The New Books Roundup, February 21: A Conjuring of Star Wars

For this week’s new books roundup, we look at the latest Star Wars release, the conclusion to a fantastic trilogy, and more.

Earlier this month, I mentioned that February is seriously stacked in terms of new books. Even now that we’ve nearly made it to the end of the month, we still have some ridiculously good titles coming out. I’m still not sure how we’re supposed to find time to actually read all of these marvelous books, but I, at least, am determined to try. Fortunately, this weekly roundup narrows it down to three primary titles you’ll want to check out this week.

You’ll find yourself on Amazon if you click a title link. We’ve paraphrased descriptions from there.

Star Wars: Aftermath — Empire’s End

Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath trilogy for Star Wars notoriously didn’t start out too well. However, the second book picked up, and now the third is here to conclude the series. Empire’s End promises to show the Battle of Jakku, and considering the fact that Rey shows up on Jakku to start The Force Awakens, it’s probably pretty important. Well, that and the fact that it was the last major battle between the Empire and the Rebel Alliance. (Somewhere in the realms of fiction, Finn is screaming about why everyone wants to go back to Jakku again.) Yes, this was the book that got spoiled over the weekend. Goodreads has it sitting at a solid 3.79. Del Rey; hardcover, 448 pages; list price: $28.99.

A Conjuring of Light

V.E. Schwab’s Shades of Magic trilogy comes to an end with this novel. To briefly summarize, there’s not just one London, but four, with one being close to the one we know and the other three all magical (or destroyed by magic). Kell Maresh, one of our primary protagonists, can travel between them, and he’s also brought Lila Bard into the world of magic. Suffice it to say that the four Londons are in more danger than ever before, especially Red London, otherwise known as Kell’s London. Amazon’s description promises a “thrilling conclusion,” which means you’ll need to steel yourself. It’s currently sitting at a 4.45 on Goodreads. Tor Books; hardcover, 624 pages; list price: $25.99.

Everything Beautiful is Not Ruined

Amazon’s description promises “Wild meets The Breakfast Club” for this YA novel from Danielle Younge-Ullman. Our heroine is Ingrid, thrown into a “summertime wilderness survival trek” after she tries to live with her mother after her mother’s retirement from the opera. However, that doesn’t mean that Ingrid has given up on the music. It’s just a matter of finding it again, even while also on said outdoor survival experience. Presumably at least one person will figure out the modern equivalent of the lessons of The Breakfast Club. Maybe we all have an opera singer in us? Goodreads has it at a 4.27 as of this rating. Viking Books for Young Readers; hardcover, 368 pages; list price: $17.99.

Also in the new books out today are The Legend of Zelda: Art and Artifacts, which promises a look at the upcoming Breath of the Wild; the first volume of a new deluxe edition of Ghost in the Shell; and Devil in Spring, Lisa Kleypas’ third Ravenels book.

Next: 20 Lesser-Known Female Superheroes

Which new books are you looking forward to this week?