Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark
Staff Pick by: Kylie

This debut novel from the hosts of the #1 hit podcast My Favorite Murder touches on important cultural issues while also overlaying never-before-heard personal stories from Kilgariff and Hardstarks pasts. This listen was so fun and made me laugh, cry, and feel inspired. Click here to read my full review.

Read more and sample the audio →


New to Audiobooks.com? Get your first book free, PLUS a bonus book from our VIP selection when you sign up for our one-month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking, and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobooks!

STAFF PICK: Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow

Post by Jennifer Joudrey

Title: Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow
Author: E.K. Johnston
Narrator: Catherine Taber

A long time ago, in a galaxy far far away…

Star Wars fans are familiar with the legendary story of Luke Skywalker and how he used to bullseye womp rats back on Tatooine, leading him to successfully bring down the Death Star, or how about the unforgettable tale of the Millenium Falcon? It’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. These stories are heavily embedded in Star Wars lore, but what about some of the unknown stories?

In Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow we are reunited with Padmé Naberrie, formerly the Queen of Naboo. Now leaving her nobility behind, she finds herself in the middle of the chaotic and dangerous Galactic Senate on the planet of Coruscant. As Queen, Padmé was always so certain of her actions, but as a Senator everything is new. Trying to maneuver her way through the volatile political climate proves challenging as she learns who she can trust and who she cannot.

The narrator Catherine Taber delivers the action-packed book in an energetic and exciting manner. Listeners familiar with the Star Wars saga will enjoy this movie-like audio experience. This book is full of characters that are well-known in the Star Wars universe, and she gives each character a dynamic presence in audio form. Through her tone, the listener can hear both the strength of Padmé as a character who successfully defended her home planet of Naboo from invasion, and her vulnerability as a new Senator attempting to navigate an ever changing political environment.

This is E.K. Johnston’s second Star Wars novel. Similar to her previous novel, Johnston was able to provide more background and history to a character that has such an important role in the fandom that Star Wars fans know and love. She has provided us with a detailed account of the struggles that Padmé faced entering the Galactic Senate because of factors such as her age, gender, and inexperience. There has been a lot of debate recently regarding the way that female characters are portrayed in the media, and Johnston’s portrayal of Padmé shows strength and determination in the face of adversity. Writing a book about such a pivotal character could be a daunting task, however, Johnston effectively bridges what we know about Padmé’s past and future in an exciting read.

Listening to a Star Wars audiobook will be a game-changer for any fan of the movies. I cannot recommend them enough. Other amazing titles to check out would be:
Star Wars Ahsoka, Phasma, and Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi Leia, Princess of Alderaan.

Publisher Summary:

Written by the #1 New York Times best-selling author of Star Wars Ahsoka!

When Padmé Naberrie, ‘Queen Amidala’ of Naboo, steps down from her position, she is asked by the newly-elected queen to become Naboo’s representative in the Galactic Senate. Padmé is unsure about taking on the new role, but cannot turn down the request to serve her people. Together with her most loyal handmaidens, Padmé must figure out how to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and forge a new identity beyond the queen’s shadow.

Read more and sample the audio →

New to Audiobooks.com? Get a free audiobook when you sign up for our one month free trial. Digital audiobooks make audible stories come to life when you’re commuting, working out, cleaning, cooking and more! Listening is easy with our top-rated free audiobook apps for iOS and Android, which let you download & listen to bestselling audiobooks on the go, wherever you are. Click here to get your free audiobook!

And the winner is…

I enjoy a night curled up in blankets watching the Grammys as much as the next person… but more than the music, the fashion, and the hot takes on the state of the industry, I was on the edge of my couch cushion waiting to see who would take home the award for Best Spoken Word. And I was not disappointed! Here’s a round-up of the winner, the other nominees, and a surprise guest appearance during the award ceremony!

 

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher wins for Best Spoken Word!


Carrie Fisher has always been a personal hero of mine for a number of reasons, and it is so wonderful to see her work being acknowledged in this way. The Princess Diarist is as intimate as it is hilarious, as she reads through the journals she kept while filming A New Hope. There have always been rumours about what went on behind the scenes, but to hear her experience in her own words, read in her own voice, is an absolute treasure.

Find out for yourself what all the fuss is about here!

 

The Runners up for Best Spoken Word category are:

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry By Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in digestible chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day. While waiting for your morning coffee to brew, or while waiting for the bus, the train, or the plane to arrive, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry will reveal just what you need to be fluent and ready for the next cosmic headlines.

 

 

Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In by Bernie Sanders

Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In, Bernie SandersPersonal experiences from the campaign trail, recounting the details of his historic primary fight and the people who made it possible. And for the millions looking to continue the political revolution, he outlines a progressive economic, environmental, racial, and social justice agenda that will create jobs, raise wages, protect the environment, and provide health care for all—and ultimately transform our country and our world for the better.

 

Born to Run By Bruce Springsteen

Born to Run, Bruce Springsteen

Writing about yourself is a funny business…But in a project like this, the writer has made one promise, to show the reader his mind. In these pages, I’ve tried to do this.” -Bruce Springsteen, from the pages of Born to Run

Over the past seven years, Bruce Springsteen hasprivately devoted himself to writing the story of his life, bringing to these pages the same honesty, humor, and originality found in his songs. 

 

And a surprise honourable mention:

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolf

Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House, Michael WolffBig names like Cher, Snoop, Cardi B, and Hillary Clinton were featured auditioning for next year’s Spoken Word submissions, reading excerpts from the explosive book with extraordinary inside access to the most controversial president of our time. Watch the sketch below, then check out the bestselling audiobook for yourself here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Lucas Ruined My Life – A Review of Wishful Drinking

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audio book, downloads, digital download gift subscriptionGeorge Lucas Ruined My Life – A Review of Wishful Drinking

Carrie Fisher has had one crazy life. Who wouldn’t with Debbie Reynolds for a mother and your face on everything from posters to Pez dispensers?

I have never seen the original three Star Wars movies (shameful, I know) but I have seen When Harry Met Sally and thought it would be interesting to know more about Carrie Fisher’s life, so I started listening to her autobiography, Wishful Drinking.

Daughter of America’s Sweethearts, Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, Carrie did not grow up in a normal household. Watching TV shows gave her insights into what Hollywood viewed as a normal house and family, but she knew that her life was surreal. How many kids have 3 pools — you know, in case 2 of them break at the same time?

Her most famous role of course was Princess Leia in the original Star Wars trilogy, but with her audio books and stand-up comedy she still receives plenty of fan mail and the occasional marriage proposal. If you’ve listened to the audio book, what do you think? Should she accept his proposal?

Carrie narrates the autobiography herself making it feel like you are part of the audience at one of her shows. She speaks as though she is actually telling you the story right now, which makes it a lot more fun than just reading the book.

Let me tell you, this is one wild ride! Carrie will shock and probably even scar you with her tale, but you’ll find yourself laughing with her throughout most of it. Because if what doesn’t kill you also fails to make you stronger, the least you can do is laugh about it.