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

Currently Reading: 'Return To Barsoom' by Scott Dutton

After ploughing through the whole Barsoom series of books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, and really enjoying the John Carter film, I still needed my Barsoomian fix! And lo and behold, I discovered this ebook by Scott Dutton, and my hunger was definitely satisfied.

The blurb:
It has been over 60 years since we last heard from John Carter, the Warlord of Mars. We now know that Mars is cold, dusty and with an atmosphere so thin water will not liquify. Life as we know it cannot exist on Mars.

So why is Chester Ventura getting in a rocket and plotting a course?

Set in present times, 150 or so years after when the events of the John Carter books are said to be set, and acknowledging what we currently know about Mars, the book charts the story of Chester Ventura, just an ordinary joe who discovers a shuttle space craft sent from John Carter on Barsoom meant for his nephew Edgar, and his unexpected journey and adventures on Mars.

I really enjoyed reading this as I did with the original books. I felt it brought the stories bang up to date, and, as I mentioned, with what we know about Mars today, the desolation and emptiness, it seemed more real. Plus, we see another side to some well known characters. I hope the author decides to write the next book in Chester's Barsoomian adventure.

If you enjoyed the original books by ERB, I would certainly recommend this to you as well.

You can pick up this ebook from Scott's website for free in epub and mobi formats.

Right, I'm off to re-read my hardback version of the original John Carter trilogy.