Kait Mae

As a fan of the Star Wars: Jedi games, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the worlds, uncovering hidden secrets, and mastering my lightsaber skills – and if you’re reading this, you probably have to. But what happens now that you’ve finished the game? Want more epic adventures? Whether you’re drawn to the force-sensitive underdogs, the thrill of a good redemption arc, or the vast, mysterious galaxies waiting to be explored, here’s a list of books that will transport you to new worlds and keep that Fallen Order and Survivor excitement alive.

UPDATE (7/6/2025): Due to statements made by Christopher Ruocchio recently in an interview, I have removed his series. While he made a good point about not enough YA books geared towards boys, I do not support other comments he made. Please note this is a personal decision, and if you disagree with it, that’s your choice. I will not argue with you about it.

‘Descender’ by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen

If you loved playing as Cal on the run and going through epic battles on a journey for purpose, then you’ll love reading TIM-21’s story in Descender by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen. And bonus points, it’s an emotional graphic novel that draws you in with every detail.

Descender is a graphic novel set in a future where massive robots have decimated planets. The story follows TIM-21, a young protector robot who holds the key to understanding the attacks. TIM-21 takes off on a journey across space as various factions search for him.

‘The Deep’ by Rivers Solomon

If you preferred the parts of the Jedi games that explored identity and trauma over the action, then you might enjoy The Deep by Rivers Solomon. Both stories focus on a character on a journey of self-discovery while uncovering secrets and mysteries from their past.

The Deep by Rivers Solomon is a novella following Yetu, a member of water-dwelling descendants of African slaves thrown overboard during the Middle Passage. As the historian of her species, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, exploring her memory, trauma, identity, and healing.

‘Red Rising’ by Pierce Brown

If you love seeing an underdog hero rising up against an oppressive Empire like in Fallen Order and Survivor, then you’ll love the entire Red Rising saga. Both explore themes of resistance, epic combat in space, and complexities in loyalty and betrayal.

The Red Rising saga follows Darrow, a Red who undergoes a transformation to infiltrate and undermine the Gold rulers. Throughout the series, we see Darrow navigate warfare, complex politics, and shifting alliances.

While we’re on the topic of Red Rising, here’s how I would adapt it if given the chance.

‘Insignia’ by S.J. Kincaid

If you liked the game exploring themes of rebellion, personal growth, and uncovering hidden secrets, you’ll enjoy Insignia by S.J. Kincaid. The game and novel both focus on young protagonists navigating a corrupt world while trying to find themselves.

Insignia is about Tom Raines as the government recruits him to join World War III, which is fought in space, controlled by mega-corporations. As he excels, he uncovers dark secrets about the government and corporations behind the war.

‘Ahsoka’ by E.K. Johnston

If you’re looking for another Jedi toeing the line between dark and light throughout their journey and searching for their place, you might like Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston. Both stories follow the characters evading the Empire and getting wrapped up in the Rebellion to survive.

Ahsoka follows Ahsoka Tano directly after surviving the aftermath of Order 66 and leaving the Jedi Order. Now in hiding, she struggles finding her place in the Empire. Throughout this journey, she’s pulled back into the fight, allying with the growing Rebellion.

‘Cities of Smoke and Starlight’ by Alli Earnest

If you’re like me and loved the high-stakes missions in the rich settings taken on by a protagonist searching for redemption, then you’ll love Cities of Smoke and Starlight by Alli Earnest.

Cities of Smoke and Starlight is a steampunk science-fantasy novel following Kace, a disgraced pilot. After a near-fatal accident, she goes on a mission to establish a peace trade with a hostile race in order to prevent war.

‘Avalon’ by Mindee Arnott

If you liked the moral complexity, found family, and underdog aspects of Fallen Order and Survivor, then you’ll likely love Avalon by Mindee Arnott. While Jeth and Cal might not exactly be in the same boat, they both have similar traits that stand out among the storyline.

Avalon is about Jeth Seagrave, a teen mercenary who leads a crew specializing in stealing metatech. His primary goal is to get enough money through selling his stolen goods to buy back his family’s spaceship and gain freedom from his boss. But, that changes when he uncovers dangerous information and sets him on the run from both criminals and the government.

Looking for more science-fiction recommendations? Try these seven picks.

‘A New Dawn’ by John Jackson Miller

Set within a decade of the games, A New Dawn follows a different Jedi’s journey while hiding from the Empire and getting wrapped up in the Rebellion. So, if you want more like the video games, this is a novel you’d likely enjoy.

A New Dawn is a Star Wars novel set before the events of Star Wars Rebels. It follows the story of Kanan Jarrus as he meets Hera Syndulla. Hiding his identity, he’s pulled into the Rebellion with Hera – later finding them facing Count Vidian.

‘Starship’s Mage’ by Glynn Stewart

If you liked the combination of high-stakes adventure and action on a protagonist’s journey, you might like Starship’s Mage by Glynn Stewart, as well. The game and novel follow protagonists on similar journeys across space.

Starship’s Mage is a space-fantasy opera set in a future where interstellar travel is powered by magic. It follows Damien Montgomery as he embarks on a journey, becoming embroiled in political intrigue, dangerous missions, and conflict within the Mage-King’s realm.

‘Calypso’ by Oliver L. Langmead

If you preferred getting to explore the landscapes of the game while still enjoying the action and storyline, Calypso by Oliver L. Langmead is the book for you. In both the game and the book, the protagonists uncover mysteries and secrets while trying to survive a new world.

Calypso, a sci-fi novel told in verse, follow Rochelle, an engineer who awakens from cryostatis on the starship Calypso to find the ship is now a forest. Now revered as a saint, she uncovers the legacy of a war between the engineers and botanists over the vision of a “new Earth.”

‘Ocean’s Godori’ by Elaine U. Cho

If you liked the misfit crew and disgraced hero aspect of the games, then try Ocean’s Godori by Elaine U. Cho. Both stories focus on internal struggles of the protagonist while facing conspiracy, hidden agendas, and oppression from a controlling empire.

Ocean’s Godori is about Ocean Yoon, a disgraced pilot who is trying to clear her name that wraps her up in a conspiracy. Ocean’s crew, a group of “misfits,” face political intrigue and danger while dealing with personal struggles as they race through space.

‘Starglass’ by Phoebe North

If you liked the aspect of rebelling and fighting against the controlling regime of Star Wars or the strong character development of Cal, you might like Starglass by Phoebe North. While not very similar to Star Wars, this novel has similar themes throughout.

Starglass is a YA sci-fi novel following Terra as she faces a future dictated by strict societal rules. As the ship she calls home nears its destination, Terra discovers secrets about her community and becomes involved in a rebellion that could change everything.

‘Star Wars: The High Republic’ Novels

Set 200 years before the Skywalker saga, the Star Wars: The High Republic novels follow various characters during the Golden Age of the Jedi. If you loved the Fallen Order games, you’ll love exploring more of the universe with these characters.

The series, separated into 3 phases and consisting of adult, YA, and children’s books, follows Jedi and their allies in a time of peace disrupted by the Nihil, a marauding group threatening the new galaxy’s rule. It focuses on the Jedi philosophy in the pre-Empire era.