Star Wars: The Glass Abyss is an upcoming novel by Stephen Barnes, set for an August 6, 2024 release. It will be part of The Phantom Menace's 25th anniversary celebration. It also marks Barnes' grand return to literary Star Wars for the first time since 2004's The Cestus Deception.
Taking place in the immediate aftermath of The Phantom Menace, the book will focus on Mace Windu grappling with the death of Qui-Gonn Jinn and his complicated feelings about the deceased maverick. When Mace subsequently receives a posthumous plea from Qui-Gon to resolve an old Jedi assignment from his days as a Knight, Mace agrees to honor Jinn's legacy.
Pre-release material for The Glass Abyss provides examples of:
- Antagonist in Mourning: A variation. Mace was never Qui-Gon's biggest fan or advocate, but even he's impacted by the maverick's death and the loss of his unique perspective to the Order.
- Bookends: With John Jackson Miller's preceding novel The Living Force as part of the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace. In both cases, Qui-Gon serves as the narrative's catalyst.
- A Day in the Limelight: For Mace Windu.
- Dead Man Writing: Qui-Gon's final wishes, which is what kick starts the plot.
- Immediate Sequel: The novel opens immediately following the events of The Phantom Menace.
- Interquel: Set in the gap between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.
- Mythology Gag: The cover artwork has the flashing swish of Mace's lightsaber, his stance, and the billowing of his robes form the Jedi Order's symbol.
