From a Certain Point of View was such a fun and unique way to celebrate A New Hope’s 40th Anniversary, The Empire Strikes Back’s own 40th birthday wouldn’t feel the same without it, and thankfully Del Rey announced From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back, out November 10! Revealed June 11, over 30 of the book’s 40 authors took to Twitter (thanks to Sarah for compiling the authors) to confirm their involvement, while the final few, plus some teases on what they are writing, were revealed today, June 15. Head below to see the list and assorted musing below! UPDATE: Here’s our review!
Much like the first, all authors will forgo compensation and proceeds will go to First Books, “…a leading nonprofit that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to educators and organizations serving children in need,” while, “Penguin Random House will donate $100,000 to First Book, and Disney/Lucasfilm will donate 100,000 children’s books — valued at $1,000,000.” The first book will also release in paperback in October, though between this being a Disney owned company and the paperback release surely a profit release, it doesn’t seem impossible for them to pay the authors as well as donate. There are plenty of authors in TESB’s that are new to me, so the exposure here is truly priceless, at the very least.
One of the most surprising, but oh so very delightful little reveals about the upcoming anthology is how the unofficial title for it is: “Gay and in space.” The films are still lacking in diversifying when it comes to LGBTQ+, but the novels and comics have been slowly doing what they can’t, so it’ll be great to watch how else they’ll add to the growing list with this anthology!
Here are the authors, with some assorted musings on a few, while the author names in bold are the ones the site teased the contents of their story. I’m really loving the amount of female authors, as well as POC this time around:
- Tom Angleberger: He previously wrote the final story in the first FACPOV, which was one by the Whills themselves, a tongue-in-cheek way to end. Could he be doing that again? We do know he’s confirmed he didn’t write the Spaceworm’s POV!
- Sarwat Chadda: His YA series, Devil’s Kiss, stars the only female Knights Templar, which sounds intriguing.
- S.A. Chkaraborty: She’s the writer of the Daevabad Trilogy, centering on a young con artist with healing gifts, set in a future magical Middle East kingdom, which has won a few awards. Find out more at her site.
- Mike Chen
- Katie Cook (Update 7/10) The final author to be revealed alongside the final cover of the anthology, which includes all 40 authors. In the tweet you’ll see they reveal two names, but Chadda had already revealed himself on Twitter.
- Zoraida Córdova
- Adam Christopher
- Delilah S. Dawson
- Tracy Deonn: On the official site, it’s said she, “…delves into the dark heart of the Dagobah cave where Luke confronts a terrifying vision.” While we only know a few hints, regardless of what other stories we learn will come, this will be my most anticipated story! Getting into the “mind” of the Dagobah cave sounds surreal and totally fascinating. You can find out more about her at her site!
- Seth Dickinson: The site says he, ” interrogates the cost of serving a ruthless empire aboard the bridge of a doomed Imperial starship.” Is this about the Destroyer whose bridge is destroyed by the asteroid field?! He’s written part of the lore to the popular video game series, Destiny!
- Alexander Freed: Battlefront: Twilight Company and the Alphabet Squadron trilogy are Freed’s big SW claims to fame, while he wrote a great Mon Mothma-centric tale in the original FACPOV.
- Jason Fry
- Christie Golden
- Hank Green: He “chronicles the life of a naturalist caring for tauntauns on the frozen world of Hoth.” Just imagine what this naturalist will think once he hears what Han did to one in an effort to save Luke!
- Rob Hart
- E.K. Johnston
- Lydia Kang
- Michael Kogge
- Rebecca F. Kuang
- C.B. Lee
- Mackenzi Lee
- John Jackson Miller: I’ve read his Kenobi novel more times than I can count, which is why it was so fun he brought over one of its characters for his first tale. Wonder what he’ll do for the next…
- Michael Moreci
- Daniel Jose Older: Daniel has written my second favorite canon Star Wars novel, Last Shot, and is one of 5 authors spearheading The High Republic initiative (which was recently delayed to 2021).
- Mark Oshiro: “recounts the wampa’s tragic tale of loss and survival.” I’ve always kind of wondered what happened next for the one armed wampa…and now we’ll finally know! Check out his site for more about him!
- Amy Ratcliffe: From a fan like you or me, to hosting Star Wars Celebration stages, to writing Women of the Galaxy…and now this? Amazing!
- Beth Revis
- Lilliam Rivera
- Cavan Scott: He’s promised he’ll be telling a far different tale than his previous, which was a rather astonishing tale of Obi-Wan’s final minutes, “Time of Death.” As another of The High Republic authors, he’s always worth keeping an eye on!
- Emily Skrutskie
- Karen Strong
- Catherynne M. Valente: Her book, Space Opera, was an absolute riot in the vein of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Check it out for an amazing laugh or 100.
- Austin Walker: The official site revealed he, “…explores the unlikely partnership of bounty hunters Dengar and IG-88 as they pursue Han Solo.” IG droids got a huge shot up in recognition thanks to The Mandalorian and recently IG-88 specifically had a great short tale in a comic; More Dengar pre-whatever the heck he became by The Rise of Skywalker will be much appreciated.
- Martha Wells: According to the official site, she, “…reveals the world of the Ugnaught clans who dwell in the depths of Cloud City.” he wrote one of the final Legends books to ever be published, Empire and Rebellion: Razor’s Edge, a Leia-focused tale I really enjoyed and Sous Chef Chris recently covered in his Legendary Adventures series. She’s written a very popular series The Murderbot Diaries, and as a big fan of Star Wars’ own murderbots, Triple-Zero and BT-1, I’ve really got to check it out!
- Django Wexler
- Kiersten White
- Gary Whitta:
- Brittany N. Williams
- Charles Yu: Reading his How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe is an absolute must. Follow him on Twitter.
- Jim Zub
I am of course hoping for some type of Doctor Aphra cameo again, or even her dad Korin, on and off again ex Tolvan, or her ward Vulaada. Tell us what you’d most like to see in the comments below or on our social media channels!
Ryan is Mynock Manor’s Head Butler. You can follow him on Twitter @BrushYourTeeth. You can follow the website on Twitter @MynockManor and Instagram @mynockmanor.