In Part 1 of this article, we discussed the novels Lost Stars and Aftermath, the Shattered Empire comic series, and the Uprising mobile game and what these stories tell us about the state of the galaxy following the death of Emperor Palpatine.

In Part 2, we uncover some of the major details and plot points from the three junior novels in the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens publishing project – as well as which characters to look for in the upcoming film and how these stories may affect the greater story moving forward.

Some non-major spoilers for The Force Awakens will follow. Some of this post will also include some speculation.

[The information and speculation in this article is provided by Pomojema (PJ) and Hard Case (HC)]

Book Description:

In this story, set between Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Luke finds himself drawn to a mysterious planet, where he must use the Force to save a young girl—and survive in a dangerous duel against a strange new villain.

Characters to look for in The Force Awakens:

Jessika Pava (possibly Jessica Henwick? – PJ)

Farnay

Narra

Sarco Plank (possibly Miltos Yerelemou? – PJ)

Story Points That May Relate to The Force Awakens:

The prologue of the story introduces us to a Resistance pilot by the name of Jessika Pava. The book has her encounter C-3PO, and he begins to tell her a story about Luke Skywalker, who is clearly esteemed as a legend in Pava’s eyes.

At the beginning of the story, Luke feels the Force calling him to the planet Devaron (possibly Skellig Michael? – PJ) where he discovers a Jedi temple. The temple of Eedit, as it is called, first appeared in season 3 of the Clone Wars series and may possibly have significance in TFA. The empire has placed defenses around the temple to discourage would be tresspassers, and Luke hires a guide, Sarco Plank – who definitely has a role in the upcoming film – to help him find a secret entrance.

This book features a heavy emphasis on lightsaber training and features Luke’s first canonical duel with the weapon. He defeats Plank in combat which may have implications for a feud between the alien and the Jedi in TFA.

There is also a frieze in the temple depicting a Jedi battle (possibly with the Knights of Ren? – PJ).

For the full SWNN review of Weapon of a Jedi by Pomojema Click Here.

Book Description:

In this story, set between Star Wars: A New Hope and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Han and Chewie must fly the Millennium Falcon on a top-secret mission for the Rebellion, while evading ruthless bounty hunters and a relentless Imperial agent.

Characters to look for in The Force Awakens:

Caluan Ematt (possibly Frank Stone’s character? – PJ)

Alecia Beck

Delia Leighton (red-headed human woman, Captain and owner of the Miss Fortune ship/cantina)

Curtis (male Shistavanen, Delia’s partner, copilot, and bouncer)

Story Points That May Relate to The Force Awakens:

The prologue of the book is set in a cantina that is actually on board a starship known as the Miss Fortune. It is possible that the ship (now called the Serendipity) and it’s captain, Delia Leighton may appear in the film (perhaps this ship is the pub on Takodana where we meet Maz Kanata? – PJ)

We are introduced to a band of mercenaries that would love to get their hands on the famed Millennium Falcon.

Han and Chewie set out on a mission to rescue a rebel named Caluan Ematt, who is the leader and last surviving member of a group called the Shrikes. The group’s mission is to scout out locations for a possible Rebel base.

The duo race against the clock to beat the Imperials to Ematt’s location. Commander Alecia Beck of the Imperial Security Bureau, a cold and ruthless woman with a cybernetic eye, is also after their target. It is likely that Ematt will appear in the film. Commander Beck may also come in to play as her future appearance in some fashion is teased at the end of the book.

For the full SWNN review of Smuggler’s Run by Pomojema Click Here.

Book Description:

In this story, set between Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Princess Leia must lead a ragtag group of rebels on a treacherous decoy mission against the evil Galactic Empire.

Characters to look for in The Force Awakens:

PZ-4CO (“Peazy”)

Caluan Ematt

Kidi Aleri (female Cerean and rebel communications specialist)

Aurelant (male Draedan and rebel contact)

Story Points That May Relate to The Force Awakens:

Ematt appears in a rebel meeting towards the beginning of the book as well as in the epilogue further implying his presence in TFA.

The story focuses on Leia and a small group of Rebels (including Sullustan pilot Nien Nunb) on a recruiting mission in the outer rim. Unknown to the crew, the mission is a ruse, meant to draw Imperial attention away from the actual fleet gathering at Sullust to attack the incomplete Death Star II. Nien Nunb has been confirmed to appear in TFA and his friendship with Leia, briefly touched on in the Princess Leia comic series, is fleshed out a little more in the novel.

Leia and her team steal the Imperial shuttle Tyderium which is later used to smuggle the strike team to the forest moon of Endor in ROTJ (I know this is technically not relevant to TFA, but was too noteworthy not to mention – HC).

Leia has some knowledge about the Force, but she is most likely still untrained; she senses that she will be in the center of the action in the coming battles.

The galaxy is on the brink of a full-scale war right before the events of The Force Awakens (the New Republic does not seem to be involved in the First Order/Resistance skirmishes now, but it may in the future – PJ).

Leia recently sent Poe Dameron to Jakku.

In the epilogue of the book, Leia is referred to as “General Organa”. She is having a discussion with Ematt about Poe Dameron, for whom she shows great concern. The way she worries over Dameron suggests a motherly relationship to the character. Poe is also confirmed by Ematt to be the best pilot in the Resistance.

For the full SWNN review of Moving Target by Pomojema Click Here.

What are your thoughts on these stories? Share your comments below.