From Padawan to Fulcrum – Ahsoka’s Lost Years (book review)

Whatever happened to Ahsoka Tano?

That seems to be a popular question. But in Disney’s newest book about the former Jedi Padawan, the question is answered. At least when it comes to what happened to her between Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. When Ahsoka suddenly appeared late in season one as the mysterious Fulcrum, fans wondered what happened between the two series to this fan favorite character. E.K. Johnston brings to life that story.

Title: Ahsoka
Author: E.K. Johnston
Cost: $17.99
Age: 12 and up
Publisher: Disney Book Group
Genre: Fiction, Star Wars

E.K. has a very easy to read style. The book flowed smoothly with a good balance of action and mystery. For most of the book, she focuses on Ahsoka’s experience, rarely delving into the point-of-view of the other characters, and because this is such a personal journey, that focus works really well. E.K. leaves tons of references to Ahsoka’s past adventures peppered throughout the book. Die-hard Clone Wars fans will be especially happy to see that she has properly honored Ahsoka’s history. She references Rex’s empty tomb, her experiences as a child under Plo Koon, her training with Anakin and Obi Wan, and also hints at things to come.

For most of season one in Star Wars Rebels, the identity of Fulcrum was a mystery

While I really enjoyed the book and definitely recommend it, the story seems to actually be two different Ahsoka tales woven into one book. More than 50% of the book takes place on the planet Raada and deals with Ahsoka and the relationships she develops on that planet while hiding from the Empire. But then the book suddenly shifts to a whole different set of experiences with another family. This all eventually leads her back to Raada, but seems disjointed and patched together. If this book was developed into an animated limited series, it could easily be three different arcs with an interconnecting storyline.

Ahsoka has more run-ins with the group known as the Inquisitors in Rebels season 2

I do appreciate how E.K. ties together so many questions Rebels fans have about Ahsoka – how she became Fulcrum, how she was recruited into the Rebellion, and how she got her white lightsabers (although the question still remains why they are white instead of blue or green). She also introduced the Inquisitors who become a prominent focus of Rebels in both the first and second season. Now we also know why there is a Fifth Brother, a Seventh Sister, and an Eighth Brother, but why the Sixth is missing. Overall, this is a fun read and definitely worthwhile. It even made my top 5 Star Wars books list for the year! Any Ahsoka, Star Wars Rebels fan, or Clone Wars fan would love to have this book.