Cover Art For First Novels In The New 'Star Wars' Universe

New 'Star Wars' novels are in the works from Disney Publishing Worldwide and Del Ray /Random House Books. The first batch will include four novels, set to be released between September 2014 and March 2015. These initial novels will cover both new and well-known characters from a variety of points on the Star Wars timeline. (All of them based around the time of the existing films - which is now the official canon).

The first book, which will be available in hardcover and ebook formats on September 2, is 'A New Dawn' written by John Jackson Miller, and is set prior to the events of the forthcoming animated series 'Star Wars Rebels', and tells the story of how two of the lead characters of the series, Kanan Jarrus and Hera Syndulla, came to cross paths.

Following 'Star Wars: A New Dawn', the next books released will be; 'Star Wars: Tarkin' by James Luceno out November 11 2014, 'Star Wars: 'Heir To The Jedi' by Kevin Hearne out January 2015 and 'Star Wars: Lords Of The Sith' by Paul Kemp out March 2015.

However, the original 'Star Wars Expanded Universe' won't be completely dismissed, as they will live on in both physical and digital editions, newly-branded as 'Star Wars Legends'.

Check out the cover art from the first four upcoming Star Wars novels that will, along with the 'Star Wars Rebels' animated series, help launch the new canon. Follow the Star Wars Books Facebook page for the latest announcements.

'Star Wars: A New Dawn' by John Jackson Miller | Cover art by Doug Wheatley

'Star Wars: Tarkin' by James Luceno | Cover art by David Smit

'Star Wars: Heir To The Jedi' by Kevin Hearne | Cover art by Larry Rostant

'Star Wars: Lords Of The Sith' by Paul S Kemp | Cover art by Aaron McBride