Final Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars excerpt reveals a new mysterious character

The newest Star Wars novel from Random House Worlds, Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars, is less than two weeks away.

The story — written by Sam Maggs, who has also contributed to Star Wars comics and a short story anthology set in a galaxy far, far away — takes place between the video game Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its upcoming sequel, Jedi: Survivor, set to release this spring.

Maggs’ novel features familiar characters from the franchise, including Cal, Merrin, and other members of the Mantis crew. But the story also introduces audiences to several new characters — including one formally introduced in a new excerpt released earlier this week.

Merrin is used to fighting the Empire — she’s been with Cal and their crew long enough to know what she’s getting herself into … most of the time. But this time, something is different. This time, instead of trying to shoot at her, one of the stormtroopers … speaks.

"“I don’t like to play with my food,” Merrin responded. Better the stormtrooper didn’t know she was having . . . hard times, with her powers, anyway. “And I don’t like when people speak about things they can’t possibly understand.”“No, I’m—” the trooper stuttered as Merrin placed a hand on the back of the trooper’s helmet. “You’re Merrin. Witch of Dathomir. Part of the crew of the Stinger Mantis. You’re working against the Empire.”Merrin rolled her eyes, even though there was no one to see her. “Are you reading my arrest warrant? I’ve heard it all before.”“No,” the trooper said. “I need your help.”"

Much of the story that follows revolves around a mission this mysterious stormtrooper hands to the group. A mission she has to help them with. A mission that could save many lives from the wrath of the Empire, if they do it right.

The problem? Trust. Every single member of this crew has been shifting between running from the Empire and fighting it … for years. Why should they trust someone who has served the very regime that continues to threaten the good left in the galaxy?

But also … why shouldn’t they?

You can read the full excerpt exclusively on IGN.

Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars by Sam Maggs releases March 7, 2023, and is available for pre-order now wherever you get your Star Wars books.

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