STAR WARS: The Mask of Fear (Reign of the Empire), by Alexander Freed – A Book Review

Order 66 has been executed, the Jedi are gone, and the Galactic Empire has brought peace to the galaxy. However, not all believe the lies. STAR WARS: The Mask of Fear from the Reign of the Empire trilogy came out a few months ago. It kicked off the trilogy and takes place immediately after STAR WARS Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.

Check out a review for other Star Wars Books: Ahsoka and STAR WARS A New Dawn.

The Story for STAR WARS: The Mask of Fear (Reign of the Empire)

I read this book immediately following the finale of Andor Season 2 (and of course after rewatching Rogue One). It was perfect timing as this book shows the stories of Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera immediately following Chancellor Palpatine’s Republic ending/Empire creating speech. While their stories cross throughout, each one is given a focus all their own. They’re three different people with three very different ideas on how to take down the Emperor. While we see their stories come together in Andor and Rogue One, STAR WARS The Mask of Fear, helped see how they got there.

SIDENOTE: If you haven’t checked out the animated series Clone Wars and Rebels, they go more into Saw’s background, and how he turned into the rebel we met in Rogue One.

In this book we’re introduced to many other characters as well that help show just how much went into creating a rebel alliance before they realized there was a need for one. Bail sets off on a mission of his own in hopes to clear the names of the Jedi. While many assume it’s simply because he had (has) Jedi friends, there’s of course a much bigger and tiny reason for his mission. He’s got a brand new baby girl. One who only a handful of people know, may likely possess the power of the force.

Meanwhile, Mon continues to do her political thing in as graceful a manner as possible, while suddenly finding herself getting her hands incredibly dirty. As the book wraps up, you can see (and of course we know) where this story is headed.

Check out more book reviews from the Nerd Initiative Book Club!

Overall Grade: 8.5/10

Every Star Wars book I read makes me fall deeper in love with this galaxy far far away. While STAR WARS was originally created as a film to be enjoyed by all ages, it’s always been more complicated than it looks. The politics behind it all create such beautiful, dark, detailed, and complicated stories. STAR WARS The Mask of Fear dove into those politics on a much deeper level than we’ve seen (or at least I’ve come across so far). This book was Netflix’s House of Cards meets Star Wars.

I knew Bail and Mon had been working together for years to create these rebels cells, however, what I didn’t know was how different their paths and feelings to get there were. This book really breaks down the politics, and dangers of doing what they’re doing. Furthermore, it also went into different perspectives, and why people were so divided (another concept they touched on in the animated series, Clone Wars). All in all to anyone who loved Andor, and truly loves the gray of a situation as opposed to simply viewing everything lightside or darkside, you’ll love this book. I can’t wait for the second one in this trilogy series: REIGN OF THE EMPIRE.

To purchase this book by Alexander Freed, click here, and stay tuned for the second and third installment of this trilogy.

Is there a Star Wars book you recommend? Let us know in the comments.

For more from Lauren, check out ‘Hops GEEK News.’