Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

By: Alexander Freed

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Go beyond the film that introduced Star Wars fans to Cassian Andor with this novelization featuring new scenes and expanded material.

“One of the best movie adaptations yet.”—Cinelinx

As the shadows of the Empire loom ever larger across the galaxy, so do deeply troubling rumors. The Rebellion has learned of a sinister Imperial plot to bring entire worlds to their knees. Deep in Empire-dominated space, a machine of unimaginable destructive power is nearing completion. A weapon too terrifying to contemplate . . . and a threat that may be too great to overcome.

If the worlds at the Empire’s mercy stand any chance, it lies with an unlikely band of allies: Jyn Erso, a resourceful young woman seeking vengeance; Cassian Andor, a war-weary rebel commander; Bodhi Rook, a defector from the Empire’s military; Chirrut Îmwe, a blind holy man and his crack-shot companion, Baze Malbus; and K-2SO, a deadly Imperial droid turned against its former masters. In their hands rests the new hope that could turn the tide toward a crucial Rebellion victory—if only they can capture the plans to the Empire’s new weapon.

But even as they race toward their dangerous goal, the specter of their ultimate enemy—a monstrous world unto itself—darkens the skies, waiting to herald the Empire’s brutal reign with a burst of annihilation worthy of its dreaded name: Death Star.

Critic reviews

“One of the best movie adaptations yet.”—Cinelinx

“Rogue One bridged characters and elements of the prequels and original Star Wars trilogy in a visually stunning ride, but there are even more rich details hiding in the film’s novelization, [which] reveals and expands with inner monologues and character insights, political knots, and nuance.”—The Daily Dot

“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story novelization deepens a tale of hope. . . . [Jyn Erso] proves to be even more fascinating here than she was in the movie.”—New York Daily News

A heartbreaking story of hope and endurance.

It’s beautifully told. I love the movie with all my heart but the book goes deeper into all the characters in an important way. The end is heartbreaking but important, and essential to the over all story of my beloved Rebel Alliance. Definitely worth a listen.

Wonderful!

I can't get enough of rogue one right now! This book was an excellent, entertaining way to pass time and learn more about the story. Loved the points of view this audiobook had and the extra stories really gave the story more depth.

Better than even the movie

Story and Narrator are pitch perfect. If you enjoyed the movie, this book is for you. By far the best Star Wars audiobook I've ever listened to!

May the FORCE of this book be with you

What did you love best about Rogue One: A Star Wars Story?

A brilliant mix of action and intrigue and characters with heart and a smart intelligent depth of writing.

What did you like best about this story?

Great Writing. Great Voice acting. Great music cues. Great sound effects. I felt it was a wonderful "Stars Wars" experience equal with seeing the early films when I was a teenager, or going to a fan convention.

Which character – as performed by Jonathan Davis – was your favorite?

All were well very done. K2 was a hoot. But, I really enjoyed the blind Martial Artist who was strong wit the force-yet not what you would call a full on "Jedi Knight", maybe you could call him a Jedi Monk? Being a life long practitioner of the martial arts, I felt this brought the "FORCE" into my own home ( or Dojo ) in a way that the Jedi knights never did.

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

A longer time ago in a galaxy you know how to get to.

Any additional comments?

This was a great audio book. Jonathan Davis is one of the BEST readers - I've loved him ever since I heard him read SNOW CRASH. I've NOT seen the film yet, and wasn't sure if I should hear the book, but I like that I did. Now I'm very excited to see the film, as I feel I know the characters so well. I was afraid it might be too talky- deep in plot with little action - but it flew along with the speed of a X-Wing fighter, yet gave you so much detail and information about the STAR WARS Universe that you'd never get form a film. It also had a very "Cinematic pacing" - meaning it had "Action moments" moving the plot along, built up to a good and dramatic final event, and really gave you everything you could ask for in a STORY TOLD WELL. Exactly what a good film should do. I loved it, and I felt the FORCE flare and move through out the tale! AWESOME! I wish all the Star Wars books were this well done.

Elevates an already great movie

There's so much to like about this story. It frames the start of the iconic trilogy in a truly captivating tale that makes you nostalgic about the story that you know will follow, a story that suddenly has more depth than you could have imagined when you first saw Star Wars A New Hope. I highly recommend the prequel, Catalyst, to enhance this story that much more.