Star Wars The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark
is the latest anthology to be published in that fandom. There’s a long
tradition of books reliving classic scenes from the films but seeing them from
a different point of view; maybe even a minor character. In July 1995, what’s
now known as the Legends canon released Star Wars: Tales from the Mos Eisley
Cantina with assorted stories. Twenty-five years later, Stories of Light
and Dark has the distinction of being the first anthology based off a
television series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Each story comes from a
different episode. It’s also aimed towards younger readers, aged 8-12 years old
unlike the other adult compilations.
In a proper ice cream store can be an endless number of choices.
Sometimes, they might even give away a sample in small spoons. Some ice cream is
scrumptious. It must be had in a proper size. Some ice cream isn’t an
individual’s personal taste. It’s too sweet, too bitter, too much bits or too
little. Stories of Light and Dark feels like those sample servings. The
stories are about thirty pages long. Almost half the authors have their own
Star Wars book, and all have other works. The short stories are like a sampler
for finding which style a reader likes better and who a reader should look for
at their bookstore or library.
On one hand, having an anthology with very different authors
and styles means a little something for everyone. If one story isn’t your cup
of tea, perhaps the next one will be. On the other hand, it can be annoying or
jarring to go from a story with depth of character and vivid descriptions to
one where the author focused on dialogue and pacing. It can also be a bit hard
going from an omniscient narrator to first person. However, this could make the
book work well as a book just before night-time, with just one story a night
instead of binging it in one go.
One of the stories that stands out the most is “Dark Vengeance”
by Rebecca Roanhorse. It’s a tale told by Darth Maul himself. At times, it
feels like a ghost story told around a campfire while gorging on s’mores. Creepy
word usage, life beyond death, ruined bodies, revenge and “witches” makes for a
traditional gothic horror story within its Star Wars confines. It’s a treat to
behold. Maybe one day there could be a gothic romance?
Another favorite was “The Lost Nightsister” by Zoraida
Córdova. Of course, Córdova has a definite advantage in writing about the
Witches of Dathomir and one that’s found herself far from home. Still, the images
painted by her words and the emotions captured feel like it’s part of a much
larger book than just a short story. Not all the authors treated their
contributions the same way.
“Kenobi’s Shadow” by Greg van Eekhout must also be mentioned.
Kenobi is forced to question his beliefs and morals in a way he never had
before. He feels the pull of the Dark Side. It’s a wonderful character study. Other
favorites will have to wait for the spoiler ban to be lifted.
Star Wars The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark contains
just about everyone’s favorite character from Anakin to Hondo to Huyang, the
droid voiced by David Tennant. For those less familiar with the series, it
could cause renewed interest. For others, a re-watch will be needed to see what
they missed that the stories have pointed out. It’s a beautiful marriage that’s
sure to be followed by the other series, like Star Wars: Rebels. Be sure
to pre-order Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark at
your favorite book seller before August 25th!
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