One of my all-time favorite shows is “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” Not the one from 2003, the one from 2008. “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” is a computer-animated television series created by George Lucas and produced by Lucasfilm Animation, Lucasfilm and CGCG Inc. Dave Filoni is the supervising director of the series.

For “Ahsoka” to make sense, you have to know what happens beforehand. By now you’re probably thinking, “What does ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ have to do with the book ‘Ahsoka’ by E.K. Johnston?” In “Ahsoka”, Anakin Skywalker, a character from “Star Wars: Clone Wars”, has just gotten a new Padawan, or Jedi apprentice, Ahsoka Tano. She became his Padawan a few weeks after the Clone Wars broke out. Initially, Anakin didn’t want a Padawan because he thought a Padawan would just slow him down. But that’s not what Jedi Master Yoda thinks — Yoda thinks that a Padawan will eventually help Anakin learn to let go of his feelings and attachments.

Time goes on, and there seems to be no end to the Clone Wars. Anakin and his Padawan have gone on many missions, from the first battle of Felucia to the second invasion of Geonosis, to protecting Chancellor Palpatine. The book begins once Ahsoka leaves the Jedi Order. Then Order 66, or the Jedi purge happens. Chancellor Palpatine gave the order to execute Order 66. Anakin Skywalker has now turned to the dark side and become Darth Vader!

This book focuses mostly on the Empire and its early effects on the galaxy. Corruption, violence, and oppression are big themes. The author’s take on Ahsoka’s thoughts and feelings was very far from the way I imagined her based on “The Clone Wars” television series. She is much more reserved, calm, and calculative than the reckless, brave girl that I am familiar with. 

Ahsoka’s transformation makes sense; everything she has lost because of Order 66 burdens her, and she is reluctant to engage in impossible fights. However, as the book progresses, Ahsoka slowly reveals the heroic nature that defines her character.

The ending will surprise you, and I promise you will not be disappointed.