Questions

They used to release titles jumping around the timeline, but as has been pointed out above, they've worked on releasing stuff more in chronological order. However, there'll still be the occasional bridging or "fill-in" novel.

For example, as far as upcoming titles for the next 3 years go, a combined 12 will occur "post-NJO" (a trilogy and a 9-book series) released in order, 4 single books set after Revenge of the Sith will come out in order, 2 books will be set thousands of years before the events of the films, 1 book will be set sometime just after TPM and another sometime between ANH and ESB.

And yes, every Star Wars story regardless of medium (such as novels, young adult books, comics, video games, short stories, RPG reference material, etc), except for (with one or two minor exeptions) material that has been designated "Infinities", exists within the same timeline and continuity.

 

Infinities is something which isnt apart of the timeline, and canon means it is. (if i'm wrong someone correct me)

In short terms, the NJO involved an invasion by an agressive, pain loving, tech hating and living creature using race known as the Yuuhzhan Vong. For two years the Vong crushed NR fleets, politically divided planets and generally kicked everyone, inc. the Remnant, the NR and the Jedi. The Republic lost heavily at the Battles of Helska, Ithor, and Fondor, and Chewbacca died early on.

After a short truce, which they used to destroy Jedi, the Vong attacked Coruscant and the Core worlds. After many great battles at Coruscant, Borleias, Blank Bantha and Nzoth, the Vong succeeded, though with terrible losses. Anakin Solo died as Coruscant fell.

The Jedi and Republic managed to get there act together with a new capital on Mon Calamari, and struck back, winning a major victory at Ebaq 9. After two more years of victories against the Vong, the Vong struck back and attacke Mon Calamari.

By searching for Zonama Sekot, the long-lost Yuuzhan Vong homeworld, and attacking Coruscant, the Galactic Alliance, as the NR was now known, beat back the Vong and disarmed them. The galaxy is more unified than ever, and the Vong are practically finished as a threat.

and some books/comics/games/articles/card games do overlap or slightly contradict themselves. Such as the time of the Battle of Jabiim in the Clone Wars, or Boba Fetts plunge into the Sarlacc...and the length of the Super Star Destroyer, many of which are sorted out on this very website.

 

>>Has there ever been a book released contradictory to other books?<<

Ocassionally small contradictions or conflicts pop up, but they are usually sorted out in a future publication (aka a "retcon").

For example, one book published back at the start of the 90's gave a timeframe for the Clone Wars, which while accurate in Lucas's eyes at the time, was later made incorrect when Lucas shortened the timeline of the prequel films.

So, to correct this error, a later source clarifies/retcons that this reference was being read in years for that specific race/planet's calendar.

But that's an extreme example. Sources like The Essential Guides, RPG Sourcebooks and articles in SW Insider (such as the recent "History of the Mandalorians" article) often straighten such matters out with great success, opening doors for future storytelling possibilitis that are usually pretty exciting.

>>Such as the time of the Battle of Jabiim in the Clone Wars<<

To be fair, this was less of a contradiction and more of a direct error that was never meant to be correct.

 

At this point in the timeline, the spirits thing couldn't have happened- Obi-wan contacts Luke 5 years after Endor telling him can no longer linger and moves beyond.

Anakin popped up once or twice in the years post-Endor and Yoda showed up once I think.