The Living Force

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The Living Force

The Living Force is an adult novel byJohn Jackson Miller set in theyear beforeStar Wars: Episode IThe Phantom Menace. It was published onApril 9,2024 in hardcover, audiobook and ebook format and focuses onQui-Gon Jinn, his apprenticeObi-Wan Kenobi, and the twelve members of theJedi Council.

Publisher's summary[]

In theyear beforeThe Phantom Menace,Yoda,Mace Windu, and the entireJedi Council confront agalaxy on the brink of change.

TheJedi have always traveled thestars, defending peace and justice across thegalaxy. But, the galaxy is changing, and along with it, the Jedi Order. More and more, the Order finds itself focused on the future of theRepublic, secluded onCoruscant, where the twelve members of the Jedi Council weigh crises on a galactic scale.

As yet anotherJedi Outpost leftover from the Republic'sgolden age is set to be decommissioned on theplanetKwenn,Qui-Gon Jinn challenges the Council about the increasing isolation of the Order. Mace Windu suggests a bold response: all twelveJedi Masters will embark on a goodwillmission to help the planet, and remind the people of the galaxy that the Jedi remain as stalwart and present as they have been across the ages.

But the arrival of the Jedi leadership is not seen by all as a cause for celebration. Warringpirate factions have infested thesector in the increasing absence of the Jedi. To maintain their dominance, the pirates unite, intent onassassinating the Council. And they are willing to destroy countless innocent lives to secure their power.

Cut off from Coruscant, the Jedi Masters must reckon with an unwelcome truth: that while no one thinks more about the future than the Jedi Council, nobody needs their help more than those living in the present.

Plot summary[]

For generations, the galaxy looked to the JEDI COUNCIL, the most sage Jedi Knights of the Order, for wisdom and guidance. Interpreting the will of THE FORCE, the Council helped bring about an age of unprecedented peace and prosperity.That time is ending. Riven with corruption, the GALACTIC REPUBLIC shifts vital resources away from many deserving places. The Council finds itself torn between responding to the Senate's desires and its mission to protect all of the galaxy's helpless.But even as the Order withdraws from some regions, the Council's commitment to the people is unchanged. And just as there are Jedi who believe that the Force expects more from them, there are darker forces waiting to take advantage of their departure…

Part One: The Jedi Retreat[]

Jedi lives[]

A disguisedJedi MasterQui-Gon Jinn and hisPadawanObi-Wan Kenobi travel aboard a crowded civilian freighter called theRegal Zephyr, which is transporting migrants fromthe Slice toCoruscant via theOotmian Pabolhyperlane. Kenobi shares his food pouch with a migrant family. Three would-be pirates–aHouk, aKlatooinian and aDevaronian known asThe Lobber–attempt to hijack the ship. Jinn exposes hisJedi cover by usingthe Force to save ahumanwomanLeerah's toddler daughter from falling. The Jedi usemind tricks to persuade the pirates to surrender and confine themselves to a cargo hold until the end of the journey.

Following the hijacking attempt, Jinn and Kenobi take the opportunity to befriend the other passengers, many of whom are economic migrants from theOuter Rim Territories. Leerah and her husband come from the planetTharben, a formerGalactic Republic andJedi outpost nearHutt Space which has come under the influence of criminal syndicates. They also meet another ill passenger seeking medical treatment offworld. Jinn promises to vouch for the migrants once they reach Coruscant.

Later at theJedi Temple on Coruscant, Jinn helps MasterEeth Koth to sort out documents from the shuttered Jedi outpost onOrd Jannak including a catering bill from aHutt visit. A recent member of theJedi High Council, Koth had been tasked with evaluating documents from Jedi outposts that theJedi Order had closed down.

Meanwhile, MasterPlo Koon leads a work crew in repairing a ship at the Jedi Temple's hangar. When one of therepulsorlift generators stops working, causing the ship to descends, Koon uses the Force to protect the workers from being crushed. He is joined bySaesee Tiin who was working elsewhere in the hangar. Shortly later, Padawan Kenobi enters the hangar on behalf of Master Jinn, who has requisitioned a shuttle for the recent migrants from the Slice, who can't afford the fare to travel to the migrant center on the other side of Coruscant. Since the Jedi Order is unable to loan a shuttle, the droid maintenance specialistHeezo lends Kenobi a friend's luxuryhoverbus to help the migrants.

At theGreat Western Sea on Coruscant, Master Yaddle and Jinn review various legal cases facing the Jedi including PadawanYash Helgan's accident onCorellia. TheGalactic Courts of Justice generally hold that Jedi are not liable for events that occur during their official duties within the Republic's boundaries. Meanwhile, MastersYoda andAdi Gallia meet withSupreme ChancellorFinis Valorum andSenatorPalpatine to discuss various issues including several donated pallets from theHafernians for the Jedi Order, which the Jedi reluctantly accept.

Following the meeting, Master Jinn meets with Yoda and Gallia to discuss matters from his recent trip from the Slice.

Pirates[]

At theRiftwalker Compound onKeldooine, theNautolanpirateZilastra and her associates including theFeeorinBurlug and thehuman childKylah Lohmata hijack and take over the freighterMorleen. Outgunned, the freighter owner surrenders but is killed by Zilastra. The pirate gang then take over the freighter and its cargo of four million liters of industrial acid, bound forIntrosphere on the planetGorse. The pirates find three stowaways hiding in one of the empty tanks.

These stowaways turn out to be the three would-be pirates who attempted to hijack theRegal Zephyr. Regarding them as loses, Zilastra considers throwing the stowaways into an acid tank until Lobber tells them about his encounter with the Jedi. After Kylah verifies their story that the Jedi defeated them without deactivating their lightsabers, Zilasta allows the three criminals to join herRiftwalkers gang. The Riftwalkers also kill members of theMorleen's crew who refuse to join them, dumping their bodies into acid tanks. Zilastra also sends Kylah to gather information about the Jedi from theRegal Voyager facility in the spaceport. Kylah takes the opportunity to reveal her new "bodyguard," a street thief known as "Hotwire."

The Council meeting[]

Back at the Jedi Temple, MastersKi-Adi-Mundi andYarael Poof give severalJedi Initiates a lightsaber dueling lesson in the Temple's training area. Kenobi visits the class, asking for donated clothes, toys and bedsheets to donate to the economic migrants from the Slice. Mundi and Poof agree to purchase new items for the migrants. Meanwhile, Master Jinn meets with MasterMace Windu to discuss organizing a Jedi Council meeting regarding recent events on their route back fromOrd Jannak. Windu recalls that this is the corridor where MasterDepa Billaba is currently operating.

Meanwhile on Keldooine, Kylah meets with "Hotwire" and arranges for her to drop her near theEast Spaceport again. Kylah had encountered the enigmatic Hotwire, who had helped her escape a group of thieves. Kylah pays Hotwire in Republic credits. After dropping Kylah at her destination, Hotwire removes her helmet, revealing herself as Master Billaba. She contacts the Jedi Council, responding to a summons. Billaba had posed as a speeder thief in order to investigate the pirate gangs troubling that region. Realizing that Kylah was a Riftwalkers courier, Billaba had made herself indispensable as her driver and bodyguard.

At the Jedi Council meeting, the Jedi leadership discusses MasterEven Piell's visit toYitabo at the request of Chancellor Valorum. Jinn takes the opportunity to talk about the economic hardship and crime caused by corporations relocating their operations fromthe Slice. Master Billaba agrees with Jinn, explaining that she is investigating the roots of piracy with the help of theJudicial Forces'Diplomatic Fleet. Jinn expresses concerns about the Jedi Order's withdrawal from outlying worlds and centralization on Coruscant. The Jedi Council then discusses the planned closure of several outposts including theKwenn Jedi outpost, which has been open for nearly 200 years. Windu proposes that the Jedi Council visit the planetKwenn as a goodwill mission to reassure the local population that the Republic and Jedi still care for them and then determine whether to close the outpost. The Council endorses the plan.

Back at Keldooine's Shipping District, Kylah is pursued by six armed security droids. Outgunned, the undercover Billaba uses the Force to collapse several abandoned shipping containers into the droids' paths behind Kylah. The two then escape in their speeder as the security droids open fire on the vehicle. After escaping the spaceport, Kylah recounts her adventure to Billaba. Arriving at Kylah's hovel, Billaba takes the opportunity to visit the storage room while Kylah gets changed. She finds a carrying case from theRegal Voyager passenger liner, which is empty. As the two heard toJammah's Place for a meal, Billaba discovers she has received ahologram message from Master Windu.

Back at the Jedi Temple, Windu awaits Billaba's response while understanding that she cannot maintain regular contact with the Jedi due to her undercover work. As the Jedi Council members prepare their ships for traveling to Kwenn, Windu speaks with Master Yoda about his concerns for Billaba's well-being since she has stayed for an unusually long-time with the Republic's anti-piracy mission following the death ofXaran Raal. He tells Yoda that he will join the Republic task force she is working with since he senses through the Force that she is in danger. The two agree to rendezvous on Kwenn.

Part Two: Good Works[]

Return to Kwenn[]

MasterOppo Rancisis travels to Kwenn. Centuries earlier, Rancisis had spearheaded theGrand Renewal, which saw the decontamination of Kwenn's polluted environment and the construction of theGem Cities of Kwenn. This project had facilitated the restoration of Kwenn from a polluted, mining world into an oceanic paradise. As he descends into the planet's atmosphere, Rancisis is dismayed that pollution and poverty has returned to the planet. Rancisis lands at theKwenn Jedi outpost, which is carved intoSanctuary Mount, a promontory above the mound city ofCapital Key. The serpentine Jedi Master is greeted by the elderlyBimm caretakerSeneschalVoh, who is happy to meet an old friend. While Voh is concerned that the Jedi Order plans to shut down the Kwenn outpost, Rancisis reassures him that the Jedi will only consider the decision once they have held a celebration on Kwenn to commemorate the Grand Renewal.

Meanwhile on Keldooine, Billaba reluctantly helps Kylah infiltrate the Regal Voyager hub facility through smoke bombs and by serving as her getaway driver. Billaba notices that Kylah has been stealing emptySecuriCase brand cases for the Riftwalkers for some unspecified reason. During one of their heists, they are attacked by members of a rival gang known as theStaved Skulls. The Skulls are in turn mowed down by the Riftwalkers led by Zilastra, who initially mistakes Billaba for a threat. However, Kylah vouches for "Hotwire" and explains that she is her getaway driver. While Zilastra is reluctant take Billaba into her gang, she manages to convince the pirate leader by unlocking a safe containing the stolen cases. Billaba intends to infiltrate the Riftwalkers.

At Kwenn'sEssafa Key, MasterEven Piell learns from the local tourism adviser that the island is infested with delinquent youths who are not attending school. After encountering the former truant officer, Piell decides to meet the youths himself. When a group of youths carry him, Piell takes the opportunity to demonstrate his Force powers andlightsaber. He invites them for a talk about the Jedi inside a classroom with the promises of free lunches fromYitabo, which were meant for the Jedi outpost.

Elsewhere, Master Windu is traveling aboard the Judicial Forces corvetteAssurance, which is under the command ofCaptainPell Baylo. Windu learns that Baylo has been working with Billaba's anti-piracy operations. While Billaba had been travelling aboard theAssurance, she had rendezvoused with a civilian shuttle ten days ago, which took her to Keldooine. Baylo also commands several young cadets including an eleven-year oldMaximilian Veers. When Windu notices that several of the cadets are children, Baylo counters that the Jedi recruits many younglings. Windu offers several Jedi Padawans as crew but Baylo insists that the Jedi have their own ships since he thinks the Jedi "expect everyone to drop everything" for their missions. Before theAssurance can confront an approaching Riftwalker warship, Veers informs Windu and Baylo about an incoming transmission from Chancellor Valorum and Senator Palpatine for Windu.

Difficult times[]

Masters Koon and Tiin arrive atCapital Key Spaceport. Koon finds that the planet's air quality has deteriorated and they also find several families waiting to board starships offworld. The two Jedi hire the services of a droid taxi driver known asSK-89 to take them to theBivall Colony. On way, their vehicle is pursued and attacked by several vehicles full of angry locals. SK-89 explains that the mob is after him for being a droid.

Aboard theRandomizer, Zilastra reflects on her upbringing as a refugee inHutt Space before becoming the leader of an interstellar pirate band. Shortly later, Kylah returns from a raid on aVile pirate ship with "Hotwire," Ghor, Wungo, and the Lobber. Zilastra uses a game with five pieces to explain that their gang is one of five crime syndicates operating in the Slice. Zilastra allows Kylah to reprogramme the code phrase for the of the stolen Regal Voyager cases.

After meeting with the locals, Koon and Tiin learn that the locals are angry that several business managers includingFraxa have replaced organic drivers with droids. The two Jedi mediate the dispute between the managers and unemployed drivers by proposing that they hire the drivers to drive vehicles to clear the refuse from the streets and repurpose the droids as trash collectors. Tiin also offers the services of the Jedi in repairing droids that were damaged by the rioters.

Back aboard theAssurance, Master Windu waits for Master Billaba to respond, having not received any communication from her for a long time. Baylo had convinced him not to search the crime-ridden world of Keldooine. TheAssurance escorts a cargo ship called theRegal Hopper which is carrying grains fromYitabo to Keldooine. While discussing pirate techniques, Windu is contacted by Padawan Kenobi, who is helping Master Jinn intercede for a few passengers on theRegal Zephr. Kenobi tells Windu and Baylo that they released the three pirates onRandon since Master Jinn deemed them harmless. Windu and Baylo discuss threats to the Regal Voyager line from pirates.

At Sanctuary Mount, Masters Koth and Rancicis notice that several items in the Sanctuary Mount's library have gone missing. They question the caretaker Voh, who confirms that he hired a female exterminator to deal with an infestation ofegralla mites that have plagued the library's data devices. The exterminator had advised Voh to absent himself from the library for several days while she carried out her exterminator work. The Jedi conclude that the exterminator stole items from the Jedi outpost's library.

On Kwenn, Master Koth travels to theLamplighter Boutique, an emporium on the fourth terrace ofKinnawah Key in an attempt to find the stolen objects from the Kwenn Jedi outpost. Koth seeks out the proprietorHadden Shrag but instead finds his wifePogee Shrag, who is fostering several furryBoolah kits. Pogee says that her husband Hadden is recuperating on a nearby moon. When Koth asks about materials that had been sold by a former exterminator from the northern shore, Pogee is uncooperative but says that the seller brought a boolah with them. As he leaves, Koth finds several objects from the Jedi outpost including a datapad entitledThe Wisdom of Master Fogo Charu, Jedi. When Koth confronts Pogee, she allows him to take back all the objects that were taken from the Jedi outpost. Later, Koth updates his fellow Jedi Masters including Jinn and asks for his help in managing the library at Sanctuary Mount.

Taking out the competition[]

While traveling aboard theRandomizer, Kylah introduces "Hotwire" to Ghor, Wungo, and The Lobber, who were moving creates under the supervision ofIK-111. While chatting with the would-be pirates, Billaba learns that they had attempted to hijack a Regal Voyager ship for the Riftwalkers but were foiled by the Jedi. Billaba is also curious about Zilastra's intentions for the Regal Voyager cases. The pirates travel to the desert world ofValboraan, which has a cave system that hosts the Riftwalkers' base. Zilastra assigns "Hotwire" and Kylah with delivering the final SecuriCase case.

At the Riftwalkers' base on Valboraan, Zilasta hosts a holo-conference with the leaders of the four other Slice crime syndicates:Venom Vee of thePoisoned Blades, theEviscerator of theStaved Skulls, Chief ExecutiveDarwoh of theFilthy Credits, andBobo ofThe Vile. Each of the crime bosses are accompanied by protocol droids holding sealed Regal Voyager cases. Zilastra tells the crime bosses that Regal Voyager has proposed that the crime syndicates not relaid their ships in return for receiving valuable treasures stored inside the cases. The crime bosses agree to the deal and the protocol droids each begin saying a word of the code phrase to open the cases: "Wookiee," "Spoon," "Turbo," "Lightning," and "Demise."

Zilastra utters the fifth word of the code phrase, which causes the other four cases to explode, killing the crime bosses. Burlug reveals that the Riftwalkers had rigged the other four cases withBaradium-357 explosives to eliminate their competitors. Zilasta reveals that she knows that Billaba is a Jedi, prompting her to use the code phrase "Peace, knowledge, serenity, harmony, Force" to unlock Zilasta's case, which containsher lightsaber. Billaba manages to take down Burlug and IK-111 but Zilastra forces her to surrender by taking Kylah hostage. Kylah is shocked to discover that "Hotwire" is a Jedi.

Back on Kwenn, Masters Yoda and Adi Gallia go for walk on thePaths of Harmony automated walkways near the Jedi outpost. There, they encounter aSullustan performance relations manager namedLyal Lunn. The Jedi discuss plans to host a large celebration at Lunn's arena to mark the 200th anniversary of the Grand Renewal.

Meanwhile, theAssurance clashes with a Poisoned Blade warship in theAklasian Nebula near the Ootmian route. Several Republic crew are injured during the skirmish, which ends with the pirate warship fleeing intohyperspace. While tending to the wounded, Windu and Baylo received news of several incidents including the bombing of a private space station in Poisoned Blade space, a starship explosion aboveOrd Jannak, the bombing of a skytower in Filthy Credits territory on Keldooine. A concerned Windu wants to go Keldooine, which was Master Billaba's last known whereabouts. However, Baylo is unwilling to put his crew in further damage and issues orders to focus on treated the injured and repairing the starship.

Seeds of the past[]

AtLangdam Key, Master Mundi orders aTasty Comet ice mound and then discusses plans to prepare lunches for 120,000 people for the upcoming Jedi celebration with aSullustan vendor. While the vendor is initially shocked by the large order, Mundi reassures her that the Jedi Order will cover the bill. Shortly later, Mundi is caught up in a dispute between aYarkora woman namedVarralis and a Yarkora man namedAptorr. Mundi learns that Aptorr has been hiringWookiee namedGartabba to operate his plant after hours without consulting Varralis. Mundi warns Aptorr to ensure that Varralis and Aptorr are compensated fairly.

At the Riftwalker headquarters, Kylah reflects on her childhood as an orphan who lost both her parents and was abandoned by her migrant colony at the age of nine years old. Kylah then spent time stowing aboard various ships until being adopted into Zilastra's pirate syndicate, treating her like family. Kylah is shocked that Zilastra had almost harmed her during the standoff with Hotwire. Kylah also feels betrayed that Hotwire was a traitor. After conversing with Ghor, Wungo and The Lobber, Kylah learns that Hotwire is a Jedi. Shortly later, they are joined by Zilastra. When Kylan confronts Zilastra about threatening to harm her, Zilastra said that she did what she had to do because they were fighting against a Jedi. Zilastra reveals that she is interrogating Hotwire in order to find out who she is.

Elsewhere on Kwenn, Yaddle rides through the Ring Cities on a speeder bike, which brings back memories of her role in planning the Grand Renewal. AtAddoa Key, she meets Master Piell who has just finished an art class with local children. Yaddle then meets with a journalist namedMorn from the local media outletKwenn Holofeed.

At the Riftwalker headquarters, Master Billaba is suspended by an immobilization beam. Zilastra sets up a table withsabacc cards. After Kylah enters the room, Zilastra reveals that Hotwire is actually Master Depa Billaba, a member of the Jedi Council. When Kylah confronts Billaba for lying, Billaba responds that she told the truth about being born onChalacta. When Kylah asks Billaba what she is doing in the Slice, the Jedi Master responds that she was investigating the murder of her former PadawanXaran Raal. When Billaba asks if Zilasta had a hand in her death, the pirate leader is evasive and likens her actions to a sabacc game.

Zilastra admits that there never was an arrangement with the Regal Voyager line but came up with the idea of using stolen suit cases from killing a courier. She tells Kylah and Billaba that stealing the Regal Voyager suitcases was part of her plot to take out the rival pirate syndicate. Kylah is horrified to learn that she contributed to the deaths of others. Zilastra intends to take advantage of the power vacuum to take over local piracy operations.

Zilastra then shares her background story with Kylah and Billaba. After her mother died in a mine collapse, Zilastra ended up in an orphanage with her two best friends. The three children were the only residents at the orphanage, under the care of a broken-down droid. Zilastra reveals that her bitterness towards the Jedi stems from a Jedi Master taking the other children to be trained as Jedi but leaving her behind. Abandoned, Zilastra ended up in the company of criminals, who were targeted by the Jedi. Billaba attempts to explain that the Jedi make mistakes but Zilastra is convinced the Jedi are evil.

When Billaba mentions that other people can help her out of a life of crime, Zilastra reveals that she had lost her hands during another pirate confrontation with several Jedi including Xaran Raal. Raal sliced off her hands with his lightsaber during that confrontation but she trapped him under a catwalk by detonating agrenade. After strangling Raal to death, Zilasta then had surgeon droids replace her hands with the late Raal's hands. Kylah is horrified to learn about Zilastra's ruthlessness. Zilastra reveals that she plans to expose Billaba to paralytic gas.

Preparations[]

Back on Kwenn, Yaddle takes part in a live interview withRemember Kwenn broadcasterReezingrom Abbayav. Yaddle talks about the planned Jedi events at the upcoming bicentennial celebration of the Grand Renewal, which she likens to similar public events organised by the Jedi in places likeKublop Springs on the planetTenoo. Reeze also questions Yaddle about the perceived contradiction between the Jedi serving the people and the Galactic Republic. During a commercial break, Yaddle chats with the sound engineer Morna and expresses concerns about rumors of the impending Jedi withdrawal from the planet. Yaddle comforts her by reassuring her about Jedi teachings about the Force and life. Kwenn's SenatorGabban also takes the opportunity to take credit for the Grand Renewal celebrations.

At the Riftwalker headquarters, Billaba convinces a reluctant Kylah to run away. Shortly later, Zilastra enters the torture chamber intent on exposing Billaba to the lethal paralytic gas. Before she can commence the operation, she is interrupted by an incoming transmission. From Burlug andVentner, she learns that the rival four gangs have descended into infighting following the sudden deaths of their leaders. Zilastra contacts their successors including Chief ExecutiveLinn of the Filthy Creds. After admitting her role in engineering the deaths of their leaders, she proposes a unified pirate band operating along theOotmian Pabol route.

Meanwhile, MasterYarael Poof arrives atBrazatta Key on Kwenn. At the landing pad, he is met by Master Ki-Adi-Mundi. Brazatta Key is dominated by roving criminal gangs. When a member of the Staved Skull attempts to "gang tax" them, Poof uses a Jedimind trick to convince the Skull to leave them and a nearby merchant alone. After questioning the Staved Skull, they learn that his boss is based inGutson's Pub onVorah Key, which is a neighboring island.

Elsewhere onMalbaira Key, Masters Koon and Rancisis assist locals in evacuating a beachedteal oroko, a large fish, by using an improvising hovercraft. After refloating the oroko, they learn from a local naturalist that poachers have been illegally harvesting and selling polished minerals secreted by the oroko to the Filthy Creds. The two Jedi also discuss whether the Jedi are healers or teachers. While visitingKinnawah Key, Masters Koth and Yaddle learn about the detrimental impact of gambling on the local community. Koth also strikes a friendly conversation withInisa, aFalleen stringer for thePoisoned Blades gang. Koth also demonstrates his Force powers by levitating a cup. Despite their different views, Koth invites Inisa to keep in touch.

Trouble approaching[]

While traveling along the Ootmian Route, theAssurance is attacked by a twin-cockpit Staved Skulls hunter starship. TheAssurance'sdeflector shields are down and the ship is unable to fire back due to its damaged mainturbolaser cannon. Shortly later, a Vile cruiser exits hyperspace and attacks the Skulls starship. A Filthy Creds cruiser also appears and attacks the Skulls starship before attacking the Vile warship. The three enemy ships then disappear. Shortly later, Windu and Captain Baylo receive an incoming transmission from Master Jinn, who has received a hologram from Kylah telling them that the Riftwalkers have captured Master Billaba and are located on Valboraan. Master Windu tells Jinn and Kenobi to remain near Valboraan. Citing the history of theRepublic Defense Coalition, Windu convinces Baylo to commit to a joint operation against the Riftwalkers.

AtVorah Key on Kwenn, Master Yarael uses his Jedi mind tricks to convince a Trandoshan to let him into a night club. Earlier, Yarael and Ki-Adi-Mundi had recovered several orokite nodules from poachers. He meets Mundi outsideGutson's Pub. The Jedi Master has disguised himself as a Staved Skull by festooning his head with small spikes, intending to infiltrate the pirate syndicate. The two Jedi also witness senior members of the Skulls and Filthy Credits gathering outside Gutson's Pub for a meeting with the Poisoned Blades. Mundi enters the pub to investigate.

At sunrise, Yoda and Gallia visit theGala Key Arena to prepare for the upcoming celebration. Since the arena is not yet open, the two Jedi Masters approach a nearby alley. They walk into a confrontation between two groups. ABesalisk from the Vile gang and aCathar from the Staved Skulls meet for a drug trade with a human driver, a cloakedTwi'lek and the SullustanLyal Lunn. However, the meeting descends into conflict and Lunn is stabbed with a poisoned blade. The two Jedi masters intervene and use their Force powers and combat skills to subdue the belligerents before local law enforcement arrive. Yoda meets with the injured Lunn, who admits to trafficking in illicit drugs in order to raise funds to buy a droid to assist his ailing father. Following the fight, Yoda leaves to inform Lunn's father about his son's death and to investigate the matter.

Rescuing Master Billaba[]

After several days hanging in a stasis field, Billaba faces Zilastra, who prepares to execute her. Billaba attempts to use the Force to reach a canister but lacks the strength to control it. Zilastra taunts her captive but their meeting is interrupted by turbolaser bombardment from the Baylo'sCorellian corvetteAssurance. With the interconnected starship decks comprising the pirate base falling apart, Billaba is able to escape from her stasis field into a nearby ventilation shaft. Zilastra vows to kill her.

Above, Windu flies hisDelta-7 Aethersprite-class light interceptor with theAssurance, strafing the pirate gun emplacements. Windu and Baylo are joined by Jinn and Kenobi, who have arrived in a JediT-5 shuttle. Kylah contacts Windu via his comlink and calls for help. Windu directs Jinn and Kenobi to land their shuttle at her coordinates. Meanwhile, Zilastra manages to reunite with her underlingsBurlug,Jodak, andVentner, who reveal they are under attack from the Republic'sJudicial Forces. Baylo radios the pirates, ordering them to surrender. Zilastra gives a defiant response and orders the Riftwalkers to escape in their ships and head for the rendezvous point. She tells them that she intends to proceed with her planned attack against the Jedi.

Jinn and Kenobi land their T-5 shuttle on a small plateau near the top of the ridge above the pirate base. After informing Baylo about an active nearby turbolaser emplacement, the two Jedi enter the pirate base via a lava tube. Their mission is to rescue Billaba and Kylah. The two Jedi encounter the pirates Lobber and Ghor, whom they recognize from their earlier encounter aboard theRegal Zephyr. Ghor is about to reveal Billaba's location but Lobber threatens to throw a grenade.

After tracking Kylah's broadcast transmission, Windu parks his starfighter inside a sinkhole created by the aerial bombardment. Meanwhile, Zilastra and her team find Kylah hiding inside a manifold cover on theRandomizer's fuselage with Billaba's comlink. Zilastra realizes that Billaba has betrayed their location to the Republic and Jedi. Seizing the comlink, Zilastra sends a taunting message to the Jedi. Windu enters the cave and uses the Force to hurl rocks and disarm several Riftwalkers. After identifying himself, he tells them that he has come for Master Billaba.

Windu demands that the pirates surrender Master Billaba and Kylah. Zilastra claims that Billaba perished during the bombardment but the Jedi Master shows up and reveals that she is alive. Billaba demands the pirates surrender. However the Riftwalkers use Kylah as a hostage to force the Jedi to give them safe passage past Baylo's warship. Unwilling to see any harm come to Kylah, Billaba accedes to their demands and convinces a reluctant Windu to contact Baylo.

Meanwhile, Jinn confronts the pirates Lobber, Wungo and Ghor. When Lobber drops athermal detonator, Jinn and Kenobi use the Force to sweep the grenade away. However, the grenade rolls down an arsenal shaft, triggering an explosion. While the Riftwalkers board their shipRandomizer, the explosion sweeps through the cavern, sending debris and rocks everywhere. Lobber, Wungo and Ghor manage to escape aboard the pirate ship with Zilastra and her followers. Windu and Billaba escape the cavern with the help of Jinn and Windu, who have commandeered Windu's Delta-7 starfighter.

Meanwhile on Kwenn, Yoda receives word from Windu that Billaba has been rescued. Honoring his promise to helpLyal Lunn, Yoda visits Lunn's fatherErwen Lunn on the island ofAddoa Key. Using thecredits that Lyal had raised, Yoda purchases a medical droid for Erwen. Erwen talks about his life and family including his late wife choosing to remain on Kwenn rather than relocate to the Core Worlds. Gallia informs Yoda that Lyal is unconscious but undergoing treatment in hospital. Based on her investigation of the attack, Gallia surmises that the Poisoned Blades, Filthy Creds and other local crime syndicates are working together.

While recovering aboard theAssurance, Master Billaba resolves to rescue Kylah from the Riftwalkers. Veers discovers one of Zilastra's video transmissions of the pirate leader displaying her captive Billaba. While watching the video, Windu and Baylo notice that Zilastra is playing with several sabacc cards including "The Idiot." Windu recalls that the Jedi found that a sabacc card had been stuffed into Xaran Raal's mouth after uncovering his remains. Billaba is angry that Windu withheld this information from him. While Billaba wants to rescue Kylah, Windu insists that the Jedi bicentennial celebration on Kwenn takes priority. After studying the video of Zilastra displaying 11 Idiots cards, Billaba realizes that Zilastra plans to attack the Jedi celebration on Kwenn.

Part Three: The Council Rules[]

Preparing for war[]

Aboard theRandomizer, Zilastra hosts a holo-conference with the four would-be gang leaders of the rival syndicates as well as rivals within their organizations. She convinces them to support her attack on the Jedi bicentennial celebration on Kwenn and take over the planet. Her plan is to secede Kwenn,Keldooine, andOrd Jannak from the Republic and set up a new interstellar criminal state in the Slice. Zilastra envisions that the new state would be able to deal with other powers like theTrade Federation, theMining Guild, and theHutts.

Meanwhile, Masters Billaba and Windu brief the Jedi Council about the threat posed by the Riftwalkers and the allies. She believes that the five pirate syndicates are planning to attack Kwenn during the bicentennial celebration. Windu backs her up by revealing that the Republic corvetteAssurance has spotted multiple sudden ceasefires between the rival bands prior to Yaddle's announcement of the celebration. Gallia shares information about a joint gang attack on an arena manager and the presence of Zilastra'sIthorian bomb makerTokchi. At the urging of Billaba, the Jedi decide to proceed with the planned bicentennial celebrations but to take counter-measures against the pirates.

Zilastra and her crew infiltrate Kwenn, landing their shipRandomizer atBrazatta Key. There she meets with Tokchi aboard the Filthy Creds' bargePelargic. Tokchi has successfully smuggled the final bomb-rigged Regal Voyager Case inside the Gala Key Arena where the Jedi plan to hold the celebration. Representatives from the Filthy Creds, Blades and Skulls claim responsibility for the attack on the arena manager, which served as a pretext for Tokchi to infiltrate the arena and plant the suitcase bomb. At the Gala Key Arena, Masters Koth, Rancisis, Yoda, and Poof enlist the help of theTwi'lek artistHadaro and theWoostroidRemember Kwenn host Morna in preparing for the bicentennial celebration.

Foiling Zilastra's attack[]

On the day of the Jedi bicentennial celebration Zilastra, Burlug, and the leaders of the pirate bands watch a holographic feed of the celebration event at Gala Key Arena. Seven Jedi Council members including Yaddle, Rancisis, and Yoda speak at the arena. Yaddle reports that a storm system has appeared over Capital Key and its associated island chains. While the even will proceed, those outside the facility have been asked to remain in safety tenets provided byAptorr Industries. After Rancisis gives a brief speech about the Grand Renewal, he introduces Master Yoda who gives a speech. Since the Jedi have learnt from Billaba that the code phrase "The Jedi stand with you" will activate the suitcase bomb, Yoda instead rewords the phrase to "With you, the Jedi stand." Since the words of the code phrase have to be exact, the suitcase bomb does not explode, ruining Zilasta's plans.

With her leadership challenged, Zilastra resolves to act put her backup plan into action. This involves infiltrating the Gala Key arena and planting an activated comlink with a pre-recorded code phrase near the suitcase. Before she can reach the suitcase, Zilastra is confronted by Billaba, who reveal that the Jedi have already discovered the bomb-rigged suitcase with the help of a broadcast engineer Yaddle befriended. Cornered, Zilastra contacts Burlug via comlink and orders him to kill the captive Kylah if the Jedi kill her. Billaba is not daunted by Zilastra's hostage tactics and demands that the pirate leader surrender. Zilastra reveals that the code-phrase was a signal for the syndicates to launch their attack on Kwenn.

After Zilastra leaves the arena, Yaddle and Yoda proceed with the next stage of their defensive. Due to the stormy weather, most of the local population had stayed at home. Those at the outdoor grounds had been evacuated onKwikhaul vehicles to viewing centers on the other islands. Others outside the stadium were safely evacuated into Aptorr shelters. While several Jedi Masters depart to confront the approaching pirates, Yaddle briefs the crowd and the wider Kwenn population about the pirate attack. With the help of Morna, Yaddle gets citizens to tell stories of the Jedi helping Kwenn in the past to boost morale.

With the help of Koth's underworld contact Inisa, the Jedi foiled several plots by the pirate syndicates. Windu foiled a plot to poison the food supply of theKwenn Space Station's crew while Windu foiled a Poisoned Blade plot to release paralytic gas at the Kwenn police barracks. Masters Koth and Piell confront several pirates who have disguised themselves as food vendors working for theTasty Comet Frozen Confection Company. As a preemptive measure, the Jedi had removed the pirates' blasters and grenades from their storage cases. The two Jedi disarm a Gotal pirate before taking on his fellow associates.

Defending Kwenn[]

In space, theRandomizer leads a fleet of pirate ships to attack Kwenn. Windu and Baylo command the space battle from theAssurance, shooting down several pirate ships. Jinn and Kenobi depart from the Kwenn Space Station in pods to infiltrate the pirate flagship. Meanwhile, Zilastra and Burlug depart on thePelagic's skiff with a bound and gagged Kylah. Elsewhere, Master Tiin flies hisARC-8 starfighter as a Vile flotilla ofairspeeders heads towards the Middle Chain. Several airspeeders are downed by the storm.

Above Kwenn, Kenobi attaches his pod to the hull of theRandomizer. He infiltrates thePelta-class frigate via its starboard docking port. Kenobi is soon joined by Master Jinn. Aboard the pirate flagship, they encounter Ghor, Wungo and Lobber, who have been outfitted with explosives for a mission to destroy theEducation Ministry's building. The two Jedi convince the would-be pirates to switch sides after discovering that Zilastra has dispatched the trio on a suicide mission.

Elsewhere Zilastra, Burlug and an unwilling Kylah travel on their skiff through the streets of Capital Key. Arriving at Gala Key, Zilastra is dismayed to discover that the Jedi and local constables advancing on the criminal forces. Yoda and Yaddle use their lightsabers to deflect Zilastra's droidIK-111's blasts, disintegrating the droid. While Kylah is jubilant at the turning tide of the battle, Zilastra attempts to contact the pirate command centerPelagic but encounters interference. Despite the turning tide of the battle, Zilastra resolves to cleanse the planet of Jedi.

Meanwhile, Tiin uses Fraxa's vintage ARC-8 starfighter to down several pirate airspeeders. He then lands his ship at Gala Key where he confronts several insurgents gathering for a ground invasion. Meanwhile, Master Plo Koon organizes the evacuation of civilians and the deployment of Jedi and local law enforcement with the help of the livery drivers whom he had helped earlier in their employment dispute.

Elsewhere, Master Ki-Adi-Mundi has infiltrated thePelagic, the luxury cruise ship serving as the headquarters of the pirates. While disabling the pirates' trunk communications line, he encounters the Vile leaderNanna Frouj. Believing him to be a crew member, she orders him to make aMygeeto Icebomb. While entering the refrigeration unit, the cold air causes the adhesive holding his fake spikes to fall off. Frouj attacks him with a blade and they fight. After shoving her into the freezer, he contacts Yarael and confirms that thePelagic is the pirate command center.

As the Jedi and Kwenn law enforcement gain the upper hand, Master Gallia convinces Yoda and Yaddle to encourage the pirates to surrender and avoid forcing them to make last stands. She hopes to minimize civilian casualties and to give the gang members a way out of their lives of crime. Yoda and Yaddle approve of her plan.

At sea, Rancisis discusses plans to take out thePelagic with Masters Yarael and Ki-Adi-Mundi. Mundi informs them that the pirate leaders are fighting among themselves and searching for him. Rancisis rules out a turbolaser strike on the cruise ship to avoid civilian casualties. Coming up with another plan, he enlists the help. Throughthe Force, Rancisis communicates with the orokoKooroo-coo and several of his kind and convinces them to take out thePelagic'srepulsorlift generators. The sea creatures pursue the luxury ship, damaging its generators and causing it to crash. Witnessing the disabling of thePelagic and the routing of her pirate forces, Zilastra decides to attack theKwenn Jedi outpost.

Aboard theRandomizer, Jinn and Kenobi find theYinchorri pilotJodak in the bridge. The two Jedi convince Jodak and the flight crew to clear the bridge by revealing that their new-found allies Lobber, Ghor and Wungo have planted timed explosives throughout the ship. When Jodak protests at the hijacking, Jinn counters that the frigate once belonged to someone else. Lobber, Ghor and Wungo take over the bridge with the support of the Jedi.

Zilastra's last fight[]

On Kwenn, Billaba has spent much of the battle searching for Zilastra and Kylah. With the pirates routed, she helps her fellow Jedi and the local authorities restore order and assist the civilian population. Windu arrives with news that theAssurance and Kwenn Space Station have broken the pirate siege of Kwenn. Shortly later, the Jedi receive a report of a repulsorlift skiff climbing Sanctuary Mount. The Jedi realize that Zilastra is planning to attack the Jedi outpost. Billaba leaves on Windu's Delta-7 starfighter to stop Zilastra and rescue Kylah.

With much difficulty, Zilastra's repulsorlift skiff reaches the landing leading to the outpost's doorway. After accosting the caretakerVoh, Zilastra questions him about the location of the Regal Voyager case. Voh confirms that the bomb-rigged suitcase is inside the Kwenn Jedi outpost. Billaba soon arrives on Windu's Delta-7 starfighter. After setting the starfighter on hover mode, she enters the attic of the building where she encounters a bound Kylah, who is manacled to the large gas canisters. Zilastra shoots at the Jedi Master with her blaster but Billaba deflects her shots away from the fuel. Zilastra escapes and reunites with Burlug, revealing that she has activated the suit case bomb.

Unable to find the suitcase bomb, Billaba and Kylah turn the library cart into an improvised wagon to escape. Shortly later, theRandomizer approaches the Kwenn Jedi outpost. Zilastra and Burlug attempt to board the frigate's airlock in their skiff but Lobber, Ghor and Wungo eject them. The pirates' exhausted skiff falls off the mountain. Burlug falls to his death but Zilastra manages to remain in the skiff. Using her comlink, she shouts the code-phrase "The Jedi stand with you!." This triggers the suitcase bomb, which destroys the Jedi outpost.

From theRandomizer's bridge, Jinn and Kenobi witness the explosion. Billaba and Kylah roll down Sanctuary Mount in their improvised cart. As they descend down the slope, the cart break apart, sending the two flying into the air. Masters Koon, Windu and Yoda uses the Force to cushion Billaba's blow while Jinn and Kenobi use the Force to safely levitate Kylah to the ground. With Billaba and Kylah safe, Jinn and Kenobi fly theRandomizer to a nearby island to land its captive pirate crew and passengers.

Zilastra survives the skiff's descent when her vehicle's repulsorlift reactivated during its descent into the sea below, cushioning her landing. She is later found holding the broken stalk of the skiff's control yoke near the shores of the Windward Chain. Zilastra is apprehended by Billaba and the other members of the Jedi Council. Zilastra tells her Jedi captors that her vendetta against the Jedi was motivated by a Jedi Master namedSifo Dyas recruiting her friends into the Jedi Order while abandoning in an orphanage 30 years ago.

Windu, Yaddle, Piell, Poof and Koon acknowledge that Sifo-Dyas' obsession with the future of the Jedi Order led him to neglect non-Jedi. Rancisis acknowledges that Dyas was wrong not to check on other services for Zilastra. Tiin also explains that Dyas left the Jedi Council for violating rules around recruitment. Tiin promises to follow up the Jedi records to search for her friends. While Billaba has empathy for Zilastra's traumatic childhood and abandonment, she says that Zilastra has to face justice for her crimes against Zaran Raal, Kylah, and the people of Kwenn, surmising that "other people are not the canvas on which you can paint your grief."

Following the arrest of Zilastra, the entire Jedi Council hold a media conference at the Gala Key Arena in the presence of a large crowd. The press conference is broadcast by Morna and her team. Despite the destruction of the Kwenn Jedi outpost, the Jedi Masters reassure the public that the Jedi bond with Kwenn is unbroken. Gallia announces that the Jedi plan to replace the outpost with a new brazier that will be lit every night. Billaba describes the Jedi as her home while Yoda ends with the phrase that the Jedi stand with them.

Part Four: The Joyful Return[]

Aftermath[]

Following the defeat of the pirate insurrection, Zilastra is imprisoned at theRepublic Judicial Regional Detention Center in Capital Key. In solitary confinement, Zilastra reflects on the collapse of her Riftwalkers gang and the death of Burlug. Zilastra blames the allied pirate gangs' ineptitude for their defeat and regrets not listening to Burlug, who had advised against the Kwenn insurrection. As an act of mercy, her Jedi victors had given Zilastra her stack ofsabacc cards. While flipping her cards, she vows to endure.

Meanwhile, Master Gallia prepares to depart on a courtesy flight donated byRegal Voyager as gratitude for the Jedi Order's role in defeating the pirates. While conversing with Yoda, Gallia agrees to take up a greater leadership role on the Jedi Council since Yoda is ageing. After returning from the spaceport, Yoda meets with the Sullustan arena manager Lyal Lunn, who has recovered from his injuries. Lunn is grateful to Yoda for helping his family particularly his late fatherErwen Lunn, who has recently passed away. Yoda encourages the younger Lunn to honor his father's memory by leading a project that would help the local population.

Elsewhere, Master Rancisis and Seneschal Voh visit the ruins of the Kwenn Jedi outpost at the base of Sanctuary Mount. While Voh is saddened by the library's destruction, Rancisis reassures him that the remaining documents that were stolen have survived. Rancisis plans to salvage ppart of the brazier for a new "Unquenchable Flame" monument that will serve to remind the locals of the Jedi. Rancisis comforts the distraught Voh by reassuring him that the Kwenn outpost's legacy survives in every Jedi who visited it.

OnEfasa Key, Master Piell reflects on his efforts to revitalize Kwenn's education system by enlisting the help of theMercantile Guild andRendili Hyperworks. Piell thanks aTwi'lek teenager for helping keep spectators inside the arena during the pirate insurrection before ushering him into school. Before departing theKwikhaul complex in his ARC-8 starfighter, Tiin converses with fellow Master Koon, who compliments his skills as a fighter pilot and mechanic. Despite Tiin doubting his own ability as a Padawan, Koon reassures him that he has advanced significant in his Jedi career. Following his conversation with Koon, Tiin farewells the Kwikhaul crew with the motto: "Competence is not enough!"

Before returning to the Jedi Temple, Master Koth has a final meeting with the former Poisoned Blade Inisa, who is planning to travel offworld. The two agree to stay in contact with each other. Master Yaddle also meets with the journalist Morna. Morna talks about not letting Reez and Grom bully her and the late Erwen's collection of holos of Kwenn's history, which will be useful for educational purposes. Yaddle also pitches the idea of Morna doing a story about Ewen's son Lyal working with his medical droid to help sick Kwenn residents.

Yarael chats with Ki-Adi-Mundi about lessons they can learn from the recent events on Kwenn. Poof fears that the Jedi Order has spent too much time focusing on the "big things" and selecting the "small ones." He believes that the Order can help ordinary people such asAptorr and his wife. In light of Zilastra's Regal Voyage plot, Ki-Adi-Mundi also talks about the danger that future threats using similar everyday objects can pose to the galaxy.

Minion of the Sith[]

Seneschal Voh travels to aflorist shop onLangdam Key where he chats withSenatorPalpatine viahologram. Voh had met Palpatine several years ago during a senatorial tour of Kwenn. For the past several years, Voh had secretly stolen records and material from the Jedi outpost's library on behalf of Palpatine. Palpatine's assistant would then collect the materials that Palpatine had chosen while the rest would be destroyed. Palpatine is displeased that Voh had not destroyed the remaining material but had sold them. Voh protests that he could not bear to destroy historical documents. Palpatine is angry since Voh's failure to destroy the missing documents alerted the Jedi to theft.

Voh offers to continue stealing documents for Palpatine at another Jedi library. However, Palpatine has little use for the Jedi retainer and reveals that the closure of Jedi outposts along the Ootmian route are part of his plans to orchestrate anew crisis. Palpatine expresses an admiration for Zilastra's insurrection but opines that she would have failed. He says that he is interested in Zilastra and other people who despise the Jedi. When Voh asks why he is telling him this information, Palpatine reveals that he is briefing his apprenticeDarth Maul and that the Jedi retainer has outlived his usefulness to him. Maul uses the Force tolevitate and spin Voh around.

Epilogue[]

Master Windu meets with Captain Baylo aboard theAssurance. Baylo reveals that his crew's contract with the Judicial Forces has been renewed in light of the pirate insurrection on Kwenn. When Baylo asks Windu if he had a part in this, Windu responds that he merely reported to the Republic. When Baylo confides that his crew need a more permanent training programme, Windu suggests the idea of aflight training academy with Baylo asCommandant.

Kylah also becomes a cadet aboard theAssurance under Baylo's command. Since Kylah is unable to join the Jedi due to her lack of Force sensitivity, Master Billaba had arranged for Kylah's enrollment as a cadet to avoid sending her to an orphanage. She believes that Baylo and his crew will be her new family. Kylah is grateful to Billaba for the arrangement and proceeds to complete her first duty of checking the ship's inventory.

Before leaving Kwenn, Master Jinn and Padawan Kenobi help the former pirates Lobber, Ghor and Wungo find a new job as contractors repossessing starships for theGalactic City Recovery company. Their first job is to return theRandomizer, formerly known as theResilient to Coruscant. The two Jedi catch a ride with the reformed pirates.

Development[]

Novel development and promotion[]

The Living Force celebrates the 25th anniversary ofStar Wars: Episode IThe Phantom Menace^[4] and is written by longtimeStar Wars authorJohn Jackson Miller^[1] under the codename "Denver."^[5] Miller was very happy to be back writingStar Wars^[6] after nearly a decade since^[1] his last novel for the brand,A New Dawn. In the time since, however, he had written sixStar Wars short stories.^[7] He agreed to write the novel onFebruary 21,2023, the same day his novelHigh Country was released.^[8] Miller was invited to write the story byTom Hoeler, an editor forRandom House Worlds,^[1] who approached Miller with the offer of writing a Jedi Council-focused novel. Miller agreed provided he could feature Qui-Gon Jinn challenge the twelve to leave the Jedi Temple—the Order's "ivory tower," as Miller saw it—and do better by interacting with the average citizenry of theStar Wars galaxy.^[3]

After the novel's announcement, Hoeler, revealed to fans it dealt with the Jedi Order reckoning with its past in the days beforeThe Phantom Menace.^[9] Miller usedWookieepedia for research while writing the book.^[10] He was, in his words, "in the middle of writing" the novel in the summer of2023.^[11] Miller told Obi-Wan Kenobi voice actorJames Arnold Taylor about the book before its official announcement^[12] and recorded a video aboutThe Living Force with him.^[13]The Living Force is the longestStar Wars novel ever written by Miller, who also called it the "most fun" of hisStar Wars books.^[14] Miller went onto describe the book as "the spring break of a lifetime"^[7] and that it was "best spring vacation read in the galaxy."^[15]

During development, Miller decided to include the character ofMaximilian Veers,^[16] who appears in a cameo role as a youngnavalcadet underInstructorPell Baylo.^[17] Hoeler was at first surprised by the idea of Veers making an appearance but loved the way Miller worked him in.^[16] The book also sees the often dismissive Baylo guess Veers could become leader of a formal navy, should such a force exist in the future.^[18] With Veers's actual fate to be a general in ground forces, not a naval force,^[19] Miller was asked whether Baylo was being serious or making a sarcastic remark. Miller stated either was possible but noted one option was more possible than the other.^[18]

One of Hoeler's editing notes he provided Miller was that Jinn was written like "all the best versions ofSuperman".^[20] due to his confidence, purposeful attitude, and unshakeable faith and sense of hope,^[21] When writing the young Jedi CouncilorEeth Koth, Miller found inspiration in his younger self from his days as a college^[22] and graduate student.^[23] In writing Jedi MasterOppo Rancisis of the Council, Miller came to enjoy the character but hated needing to write out his species name "Thisspiasian." All the same, he made sure to include fun scenes for the characters.^[24]The Living Force was Miller's first chance to write forGrand MasterYoda, who he found to be worth the wait. He made sure to include fun moments with and words of wisdom from the old Jedi.^[25] While he was working onThe Living Force, a plane Miller was on was forced to circle Key West for thirty minutes, with Miller later reflecting that the location was appropriate given the novel he was working on.^[11]

Much to Miller's joy,The Living Force was officially announced onSeptember 7, 2023.^[26] Miller described it as an odyssey undertaken by all twelve members of the Jedi High Council,^[27] thereby giving focus to normally ignored characters on the Council.^[28] He stated the book had a focus on what responsibilities a Jedi needs to embody, which was a theme explored some of his prior works.^[29] Miller later described the book as putting the council together "in a bowl and shaking it up."^[30] Hoeler was very excited for the novel's release,^[31] including for how the story ties back into^[32] theJedi Order's history established byStar Wars: The High Republic.^[33] WhileThe Living Force has connections toThe High Republic,^[33] Hoeler promised one did not have to have read priorHigh Republic works to understandThe Living Force. He clarified that the novel was not "part of" theHigh Republic but exemplified how, like many other eras inStar Wars, theHigh Republic Era could "ripple forward."^[34]

The Living Force is also notable for its use of the planet Kwenn, which had already existed inStar Wars lore but had not been truly explored in any story up to that point.^[35] Hoeler stated that the editorial notes forThe Living Force were very funny, which was a sign the novel would be great.^[36] At New York Comic Con 2023, Miller teased the book would feature Jinn confronting the Council for its lack of outreach in the wider galaxy, saying he was effectively telling the Council to "touch grass"^[6] in a diplomatic manner.^[37] Hoeler was eager to talk about the book in the leadup to its release.^[20] On Twitter, Miller^[38] and Hoeler promised fans would be excited by the book's fourteenth chapter,^[39] with Miller also finding a typo in that chapter thanks to Hoeler's tweet.^[40] One novel released afterThe Living Force wasMace Windu: The Glass Abyss, which is set afterThe Phantom Menace and sees the Jedi Order, especially Mace Windu, debating its future. Due toThe Living Force's focus on the Order beforeThe Phantom Menace, Hoeler promisedThe Living Force andThe Glass Abyss paired well together.^[9]

The title page art forThe Living Force was designed byLiz Eno. Shared in the months ahead of release onJanuary 24 by Hoeler^[41] and Miller,^[42] the art depicts chairs from theJedi Council Chamber^[41] as part of what Miller described as a running motif done by Eno. The sneak peek of the title page and its art marked the first look into the book before release.^[42] One month ahead of release, Miller teased that a character from one of his six recentStar Wars short stories would make an appearance^[7] but warned that was the only hint he was willing to give ahead of release.^[15]

The first cover illustration met some contention among fans for wrongly depicting one of the novel characters. Instead of showing the Jedi Council member Adi Gallia who appeared in The Phantom Menace a short time later in the timeline with everyone else, her cousin Stass Allie who appeared later in Attack Of The Clones was featured. They are both distinctly different in appearance due to the fact that a different actress was cast and a different outfit was worn by the latter character which was included in the artwork to further confirm the mistake. An update to the illustration was submitted a month or two later which erased part of the distinguishing detail of Stass Allie's clothing (a white undershirt appearing as a collar) which does not appear on Adi Gallia. This was a measure to have the illustrated character pass as Adi Gallia, without having to redo the entire cover. The final Artwork done from scratch in promotion of the novel featured Mace Windu, Plo Koon, Yoda, Depa Billaba, Yaddle, Even Piell, Ki-Adi-Mundi and finally the character Adi Gallia using the right reference material.

Included map and special releases[]

The Living Force contains a black and white^[44] map of the planet Kwenn^[45] designed by Miller himself^[35] printed inside each physical copy.^[45] The map is also included in the ebook version, while purchases of the audiobook come with a download for the map.^[43] According to Hoeler, the team decided including the map would help sell the sense of place and historyThe Living Force creates for Kwenn.^[35] Hoeler first teased that an upcomingStar Wars book would feature a map onOctober 23, 2023.^[46] At that time, canon novel releases had largely ignored including maps. The last canon novel to include a map had beenGalaxy's Edge: Black Spire,^[47] which was released onAugust 27,2019.^[48] Through theStar Wars Books Twitter account^[45] and subsequent tweets by Hoeler^[35] and Miller,^[43]The Living Force map was announced onDecember 22, 2023.^[45] Although he did not expect the news to drop that day, forcing him to make his tweets about the announcement while in a Wendy's restaurant,^[49] Miller was delighted to finally share the news of the map's inclusion.^[43] Prior books by Miller, including hisStar Wars workStar Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith, had included maps. He was thrilled to be able to include a map inThe Living Force.^[49]

As a free preorder bonus,^[50] readers in the United States and Canada who preorderedThe Living Force could receive a bookplate—a unique Del ReyStar Wars sticker signed by Miller himself—via their receipt^[51] so long as they are over the age of 18.^[52] Hoeler also promised that the offer would remain open through the novel's release^[53] on April 9th^[1] for any preorders that were placed after that announcement.^[53] Signing was not offered via Miller's website at release in order to drive sales at bookstores and to serve as many fans as possible.^[54] As promised in its website listing, theBarnes & Noble release of the novel also features an exclusive double-sided mini-poster,^[55] which Hoeler could not elaborate upon for a time.^[56]

OnFebruary 26, that poster was revealed to be a double-sided piece: one side was a colorized and annotated version of the Kwenn map^[57] that Miller described as an in-universe travel ad.^[58] The travelogue notes featured on the colorized map were written by Miller. The other side is a Jedi Council art piece byOliver Cuthbertson. Cuthbertson was honored and grateful to make a piece about the Council, with the artist particularly happy to include its "lesser-known" members.^[57] As the black and white map is still printed in the novel, Miller promised that a fan could hang the Jedi Council side without fear of losing reference to the map.^[59]

OnFebruary 15, Miller revealed he would be holding three launch week events forThe Living Force atBarnes & Noble stores in the state of Wisconsin.^[60] The online seller Inkstone Books sold a special edition ofThe Living Force that came with a case featuring the Jedi emblem. Beyond each copy being numbered and signed, the pages were also given a green edge.^[61] The bookshopGoldsboro Books also sold a limited edition version ofThe Living Force; this version was limited to 500 copies, each of which features sprayed edges, a signature, and a number.^[62]

Release[]

The first excerpt ofThe Living Force was released onStarWars.com on February 26^[63] in the same blogpost that revealed theBarnes & Noble poster.^[57] Early copies ofThe Living Force had been sent out byMarch 15, with those early readers growing attached to an individual Hoeler described as "a brief side-character," whose cult following^[64] was something he expected would come as a surprise to Miller.^[65] Hoeler received his first copies ofThe Living Force the next day,March 16,^[44] while Miller got his first look at the physical book that day at GalaxyCon Richmond^[66] via a delivery fromStar Wars books. He quickly shared the book with James Arnold Taylor and revealed its first lines.^[67] After release, Miller revealed several behind the scenes details^[68] as thanks for passing 10,000 Twitter followers.^[69]

Media[]

Editions[]

• ISBN 9780593597958;April 9,2024;Random House Worlds; US hardcover^[1]
• ISBN 9781529919455;April 23, 2024;Del Rey; UK paperback^[70]
• ISBN 9780593724699;November 19, 2024; Random House Worlds; US paperback^[71]

Appearances[]

This media's Appearances list is incomplete. You can help Wookieepedia byexpanding it.

Sources[]

• "Launchpad" —Star Wars Insider 222
• "Launchpad" —Star Wars Insider 223
• The Jedi Council Debates Its Future inStar Wars: The Living Force - Exclusive Excerpt onStarWars.com(backup link)
• Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary Gift Guide onStarWars.com(backup link)
• Who's Who on the Jedi Council inThe Phantom Menace andThe Living Force onStarWars.com(backup link)
• "John Jackson Miller: The Living Prose" —Star Wars Insider 225

Notes and references[]

External links[]

• The Jedi Face a Crisis in New Star Wars NovelThe Living Force onGizmodo (September 7,2023) (backup link archived onSeptember 7,2023)
• John Jackson Miller (@jjmfaraway) onTwitter (post):"Thrilled to announce my new novel, STAR WARS: THE LIVING FORCE, out April 9, 2024 in hardcover, audiobook and ebook from @DelReyStarWars! A grand adventure featuring every member of the Jedi Council in the year before Episode I."(backup link)