Although released way back in 2016, E.K. Johnston’s Star Wars novel Ahsoka still holds up as one of the most important books in the Canon Expanded Universe timeline.
There are many important Star Wars books out there. Why this one? Why a young adult novel focused on a brief point in an animated Star Wars character’s life?
I’ve heard handfuls of fans jab at this book’s attention to character study and growth over the years. Certainly, if heavily character-driven books aren’t your favorite, you might not love this one and that’s OK! But it’s the audiobook that seals the deal for me. The story itself is captivating, but hearing it changes everything.
Narrated by the voice of Ahsoka herself Ashley Eckstein, the Ahsoka audiobook allows Johnston’s story to be told through Ahsoka’s words and thoughts. It not only showcases how expertly the author captured the character’s presence and inner voice, but also amplifies the wide range of emotions the former Jedi experiences throughout the story.
Ahsoka’s journey from lost, hidden wanderer to determined, fierce hero hits so much harder when you’re listening to the events unfold around you. While Tales of the Jedi tried to adapt some of its bigger moments for the small screen, it simply doesn’t do it justice. The book’s characters are vital to Ahsoka’s journey. Its small moments, too, are some of the most special Star Wars books have to offer.
Audiobooks aren’t for everyone for various reasons, and that’s OK too! While I found this method of experiencing the story the most beneficial, there’s a reason Star Wars books are released in a variety of formats for readers of all needs and preferences to enjoy.
You can still find the Ahsoka novel in a variety of places and formats, including your local library or independent bookstore.
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