New Disney-Era Star Wars Canon Novels (all currently released novels):
Dark Disciple by Christie Golden - 20 years before A NEW HOPE - Based on unproduced episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, this new novel features Asajj Ventress, former Sith apprentice turned bounty hunter and one of the great antiheroes in the Star Wars galaxy. My notes: This will probably one be exciting if read by someone who was a fan of the CLONE WARS TV show.
Catalyst by James Luceno - ROGUE ONE prequel - Lauded Star Wars author James Luceno returns to pen an intense tale of ambition and betrayal that sets the stage for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. My Notes: this is said to be a prequel to the new movie ROGUE ONE. Luceno is one of the best Star Wars novelists and has written quality novels in that universe for years.
Ahsoka by E. K. Johnston - 18 years before A NEW HOPE - Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clone Wars, and before she re-appeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally, her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance . My Notes: Again, will probably only interest CLONE WARS fans. I have heard good things about this book.
Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp - 14 years before A NEW HOPE - When the Emperor and his notorious apprentice, Darth Vader, find themselves stranded in the middle of insurgent action on an inhospitable planet, they must rely on each other, the Force, and their own ruthlessness to prevail. My Notes: From what I have heard, this is a fun standalone romp starring Palpy and Vader.
Tarkin by James Luceno - 14 years before A NEW HOPE - Bestselling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing the legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life. My Notes: The baddy from A NEW HOPE gets his story told. Written by Luceno, so probably a good read.
A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller - 11 years before A NEW HOPE - The first Star Wars novel created in collaboration with the Lucasfilm Story Group, Star Wars: A New Dawn is set during the legendary “Dark Times” between Episodes III and IV and tells the story of how two of the lead characters from the animated series Star Wars Rebels first came to cross paths. Featuring a foreword by Dave Filoni. My Notes: Will most likely appeal to fans of the STAR WARS REBELS TV show. Miller is a good sci-fi author.
Lost Stars by Claudia Gray - occurs during and after the Original Trilogy - This thrilling Young Adult novel gives readers a macro view of some of the most important events in the Star Wars universe, from the rise of the Rebellion to the fall of the Empire. Readers will experience these major moments through the eyes of two childhood friends--Ciena Ree and Thane Kyrell--who have grown up to become an Imperial officer and a Rebel pilot. Now on opposite sides of the war, will these two star-crossed lovers reunite, or will duty tear them--and the galaxy--apart? My Notes: I've heard good things about this YA novel.
Battlefront: Twilight Company by Alexander Freed - occurs during and after EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - A companion novel inspired by the hotly anticipated videogame Star Wars: Battlefront, this action-packed adventure follows a squad of soldiers caught in the trenches of the ultimate galactic war between good and evil. My Notes: Will most likely only interest fans of the video game STAR WARS BATTLEFRONT. Haven't heard much about this one.
Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne - occurs directly after A NEW HOPE - A thrilling new adventure set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back, and—for the first time ever—written entirely from Luke Skywalker’s first-person point of view. My Notes: Kevin Hearne is a quality urban fantasy writer. You get to see Luke's point of view between Episodes 4 and 5.
Aftermath by Chuck Wendig - occurs immediately after RETRUN OF THE JEDI - As the Empire reels from its critical defeats at the Battle of Endor, the Rebel Alliance—now a fledgling New Republic—presses its advantage by hunting down the enemy’s scattered forces before they can regroup and retaliate. But above the remote planet Akiva, an ominous show of the enemy’s strength is unfolding. My Notes: It has been said that readers looking to begin the new canon should start here. I read this book, however, and I didn't enjoy it. It was very convoluted and didn't really give me any answers I craved.
Aftermath: Life Debt by Chuck Wendig - spans years after RETURN OF THE JEDI - Set between the events of Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, the never-before-told story that began with Star Wars: Aftermath continues in this thrilling novel, the second book of Chuck Wendig’s bestselling trilogy. My Notes: The second in the Aftermath trilogy. I didn't enjoy the first one.
Bloodline by Claudia Gray - occurs near THE FORCE AWAKENS - When the Rebellion defeated the Empire in the skies above Endor, Leia Organa believed it was the beginning to a lasting peace. But after decades of vicious infighting and partisan gridlock in the New Republic Senate, that hope seems like a distant memory. My Notes: This novel is about Leia's years in the Senate pre-THE FORCE AWAKENS as she tries to repair the galaxy from what the Empire put it through. I've heard good things.