What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Wars Disney Canon Junior Novel
The Rebellion Begins
Ezra Bridger knows how to take care of himself. Growing up in the shadow of the Galactic Empire, Ezra has always stolen what he can to survive--and to mess with the Empire. But when one of Ezra's heists goes terribly wrong, he finds himself thrown together with a team of rebels. Lead by brash maverick Kanan Jarrus and fearless pilot Hera Syndulla, the rebels are on a mission to free enslaved Wookiees from an Imperial prison. Now Ezra must decide whether to go back to his simple life on Lothal, or join the rebels in their fight for freedom.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2014
105 people are currently reading
481 people want to read
About the author
Michael Kogge
59 books45 followersMichael Kogge is an American screenwriter and author who has written for several Star Wars projects, including the Star Wars Adventure Journal, Star Wars Gamer magazine, Hyperspace, Star Wars Insider magazine, and the Star Wars: Edge of the Empire roleplaying game. He has also authored a series of Star Wars Rebels chapter books, adapting episodes from the show's first season.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 24, 2023
2023 Update: It’s official, the Ghost crew are my favorite Star Wars characters (after Anakin Skywalker, of course) and Rebels is my favorite Star Wars show. So of course I loved rereading this book. ☺️
Original 2021 Review: I LOVE the Ghost crew—they might actually be my favorite Star Wars group ever, but I would really have to go through ALL the characters in this world to know for sure if that’s true. Annnd I’m not doing that—how much extra time do you think I have? 😉🤪
I love how much detail BEYOND the episodes this book goes into before we get going with all the action and adventure of the actual episodes the author novelized. All the characters are true to their onscreen selves, something that’s VERY important to me in these types novels which actually isn’t always well done a lot of the time for some reason? At least in my opinion. 😉
If you want a fun adventure with the Ghost crew, I would highly recommend this one as there aren’t many books about these precious beans as there should be.
‼️Content‼️
Language: screwed up
Violence: fighting with weapons and the Force (not detailed); stormtroopers fall into a pit and out into space
Other: the Force (“magic”); Force enabled abilities; people are captured and imprisoned
Original 2021 Review: I LOVE the Ghost crew—they might actually be my favorite Star Wars group ever, but I would really have to go through ALL the characters in this world to know for sure if that’s true. Annnd I’m not doing that—how much extra time do you think I have? 😉🤪
I love how much detail BEYOND the episodes this book goes into before we get going with all the action and adventure of the actual episodes the author novelized. All the characters are true to their onscreen selves, something that’s VERY important to me in these types novels which actually isn’t always well done a lot of the time for some reason? At least in my opinion. 😉
If you want a fun adventure with the Ghost crew, I would highly recommend this one as there aren’t many books about these precious beans as there should be.
‼️Content‼️
Language: screwed up
Violence: fighting with weapons and the Force (not detailed); stormtroopers fall into a pit and out into space
Other: the Force (“magic”); Force enabled abilities; people are captured and imprisoned
February 9, 2019
This book was phenomenal! This books was a retelling of the first two episodes of the Star Wars Rebels tv show. I have read several other books about the first season, but this book was by far my favorite retelling. I really liked seeing the "hidden scenes" that were not shown in the tv show. It was cool seeing Agent Kallus' point of view throughout the book as well, which we don't get in the tv show. Another thing I really enjoyed was the constant description and the extra added scenes with Zeb and Ezra, Sabine and Ezra, and Kanan and Hera. I liked reading about what the characters were thinking about each other, especially when the Ghost crew was first meeting Ezra. If you love Star Wars Rebels, you should read this retelling! :D
March 25, 2021
Ezra is a streetwise urchin who finds himself enveloped in a growing rebellion against the Star Empire and is soon thrown together with an undercover Jedi Knight and his friends.
A fun novelisation of the premier episode of 'Star Wars: Rebels', which will probably serve best as a text for reluctant readers who have seen the episode.
A fun novelisation of the premier episode of 'Star Wars: Rebels', which will probably serve best as a text for reluctant readers who have seen the episode.
February 24, 2022
Another Middle Grade Star Wars Book; picked up for the Canon Challenge. This was a novelization of the first few episodes of the Rebels tv series but still a delight to read. It was easy enough to get through without being dumbed down for its genre. Michael Kogge writes in a smooth style that still remains engaging to older readers and will certainly hook the younger ones.
March 9, 2016
A surprisingly great read! I knew this was geared toward a younger audience, but I guess I just forgot how much I enjoyed stories like this. I read A New Dawn earlier this year (or was it late last year?), so I already had a bit of background to go on.
Kanan is a Jedi. He thinks he's all alone, because he was only a padawan when the Empire rose to power and decimated the Jedi population. He had been in hiding ever since, until he met Hera the Twi'lek and decided to join the rebel cause.
There's a few more characters now, ones that I assume were introduced in the cartoon. I have not watched the cartoon, so I cannot say for sure. This particular book introduces Ezra, a fourteen-year-old snot who starts out as a street urchin trying to make a quick buck and turns into a padawan himself.
This is a rescue story, and I do love those. In this case, the crew is on a mission to rescue a group of wookies who will inevitably die, worked to death in slavery deep in some mines. I liked that they all had to work together to release the wookies, and that each character had a strength to show off.
And of course, when Kanan finally reveals he's a Jedi--so unbelievably awesome.
Kanan is a Jedi. He thinks he's all alone, because he was only a padawan when the Empire rose to power and decimated the Jedi population. He had been in hiding ever since, until he met Hera the Twi'lek and decided to join the rebel cause.
There's a few more characters now, ones that I assume were introduced in the cartoon. I have not watched the cartoon, so I cannot say for sure. This particular book introduces Ezra, a fourteen-year-old snot who starts out as a street urchin trying to make a quick buck and turns into a padawan himself.
This is a rescue story, and I do love those. In this case, the crew is on a mission to rescue a group of wookies who will inevitably die, worked to death in slavery deep in some mines. I liked that they all had to work together to release the wookies, and that each character had a strength to show off.
And of course, when Kanan finally reveals he's a Jedi--so unbelievably awesome.
February 9, 2015
The prologue and the first two chapters are new, and then the rest of the book is the story of how Ezra met the crew of the Ghost. We get more insight as to their motivations and thoughts, and all in all, it's totally worth reading.
This is actually not bad writing. It's simple, but it's not bad. If nothing else, it's not The Bounty Hunter Wars ;)
If you've got a kid 5 or older to read it to, or maybe an 8 to 13 year old who can read it before they turn 14 and get too cool for chapter books, definitely grab it.
May the force be ever in their favor.
This is actually not bad writing. It's simple, but it's not bad. If nothing else, it's not The Bounty Hunter Wars ;)
If you've got a kid 5 or older to read it to, or maybe an 8 to 13 year old who can read it before they turn 14 and get too cool for chapter books, definitely grab it.
May the force be ever in their favor.
September 17, 2015
Very nice adaptation of the first episode/movie of the show, "Spark of Rebellion".
July 10, 2020
The Rebellion Begins is a novelization of the first episode of Star Wars Rebels: Spark of Rebellion. It's been a while since I watched the episode, back whenever it premiered, so I won't be focusing too much on its accuracy as an adaptation. Instead we'll look at how it handles the characters and the story on its own.
It feels a little odd that this is the third Star Wars Rebels book that was published when it's the beginning of the story. The first two books only focused on one or two characters at a time, so this is the first time we're seeing the whole Ghost crew together. It covers how Ezra becomes a part of that crew, and how he learns that there's more to life than just looking out for yourself.
It was great seeing all of the familiar faces again, although you have to remind yourself that they're a long ways away from where they'll end up by the end of the series. I love the archetypes that the crew and their foils represent - they're the sorts of people we've seen before but in new combinations. You look at Sabine and immediately think of Boba Fett, but she's more of a Princess Leia mixed with a bit of Han Solo. While they don't go into too much depth in this introduction, you can see that there are layers to be peeled back, even on the bad guys like Agent Kallus.
The story is quite the adventure, especially for Ezra. It's got a lot of the traditional Hero's Journey beats but since this is just the first piece in a longer tale you can see he's got quite the way to go. There's still quite a lot crammed in here, and even though I knew how things would end I enjoyed experiencing every step along the way.
The Rebellion Begins isn't going to blow you away, but if you never watched Rebels or just want to revisit some of the early adventures it's a great way to do that. I would recommend it to Star Wars fans young and old alike!
It feels a little odd that this is the third Star Wars Rebels book that was published when it's the beginning of the story. The first two books only focused on one or two characters at a time, so this is the first time we're seeing the whole Ghost crew together. It covers how Ezra becomes a part of that crew, and how he learns that there's more to life than just looking out for yourself.
It was great seeing all of the familiar faces again, although you have to remind yourself that they're a long ways away from where they'll end up by the end of the series. I love the archetypes that the crew and their foils represent - they're the sorts of people we've seen before but in new combinations. You look at Sabine and immediately think of Boba Fett, but she's more of a Princess Leia mixed with a bit of Han Solo. While they don't go into too much depth in this introduction, you can see that there are layers to be peeled back, even on the bad guys like Agent Kallus.
The story is quite the adventure, especially for Ezra. It's got a lot of the traditional Hero's Journey beats but since this is just the first piece in a longer tale you can see he's got quite the way to go. There's still quite a lot crammed in here, and even though I knew how things would end I enjoyed experiencing every step along the way.
The Rebellion Begins isn't going to blow you away, but if you never watched Rebels or just want to revisit some of the early adventures it's a great way to do that. I would recommend it to Star Wars fans young and old alike!
November 24, 2019
I was never a big fan of the Rebels television show. Something about it always seemed a little too derivative, a little too childish, and a little too drab from a design perspective. I mean, what's up with all that orange and olive? I do have to give this book and its author, Michael Kogge, some real props, however, for making me truly enjoy revisiting the pilot episode of the series as a short prose novel. The writing is easy and flows really nicely. The adaptation of Kinberg's script is solid and there is just enough added value through moments that never made the final cut of the show and being able to spend some time in the characters heads to make it worth my while. I found myself connecting with characters that I don't care much for and liking characters I was already somewhat invested in even more.
On finishing the book I kind of want to reevaluate my feelings about the series but since so many of my complaints about Rebels has to do with visual elements and overall execution, it probably won't make a huge difference overall. I think that experiencing "Spark of Rebellion" though words without accompanying visuals became a superior experience for me. I got to enjoy all the Star Wars feels without all the things that bother me about the show which is why I am giving "The Rebellion Begins" such a high grade. It was just entertaining. It was a nice, satisfying Saga experience and I will definitely be looking for more adapted books or original stories from this line.
On finishing the book I kind of want to reevaluate my feelings about the series but since so many of my complaints about Rebels has to do with visual elements and overall execution, it probably won't make a huge difference overall. I think that experiencing "Spark of Rebellion" though words without accompanying visuals became a superior experience for me. I got to enjoy all the Star Wars feels without all the things that bother me about the show which is why I am giving "The Rebellion Begins" such a high grade. It was just entertaining. It was a nice, satisfying Saga experience and I will definitely be looking for more adapted books or original stories from this line.
February 27, 2019
This book was basically a novelization of the first episode of Star Wars Rebels. It was fun to get some insight into the thoughts of the characters that we don’t get to see in the episode. Although the book is targeted towards kids, the writing was at a higher level than I was expecting, which was a nice surprise. Overall, it was a well-done novelization and I’m glad there was just enough distance between the last time I watched the episode and reading the book that it still felt like a new story. If you had a Rebels hangover when you finished watching the show, this book will bring you back into the joy of how it all began, but this time with a little extra.
January 3, 2022
I read the Rebels novelizations all out of order, so this is the second of the four but actually the last one I read. This book covers the events from the Rebels series premiere. This was by far my favorite of the Rebels novelizations; it added a lot of inner thoughts of characters and extra explanations, and even though I’ve seen the entire series twice and know everything that happens in this book I still couldn’t put it down. It just made me feel that love for Rebels all over again.
My only quibble with the book was one spot where it interpreted Kanan and Hera’s banter in kind of a sad or antagonistic way that I don’t think the show creators meant.
My only quibble with the book was one spot where it interpreted Kanan and Hera’s banter in kind of a sad or antagonistic way that I don’t think the show creators meant.
August 29, 2017
This book was geared toward a younger audience and it is the novelization for the beginning of the Rebels series. However, it was nice to read about character motivations and it was more thrilling reading it, I think, than it was to watch it. Also, by reading I was forced to put the animated characters and imagine them as real in the Star Wars universe. This book is great for younger readers who enjoy a galaxy far, far away...
December 24, 2022
Once again, this book surpassed all my expectations. It brings so much more substance to the main 'rebels crew,' and it also fleshes out a few of the background characters. This was taken from the first few episodes of Star Wars: Rebels, and with this new context I love these episodes even more than I used to. I'm really glad I picked up this junior novel, it was so worth it.
November 21, 2018
Excellent adaptation of the first few episodes of Star Wars Rebels. Usually these adaptations, aimed at younger readers as they are, are almost too simple to be enjoyable. Not this one. The author was able to keep it simple and interesting.
August 13, 2022
A good Young Readers adaptation of the first couple episodes of Star Wars Rebels animation. It does add to the animation slightly by giving some insights into some of the characters' feelings and thoughts which aren't apparent in the show. Especially Kanan and Ezra's.
June 28, 2018
/me shrugs. It's a novelization of an episode. Hard to screw it up.
March 1, 2019
Good read.
Gives a little more detail than the cartoon version. Kept wanting to read the next chapter. Always a sign of a good story.
Gives a little more detail than the cartoon version. Kept wanting to read the next chapter. Always a sign of a good story.
May 28, 2023
Much more in depth then the show
April 12, 2020
Again, just another retelling of the first episode of Rebels. Nothing new or innovative here.
May 16, 2016
Basically a novelization of the pilot/ film for Star Wars Rebels with some added POV and insights into the background.
The writing isn't stellar, but it flows smoothly and young fans of the series should enjoy.
Hope. That was the key to all of this. To believe that freedom in the galaxy could be renewed. That tyranny was not eternal. That the dark side of the Force could not snuff out every flicker of the light.
Kanan believed. He had to believe. There was no other choice. But he was afraid. He sensed the tyranny of this Emperor was unlike that of any other despot history had ever recorded. His Empire would devour the whole galaxy if it wasn't stopped. This made the struggle Kanan and his friends were involved in the great battle not only of their lifetime, but of many, many lifetimes.
The writing isn't stellar, but it flows smoothly and young fans of the series should enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2016
As stated in other reviews, this is just an adaptation of the pilot for Star Wars: Rebels. As also stated in other reviews, it does add to the story a bit by exploring some of the inner monologues of some of the characters, especially when exploring the relationship between Hera and Kanan (which when I read
A New Dawn
I really didn't see) and Ezra's crush on Sabine, which has kind of toned down in season two. This is not essential reading for Star Wars junkies, as they have likely seen the pilot, but this is probably good for younger Star Wars fans who like reading.
July 28, 2022
As the junior novelization of the first two episodes of Star Wars Rebels (know as Spark of Rebellion and yet titled The Rebellion Begins???) I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this novella. The novella Ezra's Gamble was only worth about 3 stars, but I actually really enjoyed this. I found getting into the characters heads rather interesting, and the description of the events were very nice. I enjoyed it quite a lot and was glad to revisit what's becoming a new favorite show of mine.
March 28, 2017
This is a novelization of the first episode (or two) of Star Wars Rebels. It does a good job of capturing the feel of the episodes, while adding some nice back-story and development for the characters, expounding further on the 'why' behind the decisions of some of the characters. I especially like the attention given to Kallus; Kanen's story seems less impressive. Hera also gets short shrift in favor of Sabine and Ezra, with Zeb getting a good level of attention. The story is very action-packed and moves at a good clip. For fans of the show, it's a nice opportunity to re-visit the episode with a little added depth; I think it would probably work as a good introduction to the series for someone who hasn't ever seen it as well.
April 5, 2017
First Book in the Rebels Series, Great Short Read
It is great to see some of the core stories of the Rebels show in book form. This book is Ezra's introduction to the Ghost crew and some of his life on Lothal. This is a great compliment to the show and has some stills at the end of the book. Also notable is Kanan embracing his Jedi heritage against the Empire. It was a nice touch since I'm also reading A New Dawn which is the adult book of how Kanan and Her a met. This book series is great for adult fans who want to learn a bit more about situations on the show.
It is great to see some of the core stories of the Rebels show in book form. This book is Ezra's introduction to the Ghost crew and some of his life on Lothal. This is a great compliment to the show and has some stills at the end of the book. Also notable is Kanan embracing his Jedi heritage against the Empire. It was a nice touch since I'm also reading A New Dawn which is the adult book of how Kanan and Her a met. This book series is great for adult fans who want to learn a bit more about situations on the show.
April 25, 2017
Not much more than a straightforward adaptation of Star Wars Rebels's extended "Spark of Rebellion" pilot, The Rebellion Begins is at least somewhat engaging thanks to its ability to reveal more about the characters and their motivations than a 40-something-minute episode of television allows.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews