It’s been a minute since I’ve been this excited about a book, my Wooks. Fans of Star Wars: The Bad Batch got an exciting surprise earlier this month when Lucasfilm officially announced Star Wars: Sanctuary – A Bad Batch Novel, featuring none other than Clone Force 99.
If you are still reeling from the emotional highs and lows of the animated series’ finale in May 2024, this novel promises to bring Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Omega back into action.
Here’s everything we know so far about this new chapter in the Star Wars galaxy.
Star Wars: Sanctuary Release Date and Publisher
Star Wars: Sanctuary (A Bad Batch Novel) is set to release on August 5, 2025, published by Random House Worlds. Fans will have multiple formats to choose from: hardcover, eBook, and audiobook.
Whether you prefer turning physical pages, reading digitally, or listening on the go, there’s an option for you.
The novel is penned by Lamar Giles, known in Star Wars publishing circles for his short story Twenty and Out in the From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi anthology (2023).
Giles expressed his lifelong passion for the galaxy far, far away, saying, “For my entire life the words ‘A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…’ have represented the stepping off point from our dull everyday reality into a realm of wonder, action, adventure and joy.”
The cover art, illustrated by Marie Bergeron, showcases Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Omega against a colorful backdrop reminiscent of Pabu’s serene island setting, before things inevitably go sideways. You know, as they do on Pabu.
Star Wars: Sanctuary – A Bad Batch Novel Setting and Timeline
Sanctuary is set during The Bad Batch Season 2, specifically after the events of the episode Pabu (Episode 13), which aired in March 2023. The show depicted the Batch seeking refuge on the peaceful island of Pabu, until a massive tsunami struck, threatening the community’s newfound sanctuary.
The novel picks up in the aftermath, bridging the gap between Pabu and the following episode, Tipping Point. This places the timeline around 18 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin), a turbulent period as the Empire tightens its grip across the galaxy.
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This timeframe allows fans to revisit the core team of Hunter, Wrecker, Tech, and Omega before the heartbreaking events of Season 3, including Tech’s sacrifice. Echo is off working with Rex, and Crosshair remains distant from the squad, setting the stage for an intimate, high-stakes adventure. Which is exactly what we’ve grown accustom to win the Batchers.
Plot Details (That We Know So Far)
The official synopsis teases the story. After the tsunami devastates Pabu, the Batch joins forces with treasure hunter Phee Genoa. She’s the “liberator of treasures” voiced by Wanda Sykes in the show. Their goal is to rebuild their new home. Pabu’s community needs resources, and Phee has a solution: two jobs to raise funds.
The first task is delivering a relic, which Hunter insists on finishing before anything else. Meanwhile, Phee and the crew take on a second job: transporting a mysterious couple on the run.
One of them is about to give birth. Trouble brews as Hunter senses growing danger.
Secrets emerge, tying their passengers to an Imperial Security Bureau officer tracking them. With missions overlapping, the Batch must rely on their trust in each other to protect their passengers and save Pabu.
It’s a signature Bad Batch mix: high stakes, tough choices, and the squad’s loyalty shining through. Extra time with Phee could also deepen her ties with Tech and the team, building on Season 2.
How Star Wars: Sanctuary Fits into The Bad Batch Legacy
Star Wars: The Bad Batch concluded its three-season run on Disney+ in 2024, leaving a lasting impression on fans. Clone Force 99 first appeared in The Clone Wars Season 7 and quickly became fan favorites for their rebellious spirit and familial bond.
While Dark Horse Comics is launching The Bad Batch: Ghost Agents in February 2025, set during the Clone Wars, Sanctuary stands out as the first novel-length adventure for the Batch.
Updated: See every comic and comic variant of Star Wars Hyperspace Stories – Ghost Agents here.
It offers fans more time with the team—especially my guy Tech—before the events of Season 3’s finale. For those still mourning his loss, this story serves as a bittersweet chance to reconnect with the team during a crucial period in their journey.
Sanctuary is more than a throwback. It proves the Batch’s lasting popularity.
Lucasfilm is expanding their story through books, much like other Star Wars tales over the years. For diehard fans, it’s a reunion with favorites.
For newcomers, it’s an easy way into their world, no binge required (though it’s recommended).
That’s all for now. But be sure to check back often and follow @drunkwooky on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Threads for the latest Star Wars comics, books, and toy news.
++ Grand Admiral Frik
