26th September 2003:

The new release schedules are now up, and EU fans have lots to look forward to. NJO fans are avidly awaiting the final two novels in the series, due for release October and November, and younger readers will be kept busy with the fourth book in Elizabeth Hand's 'Boba Fett' series, as well as the 7th Jedi Quest book. For comic fans, the final two 'Empire - Darklighter' issues make their delayed appearance in October, along with 'Jedi: Dooku' and the 17th 'Tales' comic; November sees the release of 'The Stark Hyperspace War' in trade paperback form, and the first of the 'Infinities - Return of the Jedi' comics.

In other news, the official site has blurb up for 'Escape from Dagu' by William Dietz (author of Darkhorse's 'Dark Forces' novellas). The book is due out in March - hit the link for details. They also have the cover for 'The Cestus Deception' by Steven Barnes, a Clone Wars hardcover due for release June 2004. Go here for a lovely piccie!

Del Rey have also announced, in their Newsletter, that they will be producing a book to tie in with the online game 'Galaxies'. 'Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided' by Veronica Whitney-Robinson and Haden Blackman is due for release on the 30th of December this year.

And for those who don't already have it, you can now download the NJO eBook 'Ylesia' by Walter Jon Williams in pdf format FOR FREE, thanks to whichever twit at Del Rey forgot to put it in with the 'Destiny's Way' paperback. Go here and click on the link.

24th September 2003:

Well, if you've come here via the StarWarsChicks main page, you'll know that change is in the air here at SWC. MissJedi, co-founder and webmistress of the site, has decided to step down and hand over the reins to Crysta and the rest of the SWC Council. The lady who had the original vision of SWC and who first persuaded me to write for the site will be missed.

We now have a new server, and hopefully... *crosses fingers, toes, eyes* ...everything has transferred over okay. If you see any broken links or html gibberish, I would be very much obliged if you'd let me know.

And now I shall attempt to catch up with updating the EU section. First up are the timelines, both for the books and comics; updated release schedules will follow asap.

27th March 2003:

So, what have I missed? Bookwise, there have been quite a few junior novels released lately, as well as more NJO novels - the final book in the series, James Luceno's 'The Unifying Force', will be released in November. As for next year, Del Rey have announced several novels, both prequel and New Republic era, including a new pre-NJO hardcover by Timothy Zahn, 'Survivor's Quest'.

In the world of comics, the ongoing 'Star Wars' series is now called the 'Republic' series, and it looks like it's going to continue right up to ANH. Dark Horse are also continuing to release tpbs of the old 'Marvel' Classic Star Wars series, along with the popular 'Tales' series, and a new series called 'Empire' (set directly before ANH). The 'Infinities' series will see the release of the ESB tpb in a few days, although there has been no announcement re. an RotJ series. In the prequel era, a series of one-shots called 'Jedi' has already seen 'Jedi: Mace Windu' (which will be included in the upcoming tpb 'Clone Wars Vol. 1') and 'Jedi: Shaak Ti' is due for release in April.

For a little light reading, why not hop over to the Official Site - there's an interview with Troy Denning, including an extract from his recently released hardcover, 'Tatooine Ghost'.

Updated the main books timeline.

26th March 2003:

After a long six months of being hassled by Real Life, I finally feel up to making a concerted effort to bring the EU section up to date. Many apologies for the delay. I realise I have a heckuva lot of work before me - I'll do it as fast as I can and post updates here as usual. Thanks for staying with me.

First off, I've updated the comics timeline and the release schedules.

10th September 2002:

Bits and pieces of news this month... First up, TOS has some interesting comments from the SW authors that attended GenCon - hit the link. They're also plugging the new eBook, Ylesia (I have read it, I'll get a review up soon). Also, the second part of Greg Keyes' short story 'Emissary of the Void' is on TOS. Later parts will appear in 'Insider' magazine.

Still catching up on reviews: I've added reviews for Aaron Allston's two NJO paperbacks, 'Rebel Dream' and 'Rebel Stand'.

8th August 2002:

Profuse apologies for the lack of updates - I'm slowly catching up with everything. I've updated the release schedules for both books and comics and I'm working on the timelines, reviews, and stuff. Please bear with me!

And - The Official Site has spiels 'n' covers for both 'Destiny's Way' (the next NJO hardcover by Walter Jon Williams due out November) and 'Tatooine Ghost' (the post-RotJ Han/Leia hardcover by Troy Denning due out February) - hit the links to be taken there. There is also a nice interview with some of the Darkhorse Comics guys discussing the future of SW comics - we can expect post-AotC comics before Ep. III is released, and a one-shot Han/Leia romance with a possible release date of Valentine's Day (awww!). Here's the starwars.com link.

10th February 2002:

Just added a review for the tenth NJO novel, "Dark Journey" by Elaine Cunningham, as well as a brief bio for the author.

15th January 2002:

Happy New Year, EU fans! Looks like 2002 is going to be a busy year!

First up will be the release of both Alan Dean Foster's prequel book "The Approaching Storm", and Elaine Cunningham's NJO novel (the 10th in the series) "Dark Journey" on the 29th of January in the US. As usual, please check local bookstores for release dates in other countries - online bookstores often only give the US release date. The Random House website has excerpts from both "The Approaching Storm" and "Dark Journey" - don't hit these links if you're avoiding all spoilers.

Also, the Official Site now has a cover and summary for the 12th NJO novel, "Rebel Stand" by Aaron Allston. Go here for the spiel. They have also announced the release of the new RPG Rulebook - 2nd edition, due out in May.

Although Episode II won't be released at the cinemas until May, you can get your hands on books, comics, etc. from April. Del Rey will be releasing a whole screed of books, including "Art of Attack of the Clones", and Darkhorse start their AotC series that month with the first two (of four) comics and the trade paperback.

My updates - I've added four more Adventure Journals, and a review for Michael Reaves' "Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter". I've also updated the release schedules and the timelines. As always, feel free to email me if you have any queries, and I'll try to help.

25th November 2001:

Updated the release schedule, adding release dates (not just months) for the comics. These are the dates according to Darkhorse's website, so if they're wrong - blame them! :)

February sees the release of the NJO Sourcebook - primarily for RPGers, the Sourcebooks have also proved popular with EU fans in general.

Scholastic has confirmed that the 'Jedi Apprentice' series will finish with the second Special Edition book "The Followers", due for release in March of next year. BUT a multi-paperback series of "Jedi Quest", also written by Jude Watson, will then begin in April. :)

The Official Site has a rather nice interview with 'Star by Star' author, Troy Denning.

Random House has posted up a story summary for Alan Dean Foster's "The Approaching Storm", due for release in the New Year. Set between Episodes I and II, it will include a character from AotC - so don't click on this link if you're avoiding all spoilers!

It's also been announced that the Original Trilogy movie novelizations are to be re-released as one hardcover in June of next year.

8th November 2001:

Finally got my hands on a copy of the latest NJO novel, Troy Dennings' "Star by Star" - hit the link for my review, and feel free to email me or visit the message boards if you'd like to discuss your own take on the book.

30th October 2001:

Well, that didn't take long! Yup, I finally got the Adventure Journals section underway. Writer's block and no unread books in the house have a lot to answer for. ;)

Have you ever wondered what the Journals are all about? Are you even vaguely into RPG? Or perhaps you've read some of the "Tales From..." series of Bantam novels and want to read more stories like those. They're no longer in print and they can be difficult to get hold of, but they're still a part of the EU - why not give them a browse and see what you could be missing.

29th October 2001:

What's this? Two updates in one month? Wonders will never cease... ;)

Actually, I come bearing bad news - the NJO eBook by Troy Denning ("Recovery") that Del Rey swore they'd release this month is now listed with a release date of December 2001. Bah, humbug! Guess we'll just have to make do with "Star by Star" - and, no, I don't have my copy yet. Us Brits don't get ours until at least Thursday (1st November).

But fear not! I am keeping myself occupied by trying to catch up with some of the reviews I've been promising myself I'd do - for your persusal, I have a selection of "X-Wing: Rogue Squadron" graphic novels... "The Phantom Affair", "The Warrior Princess", and "Blood and Honor" - click on the titles for reviews, or hop over to the comic timeline (which has also, at long last, been updated).

Next project before the arrival of SbS is a section on the old Adventure Journals. :)

20th October 2001:

Ah, well - back to the joy that is a British winter. Maybe now I'll have a chance to catch up on my reading - and website updates. :) No new reviews this month, just an updated release schedule that includes comic releases up to February. DH have made a few changes to their release dates - note that the 4th 'Infinities: A New Hope' comic isn't due until November (personally, I'll be waiting for the tpb, due out in February). And Del Rey has given October 24th as the release date for their NJO eBook "Recovery". Click here for the release schedule.

16th August 2001:

Not much on the news front this month - Dark Horse Comics have updated their release schedule (and now I have, too!) but that's about it.

New reviews - "NJO8 - Edge of Victory II: Rebirth", as well as "Jedi Apprentice 9 - The Fight for Truth" and "Jedi Apprentice 10 - The Shattered Peace". Email me or catch up with me on the message boards if you'd like a discussion.

22nd July 2001:

Profuse apologies for the lack of updates - it's what passes for summer here in the UK, and I've been making the most of it!! :)

Book news -

Lots of stuff flying around the internet about Jude Watson's "Jedi Quest", the Del Rey hardcover which will tie in with the Dark Horse Comics of the same name. It's the first time the two publishers have got THAT close, and yet more proof that LucasArts take their Expanded Universe more seriously than any other genre I know. Both the novel and the first comic are due for release in September, and (according to 'Star Wars Gamer') Anakin builds his lightsaber during the novel! It also has one of the best covers I've seen in ages (well, since 'Balance Point', anyway) - that kid is a pretty good 'bridge' between Jake Lloyd and Haden Christensen. Wow!

 "Jedi Apprentice 14 - The Ties That Bind" has been released a tad earlier than was originally announced - for sample chapters of all the Scholastic books, hop on over to the Scholastic website.

Comic news - Dark Horse Comics have announced two Episode II tie-in one shot comics in the Bounty Hunter series. No release dates yet - looks like next year.
 October sees the release of the first of two humorous Star Wars comics - "Tag and Bink Are Dead" is Kevin Rubio's ("Troops" and "Star Wars Tales" writer) first series. Two rebel soldiers escape the destruction of the Tantive IV by disguising themselves as Stormtroopers and end up on the Death Star... hilarity ensues!

Other news - updated the release schedule (books to August 2003 and comics to November 2001) and the links page, as well as both the books and comics timelines. Also added reviews for "Jedi Apprentice 7 - The Captive Temple" and "Jedi Apprentice 8 - The Day of Reckoning".

14th May 2001:

I have it on good authority that the paperback version of "Darth Maul: Shadowhunter" is scheduled for release this November.

Jedi Apprentice 15 will be called "The Death of Hope". Eek!

I've added a new 'EU Links' page, with both official and unofficial sites listed. Have a nice browse!

And speaking of links, please note that Aaron Allston has a new homepage. Trundle over to his bio if you don't already know it.
 

19th April 2001:

FINALLY got my hands on a copy of 'Conquest' - two weeks late! And I'm not the only one - I hope Del Rey's distribution department get their butts into gear for the next scheduled release.

Anyhoo, on with the news from the world of the Expanded Universe. The 'new and improved' official site has a summary and peek at the cover of the next NJO hardcover (Troy Denning's "Star by Star"). Hop over for a look and try out the new EU section.

And the Shattered Knight forum has a nice interview with Aaron Allston, author of four X-wing novels and two up-and-coming NJO novels.

Updated reviews - "Edge of Victory I: Conquest" and "Jedi Apprentice 6: The Uncertain Path". Feel free to email me or leave a message on the boards if you'd like to discuss any of the books and/or comics. I'll do my best to reply.
 

23rd March 2001:

Can't wait for the release of the next NJO novel? Desperate to read even just a little bit of Greg Keyes' "Conquest"? Well, Del Rey have finally got their collective butts into gear and posted up an excerpt from the first chapter! Hop over here to read it. :)

And have you heard about the new 'non-canon' comic series being released by DarkHorse (starting in June 2001)? It's called "Infinities" and it's about what would have happened if Luke had missed that exhaust shaft in ANH. Whether you love or hate the idea (me? I'm reserving judgment until I see it...), you can have a sneaky peek at some line drawings at the darkhorse.com website here.

Updates - like the new colors? Hmm, they're growing on me... Anyway, I digress. I've added a review of the DarkHorse graphic story album "Dark Forces - Soldier for the Empire", and a bio for Troy Denning (author of this years' NJO hardcover, due out in October). I've also updated the release schedule, including the newly released titles for more NJO books.
 

7th March 2001:

Ohmigod! Has it really been nearly four months since I last updated! *hangs head in shame* Sorry, folks.

The latest news from the world of the Star Wars Expanded Universe... The official site has put up a definitive release schedule for the Del Rey novels - maybe we can actually believe this one! I've updated my own release schedule accordingly. Unfortunately, the Del Rey website is fairly useless for information about the NJO - if that's what you're interested in, I'd try the Unofficial New Jedi Order Homepage at www.unjoh.com. It's very up-to-date, and includes covers for all the books (altho' watch out! They've got spoilers!)

And I finally got around to reviewing Terry Brooks' novelisation of 'The Phantom Menace', and added bios for Alan Dean Foster (who gets a prize for most prolific author!) and Greg Keyes.

 

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