I immediately became interested when I discovered a book about Kanan and Hera’s first meeting that was also the beginning of the “new canon.” I was expecting a big beginning story that would set the tone for the other new canon books; not necessarily a huge, important story that connected this book franchise, but something that left the reader wanting more and also introduced some main characters that would later be seen in Rebels.
Was it everything I expected?
Well, no, it was not.
Although this book isn’t bad, it definitely isn’t some huge, momentous kick-starter story, and the Kanan/Hera story didn’t connect with me very much, either.
All this to say, A New Dawn was kind of a dud for me.
The plot is actually all right; the author understands basic story structure. The pacing is relatively good and the story isn’t bad. However, It’s nothing mind blowing, and honestly, (for me,) it’s quite boring. The story, although not bad, has nothing big going for it except that it makes sense. The plot, and plot twist, are not at the quality levels I’ve come to expect from SW books.
The Characters, like the plot, are average. Average protagonists and antagonists without much individuality. Maybe I would have liked it more if I’d read it before seeing Rebels, but to me, Hera and Kanan seemed kind of bland compared to their show counterparts. The relationship between Kanan and Hera was okay, but just that.
I hate sounding so negative because this book is not really that bad. Like I said, the plot makes sense, the characters are okay, but that’s all there is. There is nothing more sophisticated under the surface, and to me, it’s not interesting.
Sorry, John Jackson Miller. I know you have a lot of fans, but I have to say A New Dawn was a disappointment for me.
Side note: It could just be me, but I think that if a company wants to kick off a new book franchise, (and one with tons of already established IP,) they need to start with something big. Something exciting. The fact that they chose this book to start that new continuity…well, I don’t know. But I think they could've done better. (Also, as if I haven’t been mean enough…I really don’t like the cover art.)
Anyway, A New Dawn gets 2/5 stars from me.
But what about you? Have you read this book, or do you plan on reading it? What do you think about it?
