Star Wars: The Mask of Fear (Reign of the Empire)

De: Alexander Freed

Narrado por: January LaVoy

Before the Rebellion, the Empire reigns, in book one of a trilogy told through the eyes of Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera—for fans of Andor.

“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.

©2025 Random House Worlds (P)2025 Random House Audio

Fantastic political thriller

Great characters portrayals examining how deeply embedded they are in their politics and how desperate is their fight against the looming darkness… unnerving to see in the face of what our own world faces today. Great sound effects like with most Star Wars productions, and excellent narrator. Recommended.

STOP USING SAW

Great book, But he don’t need to be in every single piece of Star Wars. He died in rogue one. All he does is kill our favorite teams like Tech from the Bad batch. Yall gotta stop with him.

great spy and non jedi novel

January logs a solid performance. the universe has familiar scenes but bring a different and new i tricacies to the SW universe.

Just what I wanted

A deeply political and thrilling story that dives into the ideology and motivations of various factions throughout the galaxy. Perfect.

The untold story of the Senate

I really enjoyed getting the behind the story of Senator Mathma and Organa. Took a bit to develope the characters but still enjoyed it. lots of action and intrigue.

POLITICS!

Cool mix of action and politics. Awesome to have a story centered around the fall the republic into the first years of the empire!

The beginning of the Alliance

This book did an excellent job of bringing the Republic era characters to the starting point they needed to be at to start the Rebellion.

Good, but really slow

Not a bad book—just a slow read for me. If you're looking for something to read (aka listen) just because, this might not be the one for you.

But if you're interested in the backstory and want something that lays a strong foundation, this is your book.

Lack-luster "political thriller"

Okay-ish novel, but barely political story it claims to be. Constant reflection to current US politics and food items from our world takes you out of story, not what I look from a galaxy far far away...
Bail's and Mon's interaction is the bright spot on this book. Bail's pig headishness is painful, while Mon's trip is better feels forces. The author fails to understand the source material, ending with two dimensional stereotypical characters. Wants to be James Luceno's Darth Plagueis, but misses the mark.

Great premise for a grown up Star Wars story

A great idea and an ok book; more political thriller than space fantasy, which is what drew me to giving this book a whirl. The cerebral nature and maturity of the plot was something I really enjoyed. I appreciated the fragmented narrative focus - different points of view illuminating the story - but there wasn't much chemistry between the characters. I will revisit the book in the future; maybe I just wasn't in the right headspace to gel with the story. This book is marketed to fans of Andor, it lacks the emotional gravity and the character relationships to ground the drama that makes Andor so compelling.