Jedi: Battle Scars is a novel within the canon timeline, showcasing the adventures of Cal Kestis. Its narrative bridges the gap between the video games Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor. Sam Maggs authored this book, which was released by Random House Worlds on March 7, 2023.
The crew of the Stinger Mantis has become Cal Kestis' found family as he navigates his new existence. Together, they've triumphed against bounty hunters and Inquisitors, and even managed to avoid Darth Vader's wrath. More importantly, since the Jedi Order's demise, Merrin, Cere, Greez, and the dependable droid BD-1 have become Cal's closest companions. As the galaxy's future becomes increasingly uncertain, the Mantis crew becomes bolder with each victory against the Empire.
During what should have been a simple mission, they encounter a stormtrooper who is determined to forge her own path, seeking assistance from Cal and his companions. In exchange for aid in starting anew, the Imperial defector offers information about a powerful and potentially invaluable asset for their fight against the Empire. Furthermore, she can guide them to it. The only obstacle is that pursuing this asset will lead them into the path of the Fifth Brother, one of the Empire's most formidable Inquisitors.
Can they truly place their trust in the Imperial deserter? And considering Cal and his friends have previously faced the Inquisitors, how many more encounters can they survive before their luck runs out?
The story commences with Cal Kestis adrift on a space rock near a Haxion Brood facility. He and his team are attempting to break into it. Cal is content with his current situation and prepares himself with Bd-1.
Following a brief communication with his team via comlink, he proceeds to leap from one asteroid to another. Simultaneously, he contemplates the Force and his comrades. Eventually, he gains entry into the base and battles his way through the complex to deactivate the shields, enabling the Stinger Mantis (the ship of Cal and his crew) to make a landing.
The ship successfully lands discreetly, and Cere and Merrin embark on their designated tasks, while Greez remains on board as the pilot to ensure a swift departure if necessary.
The narrative shifts to Merrin, the Dathomirian member of the Mantis crew. She expresses her displeasure with the situation and has a strong dislike for days like these, when the Mantis crew undertakes missions. Furthermore, she continues to grapple with the annihilation of her people and seeks vengeance against the Empire.
After navigating through a significant portion of the base, Merrin finally identifies a vulnerable point to place the designated explosive devices. However, she is discovered in the process by a bounty hunter, whom she effortlessly defeats. Subsequently, she receives a radio transmission from Cal, who has reached the base's canteen where all the members of the Haxion Brood base are located. The Empire is also present, engaging in transactions with the aforementioned Brood.
Sam Maggs, the author, decided not to reveal any details of her book online before its release, only confirming that the bogling stowaway would make an appearance.
- ISBN 9780593598603 ; March 7 , 2023 ; Random House Worlds ; US hardcover [1]
- ISBN 9780593598610 ; March 7, 2023; Random House Worlds; eBook download [4]
- ISBN 9780593598634 ; December 5 , 2023 ; Random House Worlds ; US paperback [5]