Tarkin's Top Shelf

Is the Skywalker Saber equivalent to the Elder Wand?  Well, in this episode of "Tarkin's Top Shelf," Mark and Becca discuss the similarities and possibilities between these two franchises that make this idea plausible. Your hosts will dovetail back between books, comics, and of course, on-screen materials to support their point of view and notions. But first, they go over the latest in Star Wars news, Star Wars Celebration Anahe... Read more

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... Read more

"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 o... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 inter... Read more

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 fro... Read more

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... Read more

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 proce... Read more

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 sho... Read more

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 t... Read more

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 ... Read more

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 so... Read more

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... Read more

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 Mandalori... Read more

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... Read more

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... Read more

"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 Wa