Tarkin's Top Shelf

Alphabet Squadron, suit up! In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca review the first part of a new trilogy, Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed and Del Rey Publishing. They dive-in on the characters and their backstories, and what makes them tick. Also, they touch on setting the stage for what's to come in the next two parts of this crossover event. But first, Mark and Becca talk about some "Breaking News" that spans from Galaxy's Edge to a fan event in a galaxy not so far, far away. Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

"Bright Suns to you!"  Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, where Books meet World. Or, Galaxy? In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca discuss the current bridging of literature with the tangible in the galaxy far, far away. Only, that galaxy isn't so far away after all. That said, you could say, Star Wars, itself, is "On Planet." For those that don't know, "On Planet" is the Batuu phrase for "in the land," and a lot of what we've only read about has now become a palpable reality at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Books like Star Wars: TIE FIGHTER Owner's Manual, Star Wars: Millennium Falcon Owner's Manual, Star Wars: Alien Archive, and many more. So, hop aboard the closest YT-1300 freighter and "May the Spires Keep You!" Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf L

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca take the time to reminisce about Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. They talk about their initial thoughts from 20 years ago, how the story has evolved or changed over the past two decades, and the comparison of Terry Brook's novel adaptation to the actual film. But first, Mark and Becca discuss the latest in Star Wars News, the Vanity Fair coverage from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker! Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca review "Dooku: Jedi Lost" an audio drama by Cavan Scott. Unlike their past reviews, this one is the first of its kind. Instead of covering cover to cover or page by page, Mark and Becca are evaluating an all-new format which includes a whole cast of voice actors telling the story through narration and character interaction. But, before they dive into Dooku's past, they take a few moments to go over the latest Star Wars News. Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca recap the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel from Star Wars Celebration Chicago. They go over the impending Star Wars books from Del Rey, Disney Press, DK Publishing, Insight Editions, Abrams Books, and more! In addition to that, Mark and Becca take a closer look behind the authors and the mysterious works known as "Project Luminous." But first, they discuss a little Star Wars News and Mark's debut on The Star Wars Show. Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark, and Becca are thrilled to finally discuss, Star Wars: Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray. Your Hosts are just getting back from Star Wars Celebration Chicago, but they're ready to get back down to business. Jedi business that is. This review covers the core characters and focuses primarily on character backstory and plot. Also, in addition to the book review, there is an exclusive interview with the author herself, Claudia Gray, on-site from Star Wars Celebration Chicago! Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

Tarkin's Top Shelf is LIVE from Star Wars Celebration Podcast Stage! Join your hosts Mark and Becca as they take to the Star Wars Celebration Podcast Stage and take you on a literary journey across the stars in a galaxy far, far away. This discussion covers every parsec of story possibilities from the books, on-screen, and everything in-between. Joining them on this bookish adventure are their honorary guest hosts: Devon Meyers from Kanata's Castle and Ryder Waldron from Idiot's Array Podcast.     Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

Welcome to the Tarkin's Top Shelf Roundtable at Star Wars Celebration Chicago! In this episode, Tarkin's Top Shelf welcomes The Cantina Podcast and Kanata's Castle to the show. All three podcasts sit down and discuss the upcoming Episode IX Panel and what they expect the fans will see. From fan theories to canonical theoretical thinking-it's one helluva discussion! So, don't miss out! Sit back and fly casual and let the speculation begin

Please join Tarkin's Top Shelf in welcoming, a very talented wordsmith, a gifted published writer, a New York Times Best-Selling author, and a Star Wars fanatic from behind the pages, the lovely E.K. Johnston! In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark and Becca get behind the guise of Star Wars: Queen's Shadow as they sit down with E.K. Johnston and discuss everything and anything about Padme' Amidala, and her literary process of getting to know our beloved Queen, inside and out! Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel  

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca continue the Flight of the Falcon series with Lou Anders' Star Wars: Pirate's Price! But, before they discuss Hondo Ohnaka, the greatest pirate in the galaxy and hero of the Rebellion, they lightspeed into Star Wars Celebration News, Season Finale of Star Wars Resistance, and Leia's Top Spy, Vi Moradi in Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire! Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca review the long-awaited novel, Star Wars: Queen's Shadow by E.K. Johnston. Finally! More Padme' Amidala content and greedily, we want more. That said, Mark, and Becca dive-in and revisit one of Star Wars most beloved and remarkable characters of the entire saga, Padme' Amidala. This novelization takes place after Queen Amidala's two terms as Queen of Naboo are up, and into the depths of Padme's first year in the Republic's Senate. Queen's Shadow is full of political espionage, intrigue, character backstory, romance, and the fight for equality through liberation for all people in the galaxy far, far away.  After all, we are brave, your Highness. Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's To

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca discuss the evolution of manipulation in Star Wars. Star Wars has always touched on relatable dynamics, and the manipulation between master and apprentice is no exception. But, the times have changed, and so have the characters in the galaxy far, far away. And yes, each generation has a story, but with each generation, the pattern not only continues, but it also expands. The roles of the protagonist and villain have become more complex and in turn, more relatable. So, get ready to journey into the depths of classic conditioning, psychological control, and Stockholm syndrome with a Star Wars twist as "Tarkin's Top Shelf" tackles the evolution of manipulation in the galaxy far, far away. Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShe

Timelines collide as Dark Disciple meets The Clone Wars. In this episode, Mark, and Becca take a closer look at Christie Golden's Star Wars: Dark Disciple and how certain plot points may align with the final season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. But first, Mark and Becca go over the latest Star Wars news. Starting with the recently released official key for Star Wars Celebration Chicago by Paul Shipper and then they dive-in on some theoretical thinking regarding the upcoming Alphabet Squadron Trilogy by Alexander Freed. So, strap yourself into the nearest X-Wing and enjoy the takeoff with "Tarkin's Top Shelf!" Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

Han Solo, the Iconic Smuggler, Rogue, and Hero of the Rebellion. In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca go-over Gina McIntyre's Star Wars Icons: Han Solo. Insight Editions and Gina McIntyre collectively capture the scruffy-looking nerf herder through an evolutional journey from concept art, first drafts, to casting, Harrison's performance, a rebirth in Solo: A Star Wars Story with Alden Ehrenreich, and so much more! Simply put, if you happen to be a Han Solo fan, this is the book you're looking for, and you'll want to click play on this episode, now. Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

Another year means a time for reflection, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, one year later. In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, Mark, and Becca discuss the most controversial Star Wars movie of all-time and where their views stand now, one year later. But first, they go over the latest Star Wars news beginning with the announcement of Black Panther's composer, Ludwig Göransson joining the galaxy far, far away to score, The Mandalorian. Following up with the latest comics, Age of the Republic and Fortress Vader. So, hop into your escape pod and ship yourself to the galaxy far, far away, and let the past die. Kill it if you have to. After all, as a wise Jedi once said, "the greatest teacher, failure is," and "we are what they grow beyond."   Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsT

In this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark, and Becca recap the Heroes, Scoundrels, and Villains of Star Wars from 2018! Yes, it's time to pull the Star Wars Bookends off the shelf, the Top Shelf, and highlight the literature aspects that had an impact or enriched/enhanced the Star Wars Universe in some way, making said books essential to the Star Wars storyline. But, before your hosts' dust off the books from 2018, they go-over some book news and speculate a bit about the upcoming "Thrawn Treason," and the debut of Star Wars: Galaxy of Adventures and more! So, get ready to recap some of the literary highlights of 2018 that made the galaxy far, far away a whole lot bigger and brighter! Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

The hosts of "Tarkin's Top Shelf" sit-down to talk about worldbuilding in Star Wars. Mark and Becca discuss the growing galaxy of Star Wars between the books and on screen. In other words, the future of Star Wars is bright! In fact, so bright that the galaxy far, far away is extending well beyond the unknown regions. Well, from a certain point of view, of course. Star Wars is worldbuilding with additions like The Mandalorian and the Cassian Andor series and the animation shows of Star Wars Resistance, and the return of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. No to mention, more books like The Queen's Shadow and Master and Apprentice, and The Alphabet Squadron. Oh, and let's not forget the new Vader's Castle comics series. Yes, it would appear that there is no end in sight for Star Wars and that's a good thing, right? After all, these new extensions will only enhance the stories from a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away. That said, don't miss out on this thought-provoking episode on Star Wars Worldbuilding: Bet

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" welcomes the author of Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy, Amy Ratcliffe to the show! In this episode, Mark, and Becca sit-down with Amy Ratcliffe and talk Star Wars. They discuss the early concept of Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy, the beginning stages of "setting the stage," matching the illustration artistry with literary depiction, and the tone behind the womanly facts of the galaxy far, far away. All-in-all, this is one book review you don't want to miss!   Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" discusses the symbolism of fire and its relevance in Star Wars Lore. Mark and Becca welcome Michael Moreci, a Star Wars comics writer, and novelist to the show to join them on their journey through fire walking and innocent until proven guilty in Star Wars. During their discussion, they not only dissect specific scenes across the saga films but other mediums as well. Namely, Ken Liu's Star Wars: The Legends of Luke Skywalker. So, get ready for a mind-blowing conversation that will forever change the way you watch Star Wars: The Last Jedi.  Help us spread the word about the show Click here to subscribe via iTunes Click here to subscribe via RSS Click here to subscribe via Stitcher Click here to subscribe via Google Play Music Feedback and Promotion Follow us on Twitter@TarkinsTopShelf Like us on Facebook: Tarkin's Top Shel  

"Tarkin's Top Shelf" celebrates their 50th Episode Anniversary with Lando's Luck by Justina Ireland and Disney Press. In this episode, Mark, and Becca review the latest literary continuation to Solo: A Star Wars Story, Lando's Luck! This young reader is about 150 pages long and follows Lando and L3-37 on an all-new adventure. A story about one of our saga's greatest smugglers who chooses to do the right thing and in doing so becomes a hero. And sometimes, being a hero is worth more than money, even to a scoundrel like Lando Calrissian. So, buckle up baby, it's going to be one helluva discussion!