The New Jedi Order

In October 1999, Del Rey released Vector Prime by R.A. Salvatore, the first of 22 planned novels in a series called The New Jedi Order. For The New Jedi Order, Del Rey and Lucasfilm responded to fan's requests for a well-planned story line overarching the entire series, books released in the chronological order they appear on the timeline, significant and lasting consequences for the heroes, and the ability to follow each book or just selected titles.

The New Jedi Order is a great starting place for fans of the Star Wars films who would like to jump in to the already extensive expanded universe of Star Wars books and comics. Set 25 years after the destruction of the first Death Star, here's what you'll need to know to enjoy Vector Prime: The New Republic has made peace with the last remaining remnants of the Empire. Luke Skywalker has married former Imperial operative Mara Jade, and through his academy has trained many new Jedi Knights. Among the new Jedi are Jacen, Jaina and Anakin Solo, the three teenage children of Han Solo and Leia Organa Solo. Against this seemingly peaceful backdrop, the New Republic faces a new deadly threat from another galaxy, the ruthless Yuuzhan Vong.

In order to introduce the public to this exciting new series, Vector Prime became the first Star Wars novel to be featured in a television commercial. Mark Hamill, the actor who played Luke Skywalker, agreed to supply the narrative voice for the TV spot which ran on the Sci-Fi cable channel. For those who missed it, starwars.com is pleased to make it available for viewing here.

The surprising events of Vector Prime have drawn the attention of not only dedicated Star Wars fans, but the mainstream media as well. Author R.A. Salvatore was more than willing to take on the challenge. "I want readers to know that Vector Prime has a special place in my heart," he said. "I didn't write the book as work-for-hire, or because I needed to fill up a few months. I took this assignment because being part of Star Wars is thrilling. It goes back to being the eighteen-year-old kid sitting in the movie theater."

In February 2000, The New Jedi Order story will continue with a paperback by experienced Star Wars author Michael A. Stackpole. Dark Tide: Onslaught will be the first in a two-novel mini-series within the larger New Jedi Order series. In Onslaught, while the galaxy believes that the Yuuzhan Vong threat has been defeated, Luke, his friends and the Jedi Knights search for the unpleasant secrets behind the attack.

Star Wars: The New Jedi Order - Vector Prime is available now in hardcover.