Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills
by Greg Rucka
Synopsis:
On the desert world of Jedha, in the Holy City, friends Baze and Chirrut used to be Guardians of the hills, who looked after the Kyber Temple and the devoted pilgrims who worshiped there. Then the Empire came and took over the planet. The temple was destroyed and the people scattered. Now Baze and Chirrut do what they can to resist the Empire and protect the people of Jedha, but it never seems to be enough. Then a man named Saw Gerrera arrives, with a militia of his own and grand plans to take down the Empire. It seems like the perfect way for Baze and Chirrut to make a real difference and help the people of Jedha live better lives. But will it come at too great a cost?
Review:
Author Greg Rucka has written several backstories of characters from the recent Star Wars film. Baze and Chirrut are introduced in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. And now we get a backstory focusing solely on these fascinating characters. This story begins with Baze and Chirrut already dealing with the Empire invading their world. When Saw asks for their help in rebelling against the Empire, the two friends must weigh their distrust of Saw versus the evil the Empire is causing.
This is a quick, fast-paced read for Star Wars fans of all ages. There is plenty of suspense, intrigue, and drama packed in this fun adventure. I only wish we could see even further back in these characters lives – such as when they first meet. Where this picks up, Baze and Chirrut are pretty much the same rough and jaded men they are in the film and have the same, brotherly camaraderie. I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting adventure, and hope to see much more of these fantastic characters.