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Reign of the Empire #1
The Mask of Fear
Before the Rebellion, the Empire reigns, in book one of a trilogy told through the eyes of Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera.
“In order to ensure the security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire! For a safe and secure society!�
With one speech and thunderous applause, Chancellor Palpatine brought the era of the Republic crashing down. In its place rose the Galactic Empire. Across the galaxy, people rejoiced and celebrated the end of war—and the promises of tomorrow. But that tomorrow was a lie. Instead, the galaxy became twisted by the cruelty and fear of the Emperor’s rule.
During that terrifying first year of tyranny, Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera, and Bail Organa face the encroaching darkness. One day, they will be three architects of the Rebel Alliance. But first, each must find purpose and direction in a changing galaxy, while harboring their own secrets, fears, and hopes for a future that may never come unless they act.
“In order to ensure the security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire! For a safe and secure society!�
With one speech and thunderous applause, Chancellor Palpatine brought the era of the Republic crashing down. In its place rose the Galactic Empire. Across the galaxy, people rejoiced and celebrated the end of war—and the promises of tomorrow. But that tomorrow was a lie. Instead, the galaxy became twisted by the cruelty and fear of the Emperor’s rule.
During that terrifying first year of tyranny, Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera, and Bail Organa face the encroaching darkness. One day, they will be three architects of the Rebel Alliance. But first, each must find purpose and direction in a changing galaxy, while harboring their own secrets, fears, and hopes for a future that may never come unless they act.
496 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2025
708 people are currently reading
9,314 people want to read
About the author
Alexander Freed
88books343followersAlexander M. Freed is the author of Star Wars: The Old Republic: The Lost Suns, as well as many short stories, comic books, and videogames. Born near Philadelphia, he endeavors to bring the city’s dour charm with him to his current home of Austin, Texas.
His first novel, Star Wars: Battlefront: Twilight Company was included on BuzzFeed’s “Best Science Fiction Books Of 2015� list.
His first novel, Star Wars: Battlefront: Twilight Company was included on BuzzFeed’s “Best Science Fiction Books Of 2015� list.
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March 22, 2025
Alright, here we are with Star Wars� latest cash grab (take this with a grain of salt, but I am disappointed I didn’t enjoy this more).
When this novel was announced in 2024 as the first of a new trilogy set between the events of Ep III and Rogue One, starring Mon Mothma and Bail Organa, some of my favourite secondary SW characters, I was excited, to say the least. This period has been one of the literary most underdeveloped, which, given how many stories you can tell not only set in Outer Rim locations but also on Core planets, has always puzzled me a bit.
Long story short, the entire reason for this story to exist is that, with the success of Andor, publishers seem to have understood there’s money to be made with post-Republic but pre-New Hope set stories. Not only did the editorial director of Random House Worlds say , but the novel’s title is literally lifted from a line of Nemik’s manifesto in the show’s season finale.
“Aren’t they just giving people, including you, what they want?� Yes and no. Yes, because I welcomed the idea of stories focused on Bail Organa and Mon Mothma; no, because whatever this *gestures vaguely with hand* is, is not it. Half of the novel doesn’t actually focus on either Bail, Mon OR Saw Gerrera but on a newly introduced set of characters, including an elderly Imperial Intelligence officer, the Coruscanti youth she takes under her wing to teach them the ropes of spycraft, and a technically modified Separatist sleeper agent.
I understand that a new trilogy cannot solely focus on previously established, already familiar, characters and needs to introduce fresh faces to keep it interesting, but that’s just it: it wasn’t interesting, or at least, large parts of the novel weren’t. And that includes the chapters that ended up focusing on Bail, Mon and Saw.
Now, if you were to ask me what I found boring about it, I would have to lower my head in shame and admit that I found the political scheming happening in and around the Senate most boring of all. Not very Pod Save America interested in US-American as well as world and foreign politics stands up for democracy of me, I know! Trust me, I myself am disappointed about this! And when, in the first version of my review, I jokingly asked “how much money for Matthew Stover to come back to Star Wars�, I was unfortunately a bit serious. I didn’t really enjoy Freed’s writing when I read , and I still haven’t warmed up to it now. Maybe this is where he and I part ways. I just couldn’t stop thinking about how juicy this topic would have been if handled by Stover’s capable hands.
While it certainly fleshes out Mon Mothma and portrays her stoic and realist approach to the Jedi’s demise as a foil to Bail’s agony over the genocide committed against the people he looked up to and tried all his life to model his political career after as an interesting character trait, the novel simply didn’t quite stick the landing.
But maybe that’s okay. The process of keeping a democracy alive with all the promises one must give, all the concessions one must make, the fraction-building, the bipartisan agreements, the niceties, and the promoting one must do, isn’t a very exciting one after all. Maybe this is what Freed gets right � the mundanity of it all and how agonisingly slow the wheels of a Republic can turn.
As always, thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When this novel was announced in 2024 as the first of a new trilogy set between the events of Ep III and Rogue One, starring Mon Mothma and Bail Organa, some of my favourite secondary SW characters, I was excited, to say the least. This period has been one of the literary most underdeveloped, which, given how many stories you can tell not only set in Outer Rim locations but also on Core planets, has always puzzled me a bit.
Long story short, the entire reason for this story to exist is that, with the success of Andor, publishers seem to have understood there’s money to be made with post-Republic but pre-New Hope set stories. Not only did the editorial director of Random House Worlds say , but the novel’s title is literally lifted from a line of Nemik’s manifesto in the show’s season finale.
“Aren’t they just giving people, including you, what they want?� Yes and no. Yes, because I welcomed the idea of stories focused on Bail Organa and Mon Mothma; no, because whatever this *gestures vaguely with hand* is, is not it. Half of the novel doesn’t actually focus on either Bail, Mon OR Saw Gerrera but on a newly introduced set of characters, including an elderly Imperial Intelligence officer, the Coruscanti youth she takes under her wing to teach them the ropes of spycraft, and a technically modified Separatist sleeper agent.
I understand that a new trilogy cannot solely focus on previously established, already familiar, characters and needs to introduce fresh faces to keep it interesting, but that’s just it: it wasn’t interesting, or at least, large parts of the novel weren’t. And that includes the chapters that ended up focusing on Bail, Mon and Saw.
Now, if you were to ask me what I found boring about it, I would have to lower my head in shame and admit that I found the political scheming happening in and around the Senate most boring of all. Not very Pod Save America interested in US-American as well as world and foreign politics stands up for democracy of me, I know! Trust me, I myself am disappointed about this! And when, in the first version of my review, I jokingly asked “how much money for Matthew Stover to come back to Star Wars�, I was unfortunately a bit serious. I didn’t really enjoy Freed’s writing when I read , and I still haven’t warmed up to it now. Maybe this is where he and I part ways. I just couldn’t stop thinking about how juicy this topic would have been if handled by Stover’s capable hands.
While it certainly fleshes out Mon Mothma and portrays her stoic and realist approach to the Jedi’s demise as a foil to Bail’s agony over the genocide committed against the people he looked up to and tried all his life to model his political career after as an interesting character trait, the novel simply didn’t quite stick the landing.
But maybe that’s okay. The process of keeping a democracy alive with all the promises one must give, all the concessions one must make, the fraction-building, the bipartisan agreements, the niceties, and the promoting one must do, isn’t a very exciting one after all. Maybe this is what Freed gets right � the mundanity of it all and how agonisingly slow the wheels of a Republic can turn.
As always, thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Worlds for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Whether people like it or not, Star Wars has always been political, and even though some audiences fail to realize it, it’s also never been shy about the politics it represents. The Empire is not a metaphor for something else, but quite literally a conquering power that became government illegally by funding foreign wars and pretending to bring and maintain peace through choking-tight control. The Rebellion is the people who stood up to fight for democracy and freedom for all. The fact that people mix these two up seems inconceivable.
Alexander Freed comes to muddy the waters even more for those kinds of people who failed to grasp such simple concepts - and by this I mean that he did a fantastic job at exploring the complexities inherent to a scenario such as Star Wars lays out, mirroring (as Star Wars has always done) the way it’s often played out in real life and, unfortunately, not in a way that feels anachronistic.
“The Mask of Fear� is the first book of a trilogy that covers the time period between the end of Revenge of the Sith and the beginning of Andor. This book covers those first few weeks and is told mostly through the POVs of Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, a former Separatist warrior who is found by Saw Gerrera’s team, and an old Republic/Empire spy and her protégé, with a few other POVs interspersed.
It’s a heavily political book, though not entirely devoid of action. The most similar book to this one that comes to mind is Claudia Gray’s “Bloodline�, so I think that can be a good parameter to know whether you might enjoy Freed’s story or not - personally, I loved both (“Bloodline� in a more bittersweet way, as it is linked to a sequel I don’t like or agree with).
While the dust of the war settles, a disgraced Mon Mothma seeks to push a bill that will ensure the Senate retains its power and keep Palpatine in check, which means forming alliances and toeing the line within the new regime. We find Mothma in her most vulnerable place yet, only to see her be reborn from her ashes into the future leader of the Rebellion that we know.
On the other hand, Bail seeks to uncover the truth and exonerate the Jedi Order, haunted by the ghosts of the Jedi and Padmé, and moved by his duty as a new father. We also see a different Bail to the one we’re used to - idealistic to the point of naive, almost uncompromising, yet still a more charismatic leader than Mothma can be.
I really appreciated that Freed managed to do something interesting, new and nuanced with these characters without losing sight of their essence - their clashing goals and personalities, the parts of them we might not recognize immediately, are fitting for this period of time, and become the building blocks for the transformations they both will experience in the coming years.
One thing I’ll say is that, while Soujen (the ex Separatist) was an interesting character and we see Saw’s operation through his perspective, I was missing the perspective of Saw himself - we only got a short chapter towards the end from his POV. This kept him still as the rogue element, the mysterious warrior, while we got to see the motivations and struggles of the other characters intimately. I can only hope the next books will fill this gap, but I still felt a little deceived since the blurb specifically said the story would be told “through the eyes� of Organa, Mothma and Gerrera.
After being disappointed with the way most Disney-era media have dealt with the political aspects in Star Wars, particularly post Return of the Jedi, this book was a fresh breath of air: perfectly in line with the thoughtfulness of Andor, politically relevant, well-written, offering a new yet not egregiously outlandish take on familiar characters. For once I feel like my high hopes have been fully met!
Whether people like it or not, Star Wars has always been political, and even though some audiences fail to realize it, it’s also never been shy about the politics it represents. The Empire is not a metaphor for something else, but quite literally a conquering power that became government illegally by funding foreign wars and pretending to bring and maintain peace through choking-tight control. The Rebellion is the people who stood up to fight for democracy and freedom for all. The fact that people mix these two up seems inconceivable.
Alexander Freed comes to muddy the waters even more for those kinds of people who failed to grasp such simple concepts - and by this I mean that he did a fantastic job at exploring the complexities inherent to a scenario such as Star Wars lays out, mirroring (as Star Wars has always done) the way it’s often played out in real life and, unfortunately, not in a way that feels anachronistic.
“The Mask of Fear� is the first book of a trilogy that covers the time period between the end of Revenge of the Sith and the beginning of Andor. This book covers those first few weeks and is told mostly through the POVs of Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, a former Separatist warrior who is found by Saw Gerrera’s team, and an old Republic/Empire spy and her protégé, with a few other POVs interspersed.
It’s a heavily political book, though not entirely devoid of action. The most similar book to this one that comes to mind is Claudia Gray’s “Bloodline�, so I think that can be a good parameter to know whether you might enjoy Freed’s story or not - personally, I loved both (“Bloodline� in a more bittersweet way, as it is linked to a sequel I don’t like or agree with).
While the dust of the war settles, a disgraced Mon Mothma seeks to push a bill that will ensure the Senate retains its power and keep Palpatine in check, which means forming alliances and toeing the line within the new regime. We find Mothma in her most vulnerable place yet, only to see her be reborn from her ashes into the future leader of the Rebellion that we know.
On the other hand, Bail seeks to uncover the truth and exonerate the Jedi Order, haunted by the ghosts of the Jedi and Padmé, and moved by his duty as a new father. We also see a different Bail to the one we’re used to - idealistic to the point of naive, almost uncompromising, yet still a more charismatic leader than Mothma can be.
I really appreciated that Freed managed to do something interesting, new and nuanced with these characters without losing sight of their essence - their clashing goals and personalities, the parts of them we might not recognize immediately, are fitting for this period of time, and become the building blocks for the transformations they both will experience in the coming years.
One thing I’ll say is that, while Soujen (the ex Separatist) was an interesting character and we see Saw’s operation through his perspective, I was missing the perspective of Saw himself - we only got a short chapter towards the end from his POV. This kept him still as the rogue element, the mysterious warrior, while we got to see the motivations and struggles of the other characters intimately. I can only hope the next books will fill this gap, but I still felt a little deceived since the blurb specifically said the story would be told “through the eyes� of Organa, Mothma and Gerrera.
After being disappointed with the way most Disney-era media have dealt with the political aspects in Star Wars, particularly post Return of the Jedi, this book was a fresh breath of air: perfectly in line with the thoughtfulness of Andor, politically relevant, well-written, offering a new yet not egregiously outlandish take on familiar characters. For once I feel like my high hopes have been fully met!
March 1, 2025
This book is perfect for fans of Andor, as it has political intrigue, sabotaging spycraft, and themes about standing up to governments, in more ways than one.
The book is structured with three main character POVs: Mon Mothma, Bail Organa and Soujen. The book regularly alternates between these three POVs, although with a few minor POVs that very rarely pop up. But the majority of the book is these main 3 POVs.
Certainly, the best part of the book is the main 2 political plotlines featuring Mon Mothma and Bail Organa. Mon Mothma serves as the pragmatist, trying to use Senatorial rules to curb Palpatine's power in the Empire. Bail Organa is on a fact finding mission, attempting to clear the Jedi image. Their stories were poignant and surprisingly apt for today.
These plotlines really handled themes about how to use bureacracy for good, and how to make the best out of situations you're in in politics. They also explore really rich themes about timing and deciding when is the best time to make a stand, and when sometimes compromise is better than holding your ground.
I did enjoy the Soujen storyline, particularly near the end. I thought his stuff with Saw Gerrera was interesting thoughout.
However, there was one plotline that I didn't care for at all, and that was Chemish. Chemish is probably being included to be used more for future books in the trilogy. However, Chemish could have been entirely removed from this book and I think it would have been for the better.
There is such creativity here with how Alexander Freed handles the politics, making it feel like its unique to Star Wars, while also being entirely relatable to earth. I must commend him on this part of the book. I think he tried something similar in his Alphabet Squadron trilogy and it largely didn't work there.
There are some really interesting twists that reframe the story of the rise of the Empire and Rebellion, and I found it quite fascinating. And it really clears up a lot of continuity stories in the era.
The book, while split into 4 parts, really reads like thirds (first 150 pages, middle 150 pages, and last 150 pages). The first 150 pages are stellar, the middle 150 pages are ok, and the last 150 pages are stellar!
Overall, I did really enjoy this book, particularly the political plotlines with Mon Mothma and Bail Organa, which I thought were unputdownable. Overall, I'll give this one a 9 out of 10.
The book is structured with three main character POVs: Mon Mothma, Bail Organa and Soujen. The book regularly alternates between these three POVs, although with a few minor POVs that very rarely pop up. But the majority of the book is these main 3 POVs.
Certainly, the best part of the book is the main 2 political plotlines featuring Mon Mothma and Bail Organa. Mon Mothma serves as the pragmatist, trying to use Senatorial rules to curb Palpatine's power in the Empire. Bail Organa is on a fact finding mission, attempting to clear the Jedi image. Their stories were poignant and surprisingly apt for today.
These plotlines really handled themes about how to use bureacracy for good, and how to make the best out of situations you're in in politics. They also explore really rich themes about timing and deciding when is the best time to make a stand, and when sometimes compromise is better than holding your ground.
I did enjoy the Soujen storyline, particularly near the end. I thought his stuff with Saw Gerrera was interesting thoughout.
However, there was one plotline that I didn't care for at all, and that was Chemish. Chemish is probably being included to be used more for future books in the trilogy. However, Chemish could have been entirely removed from this book and I think it would have been for the better.
There is such creativity here with how Alexander Freed handles the politics, making it feel like its unique to Star Wars, while also being entirely relatable to earth. I must commend him on this part of the book. I think he tried something similar in his Alphabet Squadron trilogy and it largely didn't work there.
There are some really interesting twists that reframe the story of the rise of the Empire and Rebellion, and I found it quite fascinating. And it really clears up a lot of continuity stories in the era.
The book, while split into 4 parts, really reads like thirds (first 150 pages, middle 150 pages, and last 150 pages). The first 150 pages are stellar, the middle 150 pages are ok, and the last 150 pages are stellar!
Overall, I did really enjoy this book, particularly the political plotlines with Mon Mothma and Bail Organa, which I thought were unputdownable. Overall, I'll give this one a 9 out of 10.
March 30, 2025
From the author who brought us the novelization and the epically morose Alphabet Squadron trilogy comes this latest entry into the post-Disney canon covering the early days of the newly proclaimed Galactic Empire, the incipient resistance by ex-Separatists and the surviving friends and allies of the Jedi Order, and how Palpatine and his supporters look to tighten their political control of the former Republic.
Natalie Portman's Padmé Amidala is no longer among the living during these events but her spirit looms large over the actions of her friends and allies, Senataors Bail Organa and Mon Mothma
I was wary of this book as I've found some of the writer's work in this space a little overly bleak and lacking in the humour and dash that characterizes the franchise but this time the approach was fitting, and complements the tone and deep substance of the Andor television series admirably. I felt some of the original characters were a little lacking in substance, such as the non-binary apprentice spy Chemish, but in terms of portraying a war-weary Galaxy filled with danger for anyone "not with the program" the novel is an unqualified success. Definitely recommend for all grown up Star Wars fans.
Saw Gerrera is still young and (relatively) unscathed by many years of war as we catch up with him and his band of partisans.
Natalie Portman's Padmé Amidala is no longer among the living during these events but her spirit looms large over the actions of her friends and allies, Senataors Bail Organa and Mon Mothma
I was wary of this book as I've found some of the writer's work in this space a little overly bleak and lacking in the humour and dash that characterizes the franchise but this time the approach was fitting, and complements the tone and deep substance of the Andor television series admirably. I felt some of the original characters were a little lacking in substance, such as the non-binary apprentice spy Chemish, but in terms of portraying a war-weary Galaxy filled with danger for anyone "not with the program" the novel is an unqualified success. Definitely recommend for all grown up Star Wars fans.
Saw Gerrera is still young and (relatively) unscathed by many years of war as we catch up with him and his band of partisans.
December 20, 2024
This is being promoted in many ways as a tie-in for Andor, but it's also a tie-in for Clone Wars and Revenge of the Sith, and going in, I was curious how Freed was going to handle that. Star Wars is a franchise that spans genres and age levels. The tone of Clone Wars--a TV-PG-rated animated military fantasy adventure show for tweens and teens, full of Jedi hijinks and quippy, sometimes bombastic dialogue--doesn't really match the tone of Andor, a TV-14 political drama and spy thriller. I like them both for what they are, but I couldn't see how they were going to come together. Was Freed going to lean more toward one or the other, or attempt to blend them into a middle ground?
The answer is neither. Mon here is very much Mon from Andor (or at least, a younger and slightly less despairing version of Mon from Andor), concerned with the minutia of legislation and the difficulty of finding, trusting, and keeping allies in an atmosphere of increasing political paranoia. Bail is very much Bail from Revenge of the Sith and Clone Wars, fixated on the Jedi as the best and purest force in the galaxy and ready to ditch his office duties and fling himself into action at the slightest excuse.
And it works better than I could have imagined, because that difference in genre origin has been reified into a difference of political perspective. Mon is an institutionalist, a centrist, a schemer who believes Palpatine can be held in check via political means; Bail is a firebrand populist convinced that exposing The Truth of Order 66 and the murder of the Jedi (if he can just find evidence) will cause the people to revolt against Palpatine in horror. They both want Palpatine out of power, but they're both convinced the other is going about it a completely wrong-headed way, and that divide is the tension that drives the novel.
(Which is, frankly, a better source of tension than "will they succeed in defeating Palpatine in 19 BBY," because we the readers know perfectly well the answer to that is "no." But "will Bail and Mon succeed in putting aside their differences working together"? We-ell, eventually yes, we know that, but exactly when and how willingly or grudgingly is something canon has never before explored.)
I like Mon. I like Bail. I spent a significant part of this novel thinking at both of them, "I understand why you think this will help, but it will not and I wish you'd make better choices." And that to me is a sign of quality characterization: building characters I understand and empathize with even when I think they're very, very wrong.
You may note that this point that this is a novel with three protagonists, and yet I've talked about only two of them. That's because I think the Saw Gerrera sections work rather less well than the Mon and Bail ones. I will admit upfront that I find Saw tedious as a character across the franchise, so I'm not the best reviewer to judge how effectively he's used here. But I don't think it helps that we get almost no insight into Saw's thoughts; Mon and Bail are POV of their own sections, but the Saw portions of the novel are told through the POV of a new character. That character is fine as a plot device, but never really grew on me as a person despite fairly extensive attempts to build sympathy via backstory.
There are several other new-to-the-novel characters who get POVs at various points, and all of them work much better for me than the one who's our viewpoint on Saw. I hope we see more of them in the future, though it's hard to say with the way the trilogy has been split between three authors. (I also hope we get more insight into Saw, and that seems likely; perhaps Roanhorse will be more comfortable writing from his POV than Freed was.) But either way, I'm excited to see where the narrative goes. If you thought "there's nothing new to say about this period of galactic history," this novel will prove you wrong.
[I received a free copy from NetGalley for review purposes]
The answer is neither. Mon here is very much Mon from Andor (or at least, a younger and slightly less despairing version of Mon from Andor), concerned with the minutia of legislation and the difficulty of finding, trusting, and keeping allies in an atmosphere of increasing political paranoia. Bail is very much Bail from Revenge of the Sith and Clone Wars, fixated on the Jedi as the best and purest force in the galaxy and ready to ditch his office duties and fling himself into action at the slightest excuse.
And it works better than I could have imagined, because that difference in genre origin has been reified into a difference of political perspective. Mon is an institutionalist, a centrist, a schemer who believes Palpatine can be held in check via political means; Bail is a firebrand populist convinced that exposing The Truth of Order 66 and the murder of the Jedi (if he can just find evidence) will cause the people to revolt against Palpatine in horror. They both want Palpatine out of power, but they're both convinced the other is going about it a completely wrong-headed way, and that divide is the tension that drives the novel.
(Which is, frankly, a better source of tension than "will they succeed in defeating Palpatine in 19 BBY," because we the readers know perfectly well the answer to that is "no." But "will Bail and Mon succeed in putting aside their differences working together"? We-ell, eventually yes, we know that, but exactly when and how willingly or grudgingly is something canon has never before explored.)
I like Mon. I like Bail. I spent a significant part of this novel thinking at both of them, "I understand why you think this will help, but it will not and I wish you'd make better choices." And that to me is a sign of quality characterization: building characters I understand and empathize with even when I think they're very, very wrong.
You may note that this point that this is a novel with three protagonists, and yet I've talked about only two of them. That's because I think the Saw Gerrera sections work rather less well than the Mon and Bail ones. I will admit upfront that I find Saw tedious as a character across the franchise, so I'm not the best reviewer to judge how effectively he's used here. But I don't think it helps that we get almost no insight into Saw's thoughts; Mon and Bail are POV of their own sections, but the Saw portions of the novel are told through the POV of a new character. That character is fine as a plot device, but never really grew on me as a person despite fairly extensive attempts to build sympathy via backstory.
There are several other new-to-the-novel characters who get POVs at various points, and all of them work much better for me than the one who's our viewpoint on Saw. I hope we see more of them in the future, though it's hard to say with the way the trilogy has been split between three authors. (I also hope we get more insight into Saw, and that seems likely; perhaps Roanhorse will be more comfortable writing from his POV than Freed was.) But either way, I'm excited to see where the narrative goes. If you thought "there's nothing new to say about this period of galactic history," this novel will prove you wrong.
[I received a free copy from NetGalley for review purposes]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2025
As a political scientist, I’ve always been interested in the depiction of politics in the Star Wars Galaxy. I enjoyed Chris Kempshall’s The History and Politics of Star Wars, and rate Claudia Grey’s Bloodline as one of the best Star Wars novels of the past decade. So, I was understandably excited when I heard about the upcoming Reign of the Empire trilogy, which would focus on politics between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope. Alexander Freed, author of the first book in the series, described it as “nuanced stories of ‘ordinary� citizens—people living inside the machinery of the Empire, still figuring out what’s happened to their government and in violent disagreement over ideas of democracy, resistance, revolution, and complicity.� Freed’s The Mask of Fear fulfills that promise, and then some.
True to the premise of this trilogy, Mask of Fear isn't a story about Jedi, blaster shootouts, or space battles, but rather about politicians and soldiers tying to find their way in the months following Palpatine's declaration of Empire. In this way, it's a spiritual prequel to Andor and Rogue One, although it doesn't feature any of those characters aside from Saw Gerrera.
Most readers know Senators Bail Organa and Mon Mothma as leaders of the Rebel Alliance, but at this point in time they're not necessarily allies. Mask of Fear portrays them as very different politicians with very different goals. Bail investigates clues about the true nature of Order 66, while Mon introduces a bill to limit the Emperor's powers. Bail is more idealistic and wants to openly condemn the Empire's crimes, while Mon thinks they need to work within the system. Bail searches for the truth, while Mon searches for powerful allies. It's a nuanced reflection of the decisions and tradeoffs anyone working in politics faces on a daily basis.
Saw Gerrera also has to decide if the end of the Clone Wars means his insurgency is over or has only just begun. Saw at this point is a hardened warrior, but not yet the fanatic we see in Rogue One. Perhaps more importantly, the book shows why his followers are so loyal. Saw isn’t just a warrior, he’s a leader who knows how to speak to � and manipulate � people.
Mask of Fear isn’t a particularly violent book, but the way it describes the suffocating oppression of Palpatine’s Empire makes it one of the darkest Star Wars books I’ve ever read. The filth of the Imperial detention centers makes them all the more realistic and terrifying. The pervasiveness of surveillance and passivity of most citizens makes opposition to the Empire appear fruitless. Indeed, readers know that Bail, Mon, and Saw do not succeed and that the Empire survives another two decades. And, yet, how they fail says so much about this political moment in Star Wars.
Mask of Fear doesn’t have much action or adventure, but kept my attention like few Star Wars books have. I highly recommend to readers looking for a political thriller set in the Star Wars Galaxy.
Note: Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
True to the premise of this trilogy, Mask of Fear isn't a story about Jedi, blaster shootouts, or space battles, but rather about politicians and soldiers tying to find their way in the months following Palpatine's declaration of Empire. In this way, it's a spiritual prequel to Andor and Rogue One, although it doesn't feature any of those characters aside from Saw Gerrera.
Most readers know Senators Bail Organa and Mon Mothma as leaders of the Rebel Alliance, but at this point in time they're not necessarily allies. Mask of Fear portrays them as very different politicians with very different goals. Bail investigates clues about the true nature of Order 66, while Mon introduces a bill to limit the Emperor's powers. Bail is more idealistic and wants to openly condemn the Empire's crimes, while Mon thinks they need to work within the system. Bail searches for the truth, while Mon searches for powerful allies. It's a nuanced reflection of the decisions and tradeoffs anyone working in politics faces on a daily basis.
Saw Gerrera also has to decide if the end of the Clone Wars means his insurgency is over or has only just begun. Saw at this point is a hardened warrior, but not yet the fanatic we see in Rogue One. Perhaps more importantly, the book shows why his followers are so loyal. Saw isn’t just a warrior, he’s a leader who knows how to speak to � and manipulate � people.
Mask of Fear isn’t a particularly violent book, but the way it describes the suffocating oppression of Palpatine’s Empire makes it one of the darkest Star Wars books I’ve ever read. The filth of the Imperial detention centers makes them all the more realistic and terrifying. The pervasiveness of surveillance and passivity of most citizens makes opposition to the Empire appear fruitless. Indeed, readers know that Bail, Mon, and Saw do not succeed and that the Empire survives another two decades. And, yet, how they fail says so much about this political moment in Star Wars.
Mask of Fear doesn’t have much action or adventure, but kept my attention like few Star Wars books have. I highly recommend to readers looking for a political thriller set in the Star Wars Galaxy.
Note: Thanks to NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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March 8, 2025Political thriller which unfortunately hits too close to home since the recent US presidential election.
We get to see the compromises, delicate balances and intricacies from a political standpoint of starting a “rebellion� and fighting a corrupt government.
Loved the combination of POVs from Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and Saw Gerrera. The more I get of Mon Mothma, the more I love her.
I could read and enjoy almost anything from 32BBY through 4 ABY so I’m excited to continue this trilogy!
We get to see the compromises, delicate balances and intricacies from a political standpoint of starting a “rebellion� and fighting a corrupt government.
Loved the combination of POVs from Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and Saw Gerrera. The more I get of Mon Mothma, the more I love her.
I could read and enjoy almost anything from 32BBY through 4 ABY so I’m excited to continue this trilogy!
March 27, 2025
Great book. Made me even more of a Mon Mothma fan. Can't wait for the next one.
Definitely feels well timed with what's going on in the world now.
Definitely feels well timed with what's going on in the world now.
February 25, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Worlds for allowing me to read this ARC! I feel very lucky to have been allowed to read this.
This book was fantastic! I was drawn in by the idea of getting to see more from a few personal favorite characters, Mon and Bail, and how things faired for them mere moments after the events of Revenge of the Sith. We get to see the more political side through this book (because yes, Star Wars IS political whether people seem to realize it or care to), but there is a fair amount of action as well. It has definitely prepared me for the next season of Andor and I cannot wait.
We follow along as Mon Mothma struggles to continue to keep any allies she once had before the Empire was established and hopes to ensure a bill that helps keep the Senate in control and makes sure that the Emperor doesn’t hold all the power. Between this and dealing with her own personal life, and with the knowing that the Empire is always watching ( and isn’t afraid to let her know that), we soon watch as she grows more and more into the leader we have come to know through the films and shows.
Meanwhile, Bail is also dealing with not only becoming a new father, but making sure that the Jedi’s name is wiped clean from all the lies and hatred that have been spread by the Emperor after the effects of Order Sixty-Six. We have always known that Bail is the biggest supporter of the Jedi, but seeing what lengths he would go to just to clear their name goes to show what a firm believer he was in them.
We also get introduced to new characters as well as see another familiar face (I’m looking at you, Saw), and the story flows well between each different point of view from all of these characters in a way that doesn’t seem too overwhelming. This book was very fulfilling and hit all of my marks, and I am truly excited to see where this story goes from between this moment and that of Andor. Once again I am thankful to have received this ARC!
This book was fantastic! I was drawn in by the idea of getting to see more from a few personal favorite characters, Mon and Bail, and how things faired for them mere moments after the events of Revenge of the Sith. We get to see the more political side through this book (because yes, Star Wars IS political whether people seem to realize it or care to), but there is a fair amount of action as well. It has definitely prepared me for the next season of Andor and I cannot wait.
We follow along as Mon Mothma struggles to continue to keep any allies she once had before the Empire was established and hopes to ensure a bill that helps keep the Senate in control and makes sure that the Emperor doesn’t hold all the power. Between this and dealing with her own personal life, and with the knowing that the Empire is always watching ( and isn’t afraid to let her know that), we soon watch as she grows more and more into the leader we have come to know through the films and shows.
Meanwhile, Bail is also dealing with not only becoming a new father, but making sure that the Jedi’s name is wiped clean from all the lies and hatred that have been spread by the Emperor after the effects of Order Sixty-Six. We have always known that Bail is the biggest supporter of the Jedi, but seeing what lengths he would go to just to clear their name goes to show what a firm believer he was in them.
We also get introduced to new characters as well as see another familiar face (I’m looking at you, Saw), and the story flows well between each different point of view from all of these characters in a way that doesn’t seem too overwhelming. This book was very fulfilling and hit all of my marks, and I am truly excited to see where this story goes from between this moment and that of Andor. Once again I am thankful to have received this ARC!
March 2, 2025
Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed may be the first book in a new Star Wars trilogy, but it can also hold its own serve as a complete story. If the phrase “Star Wars is political� triggers you, this likely isn’t the book for you. If that phrase excites you and you’re a fan of the political side of this universe such as projects like Andor, then this book will be perfect for you. This political thriller takes place in-between Revenge of the Sith and Rogue One and follows three familiar faces: Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera, as well as a few new characters in supporting roles.
Palpatine has just assumed his role as Emperor of an infant Galactic Empire and this book follows that delicate transition away from the Republic and towards a fascist regime. I realize this book was completed months before the November US elections, but boy does it reflect a lot of current events in surprising and haunting ways. Palpatine is not a character in this book but his shadow looms over our cast like a monster who could be behind any corner. His name is on the lips of everyone and his presence felt in every room despite never making an official appearance. His Grand Vizier Mas Amedda, while never making much of an impact on me, gets one scene towards the end of the book that will be stuck in my mind probably forever.
One aspect of the book I really enjoyed was the dynamic between our 3 main characters. All of them have different approaches to addressing the new regime. Mothma wanting to bring change from within the system. Organa wanting to bring change from outside the system. And Gerrera wanting to burn the whole thing down. This is a dilemma that mirrors resistance efforts to oppressive regimes today and I thought Freed was clever with this approach. Another small tidbit I liked is the fact even though these 3 will go on to be the main architects of the Rebellion, because of their differences they don’t necessarily like each other. I did love that Freed uses Mothma and Organa’s relationship with Padme as a bridge for their relationship, however. Speaking of Padme, this book heavily references the Delegation of 2,000 mentioned in the RoTS novelization and the deleted scene from the film where she played a big role in opposing Palpatine. Padme’s presence is felt here just as much as the Emperor.
My favorite character was Mothma. Much of her story in the book is meeting with other Senators and lobbying for votes. I could read her doing that all day long. She’s a skilled politician and her inner dialogue makes it never boring to read. She also has three(!) of the most haunting chapters in the book that I won’t soon forget.
As for the new characters, I really loved Soujen. I can’t say much about him because of spoilers but he was a great addition. Haki was interesting as we got to see the POV of an Imperial spy. Chemish was probably the weakest character for me but it seems like they will play a bigger role in future books so maybe they’ll win me over more.
I’m curious to see where we go from here since it is a trilogy. I’m bummed Freed won’t be continuing, but he and the other authors did work on this project together so hopefully it is a seamless reading experience. I can’t believe I have to wait a year for the next book!
Without going into spoilers, I’ll just pose these questions that the book answers to help you decide if this interests you:
1. How did Palpatine effectively turn most of the galaxy against the Jedi so quickly?
2. What happened to the Separatist worlds and their leaders after the Clone Wars?
3. What was life like on Coruscant after the Separatists attacked the planet?
4. Did the Separatists have contingency plans if they lost the war?
5. What happened to the Delegation of 2,000 after the Clone Wars?
6. How did Republic Senators react to Palpatine ascending to the title of Emperor and did they do anything to try to stop it?
7. What sort of changes does the Empire implement immediately following the war?
Palpatine has just assumed his role as Emperor of an infant Galactic Empire and this book follows that delicate transition away from the Republic and towards a fascist regime. I realize this book was completed months before the November US elections, but boy does it reflect a lot of current events in surprising and haunting ways. Palpatine is not a character in this book but his shadow looms over our cast like a monster who could be behind any corner. His name is on the lips of everyone and his presence felt in every room despite never making an official appearance. His Grand Vizier Mas Amedda, while never making much of an impact on me, gets one scene towards the end of the book that will be stuck in my mind probably forever.
One aspect of the book I really enjoyed was the dynamic between our 3 main characters. All of them have different approaches to addressing the new regime. Mothma wanting to bring change from within the system. Organa wanting to bring change from outside the system. And Gerrera wanting to burn the whole thing down. This is a dilemma that mirrors resistance efforts to oppressive regimes today and I thought Freed was clever with this approach. Another small tidbit I liked is the fact even though these 3 will go on to be the main architects of the Rebellion, because of their differences they don’t necessarily like each other. I did love that Freed uses Mothma and Organa’s relationship with Padme as a bridge for their relationship, however. Speaking of Padme, this book heavily references the Delegation of 2,000 mentioned in the RoTS novelization and the deleted scene from the film where she played a big role in opposing Palpatine. Padme’s presence is felt here just as much as the Emperor.
My favorite character was Mothma. Much of her story in the book is meeting with other Senators and lobbying for votes. I could read her doing that all day long. She’s a skilled politician and her inner dialogue makes it never boring to read. She also has three(!) of the most haunting chapters in the book that I won’t soon forget.
As for the new characters, I really loved Soujen. I can’t say much about him because of spoilers but he was a great addition. Haki was interesting as we got to see the POV of an Imperial spy. Chemish was probably the weakest character for me but it seems like they will play a bigger role in future books so maybe they’ll win me over more.
I’m curious to see where we go from here since it is a trilogy. I’m bummed Freed won’t be continuing, but he and the other authors did work on this project together so hopefully it is a seamless reading experience. I can’t believe I have to wait a year for the next book!
Without going into spoilers, I’ll just pose these questions that the book answers to help you decide if this interests you:
1. How did Palpatine effectively turn most of the galaxy against the Jedi so quickly?
2. What happened to the Separatist worlds and their leaders after the Clone Wars?
3. What was life like on Coruscant after the Separatists attacked the planet?
4. Did the Separatists have contingency plans if they lost the war?
5. What happened to the Delegation of 2,000 after the Clone Wars?
6. How did Republic Senators react to Palpatine ascending to the title of Emperor and did they do anything to try to stop it?
7. What sort of changes does the Empire implement immediately following the war?
March 9, 2025
"People don't change their minds in the face of evidence. People look for evidence that fits what they believe."
Alexander Freed's The Mask of Fear (Star Wars: Reign of the Empire, #1) was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025.
It is, therefore, unfortune it not quite hit the mark like I had hoped.
Please do not get me wrong. I knew it was going to be political, heavily so, which is why I was looking forward to it. When I learned it would follow Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera, I was ecstatic! But Freed added a few more narratives that, for the most part, fell flat for me. Only one of the new faces introduced ended up becoming interesting.
So, let's start with that character.
Soujen was, by far, the best. In my opinion, he was when compared to the other new narratives.
True, it took time for me to be drawn into his narrative, but by the 30% mark, his chapters improved for me. I was invested and thought he made a great addition to the cast.
The two Imperial Intelligence operatives, however, I did not enjoy. At all.
Haki and her apprentice never became interesting to me, and I was disappointed by how the former joined one of the main three.
Now, going back to the original crew, I think Freed did a good job nailing Mon Mothma's character. Her chapters were on par with Soujen's, and I really liked seeing how she handled and maneuvered in the political aspects of the book. Saw, seen through mainly Soujen's chapters, also seemed in character. The only one who felt out of character, at times, was Bail, which was unfortunate since he's one of my favorites.
Anyway, it was an okay installment, but I do feel hesitant to continue. I wasn't the biggest fan of the Alphabet Squadron trilogy, but I loved Freed's novelization of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and really enjoyed Twilight Company (Star Wars: Battlefront), so... Yeah.
Alexander Freed's The Mask of Fear (Star Wars: Reign of the Empire, #1) was one of my most anticipated reads for 2025.
It is, therefore, unfortune it not quite hit the mark like I had hoped.
Please do not get me wrong. I knew it was going to be political, heavily so, which is why I was looking forward to it. When I learned it would follow Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera, I was ecstatic! But Freed added a few more narratives that, for the most part, fell flat for me. Only one of the new faces introduced ended up becoming interesting.
So, let's start with that character.
Soujen was, by far, the best. In my opinion, he was when compared to the other new narratives.
True, it took time for me to be drawn into his narrative, but by the 30% mark, his chapters improved for me. I was invested and thought he made a great addition to the cast.
The two Imperial Intelligence operatives, however, I did not enjoy. At all.
Haki and her apprentice never became interesting to me, and I was disappointed by how the former joined one of the main three.
Now, going back to the original crew, I think Freed did a good job nailing Mon Mothma's character. Her chapters were on par with Soujen's, and I really liked seeing how she handled and maneuvered in the political aspects of the book. Saw, seen through mainly Soujen's chapters, also seemed in character. The only one who felt out of character, at times, was Bail, which was unfortunate since he's one of my favorites.
Anyway, it was an okay installment, but I do feel hesitant to continue. I wasn't the biggest fan of the Alphabet Squadron trilogy, but I loved Freed's novelization of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and really enjoyed Twilight Company (Star Wars: Battlefront), so... Yeah.
March 14, 2025
This was such a great first book of this new Star Wars trilogy. Very politically heavy and such unique insight into the worlds of Mon Mothma and Bail Organa. Also great insight on Saw Gerrera and how his brain functions - I look forward to having him be more of a focus in the rest of the books (hopefully). I didn’t fully feel a lot of the side characters were that important to the overall story but I did enjoy them. This is my favorite time period in all of Star Wars and seeing the beginnings of the Rebellion feels like such a treat. They’re the big 3 of the Rebel Alliance!!! I am already anticipating book 2!!!!
February 28, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC copy of this book!
This was a very interesting time period for a good Star Wars story! The founders of the rebellion, being in-between episodes 3-4 after the fall of the Jedi, this was intriguing. It does not shy away from heartbreak and serious issues. I loved getting to see Mon Mothma, Saw and Bail Organa and see the founders of the rebellion taking action. I thought they handled characters like Tarkin really well and made him a formidable opponent!
The only thing lacking in this book I believe was some pacing issues. There were times where things were very slow and relied a lot on exposition more than I would like. However, I don't think it was a major issue just a small nit pick. They squeaked in enough references and easter eggs that I believe made up for this small thing.
I think this could be great even as a standalone but knowing it's going to be a trilogy makes me very excited and eager to read more!
4.5 stars
This was a very interesting time period for a good Star Wars story! The founders of the rebellion, being in-between episodes 3-4 after the fall of the Jedi, this was intriguing. It does not shy away from heartbreak and serious issues. I loved getting to see Mon Mothma, Saw and Bail Organa and see the founders of the rebellion taking action. I thought they handled characters like Tarkin really well and made him a formidable opponent!
The only thing lacking in this book I believe was some pacing issues. There were times where things were very slow and relied a lot on exposition more than I would like. However, I don't think it was a major issue just a small nit pick. They squeaked in enough references and easter eggs that I believe made up for this small thing.
I think this could be great even as a standalone but knowing it's going to be a trilogy makes me very excited and eager to read more!
4.5 stars
March 7, 2025
It's Freed doing Star Wars politics. What's not to love?
October 29, 2024
A masterful beginning to a new trilogy that does double duty as the perfect entry point for new Star Wars readers and an unputdownable read for the most well-read of fans. I got an advance uncorrected proof from the Random House Worlds team at New York Comic-Con 2024, and I'm glad I did, because this is one of the Star Wars novels I've been most excited for based on its pitch alone—and Alexander Freed did not disappoint.
His return to Mon Mothma—after writing her for the Rogue One novelization and his "Contingency Plan" short story (the latter of which still lives rent-free in my head) for the inaugural From a Certain Point of View anthology—was nothing short of brilliant. His examination of Bail Organa and Saw Gerrera is equally compelling, not just in how they and Mon serve as foils to each other, but also the very real rifts between them. Bail and Mon are typically portrayed throughout the Saga as allies, but they're also two distinctly different characters where Padmé was the glue who held them together. The Mask of Fear is one of the first entries in modern Star Wars storytelling that thoroughly exhumes their differences, because in these first few weeks after Padmé's death, you see how they must find their ways, plural and more often distinct than mutual, without her.
This is a brilliant novel that shows the Empire's greatest weapon is convincing people that they're alone. The story hinges on how Mon, Bail, and Saw, along with a new cast of intriguing characters, each cope with the status quo of the galaxy in the short term. They're not an Alliance. They're barely even Rebels. But as one of my favorite rebels Vel Sartha once said, "Everyone has their own rebellion." And this is the first chapter in that story.
Read this before your next Rebels rewatch and before you brush up on Andor before its second season comes in 2025. And then go back and read Claudia Gray's masterpiece entitled Leia, Princess of Alderaan, because it's the perfect bookend to The Mask of Fear.
His return to Mon Mothma—after writing her for the Rogue One novelization and his "Contingency Plan" short story (the latter of which still lives rent-free in my head) for the inaugural From a Certain Point of View anthology—was nothing short of brilliant. His examination of Bail Organa and Saw Gerrera is equally compelling, not just in how they and Mon serve as foils to each other, but also the very real rifts between them. Bail and Mon are typically portrayed throughout the Saga as allies, but they're also two distinctly different characters where Padmé was the glue who held them together. The Mask of Fear is one of the first entries in modern Star Wars storytelling that thoroughly exhumes their differences, because in these first few weeks after Padmé's death, you see how they must find their ways, plural and more often distinct than mutual, without her.
This is a brilliant novel that shows the Empire's greatest weapon is convincing people that they're alone. The story hinges on how Mon, Bail, and Saw, along with a new cast of intriguing characters, each cope with the status quo of the galaxy in the short term. They're not an Alliance. They're barely even Rebels. But as one of my favorite rebels Vel Sartha once said, "Everyone has their own rebellion." And this is the first chapter in that story.
Read this before your next Rebels rewatch and before you brush up on Andor before its second season comes in 2025. And then go back and read Claudia Gray's masterpiece entitled Leia, Princess of Alderaan, because it's the perfect bookend to The Mask of Fear.
April 19, 2025
Mehhhh. Interesting read on the foundations of the rebellion and how Mon, Saw and Bail all worked together against the Empire despite massive ideological differences. The main story the book was centered around just wasn’t that interesting to me, I found it extremely difficult to care about the new characters and their plot lines, and it was very easy to zombie read big parts of this book.
March 22, 2025
So very good. I personally am still an avid Star Wars fan because I am interested in the politics. When I first saw Return of the Jedi, my biggest question after the credits rolled was, "So what happens the next day, now the Emperor is dead?". And so too after Revenge of the Sith, I asked, "What's life like for the people now that the Jedi are gone and the Emperor is in power?". My favourite planet is Coruscant so I'm always interested in getting a glimpse of life there for its inhabitants. All this is to say, this book was just my kind of thing and I enjoyed it immensely. Can't wait for the next installment.
***More review to come.***
***More review to come.***
January 11, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Worlds for this Review Copy
Plot
This book starts right off with action. This is a very well known time in the Star Wars Universe, shortly after the fall of the republic and the start of Palpatine's reign. As the book continues there are moments of high action and more relaxed areas as well. This book is close to 500 pages, but it never felt long; Freed did a wonderful job with the pacing of this book. I loved how each chapter had a different character's point of view, but quite often the characters in the book will join others (some expected, some not) and see the meeting from a multiple character’s view. My only problem with the plot is at times it felt very sudden at times and jumped from one scene to the next, especially with action sequences. If you were also worried about this book being too political based, then do not worry. I found that it was very action filled with the senate politics throughout the book, but nothing that was too overwhelming.
Characters
The main characters include Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and Soujen. Soujen chapters allowed us to see most of Saw Gerrera. I do think Freed did a great job with Soujen’s character and you never knew his true motives or feelings, which helped with the pacing of the book. My favorite was Bail Organa. He is naive in a way because of how strongly he believes in his cause. I loved how Bail was the only one that truly cared about what happened to the Jedi during Order 66. If he was not there, the Jedi would be a very small portion of concern. His close relationship with Padme really shined in this book and was one of my favorite parts. Now if you are a fan of Andor, then Mon Mothma’s sections of this book will definitely be your favorite. She is where you will find the most political aspect of the book. These parts were a little harder to get through personally, since political books do not interest me as much. However, she is such a strong character and I loved seeing how she is able to deal with everything that went wrong around her in an admirable way. My problem with the characters is sometimes that there are way more points of views in this book than needed. In a senate meeting when they switched to the point of view of a senator for only one chapter throughout the book, I thought that worked so nicely. But there were other characters that I felt the point of views were unneeded and ruined the flow of the current storyline.
The Present and Future
The book could easily be read as a stand-alone. However, I can see where the next two books in the trilogy will go due to this trilogy taking place over 19 years. I hope we do get more Saw Gerrera in the next book. This is a fantastic book for any Star Wars fan! I will definitely be adding this to my list of books any fan can pick up and easily understand, whether you only like the movies or everything.
Plot
This book starts right off with action. This is a very well known time in the Star Wars Universe, shortly after the fall of the republic and the start of Palpatine's reign. As the book continues there are moments of high action and more relaxed areas as well. This book is close to 500 pages, but it never felt long; Freed did a wonderful job with the pacing of this book. I loved how each chapter had a different character's point of view, but quite often the characters in the book will join others (some expected, some not) and see the meeting from a multiple character’s view. My only problem with the plot is at times it felt very sudden at times and jumped from one scene to the next, especially with action sequences. If you were also worried about this book being too political based, then do not worry. I found that it was very action filled with the senate politics throughout the book, but nothing that was too overwhelming.
Characters
The main characters include Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and Soujen. Soujen chapters allowed us to see most of Saw Gerrera. I do think Freed did a great job with Soujen’s character and you never knew his true motives or feelings, which helped with the pacing of the book. My favorite was Bail Organa. He is naive in a way because of how strongly he believes in his cause. I loved how Bail was the only one that truly cared about what happened to the Jedi during Order 66. If he was not there, the Jedi would be a very small portion of concern. His close relationship with Padme really shined in this book and was one of my favorite parts. Now if you are a fan of Andor, then Mon Mothma’s sections of this book will definitely be your favorite. She is where you will find the most political aspect of the book. These parts were a little harder to get through personally, since political books do not interest me as much. However, she is such a strong character and I loved seeing how she is able to deal with everything that went wrong around her in an admirable way. My problem with the characters is sometimes that there are way more points of views in this book than needed. In a senate meeting when they switched to the point of view of a senator for only one chapter throughout the book, I thought that worked so nicely. But there were other characters that I felt the point of views were unneeded and ruined the flow of the current storyline.
The Present and Future
The book could easily be read as a stand-alone. However, I can see where the next two books in the trilogy will go due to this trilogy taking place over 19 years. I hope we do get more Saw Gerrera in the next book. This is a fantastic book for any Star Wars fan! I will definitely be adding this to my list of books any fan can pick up and easily understand, whether you only like the movies or everything.
March 5, 2025
I had looked forward to this new series, a political one. A story about Mon Monthma, Bail Organa and Saw Guerra after the Empire had come to power. Canon has had a tendency to dumb down certain characters, notably Bail Organa. Bail was always a shrewd politician and privy to great secret of the new hope for the Jedi. I had to suspend belief that Bail was as naive as he appears in this book. Protesting about what happened to the Jedi, unaware of Imperial surveillance. He's not a stupid man, but this book makes him one. Mon Mothma is handled better and this is really her book. Saw is Saw. There are a number of extra characters, and plots about terrorists and protestors. They focus on one augmented terrorist. We also visit a Confederacy syndicate Moth tries to make allies with. The only Imperial senior official we see is Mas Ameda. This book decides to forget a major influence that determined Imperial focus. Most notably the Tarkin Initiative. Admiral and later Grand Moff Tarkin would have had major influence and frequently had interacted with senators and Vader was missing. It is interesting to note that the book claimed unlimited funds to create Imperial camps when the Death Star construction was where the majority of funds were supposedly going.
I have read the Rogue One adaptation and Freed's Battlefront Twilight Company which was one of my least favorite books. This was a political thriller that wasn't that thrilling. Timothy Zahn, James Luceno and Michael Stackpole could write politics and an exciting story that keeps you interested. All three are sorely needed. January LaVoy did a fantastic job on narration for the audio book. I don't have high hopes for the rest of this series and will go back to legends.
I have read the Rogue One adaptation and Freed's Battlefront Twilight Company which was one of my least favorite books. This was a political thriller that wasn't that thrilling. Timothy Zahn, James Luceno and Michael Stackpole could write politics and an exciting story that keeps you interested. All three are sorely needed. January LaVoy did a fantastic job on narration for the audio book. I don't have high hopes for the rest of this series and will go back to legends.
January 21, 2025
I would like to begin by thanking Alexander Freed, Random House Publishing Group, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I want to preface this review with providing contextual information. I have loved Star Wars since I was a boy. My passions falls along the lines of winning most games of Star Wars trivia but is not yet at the level of owning a mancave full of stormtroopers. I admit to eagerly devouring any types of Star Wars media as soon as they are released. The majority of things (99%) released I love. BUT, I found this book to be dry in the beginning half.
I don't blame the dry writing on the author. In fact, the tone and character development were enjoyable and complex. However, many Star Wars fan often forget the political overtones that dominate the Star Wars universe. This book seeks to address them by describing concurrent stories that bring together three of the most important, yet underrated characters in the post-Clone Wars era.
Perhaps the driest parts of this book involve descriptions of the historical contexts and political factions operating simultaneously. In many cases even I, a massive Star Wars nerd, got confused and had to consult Wookiepedia (see, nerd!) to better understand the story. A helpful addition to this book would have been a 'Definitions' page that described characters, political factions, and perhaps even provide a short synopsis on their history.
Dry parts aside, the book overall provide helpful and complete context to the growth of the Resistance movement that dominated the Star Wars universe after episode 3. I would recommend this book to Star Wars fan, with the caveat that its a largely political story that requires moderate to above average levels of Star Wars intelligence to truly enjoy.
I want to preface this review with providing contextual information. I have loved Star Wars since I was a boy. My passions falls along the lines of winning most games of Star Wars trivia but is not yet at the level of owning a mancave full of stormtroopers. I admit to eagerly devouring any types of Star Wars media as soon as they are released. The majority of things (99%) released I love. BUT, I found this book to be dry in the beginning half.
I don't blame the dry writing on the author. In fact, the tone and character development were enjoyable and complex. However, many Star Wars fan often forget the political overtones that dominate the Star Wars universe. This book seeks to address them by describing concurrent stories that bring together three of the most important, yet underrated characters in the post-Clone Wars era.
Perhaps the driest parts of this book involve descriptions of the historical contexts and political factions operating simultaneously. In many cases even I, a massive Star Wars nerd, got confused and had to consult Wookiepedia (see, nerd!) to better understand the story. A helpful addition to this book would have been a 'Definitions' page that described characters, political factions, and perhaps even provide a short synopsis on their history.
Dry parts aside, the book overall provide helpful and complete context to the growth of the Resistance movement that dominated the Star Wars universe after episode 3. I would recommend this book to Star Wars fan, with the caveat that its a largely political story that requires moderate to above average levels of Star Wars intelligence to truly enjoy.
Currently reading
August 15, 2024FINALLY!!
A trilogy abt the founders of the rebellion�
I HAVE WAITED SO LONG!!!
Perfect book to release alongside andor season 2
STAR WARS I WILL ❤️ U FOREVER!!!!
A trilogy abt the founders of the rebellion�
I HAVE WAITED SO LONG!!!
Perfect book to release alongside andor season 2
STAR WARS I WILL ❤️ U FOREVER!!!!
March 8, 2025
After reading/loving Alexander Freed’s “Alphabet Squadron� trilogy last year, Freed became a Star Wars author whose work I will always check out. Hearing he was kicking off the “Reign of the Empire� trilogy with “The Mask of Fear� made the book a must-read for me. Set in the first year after “Revenge of the Sith�, the book follows Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, Saw Gerrera, and several new characters navigating the sudden transformation of the Republic into the Galactic Empire. The result is a startling but fascinating look at a period of Star Wars history many readers will find very familiar to their own lives.
Needless to say, watching a democracy’s institutions� suddenly be ripped up by those with fascist leanings and the resulting atmosphere of apprehension and fear in A Galaxy Far Far Away makes The Mask of Fear one of the most relevant Star Wars stories to read in 2025. I can’t say Freed was prophetic but the book’s release is perfect and readers will doubtlessly see parallels to real life. For instance the bit about a Senator hoping Palpatine’s age/injuries would bring the totalitarian shift to heel in a few years and his regime fading with him echoes other recently expressed hopes about authoritarian leaders. Other parts like a radicalized fascist supporter showing up at an opposition leader’s house intent on violence and traumatizing her husband is literally ripped from the headlines with some details changed (no word on what color headwear is worn by the working class supporters of Palpatine’s populist and fascist persona). Moments like these might be a bit much for those looking for escapism but I’ve always been of the impression that the best sci fi stories, including Star Wars ones, are artistic reflections of current issues/events. So Mask of Fear is right at home in a grand sci-fi/Star Wars tradition.
Moving past the broader conflict of the book, I particularly liked how Freed had the three future Rebel Alliance leaders take different approaches to confronting the Empire in the early days. Bail’s a political outsider vocal in his questioning of the “Jedi Coup Attempt�, Mon’s trying to do things the “legit� way/become the political irritant she describes herself as in “Andor�, and Saw is his usual bomb-throwing self. Of the three characters, I’d say I found Mon’s story the best as we/her see how futile it is to try “playing by the rules� to combat authoritarianism when the tyrants/their supporters have no intention of doing so (much like what happens with certain real world political parties), bringing her closer to her Andor storyline. Speaking of Andor, the book makes her relationship with her husband Perrin actually a bit tragic by showing she had a better rapport with him in the years before the show. Bail honestly I found a bit annoying and Saw’s story, while exciting, almost felt like a paint by the numbers version of his usual storylines. What made those character’s arcs interesting though was their interactions with new characters, particularly Bail’s interactions with an Imperial spy and Separatist guerilla fighter if only to see the contrast between him and them. Ultimately a closing meeting between the three Rebel leads was a good showcase of their differences and how that will shape their dynamic in the subsequent years and projects about them.
A lot of the book is talking which some might find boring but this does feel like a story that both George Lucas at the height of making the prequels and Tony Gilroy would appreciate. It’s mostly political maneuvering and cloak & dagger espionage (more “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy� than James Bond) that I nonetheless still found to be engaging. Like Claudia Gray’s “Bloodline�, there’s enough action sequences (usually in Saw’s sections) to tie more action-oriented fans over. While the climax is mostly about a vote on a bill, the climax also includes a pretty shocking death that shows the extent that at least one of our leads is willing to go to.
As I said, “The Mask of Fear� was regrettably released at just the right time to suck readers in and remind them of real world trends. Had it not come out when it did I don’t know if its reception would have been as high and the use in reviews of the word “relevant� would have dropped. But still though I think Freed’s story, character work and writing make it a compelling read. It certainly got me in the mood for the imminent release of “Andor� season 2. Freed/The Mask of Fear leaves the “Reign of the Empire� trilogy at a good spot and I hope the subsequent novels by Rebecca Roanhorse and Fran Wilde are just as great.
Needless to say, watching a democracy’s institutions� suddenly be ripped up by those with fascist leanings and the resulting atmosphere of apprehension and fear in A Galaxy Far Far Away makes The Mask of Fear one of the most relevant Star Wars stories to read in 2025. I can’t say Freed was prophetic but the book’s release is perfect and readers will doubtlessly see parallels to real life. For instance the bit about a Senator hoping Palpatine’s age/injuries would bring the totalitarian shift to heel in a few years and his regime fading with him echoes other recently expressed hopes about authoritarian leaders. Other parts like a radicalized fascist supporter showing up at an opposition leader’s house intent on violence and traumatizing her husband is literally ripped from the headlines with some details changed (no word on what color headwear is worn by the working class supporters of Palpatine’s populist and fascist persona). Moments like these might be a bit much for those looking for escapism but I’ve always been of the impression that the best sci fi stories, including Star Wars ones, are artistic reflections of current issues/events. So Mask of Fear is right at home in a grand sci-fi/Star Wars tradition.
Moving past the broader conflict of the book, I particularly liked how Freed had the three future Rebel Alliance leaders take different approaches to confronting the Empire in the early days. Bail’s a political outsider vocal in his questioning of the “Jedi Coup Attempt�, Mon’s trying to do things the “legit� way/become the political irritant she describes herself as in “Andor�, and Saw is his usual bomb-throwing self. Of the three characters, I’d say I found Mon’s story the best as we/her see how futile it is to try “playing by the rules� to combat authoritarianism when the tyrants/their supporters have no intention of doing so (much like what happens with certain real world political parties), bringing her closer to her Andor storyline. Speaking of Andor, the book makes her relationship with her husband Perrin actually a bit tragic by showing she had a better rapport with him in the years before the show. Bail honestly I found a bit annoying and Saw’s story, while exciting, almost felt like a paint by the numbers version of his usual storylines. What made those character’s arcs interesting though was their interactions with new characters, particularly Bail’s interactions with an Imperial spy and Separatist guerilla fighter if only to see the contrast between him and them. Ultimately a closing meeting between the three Rebel leads was a good showcase of their differences and how that will shape their dynamic in the subsequent years and projects about them.
A lot of the book is talking which some might find boring but this does feel like a story that both George Lucas at the height of making the prequels and Tony Gilroy would appreciate. It’s mostly political maneuvering and cloak & dagger espionage (more “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy� than James Bond) that I nonetheless still found to be engaging. Like Claudia Gray’s “Bloodline�, there’s enough action sequences (usually in Saw’s sections) to tie more action-oriented fans over. While the climax is mostly about a vote on a bill, the climax also includes a pretty shocking death that shows the extent that at least one of our leads is willing to go to.
As I said, “The Mask of Fear� was regrettably released at just the right time to suck readers in and remind them of real world trends. Had it not come out when it did I don’t know if its reception would have been as high and the use in reviews of the word “relevant� would have dropped. But still though I think Freed’s story, character work and writing make it a compelling read. It certainly got me in the mood for the imminent release of “Andor� season 2. Freed/The Mask of Fear leaves the “Reign of the Empire� trilogy at a good spot and I hope the subsequent novels by Rebecca Roanhorse and Fran Wilde are just as great.
March 16, 2025
Now this is meaty...far meatier than anything I find in the High Republic novels. I can't say I'm a fan of "Andor" on TV, but this -- the early days of the Empire and the seeds of the Rebellion -- makes for a first rate novel. The key is the character work, especially the relationship between Mon Mothma and Bail Organa. Everything they go through, their sense of security and certainty in their reality shattered by the evil that is unfolding around them...it's simply fascinating watching as they fumble their way into the beginnings of a great galactic uprising. The revelations about Saw Gererra are almost as fascinating...but I'm also impressed by what a mystery he still remains, in spite of his backstory. This was a feast of fanwank-as-great-literature, and I can't wait for the next step in the journey.
April 1, 2025
3.5 rounded down
i loved the alphabet squadron trilogy and have said repeatedly that aside from andor, it’s the most politically interesting/sharp thing sw has ever put out.
so yes i was stoked to see freed at the helm of this premise, and it started pretty strong! freed has the chops for the subject matter, but as the plot wore on it felt increasingly rushed, not with pacing but with craft.
freed referenced some behind the scenes struggles getting this out the door in the acknowledgements and it shows, imo. maybe his style was like this in AS and i didn’t notice? but still, the reliance of “he thought of x. he thought of y� for interiority got old really quickly. and as happy as i was to see a nonbinary pov character, something happened between drafting and editorial with everything around chemish—it was like the book was so afraid to have any sentence use their pronouns where there could even be an ounce of ambiguity of antecedent regardless of obvious context clues. and the writing SUFFERS for it around them.
it’s the sort of things that would get sacrificed on the altar of fast-approaching hard deadline for a megacorporate IP machine, so. here’s hoping freed gets the chance to put out a novel that’s his own stuff sometime soon
i loved the alphabet squadron trilogy and have said repeatedly that aside from andor, it’s the most politically interesting/sharp thing sw has ever put out.
so yes i was stoked to see freed at the helm of this premise, and it started pretty strong! freed has the chops for the subject matter, but as the plot wore on it felt increasingly rushed, not with pacing but with craft.
freed referenced some behind the scenes struggles getting this out the door in the acknowledgements and it shows, imo. maybe his style was like this in AS and i didn’t notice? but still, the reliance of “he thought of x. he thought of y� for interiority got old really quickly. and as happy as i was to see a nonbinary pov character, something happened between drafting and editorial with everything around chemish—it was like the book was so afraid to have any sentence use their pronouns where there could even be an ounce of ambiguity of antecedent regardless of obvious context clues. and the writing SUFFERS for it around them.
it’s the sort of things that would get sacrificed on the altar of fast-approaching hard deadline for a megacorporate IP machine, so. here’s hoping freed gets the chance to put out a novel that’s his own stuff sometime soon
April 3, 2025
This book is so relevant to today and I had an absolute blast reading it!
If you’re a huge fan of Andor the show or Mon Mothma as a character, definitely check this out! The political games played and the very human emotions that the characters display� I was moved here and there
If you’re a huge fan of Andor the show or Mon Mothma as a character, definitely check this out! The political games played and the very human emotions that the characters display� I was moved here and there
April 18, 2025
I FINALLY FINISHED THIS AFTER TWO MONTHS!
I wish we got more of Saw's POV, but i'm excited for the next book :D
I wish we got more of Saw's POV, but i'm excited for the next book :D
March 14, 2025
An excellent book that ties in Andor and even some episodes of Clone Wars rewarding Star Wars fans. Sadly this doesn’t happen often. I enjoyed the Mon Mothma’s and Bail Organas storylines very much. My only criticism is one POV who is a new character named Chemish. I recommend this book to anyone how is interested in the events immediately following Revenge of the Sith.
January 16, 2025
Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to a 4-star review.
Star Wars: The Mask of Fear peels back the curtain on the galaxy’s dark days with Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera leading the charge—or at least figuring out what the heck they’re doing in the shadow of the Empire. Think of it as Andor: The Prequel to the Prequel, with all the moral dilemmas and political intrigue you could hope for.
The book doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff—there’s betrayal, heartbreak, and enough oppression to make you want to punch Tarkin in the face. But fear not, because the characters� journeys are gripping enough to keep you turning the pages faster than the Millennium Falcon making the Kessel Run. Mon Mothma is a queen of quiet defiance, Bail Organa’s optimism is practically glowing, and Saw Gerrera� well, let’s just say the paranoia is strong with this one.
What’s keeping it from a full 5 stars, you ask? The pacing occasionally felt slower than an astromech stuck in sand, and some moments leaned too hard on exposition. But the sheer depth of character exploration and the looming tension of the Empire’s rise make up for it. Plus, there are enough Easter eggs to make even a casual fan shout, “I understood that reference!�
Bottom line: The Mask of Fear is an engaging, brooding start to a trilogy that promises to show us how rebellion is born—one fear-filled choice at a time. Worth the read, even if it leaves you muttering, “This is how liberty dies…�
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to build a Rebel cell in my living room.
Star Wars: The Mask of Fear peels back the curtain on the galaxy’s dark days with Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera leading the charge—or at least figuring out what the heck they’re doing in the shadow of the Empire. Think of it as Andor: The Prequel to the Prequel, with all the moral dilemmas and political intrigue you could hope for.
The book doesn’t shy away from the heavy stuff—there’s betrayal, heartbreak, and enough oppression to make you want to punch Tarkin in the face. But fear not, because the characters� journeys are gripping enough to keep you turning the pages faster than the Millennium Falcon making the Kessel Run. Mon Mothma is a queen of quiet defiance, Bail Organa’s optimism is practically glowing, and Saw Gerrera� well, let’s just say the paranoia is strong with this one.
What’s keeping it from a full 5 stars, you ask? The pacing occasionally felt slower than an astromech stuck in sand, and some moments leaned too hard on exposition. But the sheer depth of character exploration and the looming tension of the Empire’s rise make up for it. Plus, there are enough Easter eggs to make even a casual fan shout, “I understood that reference!�
Bottom line: The Mask of Fear is an engaging, brooding start to a trilogy that promises to show us how rebellion is born—one fear-filled choice at a time. Worth the read, even if it leaves you muttering, “This is how liberty dies…�
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to build a Rebel cell in my living room.
February 16, 2025
Thank you Netgalley & Random House Worlds for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
The galaxy is days removed from the dissolution of the Republic and Palpatine declaring himself Emperor. How does life return to business as usual? What is the new normal? Courscant still bears scars of a seige. Senate seats are vacant from disenfranchised Separatists. Worlds are abandoned after they served their purpose as battlegrounds. A religious sect of warrior peace keepers has been entirely wiped out.
The war might be over, but three architects of the Rebellion - Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera - are still in the fight. Mothma is playing the game of votes and policy and alliances to legislate power back to the Senate and Democracy. Organa channels his Jedi friends in his pursuit of justice to hold the Emperor accountable for his crimes. Gerrera, used and abandoned by the Republic, is not waiting for the powers of the Empire to turn on him as well.
Alexander Freed achieves the seemingly impossible - investing me into a story of failure. Because even knowing the history of "a long time ago" I wanted victories, no matter how small, for these intrepid rebels. I saw their passion for order and truth and justice, yet (especially for Mothma and Organa) they were trying to play by rules deemed obsolete by the new regime. Their failures become their fuel to adapt to the new political landscape.
A note that may be uncommon - I loved not having chapters from Gerrera's point of view. I didn't mourn its absence, not once, even if we were promised the story would be "told through the eyes of" all three mains. Saw Gerrera's motives can remain elusive. His calculated unpredictability is what makes him the perfect radical voice of the people.
Another observation! Palpatine is literally never seen or heard but I hated and feared him on every page. I remember Sir Christopher Lee speaking of his character Saruman in the same vein. How the evils of Saruman or the threat of Saruman induced fear though he was rarely seen. Palpatine is similarly treated here and it's perfection.
Highly recommend "The Mask of Fear" for new Star Wars readers who prefer mystery and political thrillers. For the Star Wars readers craving more than lightsabers and space battles. And especially those chasing the same vibes as watching Andor.
The galaxy is days removed from the dissolution of the Republic and Palpatine declaring himself Emperor. How does life return to business as usual? What is the new normal? Courscant still bears scars of a seige. Senate seats are vacant from disenfranchised Separatists. Worlds are abandoned after they served their purpose as battlegrounds. A religious sect of warrior peace keepers has been entirely wiped out.
The war might be over, but three architects of the Rebellion - Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera - are still in the fight. Mothma is playing the game of votes and policy and alliances to legislate power back to the Senate and Democracy. Organa channels his Jedi friends in his pursuit of justice to hold the Emperor accountable for his crimes. Gerrera, used and abandoned by the Republic, is not waiting for the powers of the Empire to turn on him as well.
Alexander Freed achieves the seemingly impossible - investing me into a story of failure. Because even knowing the history of "a long time ago" I wanted victories, no matter how small, for these intrepid rebels. I saw their passion for order and truth and justice, yet (especially for Mothma and Organa) they were trying to play by rules deemed obsolete by the new regime. Their failures become their fuel to adapt to the new political landscape.
A note that may be uncommon - I loved not having chapters from Gerrera's point of view. I didn't mourn its absence, not once, even if we were promised the story would be "told through the eyes of" all three mains. Saw Gerrera's motives can remain elusive. His calculated unpredictability is what makes him the perfect radical voice of the people.
Another observation! Palpatine is literally never seen or heard but I hated and feared him on every page. I remember Sir Christopher Lee speaking of his character Saruman in the same vein. How the evils of Saruman or the threat of Saruman induced fear though he was rarely seen. Palpatine is similarly treated here and it's perfection.
Highly recommend "The Mask of Fear" for new Star Wars readers who prefer mystery and political thrillers. For the Star Wars readers craving more than lightsabers and space battles. And especially those chasing the same vibes as watching Andor.
March 22, 2025
pensa num livro lento, dou umas 3,5 estrelas
foi 85% política, e eu acho que devia ter ficado só em política, pois quando teve ação, foi quando a história meio que se perdeu, acho que se tivesse focado mais na política, na situação da galáxia no primeiro ano do império, em como as pessoas estavam se adaptando a isso, seria mais interessante
pecou nas partes do bail organa, metade do tempo era ótimo, o otimismo dele, a fé, o luto, a luta por justiça, mas outra metade era ele tomando umas decisões idiotas que olha... não fazia sentido pra mim, era a história que o autor queria se impondo no personagem, e teoricamente eu entendo que as ações do bail eram influenciadas pelo luto, mas sei lá, achei incongruente
a parte da mon mothma foi uma das mais interessantes, gostei da exploração dos ideais dela versus a praticabilidade dos planos, ver o quanto ela estaria disposta a sacrificar por esses planos, o quão longe era iria, é uma mon bem no começo da rebelião dela, tanto ela quanto o bail estão no início da resistência, esse foi um ponto positivo do livro, a inocência deles em relação ao império do palpatine (o final do livro foi ótimo, pois explora isso, o que realmente é o império)
outro ponto é o saw guerrera, achei a interpretação dele aqui nesse livro muito simplória, não o explora além de um suposto terrorista que continua apenas lutando pelo prazer da batalha, faltou nuance em relação ao ativismo dele contra o império
até os pontos de vistas de personagens aleatórios foram interessantes, nos permitem ver a perspectiva de quem é complacente ao império, que luta pelo status quo, ou quem está cego pelos ideais de um movimento, que sempre foi corrupto, e que não tem mais objetivo
apesar de algumas escolhas que prejudicaram o livro, foi uma leitura interessante para conhecer como foi o início do império, onde os personagens estavam e prepara-los para as posições que eles se encontram em vinte anos
"So he was alone with the truth. And left malnourished and unshared, that truth would seem less likely each day—until he would remember it only as a dream, having failed to act on its horrors."
foi 85% política, e eu acho que devia ter ficado só em política, pois quando teve ação, foi quando a história meio que se perdeu, acho que se tivesse focado mais na política, na situação da galáxia no primeiro ano do império, em como as pessoas estavam se adaptando a isso, seria mais interessante
pecou nas partes do bail organa, metade do tempo era ótimo, o otimismo dele, a fé, o luto, a luta por justiça, mas outra metade era ele tomando umas decisões idiotas que olha... não fazia sentido pra mim, era a história que o autor queria se impondo no personagem, e teoricamente eu entendo que as ações do bail eram influenciadas pelo luto, mas sei lá, achei incongruente
a parte da mon mothma foi uma das mais interessantes, gostei da exploração dos ideais dela versus a praticabilidade dos planos, ver o quanto ela estaria disposta a sacrificar por esses planos, o quão longe era iria, é uma mon bem no começo da rebelião dela, tanto ela quanto o bail estão no início da resistência, esse foi um ponto positivo do livro, a inocência deles em relação ao império do palpatine (o final do livro foi ótimo, pois explora isso, o que realmente é o império)
outro ponto é o saw guerrera, achei a interpretação dele aqui nesse livro muito simplória, não o explora além de um suposto terrorista que continua apenas lutando pelo prazer da batalha, faltou nuance em relação ao ativismo dele contra o império
até os pontos de vistas de personagens aleatórios foram interessantes, nos permitem ver a perspectiva de quem é complacente ao império, que luta pelo status quo, ou quem está cego pelos ideais de um movimento, que sempre foi corrupto, e que não tem mais objetivo
apesar de algumas escolhas que prejudicaram o livro, foi uma leitura interessante para conhecer como foi o início do império, onde os personagens estavam e prepara-los para as posições que eles se encontram em vinte anos
"So he was alone with the truth. And left malnourished and unshared, that truth would seem less likely each day—until he would remember it only as a dream, having failed to act on its horrors."
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