The Best Star Wars Books of 2023
From Debut Author to Best Short Story to Book of the Year and more, our picks for this year's best stories and creators.
With nearly a dozen Star Wars books (not including reference books or comics, of which there were delightfully many) having entered the ever-expanding canon in 2023, there’s no better way to celebrate the end of the publishing year than with a celebration of the best this year’s stories have had to offer.
Here are the categories my producer (Davor) and I selected this year (with plans to add more in future installments) in deciding our favorite books, stories, covers, and authors from a galaxy far, far away in 2023 — followed by the winners! Listen to the episode before you scroll further if you don’t want to be spoiled:
Best Middle Grade Book
Best Young Adult Book
Best Adult Book
Best Short Story
Best Debut Author
Best Audiobook
Best Book Cover
Character of the Year
Author of the Year
Book of the Year
Star Wars Hunters: Battle for the Arena by Mark Oshiro
Tales of Light and Life and Path of Vengeance by Various Authors
Tales of Light and Life Review
Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson
“The Chronicler” by Danielle Paige and “A Closed Fist Has No Claws” by Tessa Gratton
From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi Review
Adam Lance Garcia (“The Veteran,” From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi
From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi and Path of Vengeance (Various Authors)
Path of Vengeance (Artist: Corey Brickley)
Marda Ro and Iskat Akaris
Tessa Gratton and Delilah S. Dawson
Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars by Sam Maggs and Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson
Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars Review
I’d love to know your picks for this year’s categories!
Now This Is Lit is a podcast (and newsletter!) about Star Wars books, the people who make them, and the readers who just can’t get enough of them. You can find the show wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to the Substack for more deep dives, guides, interview transcripts, and book love.
Gotta agree with most of your picks! Adam really smashed it and Delilah's books are always winners!