As we're playing a bit of catch-up today, let's take a look at a number of recent updates from Del Rey's Star Wars Books Facebook page.
Back on Tuesday, we got an update as to the official books timeline...
"Updated the official timeline of books we include in all of the Del Rey Star Wars novels for the upcoming release, THE OLD REPUBLIC: ANNIHILATION (Nov 13). Added some recently announced titles to it like THE LAST JEDI, CRUCIBLE, and the new Tim Zahn eBook short story "Winner Lose All". Even had to add a new era for the Dawn of the Jedi novel, INTO THE VOID. (Erich)"
On Wednesday, there were two new updates. One pointed us to a new interview from Tricia Barr with Del Rey intern Darth Internous (Tom Hoeler). The other reminds us of the many activities planned for Star Wars Reads Day on October 6th.
Thursday centered around Pablo Hidalgo's upcoming release, Star Wars: The Essential Reader's Companion. First up, SW Books on Facebook sent us over to EUCantina.net where you can preview 3 exclusive full page spreads from the highly aniticipated reference book. Then, they updated their cover photo accordingly...
The Essential Reader's Companion fun didn't stop there as Friday brought forth 3 new pieces of art from the book. Check them, and their captions, out below...
"Scene from the short story ?The Sand Tender: The Hammerhead?s Tale? written by Dave Wolverton. "The peaceful Momaw Nadon holds in his growing frustration in the obnoxious presence of Imperial officer Captain Alima." (Painting by Jeff Carlisle) Lots of fun Easter Egg items in this one. Can you find them all?"
"Scene from the Bantam Black Fleet Crisis trilogy of novels written by Michael P. Kube-McDowell. "The mysterious vessel known as the Teljkon vagabond sends a New Republic research team on a strange, erratic journey through the galaxy." (Painting by Jeff Carlisle)"
"Scene from the Del Rey novel Vector Prime written by R.A. Salvatore. "Mara Jade Skywalker deflects incoming thud bugs thrown by Yomin Carr, a Yuuzhan Vong advance agent who has orchestrated the destruction of a scientific outpost on Belkadan." (Painting by Darren Tan) After this image was previewed this summer at @Club it was pointed out by many fans with keen eyes for detail that Mara Jade's lightsaber hilt was incorrect. Darren made the change and we were able to show her holding the lightsaber Luke gave her. Thanks to everyone who caught that."
"Exciting news! Author Tim Zahn will be joining Del Rey and authors Jason Fry and Pablo Hidalgo at New York Comic Con in a few weeks. We'll post the authors' panel and signing schedules soon. (Erich)"
Interestingly enough, both Star Wars EU-related panels look to be on Friday at the same time.
Star Wars Books Date: Friday, October 12 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Location: Unbound Stage Speakers: Jason Fry , Pablo Hidalgo Description: Join Lucasfilm?s Pablo Hidalgo, author of Star Wars: The Essential Reader?s Companion, and Jason Fry, author of Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Warfare, as they discuss the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
Brian Wood & Dark Horse: From World's End to the Galaxy's Beginnings Date: Friday, October 12 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm Location: 1A06 Speakers: Brian Wood , Jeremy Atkins , Randy Stradley , Sierra Hahn Description: Dark Horse turns the spotlight on creator, Brian Wood, to discuss both his creator-owned and licensed works at the largest independent publisher!
In other news, author Paul Kemp noted his upcoming, yet still secret, Star Wars duology on his personal blog this past week. Here's the pertinent excerpt:
"Events have moved forward on my next Star Wars project. This is the duology I?ve been talking about for a long time now and that Del Rey has called ?very ambitious.? Alas, I still can say nothing about it except that it?s moved forward, that I?m excited, and think you will be too. I?m also (candidly) a bit nervous. As soon as I can share anything more, you can bet I will."
Naturally, we'll keep you posted as soon as Kemp is able to provide more details.
We'll end with a reminder to cast your vote for the next Star Wars audio book release from Random House Audiobooks. Your choices include Death Star (Michael Reaves and Steve Perry), Allegiance (Timothy Zahn), and Knight Errant (John Jackson Miller).