A New Dawn: Star Wars

By: John Jackson Miller, Dave Filoni - introduction

Narrated by: Marc Thompson

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . .

“The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning.”—Emperor Palpatine

For a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights brought peace and order to the Galactic Republic, aided by their connection to the mystical energy field known as the Force. But they were betrayed—and the entire galaxy has paid the price. It is the Age of the Empire.

Now Emperor Palpatine, once Chancellor of the Republic and secretly a Sith follower of the dark side of the Force, has brought his own peace and order to the galaxy. Peace through brutal repression, and order through increasing control of his subjects’ lives.

But even as the Emperor tightens his iron grip, others have begun to question his means and motives. And still others, whose lives were destroyed by Palpatine’s machinations, lay scattered about the galaxy like unexploded bombs, waiting to go off. . . .

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.

Critic reviews

“A New Dawn is a fine start to the new Expanded Universe. [John Jackson] Miller steps confidently into the unexplored territory and owns it; he’s crafted a story with pacing and dialogue that feels like classic Star Wars.”—Nerdist

“An entertaining adventure . . . with a cast of heroes that mixes laughter with intriguing depths of character. . . . John Jackson Miller packs in plenty of action and surprises.”—Roqoo Depot

“A confidently told story that gives fans a lot of reason to be hopeful about what’s to come as we move into this new phase of Star Wars . . . The book certainly got me even more excited for Rebels and to see more of Kanan and Hera’s adventures. We’re also introduced to other characters I would love to see again at some point, whether on Rebels, in another book or, who knows, in live-action at some point.”—IGN

“A New Dawn delivers a classic Star Wars experience that fans of all ages will be able to enjoy. It is extremely well-written, with an incredibly diverse cast too. Miller’s prose can easily suck readers in, and leave them speechless when 100 pages have flown by in the blink of an eye.”—Far Far Away Radio

“A New Dawn brings us into this new dawn of storytelling with energy, excitement, and characters that have become instantly ensconced into the Star Wars vernacular, and the results will satisfy Star Wars fans of many different palates.”—Coffee with Kenobi

“A New Dawn is a well-written novel full of intrigue and twists and turns that does an excellent job of letting Star Wars fans get to know Kanan and Hera.”—Tosche Station

“A New Dawn finds an era never before written about in the Star Wars universe—the years prior to the original movie, Episode IV—in robust good health. The narrative takes place on two worlds and a handful of ships in between them, but as with the best of all Star Wars moments, hints at hidden depths beyond.”—Mashable

A pleasant surprise! I despised this author.

Where does A New Dawn: Star Wars rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I'd rank this one with The Fate of the Jedi series. They were amazing! This one easily fits in their rankings.

What did you like best about this story?

Never a dull moment. It was put together very well. I was shocked. I hated his past work so I had no faith going in. He did something right for once and excelled doing so. The story has great progression, great scenes that feel like they have importance. He never adds scenes that feel like fluff. Everything is in there for a purpose and foreshadows to something about to happen.

Which scene was your favorite?

Anything with the male lead. He never takes himself seriously.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Return to form of how SW should be.

Any additional comments?

Only prob I had was no romance in it. The author almost flirts with it, but never actually does it EVER! They made absolutely no progress in this area and it seemed like it should have the entire book.

Another Great Part Of The Universe!

Love the characters!!! Awesome performance, great story, kept me glued the whole story! Awesome words from Dave at the end! Definitely listening to this one again!!! Am I at 15 words yet!?

One of my favorites

I wasn't expecting much from this book especially that it's just a prequel to the Star Wars Rebel series. I was presently surprised with an in depth story and a fun adventure. I'm glad I picked this one up and would even consider listening to it a second time.

lots of fun

good story. without giving spoilers. sadly this book is not how the entire crew met.

Kanan :,)

great story. loved hearing what happened before Rebels. still lots of feels for Kanan. Great characters in the story too