There’s an extra High Republic story hidden in a new Barnes & Noble book

If you were lucky enough to pick up a copy of Tales of Light and Life from your local Barnes & Noble bookstore this week, you may have noticed the cover isn’t the only way it differs from other copies of the new book.

The short story anthology, released on September 5, features stories from each of the High Republic authors who have contributed to the series since it began in 2021. Most copies of the book include nine stories, one from each writer. However, the Barnes & Noble exclusive edition of the book includes an extra short story you can only get in this special version.

The story — written by High Republic newcomer Alyssa Wong, whose first story in the series will appear in Phase III of the initiative — is called “Rogue Element.” It features the Midnight Horizon character Crash, who Wong was the inspiration for. The story takes place shortly after the end of that book in the timeline.

Wong is not new to Star Wars publishing, having written the Doctor Aphra (2020) comic series featuring the title character’s reckless adventures through a galaxy far, far away. They also contributed to the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event.

It was announced at Star Wars Celebration 2023 that Wong would be joining the growing team of High Republic authors. While “Rogue Element” is their first entry into the series, they are also the co-author of Escape From Valo (co-written by  Daniel José Older). The middle-grade book is set to release in January 2024.

But you can get a taste of Wong’s brilliant Star Wars writing in “Rogue Element” now, as well as in the Doctor Aphra comics. If there isn’t a Barnes & Noble near you, you can order the store-exclusive copy of the book online and it will show up at your front door. It’s worth it.

Star Wars The High Republic: Tales of Light and Life is available now wherever you get your Star Wars books.

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