Before the Awakening is a Star Wars Expanded Universe anthology book written by Greg Rucka (Guardians of the Whills, Smuggler's Run, Shattered Empire), focusing on the lives of Finn, Poe Dameron, and Rey prior to the events of The Force Awakens. Though not branded as such, it accompanied the multimedia project, Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Before being deployed to Jakku, FN-2187 trains alongside his fellow stormtroopers under the supervision of Captain Phasma, but finds himself receiving the short end of the stick.
It seems like another day in the life of Rey until she discovers an old battle cruiser, one that still has hope of being repaired to working condition.
While on missions for the Resistance, Poe helps General Leia Organa investigate for proofs of treason and dealings with the First Order within the New Republic ranks.
It was released on December 18, 2015, the same release date as The Force Awakens.
Before the Awakening provides examples of:
- Butt-Monkey: FN-2187 gets the crap kicked out of him during his training.
- Foregone Conclusion: Since this is a prequel anthology, we already know that FN-2187 will desert for the Resistance, Rey will obtain the Millenium Falcon and the three heroes will unite to take down the First Order.
- I Know Mortal Kombat: Rey has her Universal Driver's License because she passed the time playing a realistic pilot sim video game when sandstorms keep her trapped at home.
- Villain with Good Publicity: The New Republic can't legally fight the First Order because they can't actually prove they're doing anything illegal and have to settle for funding Leia's Resistance under the table.
