Before the Awakening (Star Wars) (urspr publ 2015; utgåvan 2015)

A set of longish, yet still somewhat perfunctory, short stories. I found Poe's story to be the most interesting, probably because we get less of his story in Episode VII. Nothing in Finn's backstory is terribly surprising, especially for anyone who has read or watched any canon stories about Imperial cadet training (e.g., [book: Lost Stars] or the Rebels episodes that address it). Rey's story was drawn out a bit too long – not unlike the hot, sandy deserts of Jakku, I suppose – and the ending was telegraphed from miles away.

I don't mean to say these are bad stories, they just aren't great. They're worth reading for the Star Wars completist, but you won't really find much new in them. ( )

REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY ( )

The new trio is the best trio. Seeing a little of them before the movie starts is wonderful and interesting.
Rey :( ( )

Really delightful; the narrator did an INCREDIBLE job, and has a frankly amazing Harrison Ford impersonation. The plot moved quickly without feeling rushed, and the characters that we know already from the series felt pretty in-character. Han's whole plot re: trust might feel a little heavy-handed, but Star Wars is for kids and this book especially is so that's what you get! Some weird 'hot women' stuff going on, which I guess we could chalk up to a Han characterization thing but it still made me roll my eyes. Still definitely a fun read, and really do stress that the audiobook is GREAT, not too long but enough to pass the time for a big hunk of a mid-sized car trip. ( )

Before the Awakening by Greg Rucka, tells the backstory of FN- 2187, Rey, and Poe Dameron. It gives insight on what these three characters were like and what they were doing prior to Episode VII. Each story is unique, as well as enjoyable, making it hard to pick a favorite story out of the three. If you're a fan of the Star Wars universe and want to know the happenings before The Force Awakens, pick up this book. It is a quick read, filled with inner conflict, and space dogfights that will delight any Star Wars fan of any age. ( )