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This is a "must read" for those who want more following Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Warning: general film-related spoilers follow.

The book is divided into three stories providing background on the three new main protagonists.

Finn (52 pages) - 2.5 stars - While this look into Finn's (or FN-2187's) stormtrooper training has its moments of poignancy, I really dislike how it takes away from Finn's "Everyman" status. The story explains away his admitted work in sanitation on Starkiller Base by explaining that all stormtrooper cadets at his level were assigned menial tasks. Beyond this, Finn is portrayed as a special case, one of the best stormtroopers-in-training to come down the line in ages, a standout who caught the eye and hopes of Captain Phasma. If it weren't for that pesky sense of empathy he somehow developed, he might have made stormtrooper history. To me, this diminishes the very real and accessible heroism we see in him during The Force Awakens. Finn isn't a superhero or the galaxy's most legendary stormtrooper in the movie; he's clearly well trained and super competent, but his greatness rests not in incredible skills, but in his inherent sense of right and wrong. Not every Star Wars hero has to be a "Chosen One," and I didn't need Finn to be special for any other reason than his conviction and sense of morality.

Rey (66 pages) - 4 stars - This is a heartbreaking look at how Rey scratches and claws a living from her scavenging efforts, and how she learned the hard way to work alone and take care of herself. While this is a very simple story, its detail and sense of setting provide added depth and appreciation both for Rey and for her constant struggle for survival in the harsh conditions on Jakku. Atmospheric and powerful.

Poe (85 pages) - 5 stars - This story makes Before the Awakening a "must read" book. Not only do we get a deeper and compelling look at Poe Dameron and his compatriots, as well as a heart-pounding adventure (complete with a thrilling sense of what it means to Poe to be a pilot and a leader), but this story also delivers a much-needed explanation for the relationship between the Republic and the Resistance. The scenes between Poe and General Leia are outstanding. The story ends where The Force Awakens begins, with Poe on his way to Jakku to meet with Lor San Tekka. This story alone is worth the price of the book.