Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor

Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor is a standalone novel by Matthew Stover that chronicles the Battle of Mindor. It was originally scheduled to be released in hardcover in February 2008 by Del Rey, and was later moved to October 21 before being pushed back to December 30.

Publisher's summary
''Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader are dead. The Empire has been toppled by the triumphant Rebel Alliance, and the New Republic is ascendant. But the struggle against the dark side and the Sith order is not over. Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Lando Calrissian, and their faithful comrades have had little time to savor victory before being called on to defend the newly liberated galaxy.''

''Powerful remnants of the vanquished Empire, hungry for retaliation, are still at large, committing acts of piracy, terrorism, and wholesale slaughter against the worlds of the fledgling Republic. The most deadly of these, a ruthless legion of black-armored stormtroopers, do the brutal bidding of the newly risen warlord Shadowspawn. Striking from a strategically advantageous base at the planet Mindor, they are waging campaigns of plunder and destruction, demolishing order and security across the galaxy&mdash;and breeding fears of an Imperial resurgence. And another reign of darkness beneath the boot-heel of Sith despotism is something General Luke Skywalker cannot and will not risk.''

''Mobilizing the ace fighters of Rogue Squadron&mdash;along with the trusty Chewbacca, Threepio, and Artoo-Detoo&mdash;Luke, Han, and Leia set out to take the battle to the enemy at the site of its stronghold, and neutralize the threat before it's too late. But their imminent onslaught against Mindor will be playing directly into the hands of their cunning new adversary. Lord Shadowspawn is no freshly anointed Sith Chieftain, but in fact a vicious former Imperial Intelligence officer&mdash;and Prophet of the Dark Side. The Emperor's death has paved the way for Shadowspawn's return from exile in the Outer Rim; and mastery of ancient Sith knowledge and modern technology has given him the capability to mount the ultimate power play for galaxy-wide dominion. Dark prophecy has foretold that only one obstacle stands in his way, and he is ready&mdash;even eager&mdash;for the confrontation.''

All the classic heroes, all the explosive action and adventure, all the unparalleled excitement of Star Wars come breathlessly alive here, as the further adventures of Luke Skywalker continue.

Droid models

 * 3PO-series protocol droid
 * R2-series astromech droid

Events

 * Galactic Civil War
 * Battle of Mindor

Individuals

 * C-3PO
 * R2-D2
 * Lando Calrissian
 * Chewbacca
 * Leia Organa
 * Luke Skywalker
 * Cronal
 * Nick Rostu
 * Lorz Geptun
 * Kar Vastor
 * Han Solo
 * Fenn Shysa
 * Derek Klivian
 * Tycho Celchu
 * Wes Janson
 * Wedge Antilles

Locations

 * Inner Rim Territories
 * Mindor

Organizations and titles

 * Galactic Empire
 * Galactic Emperor
 * Shadow stormtroopers
 * Prophet of the Dark Side
 * Emperor's Royal Guards
 * New Republic
 * Rogue Squadron
 * Rebel SpecForce
 * Mandalorian Protectors

Vehicles and vessels

 * Acclamator-class assault ship (referred to as "cruiser")
 * All Terrain Armored Transport
 * Bulwark-class battlecruiser (Galactic Civil War)
 * CC-7700 frigate
 * MC80 Liberty type Star Cruiser
 * Justice
 * Mon Calamari Star Cruiser
 * Remember Alderaan
 * T-65 X-wing starfighter
 * TIE/D Defender
 * TIE/In interceptor
 * TIE/ln starfighter

Behind the scenes
Matthew Stover stated on his blog that "Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor is my attempt to get the EU back to its pre-Zahn roots -- specifically, to evoke memories of my all-time favorite Star Wars books, Brian Daley's Han Solo novels."