For those Star Wars fans looking to fill in the blanks between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, look no further than the upcoming novel Bloodline.
The novel will explore several of the ambiguities from JJ Abrams’ sequel, including the origins of the First Order and how Leia became a pivotal member of the Resistance following the collapse of the Empire.
Bloodline will also reveal a huge Darth Vader secret, writing “in case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a big Darth Vader head on the cover of the book. Let’s just say that the galaxy finds out a scandalous secret, and you don’t want to miss the fallout!
Interestingly, the official Star Wars website (via Squareeyed) has revealed that Episode VIII director Rian Johnson has contributed creatively to Claudia Gray’s novel, which will be released on May 3.
“Some of the story ideas and elements came straight from Rian,” the official website writes.
Taking place during the decades between Return of the Jediand The Force Awakens, Bloodline focuses on Leia, and the galaxy’s recovery from the iron fist of the Empire in the aftermath of the second Death Star’s destruction.
“It’s about the role she’s created for herself since the fall of the Empire,” says Gray, “and the one she takes up by the time of The Force Awakens.”
The novel also introduces new characters, like Ransolm Caterfo, who’s described as “an ambitious young senator who’s Leia’s political opposite in virtually every way. He even collects artefacts from the Empire, like pro-Palpatine banners.”
And yes, although he is a secondary character, Han Solo will appear in the novel, perhaps shining a light on his turbulent relationship with Leia leading up to The Force Awakens.
Synopsis: In this thrilling new novel set in the years before the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Leia must grapple with the dangers that threaten to cripple the fledgling democracy—from both within and without. Desperate to take action, senators are calling for the election of a First Senator. It is their hope that this influential post will bring strong leadership to a divided galaxy.
As the daughter of Darth Vader, Leia faces with distrust the prospect of any one person holding such a powerful position—even when supporters suggest Leia herself for the job. But a new enemy may make this path Leia’s only option. For at the edges of the galaxy, a mysterious threat is growing. . .
Additional info on Bloodline:
- Star Wars: Bloodline is set 6 years prior to The Force Awakens
- The novel will be written entirely from Leia’s perspective
- Han and Leia are still a couple
- There will be flashbacks to earlier points in Han and Leia’s relationship
- Han owns a shipping company
- Leia is on the cusp of retiring from her political career and becoming a full time crewmember on the Falcon
- Ben Solo is 23 years old in the novel & still training with Luke at this time
Here is a short excerpt from the novel, courtesy of Star Wars Underworld:
“Never imagined this, Han had murmured, sitting up in their bed late at night, Ben’s tiny head resting in the crook of his father’s arm. “Having a kid. Even wanting a kid. But now he’s here and -“
“And you’re a dad.” Leia had leaned closer, unable to resist the chance to tease her husband. “Just think hotshot. Someday you might even be a grandad.”
Han’s chuckle had warmed her. “Speak for yourself, sweetheart. Me, I ain’t ever getting old.”
“Princess Leia?”
Leia snapped out of her reverie, back into the here and now.
Irwin Fletcher
I'm an LA journalist who really lives for his profession. I have also published work as Jane Doe in various mags and newspapers across the globe. I normally write articles that can cause trouble but now I write for FTN because Nerds are never angry, so I feel safe.
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