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

So Good

Great story and great voicings. Couldn’t stop listening to it! The sound effects and music add so much to the listening experience.

Great back story for Bail, Mon Mothma, and Saw.

Intriguing story that showed us sides of Mon Mothma we never knew. Between this and Andor, Mon has really sky rocketed from a background character in a short scene to an important player in the Star Wars universe.

Viewing the Emperor's rise to power is eerily chilling given today's political climate.

Mon Mothma is definitely a flawed individual with a purpose

Narration was good and certain plot point as it pertains to the Jedi were compelling overall I give this book a B- rating

Star Wars Political Thriller

If you enjoyed Andor, you will enjoy this book too! See the early days of the Galactic Empire and the seeds of the Rebel Aliance. I'm ready for book 2!

Detailed and intimate

I listened to it twice before leaving a review. It is intimate and intriguing. I'm really excited for the next part of the story. The groundwork of the Rebellion being slowly laid out and morphed is fascinating to absorb. I loved this story.

If you think pronouns are scary, wait till you find out about verbs!

As I looked through the "reviews" for this book (culture warriors trembling over pronouns and declaring "Disney ruined Star Wars!") I was reminded of the classic EU book Rogue Squadron, which introduces a character that does not use gendered pronouns in its opening chapters. That book was released in 1996, long before the Disney years.

I also saw a lot of complaints about the narrator, complaints that seem to have more to do with a general contempt for women than anything to do with the narration. She does a great job, some men just don't know how to listen when women speak.

Also seeing a lot of complaints about there being too much politics in Star WARS, a franchise that originated as an allegory for United States intervention in Vietnam, and a lot of people struggling with their own "Are we the baddies?" moments as they realize their personal politics seem to closely align with the fictional villains in the Star Wars universe.

Point is, don't let these whack jobs disuade you. They don't even like Star Wars, they are dissatisfied with their lives and looking for anyone and anything to blame. The plot is engaging, the Star Wars team continues its excellent audio book production layering on sound effects and music until you have something more than an audio book, but not quite a radio drama.

If you enjoy Star Wars and political thrillers, this is for you. And if pronouns make you angry, maybe books aren't the hobby for you.

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.

Boring

Didn’t enjoy. It was long winded and boring. Politics with a backdrop of the star wars stories we know.

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.