The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown draws inspiration from another popular franchise

by

Exploring Star Wars literature expands your horizons to delve into various tales and epochs. Occasionally, these narratives offer the chance to spend extended periods with characters who we wish hadn’t departed prematurely in other formats, like Jecki and Yord from “The Acolyte“. On rare occasions, you might even find a Star Wars book that draws inspiration from the stories of other beloved franchises.

If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing a novel similar to “The Hunger Games”, but this time penned by a seasoned Star Wars writer and set within the Star Wars universe, then you’re likely to enjoy one of the latest book releases from the franchise – “The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown”. And interestingly enough, the author himself has acknowledged this connection.

The Crystal Crown,” penned by Tessa Gratton and published through Disney Books, is the second novel released in 2025 that is associated with “The Acolyte.” This book by Gratton revolves around characters Jecki and Yord, whom we were initially introduced to on Disney+.

The narrative unfolds around two apprentice Jedi, Jecki and Yord, who join their mentors on a diplomatic journey to a far-off world. They receive an invitation to engage in a contest emphasizing survival abilities and other talents. However, there’s a twist – the Jedi must abstain from utilizing the Force or their lightsabers, or they risk being disqualified.

A nod to Suzanne Collins’s Hunger Games series

The Crystal Crown shares some of its themes with The Hunger Games, where fictional youngsters are compelled to battle each other to the point of death in an enclosed area, with a single winner emerging. In a comparable setting, Jecki and Yord find themselves in an arena that pushes their limits, exposes vulnerabilities, and requires them to endure for as long as they can.

At San Diego Comic Con, Gratton unveiled that The Crystal Crown was initially proposed as a blend of “The Hunger Games” and “Star Wars.” Although the contestants in this story aren’t officially permitted to engage in mortal combat according to the rules, they still face dangerous creatures and challenging environments that pose significant risks to them.

Tessa Gratton, The Crystal Crown, and the dangerous quest for power

Gratton’s latest book, while not a direct replica, shares similarities with Collins’ popular series in that they both use their narratives as a means to critique the darker sides of politics. This includes exploring the perils when an individual acquires excessive power and control over their followers.

The principal adversary of “The Shimmering Crown” is cunningly alluring, power-hungry, and ready to take any measures required to obtain their most coveted goal. Throughout the course of the book, both Jecki and Yord acquire valuable lessons, yet hints about their future experiences are subtly introduced. If you haven’t discovered how their tales conclude, this aspect of unpredictability only adds to the enjoyment when reading this captivating novel.

Star Wars: The Acolyte – The Crystal Crown by Tessa Gratton is out now, and can be purchased at any retailer where Star Wars books are sold.

Read More

2025-08-09 19:22