Star Wars: The Force Awakens (novelization)

Over three decades ago, Star Wars premiered in theaters, immediately becoming a cultural phenomenon. The next installments of this blockbuster saga are ready to enthrall both longtime devotees and newcomers, starting with the eagerly awaited Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Coinciding with the film's release is the captivating novel adaptation by Alan Dean Foster, a New York Times bestselling science fiction author.

Taking place years after Return of the Jedi, this breathtaking, action-filled adventure transports us back to the universe of Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Luke Skywalker, while also introducing a variety of compelling new characters. Although Darth Vader achieved redemption and the Emperor was defeated, tranquility is fragile, and malevolence persists. However, a simple faith in goodness can still motivate ordinary people to step up and face enormous challenges.

Therefore, revisit that galaxy far, far away, and brace yourself for the events that unfold as the Force awakens....

According to Foster, working on the novel was "as much fun as the script itself, which harkens back to the spirit of the first three films." He also said it felt like no time had passed since he authored the novelization of Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and the novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye.

The novelization first appeared as an eBook on December 18, 2015, coinciding with the film's release. The first hardcover edition was then released on January 5, 2016. The Walt Disney Company directly arranged this unusual publishing timeline with Del Rey, who agreed to forgo holiday sales of the printed novel to prevent plot leaks. David Moench, a representative for Del Rey, stated that while they would have preferred releasing the hardcover edition simultaneously with the film, they understood the need for secrecy. When The Wall Street Journal contacted J.J. Abrams, the film's director, about the situation, he said he was unaware of the decision but was eager to read the novel.

The novel includes several differences from the film, along with scenes that were not present in the final version:

The novel begins with Leia Organa reflecting on past events and her decision to send Poe Dameron, a skilled Resistance pilot, to locate her brother, Luke Skywalker. This precedes the film's opening scene, which shows First Order forces approaching Jakku. During the attack on Tuanul, one of the Tuanul villagers kills FN-2003 with blaster fire, rather than Dameron as depicted in the film. FN-2187's reluctance to fire on the villagers is attributed by a fellow trooper to a "blaster jam," explaining why Captain Phasma orders him to have his weapon inspected.

At Niima Outpost, Rey attempts to negotiate with Unkar Plutt instead of immediately rejecting his offer of 60 portions for BB-8. She initially agrees to sell BB-8 for 100 portions but then changes her mind and confronts Plutt, damaging her relationship with him but earning the respect of many villagers.

In the novel, Leia dispatches her personal envoy, Korr Sella, to urge the Galactic Senate to take action against the First Order.

A scene portrays Dameron's encounter with a scavenger on Jakku and his subsequent escape from the planet after the stolen TIE fighter crashes. This scene was revisited in the comic book Poe Dameron 26, although some inconsistencies exist.

On the Eravana, Razoo Qin-Fee has dialogue, unlike in the film. Bala-Tik's lines are also expanded. When a rathtar pursues Han Solo, Solo kills a member of the Guavian Death Gang instead of the Kanjikluber Tolomar Reez.

At Takodana Castle, immediately after Finn decides to flee, Plutt and his henchmen arrive and try to kidnap Rey and BB-8. Rey attempts to shoot Plutt with Han's blaster, but she forgets to disengage the safety, and Plutt quickly disarms her. Chewbacca intervenes, becoming angered when Plutt pokes at his injured shoulder. Chewbacca retaliates by tearing off Plutt's arm. This scene was filmed but ultimately removed from the film. During Rey's Force vision, she hears the phrases, "Stay here. I'll come back for you," and "I'll come back, sweetheart, I promise."

When Starkiller Base destroys the Hosnian system, it is described as using "dark energy" acquired from the sun. The destroyed planets and moons become miniature supernovae instead of slag. During a conversation between Kylo Ren and Supreme Leader Snoke, they attribute Darth Vader's downfall to "sentiment."

Finn informs the Resistance that Starkiller Base uses its sun to channel dark energy, causing a temporary blockage, rather than depleting and destroying the star. A scene depicts Finn and Rey stealing a snowspeeder on Starkiller Base, resulting in a snowspeeder chase sequence. This chase was filmed but cut from the movie. Later, Kylo Ren leads a small group of stormtroopers to the crashed Millennium Falcon on Starkiller Base, boards the Falcon, and reflects on his life before succumbing to the dark side.

When Rey uses the Force to retrieve Skywalker's lightsaber, Kylo Ren quietly says to her, "It is you."

A Resistance medic assures Rey that Finn will recover from his injuries inflicted by Kylo Ren. Rey and Poe Dameron meet and introduce themselves after the map to Luke is completed. This scene was filmed but ultimately removed from the final cut. In the films, they do not meet until the end of Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi. Colin Trevorrow, the original director of Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker, suggested to Rian Johnson that their first meeting be depicted in The Last Jedi based on his plans for Episode IX.

• ISBN 9781101965504 ; December 18 , 2015 ; Del Rey ; US eBook [1]
• ISBN 9781101965498 ; January 5 , 2016 ; Del Rey; US hardcover [2]
• ISBN 9781101885550 ; January 5, 2016; Del Rey; US hardcover, Barnes & Noble Exclusive Edition [12]
• ISBN 9781101966990 ; September 27 , 2016; Del Rey; US paperback [3]