Star Wars: The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed is a very well-written book. It takes place during the first year of Palpatine's reign as Emperor. The Empire has just been created, and senators are trying to figure out their roles in this new government, and the seeds of rebellion are being sown. The story focuses primarily on Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and, adjacently, Saw Gerrera. Bail spends most of the book trying to disprove the "evil Jedi" narrative, Mon Mothma is drumming up supporters for a bill that will attempt limit Palpatine's power giving more power back to the Senate, and Saw is expanding his terrorist ways.

The book is the beginning of a trilogy and serves as a decent prequel to Andor. Star Wars fans will like the intrigue, but they will know that nothing really happens in the book. It is mostly political, and it provides depth to established characters and established storylines. If you are a reader who enjoys the intricacies of politics, you will love it. There is basically no action and only mild adventure.

An expansive new trilogy begins with Alexander Freed’s Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear, a gripping, sprawling political thriller which explores the nascent reactions to the new Empire and offers some sharp, prescient commentary on politics. It will be a tough act to follow and sets expectations for what will come next.

Star Wars has always been political. There should be no question of such a fact, but people always find a way to try and “Well, actually…” such a simple, indisputable truth. George Lucas has never been shy about the influences for his Saga, specifically how the Rebellion was the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War and the Empire was an allegory for real-life empires like America and Britian, while much of history, from the Romans to Richard Nixon, were his guide for where he went for the prequels as well. Even the Sequel trilogy without Lucas, while not as thematically sound, can’t help but feel prescient given its commentary on stagnancy against fascist threats and how they could blindside a complacent ruling government. What ties all these political allegories together is the recent and rather excellent The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire by historian Dr. Chris Kempshall, where the echoes of what Lucas and later contributors were trying to say come together all under one roof. Star Wars IS political, as while you can enjoy the franchise for its “pew pew” and lightsaber battles, not engaging with its deeper messages is willful ignorance. I bring this all up because Alexander Freed’s Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear isn’t subtle about its political commentary as well, to the point it’s one of the few new entries to the Saga, a list which includes Andor of course, since Disney took over which is most true to George Lucas’ own insistence of relying on history and politics to craft the story of his galaxy far, far away. But whereas Lucas was more about history and the politics of his time, Freed pulls from the much more recent past to the present, resulting in an eerie yet timely presence settling over the novel in the most fascinating way possible.

Freed pulls no punches in his commentary,* he’s doing more than posting memes or GIFs of how prognostic Lucas’ films have been, as one doesn’t need to stretch their imagination to comprehend Freed’s coverage of the Empire’s changes is an attempt to understand the current political situation rocking global politics, even the United States, and how we could’ve gotten here. It’s what makes The Mask of Fear such an effective, memorable, and immediate all-time great book, because while Freed could’ve chosen an easier path by putting Palpatine in the spotlight and making him the big bad villain he is, the easy monster in the room, instead he focused on all the small ways one slides into autocracy and dictatorships, like the mundane yet long-game bureaucracy played, of the middle-men and lapdogs desperately clinging to power via acquiescence of one’s morals to do so, and targeted propaganda rewriting history in real-time that dares the opposition to try and sway a public they spent years working on. Palpatine is the man behind the curtains pulling strings, but he didn’t do all this alone and looking at the everyday villains and their methods slowly evolves The Mask of Fear from mere commentary into a guide, as there’s a playbook to watch and learn from to prevent/hold back fascist movements…as well as what it might take to fight back.

We see the various ways the galaxy responds (and how us at home can), either via attempts to hold back the onslaught of the new regime or how to work within its new rules, through the efforts of Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, Soujen, a solider made for the Separatist’s contingency plans, and even a spymaster and her apprentice, all leading to the why and how a Rebellion seems to be the best path forward in the fight. In the main plot of the book, even though we know how ineffective one character’s method for fighting the new Empire will pan out in the long run, Freed’s writing leaves us hopeful and on edge to see how it all pans out, meaning the big, rising climax of The Mask of Fear isn’t big space battles and action scenes but instead centered on the mundanity of civil service. It’s a breathtaking and thrilling moment, though the way Freed takes the wind out of readers and the characters’ sails afterwards is brutal yet necessary, as it's far more realistic for both since it fits with what we know comes next for the burgeoning Empire, while it sums up some of the anger over participating in an election and watching those who won squander the opportunity, since they’re more concerned with losing their power too, not about what the people want, despite their claims to be for anyone and everyone. Overall, The Mask of Fear is distanced enough where you could read it without maybe realizing the subtext, despite how easy it is to replace Palpatine’s name with Trump and it wouldn’t make much of a difference or how the anger over what’s happened and trying to define how to fight back permeate its very core, but to ignore the commentary would miss the very point of the book. And of this franchise, which has always been very political. So if you’re still in the belief you’re on the side of the Rebellion, of the Resistance, and you don’t mind all the terrible, horrible, and fascist things governments do, like the Trump administration has been, may this be your wake-up call.

By focusing on characters like Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, Saw Gerrera via Soujen, and the Imperial spymaster and her apprentice, Freed conveys his various points of biting political commentary via their different methods and viewpoints for dealing with what brought about the rise of the Empire and how to either start resisting it or work within its changes. Of the group, his portrayal of Mon Mothma was my favorite, especially since the tone matches her time in Andor while adding even more layers to her life and story. She’s the career politician who is concerned with working inside the law to limit what’s happening, to limit the Emperor’s new power, and it’s fascinating to watch her wheel and deal as she attempts to put together a bill to do so. Freed doesn’t shy away from Mon’s personal life, embracing it in intriguing ways, be it the windy relationship between her and her husband Perrin, her flirtatious friendship with a fellow Senator, and even the lingering trauma from being arrested and held by the Empire shortly after its ascent (due to her part in the Delegation of 2,000). In his past work, Freed has dealt with different sorts of mental health issues with realistic and well-meaning results and Mon’s bouts with anxiety receive the same treatment throughout Mask, an additional layer which both adds to the tapestry of Mon but also can speak to readers who experience something similar, no matter the situation. It felt like there’s commentary on established representatives in Mon’s part of the story, how misguided they can become about their place in the story and ways they can fight back, yet how her story ends shows how I’d hope our representatives would act when they realize the other side isn’t playing by the rules.

As for Bail, he’s hoisting the weight of the galaxy on his shoulders, regardless if anyone was asking him to or not. He considers it his place to carry on the light of the Jedi after it was extinguished so brutally, though since only a few know the truth like he does and the propaganda machine turned public sentiment against the Jedi over the past three years, Bail’s adherence to holding the Empire accountable for wiping out the Jedi marks him as a political pariah. Bail means well in his crusade, as he hopes not to pass down this burden to his new daughter, Leia, and keep his wife Breha, the Queen of Alderaan, out the regime’s spotlight, and the journey and lengths he goes to complete his crusade brings an even richer facet to the character and his role in the events to come. With Bail’s part of the story, it felt like commentary on a single-issue voter given his intense focus on proving the Empire implicit in the Jedi Order’s extinction, which grows to the point he’s caught up in a bigger mess, nearly dies, and has to square his commitments to the past and the present and which is more vital for his and the galaxy’s future. Bail’s been due for an expansion given his role in the Rebellion and this is an excellent start.

Freed’s choice with Soujen’s story is my overall favorite aspect to Mask, as his connections to the Separatists’ legacy, his unique, new culture, and how through him we see Saw Gerrera and the people who work with the revolutionary makes Soujen an instant fascination. We often think of and only really see what the Republic loses when Palpatine wins, but what about the Separatists and their people? Their prospective return to the Galactic Senate plays an important part in every character’s story, but Soujen grappling with purpose, with the added context of the history of his people and what happened to his clan since he volunteered to become a Separatist weapon, evokes empathy of the Separatist side in a way I didn’t think the Saga was ever considering. After all, they had legitimate issues with the Republic outside of the manipulation of events by the Sith and Soujen’s people’s own problems highlight the Republic’s failings (which feels even more prescient now given Trump/Elon Musk’s dismantling of the USAID), so by pairing him with Saw and his group, Soujen is wrapped up in the same conflict in a different skin and helps us see, and Saw himself, the lack of difference between what came before and what’s yet to come. It’s an interesting comparison to make and helps us see Saw in a clear light, as had this story been from his charismatic point-of-view, he’d frequently be the hero of his own story, much like his evolving speeches attempt to capture, but Soujen’s clinical interactions let us see the truth beneath. Soujen’s clan and their story also reads as symbolic of the Palestinian people, be it the genocide perpetrated against them or our planet’s reaction, or lack thereof, with their plight, as his clan faces a similar dilemma for different reasons and it’s carried out in a less visible, but just as deadly and horrific way. When we become less about helping people, no matter who they are, what have we as a country or government become? Soujen’s sections ask a lot of interesting and tough questions and I hope the Separatist mentality returns in subsequent books, as I think a comparison between what the Separatists wanted and what the Rebellion is trying to do could be quite the storyline.

Lastly, but not least at all, is the pair of Haki and Chemish. Haki was a spy for the Republic and now works for the Empire, but her old school ways and methods clash with the new establishment. Chemish is her apprentice of sorts, an informant she’s cultivating into her legacy, but they have their own wants and needs, and whereas Haki isn’t totally sold on the new leadership, Chemish finds the law and order appealing. Haki’s efforts bring her into Bail’s story and their time together, especially when they visit an ancient ecumenopolis world and intersect with Saw and his people, is where I felt the theme of grief and how those we leave behind can haunt us was its most tangible, but it permeates the entire book in memorable ways regardless. Chemish’s story has only grown more intriguing and cautionary since I first read Mask, as they get wrapped up in and start to believe in an extremist group and now there’s the absolutely dangerous pardoning of the January 6ers. There’s a clear coloration between those real-life extremist groups who initiated the worst attack on our democracy (though they might be in second place now) and the 4040’s whom Chemish infiltrates, so after reading Mask and then this harrowing and intriguing glimpse inside the real groups from ProPublica, Freed captures a frightening reality one can’t look away from. I ultimately loved both Haki and Chemish’s roles in Mask and I’ll be interested to see, given there’ll be a time jump between this first entry in the trilogy and the second one, due out early 2026, if they or some type of legacy of their roles will return.

Alexander Freed’s Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear doesn’t have an easy enemy for our heroes to point their fingers at, resulting in a constantly riveting, tense, and timely thriller which elevates its characters and this era into something readers won’t soon forget, especially as it might alleviate and galvanize their own reactions to what’s going on in their own world.

The Mask of Fear is in a class all it's own.

Alexander Freed crafted a stunning political thriller in the Star Wars universe.

Set in the days just after the formation of the Empire, Mon Mothma, Bail Organa and Saw Gerrera are on separate missions to restore some levels of freedom and normalcy to the citizens of the galaxy. But their methods are vastly different as they must play into their strengths to accomplish their goals.

The Mask of Fear is a masterpiece of political manipulation. A tale of the restoration of trust and survival in the face of insurmountable grief and hopelessness. But there's always hope. It just takes the right people to find the cracks to let the light in.

I really wish The Mask of Fear was a work of fiction. Yes, I realize Star Wars isn’t real, I promise I’m in touch with reality and touch grass when it’s not covered by several inches of snow, but there’s something about living through these tragically precedented times that throws the politics of Star Wars into sharp relief, and this is no better exemplified than in Alexander Freed’s The Mask of Fear, the first book in the new Reign of the Empire series.

Set a year after Revenge of the Sith, the story follows Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Guerrera, as well as three new characters, all of whom are adjusting to the rise of Emperor Palpatine in their own way, and doing what they think is best to fight back and seize justice. But as so often happens in the real world, different people aligned on a common point — in this case, Palpatine bad — do not necessarily align in the way they go about dealing with the problem.

There’s a real tragedy to this story, watching all these people doing their best to do right by their constituents, by their followers, by themselves and their families and friends, and knowing that it’s going to take 18-ish years, and a whole lot more loss and tragedy before they come out on the other side…and also knowing that most of them won’t even get to see the freer galaxy they’re fighting so hard for.

I imagine if I’d read this book under different circumstances, in another time where my country wasn’t currently playing Naboo to America’s Trade Federation, I might have felt freer to focus on different elements of the story. Interpersonal dynamics are always my favorite part of any book, and getting such a clear look into the ups and downs of Bail and Mon’s marriages would have probably taken up more space in this than it currently is. As it is, all I’ll say is that that focus provided a lovely counterpoint to the rest of the ripped-from-the-headlines story — a chilling idea in itself given the long lead time in traditional publishing.

Instead I’ll end by saying The Mask of Fear is a stark, but necessary reminder that times of massive change and upheaval, and yes, the (no longer creeping) rise of fascism is a battle that must be fought on many fronts

Star Wars: The Mask of Fear is out February 25. Special thank you to Random House Worlds for the advance copy for review purposes.

If you like deep political thrillers, this is the book you've been looking for.
Freed is a master of delving deep into tactics- whether political, or battle related, he goes into granular-level detail on how it all works.
This is no exception.
Set after Order 66, Leia is a baby, and Bail is devastated after the loss of his Jedi friends.
Mon Mothma is reeling from the shock and working quietly in the background to see how she can unseat The Emperor and stop him from becoming the tyrannical leader she knows he will be.
This book takes you down the somewhat terrifying rabbit-hole of espionage, political treachery, and urban terrorism, and doesn't hold back.
His view is from the ground- how the public is treated, how politicians are treated if suspected of being against the Empire, and the desperate fight for freedom that is carried out with words rather than weapons.
For people who are looking for something light, fun or battle-packed, this might not be for you. This is a book that fights at a different, more considered and tactical way, and leaves you feeling like you understand the desperation of the Rebellion even more.

A book set in what many consider to be the most interesting time period across the whole Star Wars saga is bound to grab people's attention, and for the lucky readers who choose to pick this story up, well... I think it is fair to say that the comparison to the TV show Andor is an apt one. With characters like Saw, Bail Organa, and Mon Mothma helming most of the point of view chapters, readers will get lost in the efforts of a brave few who are fighting against the triumphant wave of fascism and imperialism that the Empire is quickly implementing. This book delighted and surprised me with the political thriller elements, the clandestine investigations, and the out of left field inclusion of a character that is basically a dead man's switch really kept me interested the whole way through.

Definitely a must for any Star Wars collection.

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!

Another Star Wars book has arrived with The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed. This is the first book in a trilogy about the early days of the Empire from the perspective of Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and Saw Garrera. I’ve been excited about this one for a while as Alexander Freed tends to write political espionage and intrigue very well and this novel did not disappoint on that front. While I was excited to see more of the three characters this book was advertised with, I’ll say that the three new characters were breakouts and the story of Soujen, Haki, and Chemish honestly kept me wanting to turn the page to find out what happened next. Getting to also see how shaky the foundations of resistance against the Empire was and setting up what we see in Andor also made me excited. Another tie in to Andor that I was happy to learn more about was the marriage of Perrin and Mon Mothma. I’ll also say that this book came out at the right moment and if you’re looking for something to get you through things going on and maybe even build you up, this is what you should read. Star Wars has always shared the message this book presents but I think Alexander’s writing really adds to that point. So, everyone should read Star Wars Reign of the Empire The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed.

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

I have to preface that, s a Star Wars fan, I really enjoyed this. Admittedly I have not read a ton of the Star Wars books (they are on my backlog), and I still felt like I was able to pick this up rather easily and did not feel like I was getting as lost in the details as I had expected. That being said, I can see how one might find the sometimes slower pacing something to contend with. I think I am going to try to do a re-read of this soon with my fandom hat off, to better gauge if I would recommend this to a non-fan. As of right now, I think this is a must-read for any Star Wars fan!

Thanks to Del Rey for giving me access to this book!

The Mask of Fear follows the story of the main leaders of the Rebellion during the early weeks of the Empire’s rise. We see Mon Mothma fighting to regain some semblance of the power and stability the Senate once held, Bail Organa struggling to protect the memory of those ghosts that still haunt him, and we get a POV that shows us how Saw Gerrera began his journey toward his own way of fighting the Empire. The narrative also includes additional POVs from new characters, offering a variety of perspectives on what is unfolding across the galaxy.

This book delves deeply into Star Wars politics, which, to be honest, can make it a slower read. However, that doesn't take away from it being one of the best Star Wars books I've read so far. I love Star Wars politics, and I'm especially fond of Mon Mothma and Bail Organa, so this book was perfect for me in that respect, particularly because we follow a bill being proposed in the Senate. But I also have to acknowledge that it expanded my understanding of how the events unfolding during these first weeks of the Empire's rise were impacting various groups of people. It truly explores the intricacies of the new world everyone was facing—not just the never-ending political maneuvering of the characters, but also the lived experience of those simply trying to survive after a war that had already caused so much damage.

The book is also heavily infused with grief and regret. You feel it in the main characters, you feel it in the galaxy at large, and you understand what has been sacrificed in the name of the peace and stability the Empire promises. These characters know this too. The ghosts of the fallen are ever-present, as are the ghosts of a lost past—of hopes and dreams crushed when the Empire seized control. There’s even a POV that mourns what was lost before the war even began, and that POV, while unexpected, struck me deeply. It’s not just the grief of others, but also a personal grief for lost purpose, lost beliefs, and the sacrifices made for something that can never come to fruition.

There are various moments of action along the story. However, the most exciting part of the story for me was, not so unexpectedly, a political one. I found myself rooting for something, even though I knew it wasn’t perfect—anything that would make the Emperor and his cronies angry. And of course, there were moments that scared me, but mostly, I felt an overwhelming sense of anger. There’s a specific scene that made me put the book down for a few days because of how sick it made me feel. It’s not explicit, but just the thought of something like that happening to anyone left me seething. We already know the Empire is ruthless, but it’s the humiliation and utter disregard for basic decency that had me truly enraged.

I highly recommend this book. You’ll be eager to see what these characters went through to become the people we know. Here, they’re not those characters yet—they still hold onto a different kind of hope. I can’t wait to see how that hope evolves into the determination that ultimately led to the fall of the Empire.

The newest book in the Star Wars galaxy is Alexander Fred’s Star Wars: Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear. It’s being billed as a thriller showing the rise of the Rebellion as a political entity, which it certainly delivers on.

The book is the first part of a trilogy from Freed, Rebecca Roanhorse, and Fran Wilde focusing on Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera in the early days of the Empire.

How does one build power from nothing for the Rebellion? Especially, when those people don’t like each other.

Fighting fascism makes for strange bedfellows, and despite Mon and Bail’s somewhat similar politics, they aren’t really anything more than cordial. Throw in the wild card that is Saw, and a three-pronged approach might just be best for business to grow the Rebellion.

I’m excited for the next two books to see how they build upon the foundation here along with the second season of Star Wars: Andor. I don’t know if we’ll see a time jump or not, but the possibility exists that we get into the time period of the show.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House Worlds for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I was struggling to see how this would be a trilogy for ~75% of the book.

While reading this book, I was essentially checking off boxes in my head, and at the halfway point, I couldn’t for the life of me see where the story was going beyond this first book. It was pretty straightforward, and my thinking went, “This is going to be wrapped up by the end of this book, right?”

There were some plot points and character development toward the end that I wasn’t expecting, and that surprise excited me for the future. The path ahead was laid bare as the future focus came into view.

What does the burgeoning Rebellion do when it’s three defacto leaders have sometimes wildly different politics, personalities, and plans? That is our target.

Seeing Mom Mothma and Bail Organa struggle with finding their path to resistance was fun. Saw is a buzzsaw.

One of the most fascinating things from this book is learning that Mon and Bail don’t like each other all that much. Mon isn’t even a fan of Bail’s personality.

While Mon is focused on the language of the legislation being perfected to win over her fellow Senators, Bail is a schmoozer who is a “man of the people” and uses his gift of gab to influence voters and the public.

Of course, neither Mon nor Bail like Saw all that much either. In fact, it feels like the Onderonian freedom fighter/terrorist is not going to rely on either of their paths to building the anti-fascism movement.

We’ve seen the evolution of Saw from his appearances in The Clone Wars, The Bad Batch, Rebels, and Rogue One. Add in his work across various novels, and we know that there is nothing that Saw won’t do and no level of violence that’s “too far” for a better tomorrow.

I’ve seen enough: Alexander Freed and I don’t connect.

I don’t really want to admit it at this point, but I think I just have to accept reality. I don’t think Alexander Freed and I connect.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve enjoyed the five books that I’ve read from him in Star Wars. I’ve read the Alphabet Squadron trilogy and the Rogue One novelization. I thought the stories were good; however, those books just didn’t hook me. The same thing happened here.

Now, I think it may just be that he hasn’t written anything involving The Force or Jedi which are, to be fair, the two things that I like the most in Star Wars.

Maybe it’s just that simple.

First off, a thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in return for an honest review.

With The Mask of Fear, Alexander Freed has started the Reign of the Empire series with a slow burning, political thriller that is not at all your typical Star Wars novel. If you found the Andor Disney+ series too slow and lacking in classic Star Wars adventure style, this book is definitely not for you. This books practically makes Andor look like Attack of the Clones. However, if you want a tightly written story of political intrigue concerning how the key politicians of Bail Organa and Mon Mothma deal with the first transitions from Republic Senate to Imperial Senate following the activation of Order 66, then you will love this book.

Essentially, the book follows five characters in the aftermath of Order 66, the declaration of the Empire, and the process to reintegrate the Separatist planets into the Imperial Senate:

- Bail Organa: the Senator from the planet Alderaan, friend of Padme Amidala and the Jedi, and adoptive father of Padme and Anakin Skywalker's daughter Leia. Bail is focused on bringing to light the lies the Empire has used to justify the execution of the entire Jedi Order, including Force-sensitive children.
-Mon Mothma: the Senator from Chandrila and eventual leader for the Rebellion to Restore the Republic. Mon is intent on finding a legislative way to curtail the excesses of the Empire and ensure the true power of the Empire rests in the hands of the Imperial Senate and not the newly proclaimed Emperor.
- Saw Gerrera: the freedom fighter from Onderon who, with the Republic's help, freed Onderon from the Separatists, only to have it fall to the new Empire. Saw's entire being is focused on freeing Onderon by gathering personnel and materiel to attack the Empire.
- Soujen Vak-Nhalis: an augmented being designed as a Separatist doomsday insurgent. Soujen's mission is to act as a weapon to be used to continue the Separatist threat after the leaders of the movement are gone or the defeat of the movement complete.
- Chemish: a young Coruscanti human being utilized (or maybe trained) by an agent of the newly re-christened Imperial Intelligence (formerly Republic Intelligence). Chemish is a true believer in the stability promised by Palpatine's Imperial New Order but questions some of the possible excesses he experiences.

The paths of these five cross continuously as we glimpse the first actions of the fledgling Empire and of those trying to understand the new power-structure in the galaxy. We are privy to the primary intentions of some of the people who will eventually form the core leadership of the Rebellion. The book does an excellent job setting the stage, but that is all that we really have so far: stage dressing. The motivations are set and the little victories and major upsets have been queued up. Unfortunately, the payoffs are not to be in this book -- which really should not be a surprise for the first book in a trilogy -- so keep your expectations moderate and (hopefully) prepare for the ride.

The Mask of Fear is everything Star Wars fans could hope for and more. Compulsively readable and hauntingly relevant, Alexander Freed has crafted a political thriller in the galaxy far, far away that rivals the sharp tension of Andor. Diving deep into the immediate fallout of Padmé Amidala’s death and the fall of the Jedi, Freed masterfully weaves an intricate, character-driven story that explores the fractured relationships among Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera. What makes this novel shine is how it examines grief, distrust, and the burden of leadership under the Empire's oppressive shadow. Mon and Bail’s partnership is marked by shared goals but stark differences in their approaches, while Saw’s radical extremism adds a layer of tension that feels heartbreakingly authentic. The friction among these iconic figures is palpable, their choices carrying the weight of an entire galaxy's hope—or despair.
Freed also introduces a compelling array of new characters, ensuring that the stakes remain intensely personal even as the story unfolds on a galactic scale. The Empire’s strength, as Freed so cleverly highlights, lies in isolating its opponents, breaking their spirits before they can unite. Watching these characters struggle to resist that isolation, all while unsure of where their paths will lead, creates an emotional resonance that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page..
Huge thanks to Penguin Random House for the ARC! This is an unmissable chapter in modern Star Wars storytelling, and I’m already counting down the days for the next instalment in the trilogy. If you’re a fan of politics, rebellion, and the emotional complexity that Star Wars can deliver at its best, The Mask of Fear is a must-read.

This book was incredibly good! This is a timely, slow-burn political thriller set in the early days of the Empire, focusing primarily on Mon Montha, Bail Organa, and Saw Guerra. We get some great insights into the experiences of these pillars of the Rebellion before the fight for the galaxy truly begins.

Along with the main trio, we are introduced to characters who show us just how complicated this time period has been in the Star Wars universe. From the Separatists to the ISB, from pro-empire extremists to Saw Guerra’s guerrilla fighters, from senators to civilians, the Clone Wars left its mark on everyone. The transition from wartime to peacetime is complicated when a dictator holds power and fear has everyone in its grasp.

In light of the current political environment in the US, this book feels incredibly realistic. Heartbreakingly so, a lot of the time. But through it all, is an undercurrent of hope. And as we remember, “rebellions are built on hope.”

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 was looking forward to this book and tying plot and characters from the new stories to the original. I was not disappointed. The author does a great job with the Star Wars story as always. The book took a little to get started but picked up after that.

The first instalment of the reign of the empire trilogy and so obviously the Author Alexander freed had some heavy lifting to do for all three books.

If you have followed Alexander freed's previous star wars book then you'll know you are in for a political book with a heavy dose of a main cast of characters with their personality nuances.

Now the book is a big slow burn but if you are someone who loves Rogue one/Andor then this book i would say is a must read with the three central characters being Mon mothma , Bail organa and Saw gerrera.

While trying to remain spoiler free as possible. in this books you will learn about the relationship between Bail and mon and it might not be what you expect , The relationship between Mon and perrins and purhaps gives some understanding why he is the way he is in Andor season 1.

What will be a lasting memory from this book? Again another star wars book that proves to me why Breha Organa is the Queen of my star wars head canon.

All in all 4 out 5 for me personally and when this comes out feb 25 ill be reading the audiobook too

I will always be a Mon Mothma stan! Thess perspectives were interesting, since I feel like it's one we're always so close to but not directly shown. I'm interested if any of this will be brought into the shows being made now that cannon around these times are being rewritten.

“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.