Star Wars books to read before Andor debuts on Disney+

Maarva (Fiona Shaw) in Lucasfilm's ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
Maarva (Fiona Shaw) in Lucasfilm's ANDOR, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

In just over one month, Cassian Andor and Mon Mothma will return in Star Wars: Andor. The series will take place between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, before the events of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

In preparation for the release of the series next month, here are a handful of Star Wars books to consider reading before a new chapter in Cassian Andor’s story unfolds.

ahsoka, The Clone Wars - Tales of the Jedi
Photo: Star Wars: The Clone Wars Episode 710 “The Phantom Apprentice” – Image Courtesy Disney+

Ahsoka

We know Cassiian was once a Fulcrum agent just like another fan-favorite character — and she happens to be the one who suggested forming the intelligence network in the first place.

E.K. Johnston’s Ahsoka follows its title character in the aftermath of The Clone Wars. As she hides from the Empire and its Inquisitors, Ahsoka eventually seeks out the help of Bail Organa — another key figure in forming the Rebel Alliance as we know it.

rogue one
Photo: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones). Copyright: 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Rebel Rising

Because Andor will focus on Cassian’s life before joining the Rebel Alliance, it’s beneficial to also visit the life of another future rebel before joining the cause. Beth Revis’ Rebel Rising showcases the state of the galaxy before the Galactic Civil War, similar to the show.

After the Empire separates Jyn Erso from her parents, Saw Garrera takes her in and shows her how to fight for freedom in a galaxy ruled by oppressors. While she wouldn’t join the Rebellion until many years later, Revis’ novel touches on the different ways different people respond to their desire to make the universe a better, fairer place — and the lengths some people will go to take down their enemies.

STAR WARS REBELS
STAR WARS REBELS – “The Lost Commanders” – Ahsoka sends the Rebel crew to find and recruit a war hero to their cause, but when they discover it is Captain Rex, trust issues put the mission at risk. This episode of “Star Wars Rebels” airs Wednesday, October 14 (9:30 PM – 10:00 PM ET/PT) on Disney XD. (Disney XD)EZRA, CAPTAIN REX, KANAN

A New Dawn

The Empire had enemies from the very beginning — some of them in much more danger than others. Like Cassian, some had to tread carefully in order to survive what the galaxy had become after the war.

In John Jackson Miller’s book, Kanan begins to discover the Empire is just as ruthless as he expected t to be — but he’s not the only one who might be able to stand up and do something about it someday.

rogue one
Photo: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones). Copyright: 2016 Lucasfilm Ltd. & ™, All Rights Reserved.

Rogue One

In preparation for a show all about a Rebel spy, what better book to read than the novelization his debut appearance was based on?

Alexander Freed’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story novelization introduces readers to Cassian Andor and gives more background on his character, just in time for audiences to learn more when Andor premieres this August.

Catalyst

James Luceno’s Catalyst tells the story of a post-Clone Wars regime before there is a rebellion to oppose its wrath.

Catalyst focuses on the Empire’s secret work building something extremely deadly. Though not many outsiders are onto them just yet, a few on the inside — such as Galen Erso — may be making discoveries that could one day lead to Imperial downfall.

Star Wars: Andor premieres August 31 exclusively on Disney+.

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