A free preview chapter from the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor tie-in novel Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars is now available. The sample arrives ahead of the book's previously confirmed March 7 release and offers a glimpse at some of the story beats from the adventures of Cal Kestis taking place after the events of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
Based on everything currently known about Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars, the novel won't just help bridge the gap between Fallen Order and its sequel, but also attempts to develop the overarching Star Wars lore and the Sith Order of Inquisitors, in particular. The book is penned by Sam Maggs, best known for authoring Marvel Action: Captain Marvel and The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy. Maggs also has a notable track record in game development, having previously contributed writing to high-profile projects such as Anthem, Call of Duty: Vanguard, and The City That Never Sleeps DLC for Marvel's Spider-Man.
The newly shared sample, available in both written and narrated form, shows that Battle Scars will continue the playful banter between Cal and Merrin, as well as explore the intricacies of Cere's return to the path of the Jedi, among other things. The preview chapter's release coincided with the lifting of the novel's embargo, which revealed a predominantly positive critical reception to the Star Wars Jedi: Survivor prequel novel. As for its premise, the story of the 304-page book follows the Stinger Mantis crew on their quest to secure a powerful weapon that promises to provide an edge in their ongoing fight against the Empire.
Publisher Random House Worlds previously confirmed that Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars will be available in both digital and hardcover forms, the former of which will also feature optional narration by Sean Kenin Elias-Reyes, a veteran actor with half a dozen Star Wars audiobooks to his name. While the novel was initially planned to debut much closer to the upcoming game, its March 7 release date remained unchanged after Star Wars Jedi: Survivor was hit with a six-week delay in early February.
Battle Scars is not the only book releasing in close proximity to the upcoming space-faring action RPG. Back in August 2022, Lucasfilm also announced The Art of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, a canon reference book published by Dark Horse that will hit store shelves on May 2. Its contents will combine concept art created during the making of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, as well as developer commentary from Respawn Entertainment creatives.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on April 28.
Source: IGN