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Star Wars: Rogue One - A Junior Novel
Join the Rebellion!
Relive the excitement of of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with this action-packed retelling!
The Rebel Alliance has learned of the existence of a terrifying Imperial weapon, capable of destroying entire planets: the Death Star. The fate of the galaxy rests on the courageous young woman Jyn Erso and her band of unlikely companions as they race to steal the plans to the Death Star before time runs out. Author Matt Forbeck recaptures all the thrilling adventure of this tale of ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and, in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.
Relive the excitement of of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story with this action-packed retelling!
The Rebel Alliance has learned of the existence of a terrifying Imperial weapon, capable of destroying entire planets: the Death Star. The fate of the galaxy rests on the courageous young woman Jyn Erso and her band of unlikely companions as they race to steal the plans to the Death Star before time runs out. Author Matt Forbeck recaptures all the thrilling adventure of this tale of ordinary people who choose to do extraordinary things, and, in doing so, become part of something greater than themselves.
Audio CD
Published January 15, 2017
35 people are currently reading
486 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Freed
94 books377 followersAlexander M. Freed is the author of Star Wars: The Old Republic: The Lost Suns, as well as many short stories, comic books, and videogames. Born near Philadelphia, he endeavors to bring the city’s dour charm with him to his current home of Austin, Texas.
His first novel, Star Wars: Battlefront: Twilight Company was included on BuzzFeed’s “Best Science Fiction Books Of 2015” list.
His first novel, Star Wars: Battlefront: Twilight Company was included on BuzzFeed’s “Best Science Fiction Books Of 2015” list.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
March 12, 2023
SO I will admit that this would not have been my first choice of book - as the title says it a junior reader but hey if it's to hand then why not and I will admit that I actually enjoyed it.
The book is rather lightweight at under 200 pages but for an unwind late in an evening its very tempting,
so what of the story well for something that has been simplified for the younger reader (both in the tone and the word count) it is surprisingly true to the film - and yes before I get deluged by people correcting me there are some very obvious differences but honestly I do not think they change the story dramatically.
SO what of the story well for that either see the film or read the book but considering this story was hinted at from the very first film "A new hope" I think they did an amazing job and kick started the Star Wars franchise (just a shame its stalled again).
This was designed to be a standalone story - the fact it is subtitled "a Star Wars story" clearly shows it was a single tale a much larger universe. However there are some wonderful references to the larger universe here and I think it sits nicely in the larger picture.
SO for a short distraction (and boy do I get a lot of them) this is one of the better ones.
The book is rather lightweight at under 200 pages but for an unwind late in an evening its very tempting,
so what of the story well for something that has been simplified for the younger reader (both in the tone and the word count) it is surprisingly true to the film - and yes before I get deluged by people correcting me there are some very obvious differences but honestly I do not think they change the story dramatically.
SO what of the story well for that either see the film or read the book but considering this story was hinted at from the very first film "A new hope" I think they did an amazing job and kick started the Star Wars franchise (just a shame its stalled again).
This was designed to be a standalone story - the fact it is subtitled "a Star Wars story" clearly shows it was a single tale a much larger universe. However there are some wonderful references to the larger universe here and I think it sits nicely in the larger picture.
SO for a short distraction (and boy do I get a lot of them) this is one of the better ones.
February 4, 2017
If you are fascinated with Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (as I am), I recommend this adaptation, regardless of your age. (Don't let the "Junior Novel" label dissuade you.) This includes some worthwhile character moments and insights that don't appear in the film or its adult novelization.
August 10, 2021
Believe me, Rogue One is my favorite movie of all time but unfortunately, this novel disappointed me.
why? well, lucky you for I am here to give you one reason why. (not that you care)
The writing style is off.
I mean, don't get me wrong, the scenes are exactly the same as the movie but I am not a fan of the writing style. felt no emotions and because of that, the characters felt too one dimensional. They're the type of characters you will not get attached to.
The action scenes were bland to me. I never thought I'll say this but while reading the novel, I actually don't give a f*** about the deaths considering I sobbed really hard when I watched the movie.
And yes, I do understand this is a junior novel but whatever. my review, my rules.
shockingly, I prefer the movie than the book.
why? well, lucky you for I am here to give you one reason why. (not that you care)
The writing style is off.
I mean, don't get me wrong, the scenes are exactly the same as the movie but I am not a fan of the writing style. felt no emotions and because of that, the characters felt too one dimensional. They're the type of characters you will not get attached to.
The action scenes were bland to me. I never thought I'll say this but while reading the novel, I actually don't give a f*** about the deaths considering I sobbed really hard when I watched the movie.
And yes, I do understand this is a junior novel but whatever. my review, my rules.
shockingly, I prefer the movie than the book.
May 16, 2025
A Star Wars tale that hypes up the OG trilogy while remaining true to the honor, sacrifice, and pain of war. That is all. ⭐️
May 2, 2017
This is a stirring, fast-paced, and action-packed junior novelization of the hit movie, which became an instant favorite of mine when I saw it over the Christmas holidays. The book does not disappoint: it's arranged into short chapters (about 2-4 pages in length), each containing a narrative unit that follows immediately upon the previous chapter. Eight pages of photos help readers to visualize and remember the key characters of the film.
What I really liked about this book (and the movie, too!) is its portrayal of "heroes" as ordinary people who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances. They are flawed (like all of us), yet they rise to the occasion and sacrifice EVERYTHING to save the Galaxy from the tyrannical Galactic Empire. Their sacrifice is spelled out clearly, yet sensitively, in the narrative: death is not glossed over, but it is handled in a tactful way so that young readers can perhaps better appreciate what our brave men and women in uniform are doing for us in the real world every day.
I'm looking forward to reading GUARDIANS OF THE WHILLS (a prequel to this novel) in the near future! May the Force be with us all!
What I really liked about this book (and the movie, too!) is its portrayal of "heroes" as ordinary people who are thrust into extraordinary circumstances. They are flawed (like all of us), yet they rise to the occasion and sacrifice EVERYTHING to save the Galaxy from the tyrannical Galactic Empire. Their sacrifice is spelled out clearly, yet sensitively, in the narrative: death is not glossed over, but it is handled in a tactful way so that young readers can perhaps better appreciate what our brave men and women in uniform are doing for us in the real world every day.
I'm looking forward to reading GUARDIANS OF THE WHILLS (a prequel to this novel) in the near future! May the Force be with us all!
April 28, 2018
Back in the day, youth-oriented Star Wars books were usually really good. I had a blast with Jude Watson's Jedi Apprentice series, as long as it was.
Unfortunately, this is further proof that Disney has ruined the franchise. Easily the worst novelization I've read of any of the films from Lucas' space opera, this was made just to make money. The movie it's based on is actually pretty good--the flicks didn't jump the shark until The Last Jedi--but this isn't. Unless you're addicted to all things Rogue One, I'd suggest reading something else instead.
Unfortunately, this is further proof that Disney has ruined the franchise. Easily the worst novelization I've read of any of the films from Lucas' space opera, this was made just to make money. The movie it's based on is actually pretty good--the flicks didn't jump the shark until The Last Jedi--but this isn't. Unless you're addicted to all things Rogue One, I'd suggest reading something else instead.
February 9, 2020
E visto la película por lo que me animé a leerla desde hace ya bastante tiempo hasta que por fín pude hacerlo y es tal cual la película, fué bastante rápida y entretenida pero quería que tuvier un final feliz pero bueno que se le hace.
September 20, 2022
3-3.5 stars
I liked this book because I liked the movie; the story of the movie is compelling to begin with, and I feel like this book did a decent job of novelizing that story at a junior level but didn’t add quite as much as some do. It did have some nice added bits though.
I liked this book because I liked the movie; the story of the movie is compelling to begin with, and I feel like this book did a decent job of novelizing that story at a junior level but didn’t add quite as much as some do. It did have some nice added bits though.
August 30, 2022
I love how this book is different from the movie but still exactly the same as the movie I mean that’s what books do
June 2, 2021
The Rebel Alliance has learned about a terrifying super weapon the size of the moon, capable of destroying entire planets, called the Death Star. The fate of the galaxy relies on a woman named Jyn Erso and her team of Cassian Andor, C-2SO and a few others, as they race to steal the plans to the Death Star and send it to the Rebellion before the Empire takes over the galaxy. This is a story about regular people trying to do something good. It is very much a David versus Goliath style story as Jyn Erso is a young woman going up against the enormous army of the Empire. The Empire has done so much evil throughout the galaxy.They have taken away basic freedoms from many people and created a government ruled by a tyrant. News has emerged that could inspire the Rebel Alliance to fight back, a set of plans showing a mistake in the Death Star's construction, but the search for the plans is going to be very dangerous. It will be Jyn and her team that will have to complete the task of getting these plans.
It ends with Jyn barely being able to send the plans of the Death Star to the Rebellion. C-2SO sacrifices himself so Jyn and Cassian can get the Death Star plans. Jyn has a fight with an Imperial Commander who tries to stop her from sending the Death Star plans to the Rebels. Cassian comes in and saves her from the Commander. The Rebels fight with aircrafts in space protecting them. Jyn and Cassian both die because the Death Star blows up the planet. This story is full of sacrifice for the greater good. Many members of the Rebel Alliance give their lives, some even die at the hand of Darth Vader, just to get these plans in the correct hands so the galaxy can have a new hope for the future.
It ends with Jyn barely being able to send the plans of the Death Star to the Rebellion. C-2SO sacrifices himself so Jyn and Cassian can get the Death Star plans. Jyn has a fight with an Imperial Commander who tries to stop her from sending the Death Star plans to the Rebels. Cassian comes in and saves her from the Commander. The Rebels fight with aircrafts in space protecting them. Jyn and Cassian both die because the Death Star blows up the planet. This story is full of sacrifice for the greater good. Many members of the Rebel Alliance give their lives, some even die at the hand of Darth Vader, just to get these plans in the correct hands so the galaxy can have a new hope for the future.
December 26, 2017
Forbeck, Matt Star Wars: Rogue One. 186 pages. Disney: Lucasfilm Press, 2017. $10.99. Language: G; Mature Content: PG ; Violence: PG
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Jyn remembers when the Empire destroyed her life. Her mother was killed and her father taken by the Empire to build a weapon that would end the rebellion once and for all. That was back when she was eight years old, and now, too many things to count have happened, but that all add up to put her inside an Imperial cell. Thus begins the retelling of the tale of reluctant heroes who undertake a suicide mission to give the Rebels a fighting chance against the Empire by stealing the plans for the Death Star-- plans that reveal a tiny but fatal flaw designed into it by Jyn's father.
Despite the fact that this is a junior novelization of a very popular movie, it is not badly done. The short chapters move the story along at a quick pace, giving insights into characters that a screenplay would not necessarily do, while remaining very faithful to the action of the movie. The language is neither too extensively descriptive or sophisticated to discourage a middle-grade Star Wars fan from diving in, nor too sophomoric for a parent or educator to feel guilty about recommending it. I don't know if it will convert new fans to the Star Wars franchise, but it will definitely be popular with the young readers who already are.
EL (4-6) - OPTIONAL. Reviewed by P. K. Foster, MLS, teacher-librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Jyn remembers when the Empire destroyed her life. Her mother was killed and her father taken by the Empire to build a weapon that would end the rebellion once and for all. That was back when she was eight years old, and now, too many things to count have happened, but that all add up to put her inside an Imperial cell. Thus begins the retelling of the tale of reluctant heroes who undertake a suicide mission to give the Rebels a fighting chance against the Empire by stealing the plans for the Death Star-- plans that reveal a tiny but fatal flaw designed into it by Jyn's father.
Despite the fact that this is a junior novelization of a very popular movie, it is not badly done. The short chapters move the story along at a quick pace, giving insights into characters that a screenplay would not necessarily do, while remaining very faithful to the action of the movie. The language is neither too extensively descriptive or sophisticated to discourage a middle-grade Star Wars fan from diving in, nor too sophomoric for a parent or educator to feel guilty about recommending it. I don't know if it will convert new fans to the Star Wars franchise, but it will definitely be popular with the young readers who already are.
EL (4-6) - OPTIONAL. Reviewed by P. K. Foster, MLS, teacher-librarian
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
January 11, 2018
I listened to this book via Audible.
The junior adaptation of Rogue One does a solid job in translating the film to prose, capturing all the action and drama of the original. The book even expands a bit on the movie, delving into the motivations of the characters and their inner monologues. It's not as extensive as in the adult novelization, but it's a great start. I would say the main thing missing from the junior version is the effect Bor Gullet had on Bodhi Rook's mind and the psychological trauma he experienced. The 'data files' are also missing, which isn't a big deal, but was a nice addition to the adult novelization.
If you're looking for a quick way to experience the events of Rogue One and gain a little insight into the protagonists, I can definitely recommend picking up the junior novel. It does a fine job in adapting the story accurately while bringing a little bit extra to the table to make it work the read.
The junior adaptation of Rogue One does a solid job in translating the film to prose, capturing all the action and drama of the original. The book even expands a bit on the movie, delving into the motivations of the characters and their inner monologues. It's not as extensive as in the adult novelization, but it's a great start. I would say the main thing missing from the junior version is the effect Bor Gullet had on Bodhi Rook's mind and the psychological trauma he experienced. The 'data files' are also missing, which isn't a big deal, but was a nice addition to the adult novelization.
If you're looking for a quick way to experience the events of Rogue One and gain a little insight into the protagonists, I can definitely recommend picking up the junior novel. It does a fine job in adapting the story accurately while bringing a little bit extra to the table to make it work the read.
July 28, 2025
Rogue One is a line that Disney drew in the sand. For this point forward, Star Wars was changed forever and not for the better.
Here, the Rebellion is no longer portrayed as the good guys against the Evil Galactic Empire. The people who take part in the Rebellion are hateful, angry, vengeful murders set on destroying the Empire as are, in fact, no better than the Empire.
I can't stand Andor. He is a horrible person and embodies all aspects of the Sith: anger, hate, revenge, vengeance etc. He double crosses others, murders people and shoots people in the back. There is literally nothing redeemable about him.
Krennic and Erso are written as victims of the system of the Empire and not the evil bad guys they are.
It's not Star Wars Lucas envisioned, it's Disney's social commentary. No thanks.
Here, the Rebellion is no longer portrayed as the good guys against the Evil Galactic Empire. The people who take part in the Rebellion are hateful, angry, vengeful murders set on destroying the Empire as are, in fact, no better than the Empire.
I can't stand Andor. He is a horrible person and embodies all aspects of the Sith: anger, hate, revenge, vengeance etc. He double crosses others, murders people and shoots people in the back. There is literally nothing redeemable about him.
Krennic and Erso are written as victims of the system of the Empire and not the evil bad guys they are.
It's not Star Wars Lucas envisioned, it's Disney's social commentary. No thanks.
September 7, 2022
Me, being someone still totally obsessed with this movie after decades of having Empire Strikes Back as my number one favorite (it's number two now), I decided to get this version of R1 since it was nice and affordable. I do have the other novelization, but decided to try this one - it's still great, it still covers the movie nicely, but if you have less time for a Rogue One fix, either to read or listen to (which is the way I did this), it is a quicker listen at 4 hours and something minutes. It might be a junior novel, but still very much an enjoyable listen of this decidedly un-junior person. :)
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11/6/20 - the last of this week's comfort reads, went with this one to listen to the whole story, and not just my favorite parts. :D
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11/6/20 - the last of this week's comfort reads, went with this one to listen to the whole story, and not just my favorite parts. :D
September 10, 2022
Hey not sure what happened, but I read the hardback version of this. No matter how often I watch or read Rogue One media, I find myself throughly enjoying it. Much like the adult novelization, this one brings a lot to the table in terms of really getting to know the characters. If there is one aspect of R1 the movie that falls short, it is that it is difficult to get to know the characters by simply watching the film. This book and it's companion adult novelization really enhance the experience. This one is technically a junior novel, but there is nothing juvenile about it. I read it in two sittings, and I'm a slow reader. So if you are crunched for time, don't hesitate to snag this one!
My rating: 4.5 Stars
My rating: 4.5 Stars
February 17, 2019
Not quite as riveting as the film for me, but then I am about 30 years outside the age group this is written for! I found it very much on the ‘tell’ side of “show or tell” but to be honest as far as I recall this would actually have been a point in its favour when I was in the target age group. As an adult reader, I found it distancing, but I don’t know enough about children’s reading development to judge whether being very tell-y is a good thing or not.
I certainly enjoyed it far more than some SW Extended Universe novelisations I listened to children reading when I was a Learning Support Assistant...
I certainly enjoyed it far more than some SW Extended Universe novelisations I listened to children reading when I was a Learning Support Assistant...
November 28, 2022
It’s no secret that our household is a huge Star Wars fan one.
I haven’t read any of the other novels yet, and there are many but I want to finish a few book series before adding another one to my list.
This is going to be a very short and sweet review because I absolutely love Star Wars!
This is a fast paced to the point book that tells the full story of Rogue One in less than 200 pages. It has all the most important parts for kids to enjoy reading and know exactly what is going on.
Read the full review here: https://sincerelyyoursannie.com/2022/...
I haven’t read any of the other novels yet, and there are many but I want to finish a few book series before adding another one to my list.
This is going to be a very short and sweet review because I absolutely love Star Wars!
This is a fast paced to the point book that tells the full story of Rogue One in less than 200 pages. It has all the most important parts for kids to enjoy reading and know exactly what is going on.
Read the full review here: https://sincerelyyoursannie.com/2022/...
April 9, 2017
A very satisfying novelization of Rogue One, quite faithful to the movie and with little touches and details to liven up the text.
Small details that set the novel apart include Krennic spotting Tarkin's plan to have all the credit to himself when the Death Star is finally used to all its potential. Also, he was granted to name the crewman who receives the data card and runs to the Tantive IV. The character is named Toshma Jefkin, after Jeff Mackintosh, a friend of author Matt Forbeck, who passed away shortly before the movie's release.
Small details that set the novel apart include Krennic spotting Tarkin's plan to have all the credit to himself when the Death Star is finally used to all its potential. Also, he was granted to name the crewman who receives the data card and runs to the Tantive IV. The character is named Toshma Jefkin, after Jeff Mackintosh, a friend of author Matt Forbeck, who passed away shortly before the movie's release.
January 8, 2017
The flim is superb.The book is amazing. Matt forbeck tells the story in super action packed style with perspective of different characters. All characters are beautifully portrayed that if you haven't watched the movie yet you will fall in love with the characters. This is one of the great star wars story. There is also an edition for older readers but junior novals are fast and more actoin packed. The end is a little heart breaking along with a feeling of winning
January 9, 2020
Rogue One was always a tricky thing for me. A necessary film that I liked, which needed to happen. But in which so much happened it was hard to process entirely. What I needed was something more than an outline but not too long winded and the solution presented itself with this junior edition. Everything is slower than the film but not murderously so. You get all the good lines and everything spelled out clearly as well a slightly deeper insight into the characters. Without any sidetracking.
January 29, 2024
Star Wars Rouge One by Matt Forbeck.
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I enjoyed the book as a Star Wars fan but as I was reading the book I came to the realisation it was a following of the movie, which was disappointing to me because I was hoping for more information about the characters and more about their mission.
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So as a Star Wars fan I would give this book 3 ⭐️ out of 5. You can take to time to read this book or you can watch the movie it’s entirely up to you.
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I enjoyed the book as a Star Wars fan but as I was reading the book I came to the realisation it was a following of the movie, which was disappointing to me because I was hoping for more information about the characters and more about their mission.
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So as a Star Wars fan I would give this book 3 ⭐️ out of 5. You can take to time to read this book or you can watch the movie it’s entirely up to you.
May 15, 2019
Por ser una novela juvenil de la película es totalmente leer cada escena de la película a diferencia de movilizaciones donde aparece partes de la historia que en las películas película no muestran, aunque hay partes en que muestran los pensamientos de los personajes y así entiendes más sus acciones. Si te gustó la película, la lectura de este libro te va a parecer entretenida.
August 24, 2023
Almost word for word transcript of the movie. The narration was a bit bland and at times over emphasized and unfortunately fell flat for me. Thankfully though there isn’t any background music or sounds that commonly are added on with Star Wars audiobooks! A great read for anyone looking to essentially read the movie. I didn’t find any new information which was what I had hoped for
August 7, 2017
Meh. A surface-level retelling of the film. The dialog is quoted almost verbatim and each scene is described, and that's really it. Very little exploration of the characters. The novelization is better.
June 15, 2022
It's exactly whar it says on the cover. It's the film novelised.
For someone who never watched the film it was enjoyable. The font is great for dyslexia or younger people. The size and spacing makes the book easier to read.
For someone who never watched the film it was enjoyable. The font is great for dyslexia or younger people. The size and spacing makes the book easier to read.
July 26, 2025
Is what it is, a novelisation of Rogue One - loved the film, loved this - it’s a junior read so zipped through it, but that’s what I wanted whilst on holiday.
One of the best Star Wars films out there, so the novelisation does it justice. I’ll be passing it onto my daughter to read too…bonus!
One of the best Star Wars films out there, so the novelisation does it justice. I’ll be passing it onto my daughter to read too…bonus!
April 19, 2017
I actually enjoyed it. I mean I am a huge Star Wars fan and I've seen the movie a few times. But the book was read well (good narrator) and I enjoyed the way it was written.
May 9, 2017
Forbeck did a fantastic job of translating Rogue One into a junior novel (not an altogether easy task).
May 28, 2017
Actual rating 4.5 stars. Review to follow.
December 27, 2017
An accurate, if brief, novelisation of the Star Wars movie Rogue One, suitable for the younger reader.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews