Two pairs of novels in the Star Wars Essential Legends Collection are set to be released in August and November, bringing the original X-Wing saga to a close plus two classic prequel novels by James Luceno return, all with unabridged audio and new cover artwork (not shown).
Arriving on August 11th, 2026, are James Luceno’s prequel novels Labyrinth of Evil and Cloak of Deception, with audiobook releases and fresh printings.
Labyrinth of Evil Synopsis: –
“The war that erupted in Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones is nearing its boiling point, as the dauntless Separatist forces continue their assault on the teetering Republic–and the diabolical triumvirate of Count Dooku, General Grievous, and their Master, Darth Sidious, fine-tune their strategy for conquest. In Episode III Revenge of the Sith the fates of key players on both sides of the conflict will be sealed. But first, crucial events that pave the way to that time of reckoning unfold in a labyrinth of evil. . . .
Capturing Trade Federation Viceroy–and Separatist Councilmember–Nute Gunray is the mission that brings Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, with a squad of clones in tow, to Neimoidia. But the treacherous ally of the Sith proves as slippery as ever, evading his Jedi pursuers even as they narrowly avoid deadly disaster. Still, their daring efforts yield an unexpected prize: a unique holotransceiver that bears intelligence capable of leading the Republic forces to their ultimate quarry, the ever-elusive Darth Sidious.
Swiftly taking up the chase, Anakin and Obi-Wan follow clues from the droid factories of Charros IV to the far-flung worlds of the Outer Rim . . . every step bringing them closer to pinpointing the location of the Sith Lord–whom they suspect has been manipulating every aspect of the Separatist rebellion. Yet somehow, in the escalating galaxy-wide chess game of strikes, counterstrikes, ambushes, sabotage, and retaliations, Sidious stays constantly one move ahead.
Then the trail takes a shocking turn. For Sidious and his minions have set in motion a ruthlessly orchestrated campaign to divide and overwhelm the Jedi forces–and bring the Republic to its knees.”
Cloak of Deception Synopsis: –
“From New York Times bestselling author James Luceno comes an all-new Star Wars adventure that reveals the action and intrigue unfolding directly before Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
Mired in greed and corruption, tangled in bureaucracy, the Galactic Republic is crumbling. In the outlying systems, where the Trade Federation maintains a stranglehold on shipping routes, tensions are boiling over—while back in the comfort of Coruscant, the hub of civilized space and seat of the Republic government, few senators seem inclined to investigate the problem. And those who suspect Supreme Chancellor Valorum of having a hand in the machinations are baffled—especially when Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi foil an assassination attempt on the Chancellor.
With the crisis escalating, Valorum calls for an emergency trade summit. As humans and aliens gather, conspiracies sealed with large sums of money run rampant, and no one is entirely above suspicion. But the greatest threat of all remains unknown to everyone except three members of the Trade Federation who have entered into a shadowy alliance with a dark overlord. While the trio will be content with more money and fewer problems, Darth Sidious has grander, far more terrifying plans.
It is a time that tests the mettle of all those who strive to hold the Republic together—none more so than the Jedi Knights, who have long been the galaxy’s best hope for preserving peace and justice. Yet despite their most valiant efforts, the meeting will explode into fiery chaos beyond everyone’s worst fears . . .”
November 10th, 2026, sees the release of the final two novels in the 1990s-era X-Wing series, Isard’s Revenge and Starfighters of Adumar by Michael A. Stackpole and Aaron Allston, brining the nine-book saga to a close.
Isard’s Revenge Synopsis: –
“When Rogue Squadron faces their greatest test yet, their only chance of success lies in working with the sinister Ysanne Isard.
Sleek, swift and deadly, the famed X-Wing fighters have earned their reputation as the Rebel Alliance’s ultimate strike force the hard way—first in battle, the last line of defense. Now they must make a deal with the devil herself—an enemy whose ultimate goal is their total annihilation.It’s the kind of mission only Wedge Antilles and the Rogue Squadron would dare to undertake. Against impossible odds they will stage a daring raid into an enemy stronghold—only to be rescued from certain destruction by an unexpected ally.
Ysanne Isard, the ruthless Imperial commander, has appeared on the scene seemingly from out of nowhere. Now she proposes a most unusual alliance, offering to help Wedge rescue his captured comrades from Imperial Warlord Admiral Krennel’s sadistic prison camp.
But her offer is not without a price. Wedge must lead Rogue Squadron in Isard’s deadly struggle against an enemy made in her own image. It’s an offer Wedge would love to refuse, for Isard is certain to betray them. But how can they leave their comrades at Krennel’s mercy? The answer is: they can’t—even if it means being caught between Krennel’s ruthlessness and Isard’s treachery.”
Starfighters of Adumar Synopsis: –
“The aces of Wraith Squadron return in another thrilling adventure!
The X-wing fighter pilots of Wraith Squadron have earned their reputation as the Rebel Alliance’s ultimate strike force by overwhelming enemies with their rapid-fire assaults. But now they are about to embark on a diplomatic mission that will prove to be even more hazardous than all-out combat. . . .The neutral world of Adumar has decided to pick a side in the war to control the galaxy. Delegates from both the New Republic and the Empire have been invited to Adumar, and each camp will be given a chance to plead its government’s case. But there is one small catch: since the Adumari prize military skill above all else, they insist that both delegations be composed exclusively of fighter pilots.
For pilot Wedge Antilles and his company, it’s an unfamiliar exercise in diplomacy—and one that’s filled with unexpected peril. For once they arrive, the squad is challenged by Adumar’s fierce warriors and attacked by Imperial assassins bent on eliminating all competition. But these challenges pale in comparison to the threat posed by a rogue Republic agent . . . one who is determined to win Adumar’s allegiance once and for all—even if it costs the X-wing pilots their lives.”
Preorder now from Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk — happy reading!
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