Space Mom’s Review – Star Wars: Ahsoka

Written by E.K Johnston, Star Wars: Ashoka is a must-read young adult novel for all Star Wars fans. Especially, for those who love The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels… like, yours truly.

Ever since the book was announced, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. Luckily I was able to get a copy prior to the release date on October 11, 2016. I immediately submerged myself in this new adventure of Ahsoka Tano and I’m happy to be able to talk about it with the rest of the fans now!

We then got a marvelous surprise when it was announced the Ashley Eckstein would be narrating the audiobook. So, I went back and listened to the audiobook which was so much better than the voiceover in my head of Ahsoka when I read the book!

I too, like many other fans, worried about Ahsoka’s fate once she left the Jedi order. This book allows the fans to pick up from where we left off in The Clone Wars, filling the gaps along the way (see spoilers below) and prepares the reader for an easy transition to Star Wars Rebels.

The character development of Ahsoka Tano felt real. It was unlike some other books where the characters are flawless and never make mistakes. Ahsoka is the same young woman we saw with the same flaws and same traits we all came to love. I can only describe her character in this book as honest. She feels like an honest representation of the Ahsoka we know so well.

E.K. Johnston and Ashley Eckstein then went on tour making special appearances at Barnes & Nobles across the U.S. for about two months signing their books, having Q&A sessions, and meeting fans. We were extremely lucky to catch E. K. and Ashley at one of these meet ups on November 6, 2016, at the Barnes & Noble at the Grove in Los Angeles.

Light Spoilers

Star Wars: Ahsoka takes place a year after Order 66 during the rise of the Galactic Empire. The book discusses Ahsoka’s difficult time as she is grieving for her Jedi brothers and sisters and deals with her survivor’s guilt.

Throughout her journey, she meets new friends and gets reacquainted with some very special old friends.(Eeeeeee!!!) Through flashbacks, E.K Johnston was able to fill the gaps in the story and spend time with more characters we love.

E.K. also does an excellent job discussing the connection between a Kyber Crystal and it’s holder which helps in understanding the nature of the lightsabers and how it is the crystal chooses its bearer.