Andor is coming to our screens in just a few weeks now, and though we've all gone to see Rogue One's IMAX re-release to prepare, what else can we do? While Cassian Andor himself doesn't make too many appearances in media outside of his debut film, these books I think can help start to set the tone for us going into Andor on September 21st.
The Mighty Chewbacca and the Forest of Fear by Tom Angleberger
Cassian's role in this book is very small, but it's probably his biggest part in a novel so I just had to include it. We get to see a little bit of Cassian on a mission, and a LOT of K-2SO on a mission. While we probably have a little ways to go in Andor before we get to see that awesome droid back on our screens, I think this little adventure between the pair can definitely help prep you for the show.
Rebel Rising by Beth Revis
Cassian is only barely in this book at all, but I still think it's a good pre-Andor read. It follows the life of his Rogue One co-lead, Jyn Erso, and how she ends up where she is at the beginning of the movie. I recommend this book before Andor because I think it will be interesting to compare and contrast their rebel journeys that lead them ultimately to the same place. This book also provides some good context about Saw Gerrera and his rebel partisans, who we know will be in Andor. Plus generally, it's a great book that really gets you into the gritty reality of living under and fighting the Empire, which is something I expect to see explored in Andor as well.
Battlefront: Twilight Company by Alexander Freed
This book has no Cassian at all and even came out before Rogue One so has no references to it, BUT I do have a reason for including it. This book is about the hard-fought battles and struggles of a rebel infantry unit, and what it's like to be in a Star Wars warzone fighting against the Empire. While it takes place at a point where the rebellion is a bit more developed than the one we see in Andor, I think that thematically and tonally this book fits very well with the direction it looks like the show is going (to me, anyway). For that reason, I think it would be a great read if you're looking to get in the right mood for these kinds of stories before the show comes out.
Bonus: Cassian & K-2SO Special Comic by Duane Swierczynski
While not a book, I will also include this comic book that shows an adventure with Cassian and K-2SO before Rogue One, mostly because it's probably Cassian's biggest appearance in anything outside of Rogue One (and obviously Andor).
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