The latest book to enter the current Star Wars canon timeline, Padawan by Kiersten White, is a New York Times Best Seller. While certainly not the first Star Wars book to earn this status, it’s not as common for young adult Star Wars books to make it onto the list, which makes White and the publishing team’s achievement even more spectacular.
Lucasfilm Publishing Creative Director Michael Siglain took to Twitter to share his gratitude with the readers who supported the book from its initial announcement through its debut, writing: “Thank you to all the fans who have read and supported this title.”
CONGRATULATIONS to @kierstenwhite on STAR WARS: PADAWAN debuting at #1 on the NYT Best Sellers List! And THANK YOU to all the fans who have read and supported this title. #MTFBWY pic.twitter.com/FFWtJnnGJg
— Michael Siglain (@msiglain) August 3, 2022
White herself even emerged from a (much deserved) post-publication Twitter hiatus to share the news, tweeting: “I have no words, other than thank you… It’s such an honor to be part of Obi-Wan’s story in a galaxy far, far away!”
Released on July 26, the novel focuses on young Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi as he wrestles with his place in the galaxy and his relationship with the Force, his master, and the Jedi Order as a whole. Set in the year 41 BBY — before The Phantom Menace and Master and Apprentice and yes, even before THAT year with Satine — the coming-of-age story connects multiple eras and features Star Wars characters old and new.
Obi-Wan and his master Qui-Gon Jinn have planned a special mission to visit a planet few have explored before. But the morning of their departure, Qui-Gon doesn’t show up. Obi-Wan, frustrated and feeling lost and abandoned, decides to undergo the mission alone. The discoveries he makes on his journey will change the course of his life forever, in ways he never could have expected.
Star Wars: Padawan by Kiersten White is available now wherever books are sold.
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