Let’s get right to the point. Zoraida Córdova’s A Crash of Fate is for every Star Wars fan who ever said something like, “The Star Wars galaxy is so huge; I wish they’d explore some interesting new aspects of it.”

It’s for everyone wants to read a Star Wars story NOT about Luke or Leia or Han or Rey or Poe. It’s for everyone who wants a story that doesn’t require a flowchart to understand and isn’t intricately tied to events that happened in the films or other books. It’s for everyone (like me) who wants more stories that are NOT about the Jedi, Sith, or Force.

It’s also for everyone who wants more romance and young lust in their Star Wars.

Everyone on Batuu is always either looking for a new life or running from one.

A Crash of Fate is one of two novels out in August that tie in to Galaxy’s Edge (the Star Wars land at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios). Córdova’s book is also a YA novel, whereas Delilah S. Dawson’s Black Spire is an “adult” novel, for what it’s worth.

Both stories are set in or near Black Spire Outpost on Batuu (between the events of The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker), the setting of the theme park lands, and both feature places and characters you’ll see if you visit the parks. Places such as Oga’s Cantina, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, Ronto Roasters, Savi’s Workshop, and the Toydarian Toymaker.

Truly, these books (and more stories to come, I would assume) help the land and visitor’s experience there come alive in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. Any fan who grew up with Star Wars and didn’t wish for EXACTLY something like this – an all-encompassing, immersive experience where Star Wars comes alive – is lying to you.

A Crash of Fate is so steeped in Batuu and Black Spire Outpost that almost none of the standard Star Wars references you expect even make an appearance. Sure, there are passing references to Maz Kanata, tooka cats, and various Star Wars aliens and creatures (Rodians, Ithorians, and Mynocks), but they’re just that – passing references.

There’s nary a mention of any major (or minor) character, planet, or event that shapes the REST of the Star Wars we know so well. This story feels like discovering a small, uncharted island of wonder in the middle of a monotonous ocean.

In a nutshell, the book follows Izzy and Jules – childhood friends who were separated when Izzy’s family moved away from Batuu. Chance brings them back together as adults, and the two must work together to deliver a package, outsmart the local gangsters, and stay alive.

But the two have become polar opposites in the years between. Izzy has become a seasoned smuggler always on the move; Jules is the local kid who never left Batuu.

Oh, but they fall in love almost immediately.

She reached for his hand, and his fist softened at her touch. His hand was calloused and warm. He had strong hands that came from a lifetime of hard work. She forced herself to let go, even though she only wanted to hold on tighter.

The story takes place over the course of a single day, so the force of their attraction is intense. And as they run between missions and favors for the local underworld, they grow closer.

Listen, I’ll admit A Crash of Fate might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Not everyone is looking to read a teen romance. I didn’t think I was, but I flat out loved this book. I really connected to Izzy and Jules, and Córdova’s portrayal of Black Spire Outpost made me want to read more about that world. (Luckily, I had Dawson’s book on top of the pile.)

It’s such a refreshing change of pace from what’s become routine and predictable in much of Star Wars fiction. This is exactly what I was looking for: a book that’s free of the shackles of Skywalker timeline canon, doesn’t feel the need to stoop to fanservice or cater to expectations, and fleshes out the galaxy with a compelling story that is sprinkled with JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT of Star Wars flavoring.

A+ Zoraida Córdova. Well done, indeed.

She was a wonder, and she might be his ruin.