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Szkarłatne szlify
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Qi’ra wysłuchiwała marzeń i obietnic chłopaka o beztroskim uśmiechu, ale potem zostali rozdzieleni i wróciła z podkulonym ogonem do gangu Białych Robaków, podczas gdy Han kierował się ku wolności. Ta jednak zdaje się dziewczynie luksusem, na który jej nie stać. Skupia się na przetrwaniu, choć bardzo pragnie opuścić Korelię. Ma wrażenie, że los się do niej uśmiechnął, gdy przedstawicielka organizacji przestępczej Szkarłatny Świt dostrzega ją i zabiera ze sobą. Qi’ra trafia przed oblicze przywódcy syndykatu, tajemniczego, porywczego i nieprzewidywalnego Drydena Vosa. Ten daje dziewczynie niepowtarzalną szansę na nowe, stosunkowo wygodne życie, o ile tylko dowiedzie swojej wartości dla organizacji. A ponieważ porażka oznacza pewną śmierć, Qi’ra wie, że musi się odnaleźć w pozbawionym skrupułów, morderczym świecie Szkarłatnego Świtu. Nie wie jednak, kim się stanie, jeśli przetrwa...
Qi’ra wysłuchiwała marzeń i obietnic chłopaka o beztroskim uśmiechu, ale potem zostali rozdzieleni i wróciła z podkulonym ogonem do gangu Białych Robaków, podczas gdy Han kierował się ku wolności. Ta jednak zdaje się dziewczynie luksusem, na który jej nie stać. Skupia się na przetrwaniu, choć bardzo pragnie opuścić Korelię. Ma wrażenie, że los się do niej uśmiechnął, gdy przedstawicielka organizacji przestępczej Szkarłatny Świt dostrzega ją i zabiera ze sobą. Qi’ra trafia przed oblicze przywódcy syndykatu, tajemniczego, porywczego i nieprzewidywalnego Drydena Vosa. Ten daje dziewczynie niepowtarzalną szansę na nowe, stosunkowo wygodne życie, o ile tylko dowiedzie swojej wartości dla organizacji. A ponieważ porażka oznacza pewną śmierć, Qi’ra wie, że musi się odnaleźć w pozbawionym skrupułów, morderczym świecie Szkarłatnego Świtu. Nie wie jednak, kim się stanie, jeśli przetrwa...
352 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2023
62 people are currently reading
1770 people want to read
About the author
E.K. Johnston
23 books2,700 followersE.K. Johnston had several jobs and one vocation before she became a published writer. If she’s learned anything, it’s that things turn out weird sometimes, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Well, that and how to muscle through awkward fanfic because it’s about a pairing she likes.
You can follow Kate on Twitter (@ek_johnston) to learn more about Alderaanian political theory than you really need to know, or on Tumblr (ekjohnston) if you're just here for pretty pictures.
You can follow Kate on Twitter (@ek_johnston) to learn more about Alderaanian political theory than you really need to know, or on Tumblr (ekjohnston) if you're just here for pretty pictures.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
March 12, 2025
This is a book that is about the character Qi'ra which we met in the movie Solo. In that movie she is Han's companion and they are separated from each other and after some time they are reunited. This tells about her time during that separation.
This book exceeded my expectations. As you can tell my rating is not the highest so I was not expecting much. Like others I was underwhelmed by the movie and I was not sure if this character could carry a book on her own. For the most part she does and after reading this I am a little more interested in her character. During the time we don't see her in the movie she rises in the cartel called Crimson Dawn. This tells about her ascension. I didn't think the author did the best job with this. It was fine but the whole time it seemed like it was fast tracked and we just skimmed the top of it. I wanted more depth. I could say this about the author handling the character also. Like I said I am a little more interested in her but if the author really dove into her character I believe my interest would be so much more. My theory is that I might be downplaying this right now because of the ending. Up to that point I was into this book even with its faults. Then we got the act where we went all Indiana Jones and I was saying "What is this?". Honestly it was just plain stupid and put a damper on my enjoyment.
This was a decent book from this universe that provides additional information to a character that I thought we were more or less done with. I never had the desire to know more about her but now I am glad I do. I appreciate this book for that. That being said I wish this book had more depth and really went into her character and her predicaments in this book. It was worth a read.
This book exceeded my expectations. As you can tell my rating is not the highest so I was not expecting much. Like others I was underwhelmed by the movie and I was not sure if this character could carry a book on her own. For the most part she does and after reading this I am a little more interested in her character. During the time we don't see her in the movie she rises in the cartel called Crimson Dawn. This tells about her ascension. I didn't think the author did the best job with this. It was fine but the whole time it seemed like it was fast tracked and we just skimmed the top of it. I wanted more depth. I could say this about the author handling the character also. Like I said I am a little more interested in her but if the author really dove into her character I believe my interest would be so much more. My theory is that I might be downplaying this right now because of the ending. Up to that point I was into this book even with its faults. Then we got the act where we went all Indiana Jones and I was saying "What is this?". Honestly it was just plain stupid and put a damper on my enjoyment.
This was a decent book from this universe that provides additional information to a character that I thought we were more or less done with. I never had the desire to know more about her but now I am glad I do. I appreciate this book for that. That being said I wish this book had more depth and really went into her character and her predicaments in this book. It was worth a read.
March 31, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. Qi'ra is one of my favourite characters from the Disney Star Wars era. She stole the show for me in the Solo movie/books and in the comics she has been in. To me, she is the perfect antihero. I think E.K. Johnston nailed her character perfectly.
After Han's escape from Corellia, Qi'ra was left behind to face the consequences and made an example of. However, everyone knows Qi'ra is too talented and useful to just kill. So she is given one last mission. How does Qi'ra come to the notice of Chrimson Dawn? How dis she rise within the criminal organisation? How does she gain the surprising fighting skills she displayed in the comics that allowed her to challenge Darth Vader himself? All these are answered and more.
Qi'ra is more than survivor. She thrives in every situation she is put in. This does not bode well for her superiors as she will soon surpass them, and they know it. The epilogue of the book is right where the Chrimson Empire finishes. There are many sequels possible for this book. I can't wait to see more of Qi'ra in and Star Wars media.
After Han's escape from Corellia, Qi'ra was left behind to face the consequences and made an example of. However, everyone knows Qi'ra is too talented and useful to just kill. So she is given one last mission. How does Qi'ra come to the notice of Chrimson Dawn? How dis she rise within the criminal organisation? How does she gain the surprising fighting skills she displayed in the comics that allowed her to challenge Darth Vader himself? All these are answered and more.
Qi'ra is more than survivor. She thrives in every situation she is put in. This does not bode well for her superiors as she will soon surpass them, and they know it. The epilogue of the book is right where the Chrimson Empire finishes. There are many sequels possible for this book. I can't wait to see more of Qi'ra in and Star Wars media.
May 6, 2024
This was a fun read (and also audio-listen as I doubled up), Johnston writes a darker tale from a Galaxy far, far away in this one than her previous outings featuring Padme and Ahsoka.
She's always watching, measuring, planning...climbing.
She's always watching, measuring, planning...climbing.
September 3, 2023
This book was enjoyable, if underwhelming. The first half was slow and I think will feel the same to other fans who have read the Solo novelization. Her first missions with Crimson Dawn felt overstuff with characters to the point where it was hard to keep track, and I did not feel the connection and friendship the author was telling us they had. I also think this ends up being a detriment to the emotions we were meant to feel in the climax of the novel. There were points where the story just dragged and I couldn’t wait until we got more of Qi’ra on the First Light.
The second half picks up and I enjoyed seeing Qi’ra interacting with Dryden and really cementing herself into Crimson Dawn. It is interesting to see her thought process as she rises through the ranks and how she views her relationship with Dryden, what she wants to get out of him. These moments of mental strategizing and scheming are, to me, really where Qi’ra shined and gave the best insight into how she has changed and what she has been forced to do to survive.
While I love the young adult Star Wars books, this is one time I will say, this book should have been an adult book. I think being able to more fully dive in the darkness of the crime syndicate life, human trafficking, and Qi’ra’s relationship with Dryden would have been greatly beneficial to her character. I also think this would have created a nice balance to books that feature Han, such as Last Shot and The Princess and the Scoundrel.
In the end, Johnston’s writing is not my favorite of the Star Wars authors and falls flat, especially compared to other books written connected to Solo and its characters. A small complaint, but one I feel like speaks to what felt a little off about this book, was Johnston’s lack of detail when it comes to Qi’ra’s clothing. In both Most Wanted and Solo, she has a clear interests in fashion and nice things. The descriptions in this book of her clothes were quick and to the point (at some times nonexistent), and felt at odds with other times we have seen her character (think her in Lando’s closet). It was disappointing, especially since Qi’ra’s outfits are so iconic to fans of her.
Those who have read Most Wanted and the Qi’ra comics will enjoy the easter eggs and references to those stories. However I think fans of Qi’ra will be underwhelmed with this addition to her story.
The second half picks up and I enjoyed seeing Qi’ra interacting with Dryden and really cementing herself into Crimson Dawn. It is interesting to see her thought process as she rises through the ranks and how she views her relationship with Dryden, what she wants to get out of him. These moments of mental strategizing and scheming are, to me, really where Qi’ra shined and gave the best insight into how she has changed and what she has been forced to do to survive.
While I love the young adult Star Wars books, this is one time I will say, this book should have been an adult book. I think being able to more fully dive in the darkness of the crime syndicate life, human trafficking, and Qi’ra’s relationship with Dryden would have been greatly beneficial to her character. I also think this would have created a nice balance to books that feature Han, such as Last Shot and The Princess and the Scoundrel.
In the end, Johnston’s writing is not my favorite of the Star Wars authors and falls flat, especially compared to other books written connected to Solo and its characters. A small complaint, but one I feel like speaks to what felt a little off about this book, was Johnston’s lack of detail when it comes to Qi’ra’s clothing. In both Most Wanted and Solo, she has a clear interests in fashion and nice things. The descriptions in this book of her clothes were quick and to the point (at some times nonexistent), and felt at odds with other times we have seen her character (think her in Lando’s closet). It was disappointing, especially since Qi’ra’s outfits are so iconic to fans of her.
Those who have read Most Wanted and the Qi’ra comics will enjoy the easter eggs and references to those stories. However I think fans of Qi’ra will be underwhelmed with this addition to her story.
October 14, 2023
Its very sad that while Solo was a great movie, the tie-in materials for it have generally been sub-par. Last Shot was entertaining but super controversial, Most Wanted was entertaining but largely forgettable, and Crimson Climb here is just bland and boring.
This book starts right after Qi'ra is captured by Lady Proxima's gang at the beginning of Solo and follows her journey to Crimson Dawn and Dryden Vos. Sprinkled throughout are snippets of flashbacks and an occasional flash forward to the later part of the movie, but as I said, those are snippets really.
One thing that is kind of positive for the book is that it is inoffensive. That was the biggest problem with Johnston's Padme trilogy, as it really narrowed its audience and made it difficult for average Star Wars fans to read. This book, while obviously focusing on the female perspective, isn't at all limiting to male Star Wars fans.
There is a sequence that I enjoyed near the end that had a crime boss feel to it. There was also a sequence that felt very Indiana Jones, that I felt made the book a little more fun.
Other than that, I really don't have any more positives for the book. It was just boring and not appealing. I blazed through it, but not because I was enjoying it, but rather that I wanted to get it over with.
The book doesn't even show big elements of the story, that I expected and wanted it to. Qi'ra hints in Solo that she has this really dark past, that she's done some truly horrific things for Crimson Dawn. And here, its obvious she's in a crime organization, but it doesn't seem like it matches the dark things hinted at in the movie. Likewise, we don't even see the true leader of Crimson Dawn (Maul), and the book cuts off right before her first meeting with him. I also thought there was a more abusive history between Qi'ra and Vos that needed to be explored, and while he's not a good guy, this book didn't go into that, probably because it is a YA book (although I have seen YA books tackle this sort of thing).
So there were 3 things missing: Qi'ra's dark past/dark actions, her connection with Maul, and more to her relationship with Dryden beyond the surface level. All three things I really want to see in another novel, and thankfully Johnston left plenty of room for another Qi'ra/Crimson Dawn novel. However, I don't think Johnston should write it. I think there are other candidates who would be better suited to it.
Overall, this is a very bland and largely boring and forgettable book. Its very paint-by-numbers, and didn't do enough to hold my attention, even though I'm a big Qi'ra fan. 5 out of 10.
This book starts right after Qi'ra is captured by Lady Proxima's gang at the beginning of Solo and follows her journey to Crimson Dawn and Dryden Vos. Sprinkled throughout are snippets of flashbacks and an occasional flash forward to the later part of the movie, but as I said, those are snippets really.
One thing that is kind of positive for the book is that it is inoffensive. That was the biggest problem with Johnston's Padme trilogy, as it really narrowed its audience and made it difficult for average Star Wars fans to read. This book, while obviously focusing on the female perspective, isn't at all limiting to male Star Wars fans.
There is a sequence that I enjoyed near the end that had a crime boss feel to it. There was also a sequence that felt very Indiana Jones, that I felt made the book a little more fun.
Other than that, I really don't have any more positives for the book. It was just boring and not appealing. I blazed through it, but not because I was enjoying it, but rather that I wanted to get it over with.
The book doesn't even show big elements of the story, that I expected and wanted it to. Qi'ra hints in Solo that she has this really dark past, that she's done some truly horrific things for Crimson Dawn. And here, its obvious she's in a crime organization, but it doesn't seem like it matches the dark things hinted at in the movie. Likewise, we don't even see the true leader of Crimson Dawn (Maul), and the book cuts off right before her first meeting with him. I also thought there was a more abusive history between Qi'ra and Vos that needed to be explored, and while he's not a good guy, this book didn't go into that, probably because it is a YA book (although I have seen YA books tackle this sort of thing).
So there were 3 things missing: Qi'ra's dark past/dark actions, her connection with Maul, and more to her relationship with Dryden beyond the surface level. All three things I really want to see in another novel, and thankfully Johnston left plenty of room for another Qi'ra/Crimson Dawn novel. However, I don't think Johnston should write it. I think there are other candidates who would be better suited to it.
Overall, this is a very bland and largely boring and forgettable book. Its very paint-by-numbers, and didn't do enough to hold my attention, even though I'm a big Qi'ra fan. 5 out of 10.
November 2, 2023
I’m struggling a little with the rating of this one because there were things I liked and things I didn’t. Qi’ra as a character is wonderful - fascinating, juicy and dark.
The biggest takeaway I have from this is that maybe it shouldn’t have been YA - this novel was pretty dark for YA, but it felt like we only skirted the tip of the iceberg where Qi’ra is concerned. I definitely don’t think the relationship between her and Vos was limited to him touching her back and I don’t think we saw all of the bad things Qi’ra did for Crimson Dawn during this teen phase of her life. Perhaps this allows for an adult Qi’ra novel later, on purpose?
My biggest issue with this book was the sheer number of useless side characters. I don’t mind there being so many lackeys in CD, but I kept losing track of who was who and certainly didn’t think their stories were at all important. The Indiana Jones style mission was a bit meh (if I’m honest) and I disliked how easily Qi’ra was able to execute certain parts of the mission. It wasn’t a big enough ending - and I wanted to see the meet with Maul. Again, maybe another future novel?
I did enjoy Qi’ra as a character. I sympathised with teen Qi’ra, enjoyed her coldness and watching her grow and learn. You can see her starting to build the character we get to know in Solo. EK Johnston sets the scene well for her struggles with the Worms and her yearning for more by the time the chance to join CD comes around. I liked the tie to Han, but also felt sorry for her - she never really has a real relationship with someone and clings on to her memories of a boy she knew in childhood and it’s immeasurably sad that she will never have a full life with friends and joy and love.
A mixed one, but a 3.5/5 overall.
The biggest takeaway I have from this is that maybe it shouldn’t have been YA - this novel was pretty dark for YA, but it felt like we only skirted the tip of the iceberg where Qi’ra is concerned. I definitely don’t think the relationship between her and Vos was limited to him touching her back and I don’t think we saw all of the bad things Qi’ra did for Crimson Dawn during this teen phase of her life. Perhaps this allows for an adult Qi’ra novel later, on purpose?
My biggest issue with this book was the sheer number of useless side characters. I don’t mind there being so many lackeys in CD, but I kept losing track of who was who and certainly didn’t think their stories were at all important. The Indiana Jones style mission was a bit meh (if I’m honest) and I disliked how easily Qi’ra was able to execute certain parts of the mission. It wasn’t a big enough ending - and I wanted to see the meet with Maul. Again, maybe another future novel?
I did enjoy Qi’ra as a character. I sympathised with teen Qi’ra, enjoyed her coldness and watching her grow and learn. You can see her starting to build the character we get to know in Solo. EK Johnston sets the scene well for her struggles with the Worms and her yearning for more by the time the chance to join CD comes around. I liked the tie to Han, but also felt sorry for her - she never really has a real relationship with someone and clings on to her memories of a boy she knew in childhood and it’s immeasurably sad that she will never have a full life with friends and joy and love.
A mixed one, but a 3.5/5 overall.
June 18, 2024
The best aspects of Star Wars: Solo were Qi'ra, Val, and Chewbacca. Sadly, our time with the steely Val was cut short for no good or credible reason, and well, everyone loves Chewbacca.
The other character I adored, actually initially in Rae Carson's Most Wanted before I saw the movie, was Qi'ra, the smart, tough woman at the centre of this novel by E.K. Johnston, whose stories about Padme were wonderful.
Here we learn more about Qi'ra's very dangerous move up through Lady Proxima's White Worms, and downfall after she is captured by the gang boss' goons as she watches Han go on with his life. Abused, tortured but unrepentant, Qi'ra begins working out a new way to escape, even after she is sold to another even more cruel gang boss.
Qi'ra finally gets her lucky break when a representative of the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate purchases her. I say lucky with some reservation, as though she's somewhat safer now, Qi'ra knows that the slightest misstep will result in her death. And we see Qi'ra carefully analyze and evaluate her way through dangerous situation after dangerous situation, hardening her heart all the while and making some pretty cold decisions. Though missing Han, she decides never to be so naïve and trusting again about anyone. Despite Qi'ra's growing skills, knowledge and status within the organization, I was conflicted cheering her on, considering all the terrible things she does to her fellow slaves/criminals working for Dryden Vos.
Speaking of Vos, I thought Johnston did a great job of characterizing him in this novel. He's mercurial, utterly pitiless, and oddly, dare I say it, appreciative of Qi'ra, or really, what she can achieve for him.
If you're even slightly interested in the one of the best parts of the “Solo” story, check this book out. You won't be disappointed as we watch Qi'ra do what she does best: planning carefully, using every tool at her disposal, and climbing over the dead bodies of others as she gets closer and closer to the mysterious real head of this crime syndicate.
The other character I adored, actually initially in Rae Carson's Most Wanted before I saw the movie, was Qi'ra, the smart, tough woman at the centre of this novel by E.K. Johnston, whose stories about Padme were wonderful.
Here we learn more about Qi'ra's very dangerous move up through Lady Proxima's White Worms, and downfall after she is captured by the gang boss' goons as she watches Han go on with his life. Abused, tortured but unrepentant, Qi'ra begins working out a new way to escape, even after she is sold to another even more cruel gang boss.
Qi'ra finally gets her lucky break when a representative of the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate purchases her. I say lucky with some reservation, as though she's somewhat safer now, Qi'ra knows that the slightest misstep will result in her death. And we see Qi'ra carefully analyze and evaluate her way through dangerous situation after dangerous situation, hardening her heart all the while and making some pretty cold decisions. Though missing Han, she decides never to be so naïve and trusting again about anyone. Despite Qi'ra's growing skills, knowledge and status within the organization, I was conflicted cheering her on, considering all the terrible things she does to her fellow slaves/criminals working for Dryden Vos.
Speaking of Vos, I thought Johnston did a great job of characterizing him in this novel. He's mercurial, utterly pitiless, and oddly, dare I say it, appreciative of Qi'ra, or really, what she can achieve for him.
If you're even slightly interested in the one of the best parts of the “Solo” story, check this book out. You won't be disappointed as we watch Qi'ra do what she does best: planning carefully, using every tool at her disposal, and climbing over the dead bodies of others as she gets closer and closer to the mysterious real head of this crime syndicate.
March 1, 2024
Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crimson Climb: Aufstieg bei Crimson Dawn
Qi’ra gehörte in “Solo” zu den aufregendsten neuen Figuren. Nachdem sie in Charles Soules Comics bereits versuchte die Sith endgültig zu besiegen, verrät Autorin E.K. Johnston in “Crimson Climb” mehr über die Vergangenheit der Draufgängerin.
Die Handlung:
Nachdem Qi’ra von Han am Raumhafen von Corellia zurückgelassen wird, steht für sie nur eins fest: Ihre Zeit bei den Weißwürmern ist um. Wo ein Kapitel endet, beginnt ein neues als sie von Lady Proxima an einen Sklavenhalter veräußert wird und die Enge Coronets hinter sich lässt...
Meine Meinung:
“Crimson Climb” kann man mit Fug und Recht als bestes Buch von E.K. Johnston bezeichnen. Die Handlung passt sich nahtlos in “Solo” und die Comics ein. Der Leser erfährt nicht nur, wie aus Qi’ra die Einzelkämpferin wird, die sie letztlich ist. Vielmehr bekommt man auch spannende Einblicke in die Organisation der Unterwelt und insbesondere die Strukturen Crimson Dawns. Als besonders interessant stellten sich für mich Dryden Vos und seine Beziehung zu Qi’ra dar, die die Autorin detailliert beleuchtet. Genug Action wird schließlich zur Abrundung auch geboten. Die zugängliche Sprache ließ die Zeit beim Lesen nur so dahinfliegen.
Fazit:
Eine wichtige Figur wird leicht verständlich und anschaulich um glaubwürdige Tiefe erweitert. Klare Empfehlung!
Werbung: Vielen lieben Dank an Panini für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionexemplares!
Crimson Climb: Aufstieg bei Crimson Dawn
Qi’ra gehörte in “Solo” zu den aufregendsten neuen Figuren. Nachdem sie in Charles Soules Comics bereits versuchte die Sith endgültig zu besiegen, verrät Autorin E.K. Johnston in “Crimson Climb” mehr über die Vergangenheit der Draufgängerin.
Die Handlung:
Nachdem Qi’ra von Han am Raumhafen von Corellia zurückgelassen wird, steht für sie nur eins fest: Ihre Zeit bei den Weißwürmern ist um. Wo ein Kapitel endet, beginnt ein neues als sie von Lady Proxima an einen Sklavenhalter veräußert wird und die Enge Coronets hinter sich lässt...
Meine Meinung:
“Crimson Climb” kann man mit Fug und Recht als bestes Buch von E.K. Johnston bezeichnen. Die Handlung passt sich nahtlos in “Solo” und die Comics ein. Der Leser erfährt nicht nur, wie aus Qi’ra die Einzelkämpferin wird, die sie letztlich ist. Vielmehr bekommt man auch spannende Einblicke in die Organisation der Unterwelt und insbesondere die Strukturen Crimson Dawns. Als besonders interessant stellten sich für mich Dryden Vos und seine Beziehung zu Qi’ra dar, die die Autorin detailliert beleuchtet. Genug Action wird schließlich zur Abrundung auch geboten. Die zugängliche Sprache ließ die Zeit beim Lesen nur so dahinfliegen.
Fazit:
Eine wichtige Figur wird leicht verständlich und anschaulich um glaubwürdige Tiefe erweitert. Klare Empfehlung!
Werbung: Vielen lieben Dank an Panini für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionexemplares!
October 16, 2023
how are you going to be allowed to write this and then immediately after it’s release say you view qi’ra as the bad guy
March 25, 2024
This is just what I wanted!
I love the Solo movie (I think Alden Ehrenreich is adorable as Han), loved the "heist movie" feel and the richness of the characters and setting. And the whole time I just kept thinking, BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO QI'RA?! How did she end up with Crimson Dawn, and what was her deal?!
And Kate, of course, is a wonderful author to cover this. She does scrappy girls well, and she does scrappy Star Wars girls especially well. Qi'ra's bravado, her outer confidence, even while inside she's freaking out at things like having enough food to eat, having more than the bare minimum of clothing, having enough money to buy something just because. After the childhood that she had, after what happened when she and Han were separated, you can see how she makes choices so that she can live, but even so, so that she can be on top, where she's not being abused any more. It's heartbreaking, and you don't want her to be the villain, but you can see the reasoning behind it all the same.
Also, total props for a Raiders of the Lost Ark style ancient temple heist! Including an archaeology joke that had me rolling!
I love the Solo movie (I think Alden Ehrenreich is adorable as Han), loved the "heist movie" feel and the richness of the characters and setting. And the whole time I just kept thinking, BUT WHAT HAPPENED TO QI'RA?! How did she end up with Crimson Dawn, and what was her deal?!
And Kate, of course, is a wonderful author to cover this. She does scrappy girls well, and she does scrappy Star Wars girls especially well. Qi'ra's bravado, her outer confidence, even while inside she's freaking out at things like having enough food to eat, having more than the bare minimum of clothing, having enough money to buy something just because. After the childhood that she had, after what happened when she and Han were separated, you can see how she makes choices so that she can live, but even so, so that she can be on top, where she's not being abused any more. It's heartbreaking, and you don't want her to be the villain, but you can see the reasoning behind it all the same.
Also, total props for a Raiders of the Lost Ark style ancient temple heist! Including an archaeology joke that had me rolling!
January 22, 2026
This one was okay. It’s always fun to get another female-centered Star Wars book. I liked getting to learn about how Qi’ra came to be in Crimson Dawn. Outside of that, I wasn’t wowed by this. I thought the characterization of Qi’ra was fine. The action was subpar. There weren’t many emotional highs or lows for me.
November 1, 2023
This is easily the best thing to come out of the "Solo" diversion of the Lucasverse...one I'd be willing to push to a 4.5 star rating. I'm not one for bountry hunters and corporate shenanigans, but this novel rises above my disinterest by making Qi'ra an incredibly powerful and compelling character. Her journey to power is hard and necessary, and is never boring. Another excellent piece of work from EK Johnston.
February 20, 2026
I realize this is a young adult novel, but the writing and the narration style made it very "kids like" in a way I couldn't take it seriously. Even worse - it was just boring. This is not a necessary read and doesn't provide anything worthwhile.
January 28, 2024
I believe I can say definitively that E.K. Johnston is my least favorite Star Wars author; I can also say Olivia Hack is probably my least favorite Star Wars audiobook narrator. Suffice to say, this was a slog. What I’ve noticed about Johnston’s books is she tends to write events more than she tells stories. This is the book about Q’ira in between the events of Solo. What’s the story? Well… she does things. She gets passed around from place to place as a slave, therefore she herself has little agency in her own life. Therefore there’s not much story to tell. If she escaped from Proxima instead of just getting sold, maybe there would be a story; if she ran from Sarkin instead of just getting sold, maybe there would be a story. Instead, this is just a gap-filling book. I want a STORY that bridges gaps, not just words to fill the holes. The Padmé trilogy felt like this often times, and Ahsoka definitely did. And that’s her entire Star Wars bibliography. As for Hack, she just struggles to make other voices. If this was told in first person from Q’ira the whole time, her voice is perfect. She sounds just like her. But her voices for the other characters are dreadful. The new characters get assigned “Mouse” or “Godmother” and she forms that voice for them, and she tries her best with established characters, but she just doesn’t quite seem to get them. Vos never speaks like himself, even though to Johnston’s credit, I think he’s being written very accurately.
I have no further critique to give because unfortunately there’s nothing left here of substance to give critique of. But sadly, I would read a sequel. Because I can’t help myself. And this ends… right where it feels like a story might actually happen. And the best book Johnston has written was a sequel, so maybe she just needs a lot more setup than most. But this is frustratingly dull setup if it is that.
I have no further critique to give because unfortunately there’s nothing left here of substance to give critique of. But sadly, I would read a sequel. Because I can’t help myself. And this ends… right where it feels like a story might actually happen. And the best book Johnston has written was a sequel, so maybe she just needs a lot more setup than most. But this is frustratingly dull setup if it is that.
October 5, 2023
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Science Fiction
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
E.K. Johnson's Crimson Climb is a book in the Star Wars Disney Cannon series. This story focuses on Qi’ra who has become an important character in Marvel Comics’ Star Wars, appearing in the flagship Star Wars title as well as the smash hit comics miniseries War of the Bounty Hunters, and is currently headlining Crimson Dawn. This has revived interest in the character and fans have expressed a desire for her to have her own novel. This is the story about how Qi'ra came to rise up so quickly in the ranks of the Crimson Dawn, and how she ended up with Dryden Vos.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Science Fiction
*Rating* 3-3.5
*Thoughts*
E.K. Johnson's Crimson Climb is a book in the Star Wars Disney Cannon series. This story focuses on Qi’ra who has become an important character in Marvel Comics’ Star Wars, appearing in the flagship Star Wars title as well as the smash hit comics miniseries War of the Bounty Hunters, and is currently headlining Crimson Dawn. This has revived interest in the character and fans have expressed a desire for her to have her own novel. This is the story about how Qi'ra came to rise up so quickly in the ranks of the Crimson Dawn, and how she ended up with Dryden Vos.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
October 8, 2024
There are some good bits here, including Qi'ra's dynamic with Dryden Vos and the various tidbits about never-actually-appearing-on-page Maul. Qi'ra herself has fairly solid characterization, though I have a hard time drawing a throughline between this Qi'ra and the level of galactic ambition she shows in her comics storylines. But the cast is simply too vast, full of people who I couldn't even remember as names, much less as people--which meant I cared about none of them when they started dying off. And the pacing is deeply, deeply weird.
October 19, 2023
It started off well but ultimately I wanted more from the story.
January 19, 2026
the kasdans tried to convince us vos and qi’ra is a romance and ek johnston said not on my watch
October 6, 2023
(Spoilers for “Solo: A Star Wars Story”)
“Crimson Climb” tells the story of Qi’ra from the moment she and Han are separated at the Corellia Spaceport to her rise through the ranks of Crimson Dawn. After giving us more of Padmé Amidala (and her handmaidens) than we ever saw in the “Prequel Trilogy” or “The Clone Wars” TV series, EK Johnston does the same for Emilia Clarke’s character from “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
We initially meet Qi’ra in the first act of the film as a compelling counterpart to a young Han on (and below) the rough streets of Corellia, clearly wired differently yet every bit his equal. In the film's closing act, we reencounter her as the right-hand lieutenant of the enigmatic Dryden Vos, head of an infamous crime syndicate. By the end of the movie, she’s in charge.
But how did she get from the Corellian sewers to the top of Crimson Dawn? The film doesn’t tell us much. Mur Lafferty’s novelization/expanded edition of the film gives us just enough of a glimpse to make us pretty sure it’s not a path we’d have liked to travel.
Johnston's challenge is filling in the rest of this arc, and she does well. The main narrative begins with Qi’ra’s unsurprisingly difficult days after her failed attempt to leave with Han, follows her through an intermediate stop with another crime boss, and shows us her recruitment into Crimson Dawn. Along the way, Johnston sprinkles in short interludes from other periods of Qi’Ra’s career, including her first moments as leader of Crimson Dawn and her reaction to the Empire’s fall. The novel builds nicely on not only Mur Lafferty’s work but also Rae Carson’s “Most Wanted” and even the “War of the Bounty Hunters,” “Crimson Reign,” and “Hidden Empire” comics series – though none of those are necessarily required reading for this book. As in many other places throughout the Star Wars mythos, it’s enjoyable to recognize the connective tissue and the effort the creators took to include it.
Once part of Crimson Dawn, Qi’ra must prove herself worthy of Vos’s trust to rise within the ranks. This, of course, inspires competition and rivalry with others looking to advance within the organization. Ultimately, this puts Qi’ra in the position of having to unravel a conspiracy and uncover disloyal members inside the syndicate. While a compelling arc that helps explain her eventual status alongside Dryden Vos, if there’s a weakness in the book, it’s that this arc felt like it was missing a few links in connecting all the conniving parties.
The final act, however, more than makes up for any earlier oversights, and I can only imagine how much fun Johnston must have had writing Qi’ra’s final quest that firmly establishes her position within Crimson Dawn and brings her to the attention of the shady figure overseeing all of the crime syndicates. This adventure is also the book’s only touchpoint with the Jedi, Sith, and the Force (so if those are your main jam in Star Wars, then this book might not make for your favorite story).
However, fans of the Star Wars universe’s criminal underbelly, those who loved Qi’ra’s character, and anyone who’s used the hashtag #makesolo2happen will undoubtedly enjoy the story Johnston weaves. Watching Qi’ra grow and evolve from Corellian scrumrat to crime syndicate lieutenant and seeing the shadow her previous experiences and relationships cast on her path makes for a fun and satisfying read.
Review copy courtesy of NetGalley
“Crimson Climb” tells the story of Qi’ra from the moment she and Han are separated at the Corellia Spaceport to her rise through the ranks of Crimson Dawn. After giving us more of Padmé Amidala (and her handmaidens) than we ever saw in the “Prequel Trilogy” or “The Clone Wars” TV series, EK Johnston does the same for Emilia Clarke’s character from “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
We initially meet Qi’ra in the first act of the film as a compelling counterpart to a young Han on (and below) the rough streets of Corellia, clearly wired differently yet every bit his equal. In the film's closing act, we reencounter her as the right-hand lieutenant of the enigmatic Dryden Vos, head of an infamous crime syndicate. By the end of the movie, she’s in charge.
But how did she get from the Corellian sewers to the top of Crimson Dawn? The film doesn’t tell us much. Mur Lafferty’s novelization/expanded edition of the film gives us just enough of a glimpse to make us pretty sure it’s not a path we’d have liked to travel.
Johnston's challenge is filling in the rest of this arc, and she does well. The main narrative begins with Qi’ra’s unsurprisingly difficult days after her failed attempt to leave with Han, follows her through an intermediate stop with another crime boss, and shows us her recruitment into Crimson Dawn. Along the way, Johnston sprinkles in short interludes from other periods of Qi’Ra’s career, including her first moments as leader of Crimson Dawn and her reaction to the Empire’s fall. The novel builds nicely on not only Mur Lafferty’s work but also Rae Carson’s “Most Wanted” and even the “War of the Bounty Hunters,” “Crimson Reign,” and “Hidden Empire” comics series – though none of those are necessarily required reading for this book. As in many other places throughout the Star Wars mythos, it’s enjoyable to recognize the connective tissue and the effort the creators took to include it.
Once part of Crimson Dawn, Qi’ra must prove herself worthy of Vos’s trust to rise within the ranks. This, of course, inspires competition and rivalry with others looking to advance within the organization. Ultimately, this puts Qi’ra in the position of having to unravel a conspiracy and uncover disloyal members inside the syndicate. While a compelling arc that helps explain her eventual status alongside Dryden Vos, if there’s a weakness in the book, it’s that this arc felt like it was missing a few links in connecting all the conniving parties.
The final act, however, more than makes up for any earlier oversights, and I can only imagine how much fun Johnston must have had writing Qi’ra’s final quest that firmly establishes her position within Crimson Dawn and brings her to the attention of the shady figure overseeing all of the crime syndicates. This adventure is also the book’s only touchpoint with the Jedi, Sith, and the Force (so if those are your main jam in Star Wars, then this book might not make for your favorite story).
However, fans of the Star Wars universe’s criminal underbelly, those who loved Qi’ra’s character, and anyone who’s used the hashtag #makesolo2happen will undoubtedly enjoy the story Johnston weaves. Watching Qi’ra grow and evolve from Corellian scrumrat to crime syndicate lieutenant and seeing the shadow her previous experiences and relationships cast on her path makes for a fun and satisfying read.
Review copy courtesy of NetGalley
May 28, 2024
I’ll admit I was never the biggest fan of the Solo movie. Though the introduction of the character Qi’ra captivated me almost instantly. While we have had some recent comic books about her, it’s been more post-Solo stuff. This book was an intriguing continuation of Qi’ras introduction in Solo. Practically picking up where Han left her and filling in some of those blanks the movie left to the imagination. Only thing I’m upset about is I was at the edge of my seat a wanting more when I finished the book…I need more of this Qi’ra!
Also worth mentioning that since I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Solo movie, I never looked into any of the other material published in that area…this book was the first for me and has changed my stance and I’m definitely going to look into some of those books now.
Also worth mentioning that since I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Solo movie, I never looked into any of the other material published in that area…this book was the first for me and has changed my stance and I’m definitely going to look into some of those books now.
March 19, 2026
I am going to preface this by saying I am in fact biased about this because Qi’ra is my absolute favourite Star Wars character and I already really don't enjoy E.K. Johnston’s writing style. With that being said… Yikes. To summarize: Crimson Climb is a sanitized look into the first year of Qi’ra’s life after Han leaves her on Corellia, and her rise in the ranks of Crimson Dawn. It adds very little to her character and leaves much to be desired in its portrayal of the syndicate world. It is paced in an extremely odd way and often falls victim to some of the most juvenile writing I've ever read.
If you'd like to read my full thoughts, my full (and very detailed) review is on my substack!
https://open.substack.com/pub/crimson...
If you'd like to read my full thoughts, my full (and very detailed) review is on my substack!
https://open.substack.com/pub/crimson...
November 7, 2023
What a FUN read! I love Qi’ra and this book really captures her character so well. Calculating, always thinking, always planning twenty steps ahead of anybody else. But somehow not fully cold-hearted. I absolutely was rooting for her.
This book was well-paced, a very quick read. Dryden Vos is menacing but dashing also. And the little bits of Han Solo were the perfect amount. I definitely recommend this, whether you’ve seen any Star Wars or not,
This book was well-paced, a very quick read. Dryden Vos is menacing but dashing also. And the little bits of Han Solo were the perfect amount. I definitely recommend this, whether you’ve seen any Star Wars or not,
February 24, 2024
Johnston writes good Star Wars, and she does a great job of writing Qi'ra as...not cruel or evil, simply ruthlessly practical, because she's going to survive. Han's escape attempt only half-worked, she will therefore be Han's opposite, and her memories of him, while fond, will always be tagged 'don't be like him'.
February 6, 2025
What “Solo: A Star Wars Story” fans (or at least me) want: a story (ideally Solo 2) that connects the movie to the Marvel comics where it is revealed how Han Solo’s ex-girlfriend Qi’ra supplanted You Know Who (no not Voldemort, but a fan favorite Star Wars character) as the head of the Crimson Dawn crime syndicate. Well Disney hasn’t (maybe doesn’t want to?) given us that story in the 7 years since Solo came out. But we do get “Crimson Climb” which reveals what happened to Qi’ra in between getting separated from Han at the start of the movie to becoming the mid-level lieutenant in Crimson Dawn she was for most of the movie.
This was good to read shortly after “Most Wanted” which I liked a surprising amount and which did establish Qi’ra ambition and survivalist mindset as early as her teen years. Crimson Climb shows Qi’ra refining those qualities, having to do so as she graduates from working for a lowly street gang to a Galaxy spanning criminal cartel. We see Qi’ra having to learn how to mask her thoughts/emotions/plans, anticipate predatory superiors’ needs, quash rivals at the opportune moment, etc. It’s all to be expected considering the influential player she ends up becoming in the Galaxy. I will say that while each of the book’s escapades are necessary for her climbing the ranks, they weren’t all as engaging as I hoped. For instance, it took a bit longer for Qi’ra to leave her childhood gang after she was recaptured in the movie and only due to the plot/plot armor that she survived. Some of her initial missions with Crimson Dawn were interesting enough but others felt tedious. Qi’ra is given some impossible task to complete, she’s fending off rivals that want her dead, she learns some skills, she succeeds and moves up the ranks a bit. As I said, some of these vignettes are fine but they're repetitive. And then it ends in an Indiana Jones style mission that feels a bit out of place in what is otherwise a crime noir story (maybe the comics about her follow up on her turn as the Elsa Schneider to Han’s Indiana?).
Despite the details of the plot being forgettable filler, Qi’ra’s arc and characterization is what kept the book engaging for the most part. She has compelling character development as we see her discard her surface level street kid appearance/personality and let out her ambitious and crafty side she had in Most Wanted and finally become the femme fatale she is in later stories. It’s ultimately fun seeing her almost become the crime lord she will one day be while still not exactly ever being a free person. Likewise I appreciated the conflicting emotions that Qi’ra expressed about Han throughout the book, being a good mix of anger, dismissiveness and longing. It makes her subsequent actions in the movie after reuniting with him all the more understandable and poignant.
Really her story is what makes Crimson Climb at least worth checking out for fans of the character and Solo. Most of the other characters, be they minor characters in Solo that get expanded roles or were created for the book are otherwise forgettable. Dryden Vos at least and his scenes of creepily tutoring/controlling of Qi'ra is interesting enough though and Qi’ra’s attempts to be on his good side make for a good cat & mouse game. Even then though he’s not the Crimson Dawn higher-up I wanted to learn more on. As mentioned, as far as Crimson Dawn goes the only thing I and probably most readers care about is learning more about You-Know-Who’s control over them. They’re given a few passages where they’re discussed but nothing substantive and the ending teased Qi’ra’s first meeting with them before its inexcusably cut off. READERS WANT TO SEE THEM but I guess Lucasfilm has mandated they can’t be used until Solo 2 or a Crimson Dawn show is greenlit.
After coming away from reading “Most Wanted” more impressed with it and that period of Qi’ra’s life than I expected to be, “Crimson Climb” did feel like a step down. The story’s events are forgettable but EK Johnston at least does right by the main character, continuing to cultivate Qi’ra as a Star Wars character with a lot of potential. It might not give much to people that aren’t already fans of her, but it does its work with the main character well enough.
This was good to read shortly after “Most Wanted” which I liked a surprising amount and which did establish Qi’ra ambition and survivalist mindset as early as her teen years. Crimson Climb shows Qi’ra refining those qualities, having to do so as she graduates from working for a lowly street gang to a Galaxy spanning criminal cartel. We see Qi’ra having to learn how to mask her thoughts/emotions/plans, anticipate predatory superiors’ needs, quash rivals at the opportune moment, etc. It’s all to be expected considering the influential player she ends up becoming in the Galaxy. I will say that while each of the book’s escapades are necessary for her climbing the ranks, they weren’t all as engaging as I hoped. For instance, it took a bit longer for Qi’ra to leave her childhood gang after she was recaptured in the movie and only due to the plot/plot armor that she survived. Some of her initial missions with Crimson Dawn were interesting enough but others felt tedious. Qi’ra is given some impossible task to complete, she’s fending off rivals that want her dead, she learns some skills, she succeeds and moves up the ranks a bit. As I said, some of these vignettes are fine but they're repetitive. And then it ends in an Indiana Jones style mission that feels a bit out of place in what is otherwise a crime noir story (maybe the comics about her follow up on her turn as the Elsa Schneider to Han’s Indiana?).
Despite the details of the plot being forgettable filler, Qi’ra’s arc and characterization is what kept the book engaging for the most part. She has compelling character development as we see her discard her surface level street kid appearance/personality and let out her ambitious and crafty side she had in Most Wanted and finally become the femme fatale she is in later stories. It’s ultimately fun seeing her almost become the crime lord she will one day be while still not exactly ever being a free person. Likewise I appreciated the conflicting emotions that Qi’ra expressed about Han throughout the book, being a good mix of anger, dismissiveness and longing. It makes her subsequent actions in the movie after reuniting with him all the more understandable and poignant.
Really her story is what makes Crimson Climb at least worth checking out for fans of the character and Solo. Most of the other characters, be they minor characters in Solo that get expanded roles or were created for the book are otherwise forgettable. Dryden Vos at least and his scenes of creepily tutoring/controlling of Qi'ra is interesting enough though and Qi’ra’s attempts to be on his good side make for a good cat & mouse game. Even then though he’s not the Crimson Dawn higher-up I wanted to learn more on. As mentioned, as far as Crimson Dawn goes the only thing I and probably most readers care about is learning more about You-Know-Who’s control over them. They’re given a few passages where they’re discussed but nothing substantive and the ending teased Qi’ra’s first meeting with them before its inexcusably cut off. READERS WANT TO SEE THEM but I guess Lucasfilm has mandated they can’t be used until Solo 2 or a Crimson Dawn show is greenlit.
After coming away from reading “Most Wanted” more impressed with it and that period of Qi’ra’s life than I expected to be, “Crimson Climb” did feel like a step down. The story’s events are forgettable but EK Johnston at least does right by the main character, continuing to cultivate Qi’ra as a Star Wars character with a lot of potential. It might not give much to people that aren’t already fans of her, but it does its work with the main character well enough.
October 10, 2023
Thanks to Disney Lucasfilm Press for the review copy of this book!
One of the final Star Wars novels of 2023 has arrived, Crimson Climb by E.K. Johnston. Serving as a sequel of sorts to Rae Carson’s 2018 book Most Wanted, an interquel to Solo: A Star Wars Story, and a prequel to the Crimson Reign Marvel series, this plot and character driven YA offering had me engaged from start to finish.
Crimson Climb does so much more than simply fill in a timeline gap for Qi’ra, a relatively minor, (yet beloved) Star Wars character. It’s a rags to riches origin story that’s bleak, dark, hopeful, and wildly entertaining. With her partner in crime Han Solo offworld, Qi’ra’s left to fend for herself on Corellia amidst Lady Proxima’s White Worms clan. The balance of power has shifted, leaving Qi’ra crawling her way back to some semblance of an existence. Qi’ra’s resilience starts to pay off as she takes baby steps towards a new and improved life. As Crimson Climb progresses, readers get a front row seat to the emergence of a power player in the world of the syndicates. Will Qi’ra leave behind her scrumrat ways forever as she ascends the ranks of the criminal syndicate Crimson Dawn?
In all transparency, I haven’t been the biggest fan of Johnston’s Star Wars works up to this point, however, I absolutely loved Crimson Climb! It scratched that don’t-want-to-put-it-down itch that I always crave in a book. From the very beginning Johnston took an established Star Wars character, gave her even more depth, and thrust her into a thrilling story filled with twists and turns. Qi’ra is the type of character that you can’t help but root for, shortcomings and all. She’s also not the typical heroine, with an edginess that’s refreshing and fun.
Similar to another 2023 Star Wars novel, Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade, Crimson Climb isn’t afraid to delve into the darker side of things. Here, the Force is barely mentioned and there’s not a Jedi or Sith to be seen, but it’s the darkness of humanity that’s explored as Qi’ra, and those around her go to extremes in their fight for survival. Qi’ra does some truly terrible things, and Johnston makes no excuses for her gritty determination to climb to the top, but she’s respectable for her perseverance and determination. The book closes with a mysterious cliffhanger, leaving potential for Qi’ra’s story to continue (which I hope is the case).
Crimson Climb is surprising, shocking, and sure fire hit – I give it 🧢 🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 highly recommend!
One of the final Star Wars novels of 2023 has arrived, Crimson Climb by E.K. Johnston. Serving as a sequel of sorts to Rae Carson’s 2018 book Most Wanted, an interquel to Solo: A Star Wars Story, and a prequel to the Crimson Reign Marvel series, this plot and character driven YA offering had me engaged from start to finish.
Crimson Climb does so much more than simply fill in a timeline gap for Qi’ra, a relatively minor, (yet beloved) Star Wars character. It’s a rags to riches origin story that’s bleak, dark, hopeful, and wildly entertaining. With her partner in crime Han Solo offworld, Qi’ra’s left to fend for herself on Corellia amidst Lady Proxima’s White Worms clan. The balance of power has shifted, leaving Qi’ra crawling her way back to some semblance of an existence. Qi’ra’s resilience starts to pay off as she takes baby steps towards a new and improved life. As Crimson Climb progresses, readers get a front row seat to the emergence of a power player in the world of the syndicates. Will Qi’ra leave behind her scrumrat ways forever as she ascends the ranks of the criminal syndicate Crimson Dawn?
In all transparency, I haven’t been the biggest fan of Johnston’s Star Wars works up to this point, however, I absolutely loved Crimson Climb! It scratched that don’t-want-to-put-it-down itch that I always crave in a book. From the very beginning Johnston took an established Star Wars character, gave her even more depth, and thrust her into a thrilling story filled with twists and turns. Qi’ra is the type of character that you can’t help but root for, shortcomings and all. She’s also not the typical heroine, with an edginess that’s refreshing and fun.
Similar to another 2023 Star Wars novel, Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade, Crimson Climb isn’t afraid to delve into the darker side of things. Here, the Force is barely mentioned and there’s not a Jedi or Sith to be seen, but it’s the darkness of humanity that’s explored as Qi’ra, and those around her go to extremes in their fight for survival. Qi’ra does some truly terrible things, and Johnston makes no excuses for her gritty determination to climb to the top, but she’s respectable for her perseverance and determination. The book closes with a mysterious cliffhanger, leaving potential for Qi’ra’s story to continue (which I hope is the case).
Crimson Climb is surprising, shocking, and sure fire hit – I give it 🧢 🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 highly recommend!
April 28, 2025
“the dead could not hold grudges, and she had to please the living”
““it’s a vicious fighting style, teräs käsi.” he said, his voice low and more genuine than she had ever heard this wasn’t the showman dryden vos, this was just him. “it takes no prisoners, exploits every weakness. and plays by rules some might consider uncivilized. but that’s because they lose.” it was his final warning, the last bit of preparation he could give her before she went to face her fate.”
6.5/10 overall i’m thinking. mainly cause i like qi’ra and dryden vos as characters, and it was very interesting to see qi’ra’s rise through the ranks. however what i found surprisingly lacking was an interesting plot overall. it didn’t feel like one overarching story aside from qi’ra’s rise. one of the main mysteries of the book doesn’t even get a real conclusion, the antagonist just dies and that’s that. i really liked the ending tho, and how the epilogue connected with the comics. the writing style was good, as was the production. the narrator annoyed me a bit but i got over it, though the production quality was nowhere near as good as shadow of the sith. i’m not even sure they had any licensed tracks from the movies in there. i kinda wished there was more of her relationship with margo and trinia, but i guess that’s the point, in that she never let herself get close to anyone. but i enjoyed it overall honestly, but again, mainly cause i like qi’ra
6.5/10
““it’s a vicious fighting style, teräs käsi.” he said, his voice low and more genuine than she had ever heard this wasn’t the showman dryden vos, this was just him. “it takes no prisoners, exploits every weakness. and plays by rules some might consider uncivilized. but that’s because they lose.” it was his final warning, the last bit of preparation he could give her before she went to face her fate.”
6.5/10 overall i’m thinking. mainly cause i like qi’ra and dryden vos as characters, and it was very interesting to see qi’ra’s rise through the ranks. however what i found surprisingly lacking was an interesting plot overall. it didn’t feel like one overarching story aside from qi’ra’s rise. one of the main mysteries of the book doesn’t even get a real conclusion, the antagonist just dies and that’s that. i really liked the ending tho, and how the epilogue connected with the comics. the writing style was good, as was the production. the narrator annoyed me a bit but i got over it, though the production quality was nowhere near as good as shadow of the sith. i’m not even sure they had any licensed tracks from the movies in there. i kinda wished there was more of her relationship with margo and trinia, but i guess that’s the point, in that she never let herself get close to anyone. but i enjoyed it overall honestly, but again, mainly cause i like qi’ra
6.5/10
Read
December 11, 2025Another fun book connecting into Solo, but I don’t feel it particularly lived up to the potential. It starts in a very similar place to both Most Wanted and to Solo, and so I was quite bored to begin with. It took us over 30% of the story to get to Crimson Dawn, and whilst it does pick up from there, I feel it barely scratched the surface of what the story could have been. It was slightly bloated with characters and sub-plot, and Qi’ra often just glided through. I’d have loved for this to be an adult novel and you could get into more complexities and grittiness of the settings and characters. I did enjoy every time Dryden Vos was in the story and Maul being a dark player in the shadows worked very well. The random Indiana Jones mission near the end was a bit odd and felt out of place, and the weird prologue/ending didn’t sit right with me - I had to do a deep dive on Wookiepedia to see who it was and it’s still unconfirmed? But is probably Sabé, who has zero connection to this story and pops up later in comics? Maybe it’s a cool deep cut for people who read everything, but for a fan like me, that just felt disappointing.
On the whole, a mixed bag, but I will take anything that’s related to Solo!
On the whole, a mixed bag, but I will take anything that’s related to Solo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2023
A fantastic read that begins when Qi'ra is separated from Han in the film Solo and follows her rise to becoming a member of Crimson Dawn.
Even though I knew, as would fans, that Qi'ra will survive the obstacles in the novel to meet up with Han in his film, I was riveted to every page. I love every character, innocent or gangster, every setting, every action, and every choice that Qi'ra makes that steals a bit of her soul as she tries just to survive.
No spoilers here. If you loved her in Star Wars, or just love Star Wars, you'll love this book.
Johnston should be given carte blanche to write Star Wars novels. She can craft brilliant stories, make familiar characters new, and make reading as smooth as silk.
Even though I knew, as would fans, that Qi'ra will survive the obstacles in the novel to meet up with Han in his film, I was riveted to every page. I love every character, innocent or gangster, every setting, every action, and every choice that Qi'ra makes that steals a bit of her soul as she tries just to survive.
No spoilers here. If you loved her in Star Wars, or just love Star Wars, you'll love this book.
Johnston should be given carte blanche to write Star Wars novels. She can craft brilliant stories, make familiar characters new, and make reading as smooth as silk.
February 21, 2024
EKJ is pretty consistently my least favorite SW writer; and they keep giving her cool characters to butcher. I will say however, this wasn't her worst! She just somehow still misses the mark by making Qi'ra not as interesting as she probably could be. There was a lot of backstory misses here. I loved her time in the White Worms, it was gritty and we saw Qi'ra's street smarts. Then when she was actually with Crimson Dawn she just bops around and is useless. I wanted to see her turn from scrumrat to someone worthy of taking the mantle as Maul's second. But we didn't get that, at all.
It really wasn't a bad read, especially for one of EKJ's SW titles. It just wasn't what I wanted.
It really wasn't a bad read, especially for one of EKJ's SW titles. It just wasn't what I wanted.
October 27, 2023
This was so aggressively mid. I know that Qi'ra is a teenager, but I have absolutely no idea why Lucasfilm Publishing decided to make a story about an enslaved teenager getting roped into a crime syndicate both obscenely boring and YA. This story could have been much more interesting and darker if it had been an adult novel and fully leaned into it.
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