Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Sequel Novel ‘The Last Order’ Revealed

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As fans eagerly anticipate Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey in future Star Wars films, they’re getting a sneak peek into the aftermath of The Rise of Skywalker with a new book focusing on Finn (John Boyega) and Jannah (Naomi Ackie). Kwame Mbalia, a New York Times best-selling author, revealed an exclusive image from Collider for Star Wars: The Last Order. Star Wars: The Last Order is set to be released in stores on October 21, 2025.

Following the events of “The Rise of Skywalker,” the narrative unfolds as the Resistance rescues a ship filled with young passengers who were abducted by the First Order. Finn and Jannah, both former child captives turned soldiers, confront their complex history while they hunt down the First Order officer who kidnapped the children they’ve just saved. As Mbalia put it, “It’s a pleasure to collaborate with Finn, a character I would enjoy writing if I were penning one myself – someone who can be funny and carefree at times, yet serious, loyal, devoted to friends, allies, and family.” Moreover, he finds working alongside Jannah to be an unparalleled dream.

Jason Wojtowicz, a designer, and Kim Thompson, an artist, have unveiled the initial cover artwork (as shown below) for Star Wars’ Last Order. The artwork deviates from the style of many other Star Wars books, as hinted by Mbalia. He suggested that the flowers in the cover art will significantly impact the storyline of Last Order.

I’m not sure if this is a plot reveal, but there’s an eye-catching design on the book cover featuring these stunning flowers. They seem to be framing two characters in stormtrooper armor, with their helmets removed. The flowers appear to play a significant role in the story. When I first saw it, I was truly amazed and exclaimed, ‘Wow, this is stunning!’

In the past, I used to run a feature called Covers and Kicks, where whenever a new book cover was unveiled, I would suggest a matching pair of shoes for fans who liked the cover. So, I’m really looking forward to the release so that I can create a fun photo shoot with my newly purchased shoes that complement the cover.

A New Era for ‘Star Wars’ Begins

The release of “The Last Order” signifies Disney’s inaugural venture into the timeline following the “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker,” as Lucasfilm had previously focused on other periods, such as the 32-year gap between “Return of the Jedi” and “The Force Awakens” in shows like “The Mandalorian,” “Ahsoka,” and “Skeleton Crew.” Additionally, they have delved into the periods after “Revenge of the Sith” before “A New Hope” with series like “The Bad Batch,” “Andor,” and “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” as well as before “The Phantom Menace” through projects like The High Republic initiative and “The Acolyte.

In simpler terms, “The Last Order” sets the stage for what transpires post-sequel trilogy and where Star Wars is heading next. Daisy Ridley’s character Rey is central to a film focused on restoring the Jedi Order, but neither John Boyega nor Oscar Isaac are expected to return as Finn or Poe Dameron in future installments. Additionally, Ryan Gosling stars in “Starfighter,” which takes place after “The Rise of Skywalker.” There are also whispers that Simon Kinberg’s new Star Wars trilogy will unfold after the same timeline as “The Rise of Skywalker.

Beginning your fresh journey through the Star Wars timeline with a book such as The Last Order aligns well, given that the franchise often previews upcoming movies and TV shows with books. In 2015/2016, Lucasfilm introduced “Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” an initiative of novels and comics that provided audiences their initial glimpse into this new Star Wars canon while also bridging the gap between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens. The Last Order not only seems like an intriguing hint of what’s to come in Star Wars, but also offers an opportunity to develop Finn and Jannah’s characters, which the films unfortunately didn’t delve into deeply.

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2025-05-16 22:32