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Star Wars Disney Canon Novel
Star Wars: Legacy
Set between Episodes VIII and IX, Rey and Leia embark on a quest to repair Rey’s lightsaber and rekindle the legacy of the Jedi.
After barely escaping the First Order on Crait, Rey and the Resistance are struggling to rebuild. Her friends need the last Jedi more than ever, but Rey feels alone and overwhelmed. Jedi tradition is built on masters and apprentices, and Rey’s teacher is gone. Leia Organa tries her best to train Rey in the ways of the Force as Luke did for her so many years ago, but Leia’s knowledge is limited, Rey’s lightsaber is broken, and the specter of Kylo Ren and regrets from the past haunt them both. How can Leia pass the torch when she herself is unsure of the way?
But then, the ancient Jedi texts offer a glimmer of a long-forgotten Jedi temple on Tython that might hold the key to repairing Rey’s saber. Rey leaps at the chance to journey there—and to her surprise, so does Leia.
Rey and Leia’s nascent mentorship is put to the test when they discover the temple on Tython is filled with obscure clues to decipher and arcane trials to complete. As they work to unravel the temple’s mysteries, they encounter a group of refugees living in its shadow, hiding from a First Order officer hot on the trail of two freedom fighters in their midst. With the threat of the First Order looming and the secrets of the temple yet to be unlocked, the newly forged master and apprentice must confront their pasts, reach each other in the present, and decide what it means to carry the legacy of the Jedi into the future.
After barely escaping the First Order on Crait, Rey and the Resistance are struggling to rebuild. Her friends need the last Jedi more than ever, but Rey feels alone and overwhelmed. Jedi tradition is built on masters and apprentices, and Rey’s teacher is gone. Leia Organa tries her best to train Rey in the ways of the Force as Luke did for her so many years ago, but Leia’s knowledge is limited, Rey’s lightsaber is broken, and the specter of Kylo Ren and regrets from the past haunt them both. How can Leia pass the torch when she herself is unsure of the way?
But then, the ancient Jedi texts offer a glimmer of a long-forgotten Jedi temple on Tython that might hold the key to repairing Rey’s saber. Rey leaps at the chance to journey there—and to her surprise, so does Leia.
Rey and Leia’s nascent mentorship is put to the test when they discover the temple on Tython is filled with obscure clues to decipher and arcane trials to complete. As they work to unravel the temple’s mysteries, they encounter a group of refugees living in its shadow, hiding from a First Order officer hot on the trail of two freedom fighters in their midst. With the threat of the First Order looming and the secrets of the temple yet to be unlocked, the newly forged master and apprentice must confront their pasts, reach each other in the present, and decide what it means to carry the legacy of the Jedi into the future.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2026
About the author
Madeleine Roux
45 books4,947 followersNew York Times Bestselling Author of the ASYLUM series, Allison Hewitt Is Trapped, Sadie Walker Is Stranded and the upcoming House of Furies series.
MADELEINE ROUX received her BA in Creative Writing and Acting from Beloit College in 2008. In the spring of 2009, Madeleine completed an Honors Term at Beloit College, proposing, writing and presenting a full-length historical fiction novel. Shortly after, she began the experimental fiction blog Allison Hewitt Is Trapped. Allison Hewitt Is Trapped quickly spread throughout the blogosphere, bringing a unique serial fiction experience to readers.
Born in Minnesota, she now lives and works in Seattle, Washington.
MADELEINE ROUX received her BA in Creative Writing and Acting from Beloit College in 2008. In the spring of 2009, Madeleine completed an Honors Term at Beloit College, proposing, writing and presenting a full-length historical fiction novel. Shortly after, she began the experimental fiction blog Allison Hewitt Is Trapped. Allison Hewitt Is Trapped quickly spread throughout the blogosphere, bringing a unique serial fiction experience to readers.
Born in Minnesota, she now lives and works in Seattle, Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 29, 2026
I was really excited to read this book, and hopeful that it would fill in some gaps in the sequel era and tell a satisfying story. Unfortuantely, this book really did not work on multiple levels. I kept reading hoping it would get better, and unfortunately, it did not.
Let's start with the general story of the book. The main story follows Rey and Leia as they embark on a journey to the planet Tython (as seen in The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 6 The Tragedy). There, Rey intend to find a Forge to help reform Anakin/Luke's Lightsaber, and Leia hopes to break through to Rey and help impart some wisdom and guidance to her. Meanwhile, a foiled plot to assassinate a First Order officer causes 2 rebels (Ziff Loresta and Gavrin Hyllus to go on the run, while that First Order officer (Major Brilla Wolstenholme) goes on her own vendeetta to hunt down and capture every rebel involved in the plot.
The basic plot had some promise to it. Unfortunately, so much of it is unsatisfying. What Leia and Rey find on Tython does narratively make sense...but the book takes so long to move the story forward. What should have taken roughly 1/3 or less of the book takes up almost all of Leia and Rey's storyline. Once they finally get some answers, the book is pretty much over and the answers it gives, while logical, are unsatisfying to the reader.
The story of Brilla Wolstenholme starts out quite strong. I really enjoyed reading such an arrogant character who was so blinded by her desire to catch the rebels she didn't see the potential consequences of her actions. She by far had the best chapters in the book. However!...Brilla's story also takes several very unsatisfying turns by the end of the book, and her story, rather than feel complete and entertaining, just feels like it ends and doesn't have closure nor make the journey worth it.
There is something to Madeleine Roux's writing style in this book that was also immensely frustrating. She includes so many flashbacks and/or visions, particularly with Rey and Leia's POVs (although it happens with Brilla, Gavrin, and Zeff's POVs too) and they sometimes are as short as a few sentences or as long as a few pages...but the way Roux constantly throws the reader back and forth, with little warning or explanation...was just jarring and made the book that much more difficult to read. Flashbacks and visions can be interestings and entertaining, as can visions, but there is a way to balance them, and this book just didn't do that. It gave me the feeling I had reading Thrawn Alliances whenever "Double Vision" would happen and I just inwardly groaned when it was on the page.
For a positive example within the Star Wars universe, Phasma is a story entirely based around the concept of flashbacks and I think that Delilah S Dawson did a great job crafting that story. So they can be done well, I just didn't care for them here.
Leia has some interesting conversations with *someone* in this book, and those actually did a lot to make her storyline more interesting. I expected it to be a singular conversation, but it turned out to be a few scenes, and those scenes were in fact satisfying.
Rey, in her explorations of the Jedi temple ruins on Tython, does have a scene where she has a conversation with a *different character*. That conversation, and the reveal of who she was talking to, was very well done.
One more positive note, I really like the pastel style of the cover from Sophie Cowdry. It reminds me of Master and Apprentices' cover and is a style I really enjoy!
Speaking of the cover, Kylo Ren is on it...but he is used very little in the book. Don't go in expecting a big Kylo Ren storyline, or a ton of Rey/Ben moments (though there's kind of a few...kind of).
I admit, some elements of this book were not tailor made for me. I'm not as interested in books where characters do a lot of introspection, and this book has a ton of that. I'm not interested in books where the Jedi are exploring Jedi ruins and thinking about the merits and ideas of the force....and this book has a lot of that. I'm also (usually, though there are exceptions) not a fan of books that have such minimal plot and story...and this book's plot is paper thin. I really believe it's can and should have been condensed down into 100-150 pages, and actually focused on telling a fun adventure for the rest of the novel. My storytelling proclivities might color my enjoyment of the book, and other readers who do enjoy the things I listed might therefore love this book. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me.
This book was a let down, and I wish it wasn't so. There were so many elements here that could have made an entertaining story, but the execution of them just didn't work at all. Die-hard Leia/Rey fans will probably enjoy this novel, and if you're more into explorations of the Force, you might enjoy this novel, but otherwise I just cannot recommend it. 3.5 out of 10. Hopefully the next one will be more entertaining.
Let's start with the general story of the book. The main story follows Rey and Leia as they embark on a journey to the planet Tython (as seen in The Mandalorian Season 2, Episode 6 The Tragedy). There, Rey intend to find a Forge to help reform Anakin/Luke's Lightsaber, and Leia hopes to break through to Rey and help impart some wisdom and guidance to her. Meanwhile, a foiled plot to assassinate a First Order officer causes 2 rebels (Ziff Loresta and Gavrin Hyllus to go on the run, while that First Order officer (Major Brilla Wolstenholme) goes on her own vendeetta to hunt down and capture every rebel involved in the plot.
The basic plot had some promise to it. Unfortunately, so much of it is unsatisfying. What Leia and Rey find on Tython does narratively make sense...but the book takes so long to move the story forward. What should have taken roughly 1/3 or less of the book takes up almost all of Leia and Rey's storyline. Once they finally get some answers, the book is pretty much over and the answers it gives, while logical, are unsatisfying to the reader.
The story of Brilla Wolstenholme starts out quite strong. I really enjoyed reading such an arrogant character who was so blinded by her desire to catch the rebels she didn't see the potential consequences of her actions. She by far had the best chapters in the book. However!...Brilla's story also takes several very unsatisfying turns by the end of the book, and her story, rather than feel complete and entertaining, just feels like it ends and doesn't have closure nor make the journey worth it.
There is something to Madeleine Roux's writing style in this book that was also immensely frustrating. She includes so many flashbacks and/or visions, particularly with Rey and Leia's POVs (although it happens with Brilla, Gavrin, and Zeff's POVs too) and they sometimes are as short as a few sentences or as long as a few pages...but the way Roux constantly throws the reader back and forth, with little warning or explanation...was just jarring and made the book that much more difficult to read. Flashbacks and visions can be interestings and entertaining, as can visions, but there is a way to balance them, and this book just didn't do that. It gave me the feeling I had reading Thrawn Alliances whenever "Double Vision" would happen and I just inwardly groaned when it was on the page.
For a positive example within the Star Wars universe, Phasma is a story entirely based around the concept of flashbacks and I think that Delilah S Dawson did a great job crafting that story. So they can be done well, I just didn't care for them here.
Leia has some interesting conversations with *someone* in this book, and those actually did a lot to make her storyline more interesting. I expected it to be a singular conversation, but it turned out to be a few scenes, and those scenes were in fact satisfying.
Rey, in her explorations of the Jedi temple ruins on Tython, does have a scene where she has a conversation with a *different character*. That conversation, and the reveal of who she was talking to, was very well done.
One more positive note, I really like the pastel style of the cover from Sophie Cowdry. It reminds me of Master and Apprentices' cover and is a style I really enjoy!
Speaking of the cover, Kylo Ren is on it...but he is used very little in the book. Don't go in expecting a big Kylo Ren storyline, or a ton of Rey/Ben moments (though there's kind of a few...kind of).
I admit, some elements of this book were not tailor made for me. I'm not as interested in books where characters do a lot of introspection, and this book has a ton of that. I'm not interested in books where the Jedi are exploring Jedi ruins and thinking about the merits and ideas of the force....and this book has a lot of that. I'm also (usually, though there are exceptions) not a fan of books that have such minimal plot and story...and this book's plot is paper thin. I really believe it's can and should have been condensed down into 100-150 pages, and actually focused on telling a fun adventure for the rest of the novel. My storytelling proclivities might color my enjoyment of the book, and other readers who do enjoy the things I listed might therefore love this book. Unfortunately, it just didn't work for me.
This book was a let down, and I wish it wasn't so. There were so many elements here that could have made an entertaining story, but the execution of them just didn't work at all. Die-hard Leia/Rey fans will probably enjoy this novel, and if you're more into explorations of the Force, you might enjoy this novel, but otherwise I just cannot recommend it. 3.5 out of 10. Hopefully the next one will be more entertaining.
Want to Read
October 16, 2025MY GOATS TOGETHER AGAIN LET'S KRIFFING GOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Currently Reading
November 18, 2025I'M SO EXCITED!
July 24, 2026
Reylo 😭😭😭 please an after rise of skywalker rey and Ben solo novel too. Bring Ben Solo back!
Love Rey being like a mother in law to Rey. Loved the training and the inner turmoil. Hope she writes more in the future!
Love Rey being like a mother in law to Rey. Loved the training and the inner turmoil. Hope she writes more in the future!
August 4, 2026
4,5 stars! the only sequel media i actually enjoyed and loved!
it was really good to read rey and leia's bonding through their trauma. i've never liked how leia's leaving being jedi handled in canon but this book really good job to fix it. it has been a long time since i read women focused books and i read missed it. i could say this book lowkey cured my reading slump.
also i really liked new characters too! it was so fun to read them.
aside from this, i enjoyed small cameos of luke and obi wan, even anakin too! for once he actually did something meaningful. reath's name drop was cute too!
i have some thoughts on how old jedi were perceived but i'm gonna shut my mouth bc i've never read old republic and since it's very ancient times of sith i think it was fair how they acted. (i'm ok as long as it wasn't high republic or prequels jedi)
it's not about the book exactly but i didn't understand how reylo stans read this book and made it about the man who only appeared in two short chapters. it's such a weird way to consume a media and if reylo comments stopping you from reading it, don't become this is not what the book is about and it's more about how rey got over his abuse and manipulations.
it was really good to read rey and leia's bonding through their trauma. i've never liked how leia's leaving being jedi handled in canon but this book really good job to fix it. it has been a long time since i read women focused books and i read missed it. i could say this book lowkey cured my reading slump.
also i really liked new characters too! it was so fun to read them.
aside from this, i enjoyed small cameos of luke and obi wan, even anakin too! for once he actually did something meaningful. reath's name drop was cute too!
i have some thoughts on how old jedi were perceived but i'm gonna shut my mouth bc i've never read old republic and since it's very ancient times of sith i think it was fair how they acted. (i'm ok as long as it wasn't high republic or prequels jedi)
it's not about the book exactly but i didn't understand how reylo stans read this book and made it about the man who only appeared in two short chapters. it's such a weird way to consume a media and if reylo comments stopping you from reading it, don't become this is not what the book is about and it's more about how rey got over his abuse and manipulations.
Read
July 30, 2026Loved it!
I bought this due to the Ben Solo scene. It was a great book and really adds to the Sequels. With that said:
Save #thehuntforbensolo
I bought this due to the Ben Solo scene. It was a great book and really adds to the Sequels. With that said:
Save #thehuntforbensolo
August 9, 2026
Going into this one, I had some seriously high expectations and it gave me everything I needed and then some with great character moments for Rey and Leia and it hit all the emotional beats I could have dreamed of.
July 29, 2026
4.75 stars rounded up. Thanks to Random House Worlds for the review copy!
Full review from my Substack:
This book reminds me why I love Star Wars books so much.
That’s the message I sent to one of the Penguin Random House editors behind Star Wars: Legacy by Madeleine Roux, which arrived this week. The book is set between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, specifically a little bit after the events of Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse. Whereas that book focused on rebuilding the ranks of the Resistance after a crushing defeat at Crait, Legacy slows the story to give us much-needed time with Leia and Rey.
I was cautiously optimistic going into this book. When it was announced last October, my excitement was palpable. Finally, another sequel-era novel, and this time, with Leia and Rey as the main characters. I did eventually temper my expectations because, surely, a Star Wars book wasn’t going to fill in ALL the gaps and answer ALL the questions left after watching The Rise of Skywalker. Understandably, Star Wars is protective of its characters who were created for the screen. Rey has appeared in several books, but I was hesitant to get too excited about the possibility of a book that showcases her inner thoughts and perspectives. Leia has several books largely about her, for which I am utterly grateful. And after my expectations weren't met by Master of Evil and Eyes Like Stars (both are still great stories), I didn’t want to set myself up for disappointment with Legacy.
I should’ve never doubted a Star Wars book’s ability to move me — to give me dialogue and prose that remind me of a core tenet of Star Wars storytelling. No one’s ever really gone. They live on in memories and physical belongings, yes, but also in their words. Those words are written down, preserved in holobooks or recordings, or even just kept safe in someone’s heart and mind. In this galaxy, they live on in the Force. These stories, lessons, and people appear to those who need them most, exactly when they need them.
Through much of Legacy, Rey is tangibly frustrated. I’d also argue she’s angry and afraid, too, as she wages a war within herself. She’s afraid of being afraid, and frustrated over her own anger and fear. She desperately wants to avoid the dark side, but that darkness within her — the feelings of loneliness and pressure to carry on the Jedi legacy — keep bubbling to the surface. All she’s ever been is on her own, but she doesn’t know what to do or who to trust with her darkest secrets. She is, quite literally, the last Jedi, and the pressure of rebuilding a millennia-old religion is too much to bear alone.
Leia sees herself in Rey. Legacy cements just how similar the two women are. Leia understands the loneliness and the pressure to lead and persevere despite the odds. Through Leia, we experience the exhaustion of a life lived in service of others — a life devoted to fighting back the dark and sacrificing for a chance at freedom. Her choices weigh heavily on her, especially those that she believes led her son to the dark side. Leia wants to be…something for Rey. Throughout the book, she struggles to figure out what the young Jedi needs — a mother, a mentor, a teacher? All she knows is that she’s not a Jedi and she’s no Luke.
It’s in these moments where Leia and Rey butt heads and tiptoe around each other that the story really shines. It’s apparent how much they care for one another in The Rise of Skywalker, and Legacy shows all the rough, intense, quiet, and emotional moments it took to form that relationship. Along the way, both Rey and Leia learn how to live with their darkness without fighting it or letting it rule them.
Some small gaps from the movie get filled, too — how the broken Skywalker lightsaber got fixed and how Rey learned Force healing powers. I’d also argue that Legacy presents the best reasoning for Rey taking on the Skywalker name.
While Rey and Leia are the heart of this story, the book introduces a cast of new characters that add depth to the high stakes faced by both the Resistance and the entire galaxy. There are rebels on the run and in hiding as refugees after a botched assassination attempt on a First Order major. I’m usually hesitant to get too attached to new characters in books, mainly because I don’t want them to take away from precious time with our heroes. But Major Brilla Wolstenholme was one of the most nuanced, complex, and sympathetic villains I’ve ever read in a Star Wars book. I rarely want more time in the head of a villain, but I was glued to the page whenever it was a Brilla chapter. More of these types of villains — especially women — in Star Wars, please.
If you can’t tell, I loved this book. I spent all weekend reading it, highlighting so many passages, and tearing up at least three times. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that there were several moments when it all clicked — the sequels, the entire Skywalker saga, the Jedi legacy, everything I love in Star Wars. It’s an essential read for The Rise of Skywalker and to understand why no one — the Skywalkers, the Jedi, everyone who sacrificed to save the galaxy — is ever truly gone.
Full review from my Substack:
This book reminds me why I love Star Wars books so much.
That’s the message I sent to one of the Penguin Random House editors behind Star Wars: Legacy by Madeleine Roux, which arrived this week. The book is set between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, specifically a little bit after the events of Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse. Whereas that book focused on rebuilding the ranks of the Resistance after a crushing defeat at Crait, Legacy slows the story to give us much-needed time with Leia and Rey.
I was cautiously optimistic going into this book. When it was announced last October, my excitement was palpable. Finally, another sequel-era novel, and this time, with Leia and Rey as the main characters. I did eventually temper my expectations because, surely, a Star Wars book wasn’t going to fill in ALL the gaps and answer ALL the questions left after watching The Rise of Skywalker. Understandably, Star Wars is protective of its characters who were created for the screen. Rey has appeared in several books, but I was hesitant to get too excited about the possibility of a book that showcases her inner thoughts and perspectives. Leia has several books largely about her, for which I am utterly grateful. And after my expectations weren't met by Master of Evil and Eyes Like Stars (both are still great stories), I didn’t want to set myself up for disappointment with Legacy.
I should’ve never doubted a Star Wars book’s ability to move me — to give me dialogue and prose that remind me of a core tenet of Star Wars storytelling. No one’s ever really gone. They live on in memories and physical belongings, yes, but also in their words. Those words are written down, preserved in holobooks or recordings, or even just kept safe in someone’s heart and mind. In this galaxy, they live on in the Force. These stories, lessons, and people appear to those who need them most, exactly when they need them.
Through much of Legacy, Rey is tangibly frustrated. I’d also argue she’s angry and afraid, too, as she wages a war within herself. She’s afraid of being afraid, and frustrated over her own anger and fear. She desperately wants to avoid the dark side, but that darkness within her — the feelings of loneliness and pressure to carry on the Jedi legacy — keep bubbling to the surface. All she’s ever been is on her own, but she doesn’t know what to do or who to trust with her darkest secrets. She is, quite literally, the last Jedi, and the pressure of rebuilding a millennia-old religion is too much to bear alone.
Leia sees herself in Rey. Legacy cements just how similar the two women are. Leia understands the loneliness and the pressure to lead and persevere despite the odds. Through Leia, we experience the exhaustion of a life lived in service of others — a life devoted to fighting back the dark and sacrificing for a chance at freedom. Her choices weigh heavily on her, especially those that she believes led her son to the dark side. Leia wants to be…something for Rey. Throughout the book, she struggles to figure out what the young Jedi needs — a mother, a mentor, a teacher? All she knows is that she’s not a Jedi and she’s no Luke.
It’s in these moments where Leia and Rey butt heads and tiptoe around each other that the story really shines. It’s apparent how much they care for one another in The Rise of Skywalker, and Legacy shows all the rough, intense, quiet, and emotional moments it took to form that relationship. Along the way, both Rey and Leia learn how to live with their darkness without fighting it or letting it rule them.
Some small gaps from the movie get filled, too — how the broken Skywalker lightsaber got fixed and how Rey learned Force healing powers. I’d also argue that Legacy presents the best reasoning for Rey taking on the Skywalker name.
While Rey and Leia are the heart of this story, the book introduces a cast of new characters that add depth to the high stakes faced by both the Resistance and the entire galaxy. There are rebels on the run and in hiding as refugees after a botched assassination attempt on a First Order major. I’m usually hesitant to get too attached to new characters in books, mainly because I don’t want them to take away from precious time with our heroes. But Major Brilla Wolstenholme was one of the most nuanced, complex, and sympathetic villains I’ve ever read in a Star Wars book. I rarely want more time in the head of a villain, but I was glued to the page whenever it was a Brilla chapter. More of these types of villains — especially women — in Star Wars, please.
If you can’t tell, I loved this book. I spent all weekend reading it, highlighting so many passages, and tearing up at least three times. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I will say that there were several moments when it all clicked — the sequels, the entire Skywalker saga, the Jedi legacy, everything I love in Star Wars. It’s an essential read for The Rise of Skywalker and to understand why no one — the Skywalkers, the Jedi, everyone who sacrificed to save the galaxy — is ever truly gone.
August 29, 2026
Grr...I'm so disappointed. The Leia/Rey side of this novel contains everything that I love about Star Wars, written with great skill and empathy and quite a few revealing insights. Unfortunately, the other half of this story is a tale of a First Order character who seems to have come out of nowhere...and I had zero interest in her life and everything going on in it. I'm splitting the different on the rating because I only get half a book full of what I love...in other words, grrr!
August 16, 2026
There were parts of it that I liked, but i think I should just avoid sequel trilogy stuff. It just makes me sad of what could've been.
June 26, 2026
The future of the Jedi is fractured as Rey struggles to find her place in the Order while she attempts to fix Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber and heal the kyber crystal that were damaged during her duel with Kylo Ren, now Supreme Leader of The First Order. Leia Organa, leader of the Resistance takes it upon herself to complete Rey’s Jedi training and finish what her brother could not. Darkness, doubt, and unexpected newcomers threaten to derail the last Jedi on her quest to fix what is broken.
Author Madeleine Roux delivered on the promise of the book by giving us a full story focused on Rey and Leia during this time period. Many times a book is advertised as being something and when it is released, the reality is something else. That is not the case with Legacy. This is a Rey and Leia book. Also, these beloved characters jump from the screen to the page seamlessly and feel like the versions we fell in love with in the movies. You can’t have a Star Wars story without some good old-fashioned imperial villains and Legacy introduces First Order officer Major Brilla Wolstenholme, who narrowly survives an assassination attempts on her life while stationed on Hays Major. She has her own journey separate from our heroes as she looks for those responsible for the attack and what effect her survival has inside the ranks of the First Order and her standing in it.
Of the other new characters, Gav Hyllus has the largest role and his relationship with Rey is a standout. He has a complicated relationship with his family, his friends, and the Jedi in general. Rey’s appearance complicates things, especially when she is revealed to be the hero of the Resistance as Gav is on the run from the First Order.
Legacy is a book about truths and acceptance. Accepting that you cannot do everything alone, that asking for help is a good thing. Accepting yourself despite your inner turmoil. A great addition to Sequel Era stories and fans of Rey and Leia.
Author Madeleine Roux delivered on the promise of the book by giving us a full story focused on Rey and Leia during this time period. Many times a book is advertised as being something and when it is released, the reality is something else. That is not the case with Legacy. This is a Rey and Leia book. Also, these beloved characters jump from the screen to the page seamlessly and feel like the versions we fell in love with in the movies. You can’t have a Star Wars story without some good old-fashioned imperial villains and Legacy introduces First Order officer Major Brilla Wolstenholme, who narrowly survives an assassination attempts on her life while stationed on Hays Major. She has her own journey separate from our heroes as she looks for those responsible for the attack and what effect her survival has inside the ranks of the First Order and her standing in it.
Of the other new characters, Gav Hyllus has the largest role and his relationship with Rey is a standout. He has a complicated relationship with his family, his friends, and the Jedi in general. Rey’s appearance complicates things, especially when she is revealed to be the hero of the Resistance as Gav is on the run from the First Order.
Legacy is a book about truths and acceptance. Accepting that you cannot do everything alone, that asking for help is a good thing. Accepting yourself despite your inner turmoil. A great addition to Sequel Era stories and fans of Rey and Leia.
July 24, 2026
This book is a travesty. Every single thing that should be interesting about it is short changed and truncated with ridiculous shallow nonsense instead of the deep well of Force exploration it should be. The reason, it needed a storyteller who understands the depth of Star Wars like what we saw in The Clone Wars, Rebels or the Ahsoka series. Instead we get the bare minimum.
The other issue with the book is the absolute useless introduction of characters that are so boring and bring nothing to this story. The story needed to be Leia and Rey delving into the mysteries of the Force, that’s it. Instead, half the book is given to a First Order storyline and some resistance fighters that’s pointless. I’ve seldom been more glad when a book was over.
Frustratingly this book reinforces all the mistakes that were made in the Sequels with the Legacy characters. The book may have that title but it does little to polish the tarnishing effect of an ill conceived trilogy that is a blight on the Saga as a whole.
The other issue with the book is the absolute useless introduction of characters that are so boring and bring nothing to this story. The story needed to be Leia and Rey delving into the mysteries of the Force, that’s it. Instead, half the book is given to a First Order storyline and some resistance fighters that’s pointless. I’ve seldom been more glad when a book was over.
Frustratingly this book reinforces all the mistakes that were made in the Sequels with the Legacy characters. The book may have that title but it does little to polish the tarnishing effect of an ill conceived trilogy that is a blight on the Saga as a whole.
July 29, 2026
I don't think I enjoyed this one quite as much as other people did. Dont get me wrong, I was very excited for this book, and I still enjoyed it, I just didnt love it.
I did love the things that I came here for, I.e. Leia and Rey, their characterisations and interactions. The Jedi history stuff was fun and fascinating. All the main story stuff I really enjoyed.
I think i may have just read too many Star Wars books. They all have the typical b plot about the boring imperial and the communities that need saving. I just felt that this one dragged the pacing down for me a bit. Every time there was almost something interesting plot b would rear its head, and i cared a little less.
Its still a great book, and does exactly what it aims to do. It tells a great story of a very different master and apprentice duo, filling in a very small gap between 8 and 9.
It just suffers from an uninteresting b plot that just felt a bit samey samey for these Star Wars books that I am far too aware that I have read so many of.
I did love the things that I came here for, I.e. Leia and Rey, their characterisations and interactions. The Jedi history stuff was fun and fascinating. All the main story stuff I really enjoyed.
I think i may have just read too many Star Wars books. They all have the typical b plot about the boring imperial and the communities that need saving. I just felt that this one dragged the pacing down for me a bit. Every time there was almost something interesting plot b would rear its head, and i cared a little less.
Its still a great book, and does exactly what it aims to do. It tells a great story of a very different master and apprentice duo, filling in a very small gap between 8 and 9.
It just suffers from an uninteresting b plot that just felt a bit samey samey for these Star Wars books that I am far too aware that I have read so many of.
August 20, 2026
Star Wars Book #23
Going into the newly released Star Wars Legacy I was hoping for a book that would flesh out and improve the sequels in the same way Shadow of the Sith did for me and many others as well as the way Bloodlines did for many (I'll get to it one day). I'm happy to say that the book did in fact meet that expectation.
This book fixes a lot of Rise of Skywalker. It really fleshes out Rey's character in a way the films never do. We find out what makes her tick. We learn she's stubborn, overly independent, and lonely. Her loneliness stems from her inability to let people in. She has to do it all by herself, because its what shes used to. In the wake of her parents abandonment its all she let's herself do. She feels unwanted everywhere she goes, so when she feels wanted by Kylon, it pulls her to the dark. Theres actual characterization, conflict, and growth for Rey in this book. Despite the pull to the dark shes still ultimately good, but that struggle makes for an interesting conflict, and the reason behind it stops her from being just another Luke clone. I think its important we also see Rey fail. She cant heal her crystal and she can't heal her injured friend. Only when she learns to banish the darkness and center her peace can she heal both. Not only does this stop Rey from being some perfect Mary Sue, but it justifies how she knows Force Healing in Rise of Skywalker. We also get to see Rey train, learn, and grow which i really like.
Leia in this book is a lot different in this book then she is in legends, but shes well done here. She is filled with regret and sadness, but still remains a confident leader with a steadfast head on her shoulders. I actually really believe her relationship with Rey in this book as their stubbornness reflects one another. Its in the quiet moments between these two that this book shines. Ultimately I think it helps the "Rey Skywalker" scene go down a bit easier when we learn just how important Leia is for Rey's development in being a jedi as well as in overcoming her abandonment issues and feeling a belonging. In many ways Rey becomes redemption for Leia's failure with Kylo Ren. With Leia pulling on her training from Luke its almost like a redemption for him too.
MAJOR SPOILERS:
There are a few cameo moments in this book that are wonderful. On multiple occasions Luke shows up as a force ghost to discuss the training of Rey with Leia, and again the book shines in these quiet character moments. The relationship between brother and sister is on full display here. There is also a brief moment where Anakin shows up to guide Rey in her lowest moment when she is ready to give up. Does it make sense? Not really? Did it put a huge smile on my face and warmth in my heart? Yes.
Do these things absolve the sequels of their sins? No absolutely not. These are highly flawed and cynical movies, but Madelyn Roux did an excellent job taking the story and the characters and salvaging them into something with meaning. Rey and Leia feel like the characters we saw in Force Awakens and Last Jedi built upon and expanded, which is never the case in the movies.
I have problems with this book when it comes to the first order subplot and Brilla. Brilla sucks. When shes not obnoxious she feels like a poor clone of Daala. The assassination revenge plot is so uninteresting and ultimately plays into the plot of the book little aside from an anticlimactic ending that tries to shoehorn Kylo and Hux in. Any time the perspective switches it halts the book, tanks the pace, and subsequently my enjoyment of it. Like half the book is spent on a stultifying boring plot with meaningless and unlikable characters.
My other complaint is that in the wake of Andors success we have to make Star Wars really dark and violent now, and it feels incredibly forced whenever it happens. Minor swear words like Damn and Ass have shown up in these books before, but the frequency and usage here feels forced. The same with some of the violence. Theres a really gruesome scene where Brilla mutilates a rebels body. She cuts off her finger prints, her hand, and cuts her eyes out of her head. This comes complete with a description of the sound of the knife scraping the skull as shes attempting to scoop/cut the eye out. This just comes out of nowhere with there being nothing quite this gruesome before or after in this book.
Going into the newly released Star Wars Legacy I was hoping for a book that would flesh out and improve the sequels in the same way Shadow of the Sith did for me and many others as well as the way Bloodlines did for many (I'll get to it one day). I'm happy to say that the book did in fact meet that expectation.
This book fixes a lot of Rise of Skywalker. It really fleshes out Rey's character in a way the films never do. We find out what makes her tick. We learn she's stubborn, overly independent, and lonely. Her loneliness stems from her inability to let people in. She has to do it all by herself, because its what shes used to. In the wake of her parents abandonment its all she let's herself do. She feels unwanted everywhere she goes, so when she feels wanted by Kylon, it pulls her to the dark. Theres actual characterization, conflict, and growth for Rey in this book. Despite the pull to the dark shes still ultimately good, but that struggle makes for an interesting conflict, and the reason behind it stops her from being just another Luke clone. I think its important we also see Rey fail. She cant heal her crystal and she can't heal her injured friend. Only when she learns to banish the darkness and center her peace can she heal both. Not only does this stop Rey from being some perfect Mary Sue, but it justifies how she knows Force Healing in Rise of Skywalker. We also get to see Rey train, learn, and grow which i really like.
Leia in this book is a lot different in this book then she is in legends, but shes well done here. She is filled with regret and sadness, but still remains a confident leader with a steadfast head on her shoulders. I actually really believe her relationship with Rey in this book as their stubbornness reflects one another. Its in the quiet moments between these two that this book shines. Ultimately I think it helps the "Rey Skywalker" scene go down a bit easier when we learn just how important Leia is for Rey's development in being a jedi as well as in overcoming her abandonment issues and feeling a belonging. In many ways Rey becomes redemption for Leia's failure with Kylo Ren. With Leia pulling on her training from Luke its almost like a redemption for him too.
MAJOR SPOILERS:
There are a few cameo moments in this book that are wonderful. On multiple occasions Luke shows up as a force ghost to discuss the training of Rey with Leia, and again the book shines in these quiet character moments. The relationship between brother and sister is on full display here. There is also a brief moment where Anakin shows up to guide Rey in her lowest moment when she is ready to give up. Does it make sense? Not really? Did it put a huge smile on my face and warmth in my heart? Yes.
Do these things absolve the sequels of their sins? No absolutely not. These are highly flawed and cynical movies, but Madelyn Roux did an excellent job taking the story and the characters and salvaging them into something with meaning. Rey and Leia feel like the characters we saw in Force Awakens and Last Jedi built upon and expanded, which is never the case in the movies.
I have problems with this book when it comes to the first order subplot and Brilla. Brilla sucks. When shes not obnoxious she feels like a poor clone of Daala. The assassination revenge plot is so uninteresting and ultimately plays into the plot of the book little aside from an anticlimactic ending that tries to shoehorn Kylo and Hux in. Any time the perspective switches it halts the book, tanks the pace, and subsequently my enjoyment of it. Like half the book is spent on a stultifying boring plot with meaningless and unlikable characters.
My other complaint is that in the wake of Andors success we have to make Star Wars really dark and violent now, and it feels incredibly forced whenever it happens. Minor swear words like Damn and Ass have shown up in these books before, but the frequency and usage here feels forced. The same with some of the violence. Theres a really gruesome scene where Brilla mutilates a rebels body. She cuts off her finger prints, her hand, and cuts her eyes out of her head. This comes complete with a description of the sound of the knife scraping the skull as shes attempting to scoop/cut the eye out. This just comes out of nowhere with there being nothing quite this gruesome before or after in this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2026
2.5/5
Honestly, Legacy wasn't egregiously bad like Master of Evil, but it feels largely redundant and boring. The whole story feels like a singular act in a larger narrative stretched out for far too long. Extensive focus on our main characters and their constant introspections does lead to lots of interesting character development, but it comes at the expense of repetition and a lacking story.
I honestly didn't mind the secondary characters, villain, and the relevant subplot for the first half, but it didn't really go anywhere. I kept getting closer to the end of the book and wondering how the parallel stories were going to come together in a satisfying conclusion with so few pages left. Spoiler: it didn't. The endings for all the characters and story threads felt real I guess but they weren't fulfilling. Setting this story wholly on one planet between episodes 8 and 9 also made it very restricted with what it could do.
Besides the good character exploration of Leia and Rey, the main things I liked were the various lines or things that occurred in that movies that were explored here. Things that maybe didn't make sense or didn't have explanations behind them now had more of an earning to them. Spoiler: like Rey's force healing.
Read this is you absolutely love Rey and Leia or the Sequel trilogy but honestly, there are so many better Star Wars books to choose instead.
Honestly, Legacy wasn't egregiously bad like Master of Evil, but it feels largely redundant and boring. The whole story feels like a singular act in a larger narrative stretched out for far too long. Extensive focus on our main characters and their constant introspections does lead to lots of interesting character development, but it comes at the expense of repetition and a lacking story.
I honestly didn't mind the secondary characters, villain, and the relevant subplot for the first half, but it didn't really go anywhere. I kept getting closer to the end of the book and wondering how the parallel stories were going to come together in a satisfying conclusion with so few pages left. Spoiler: it didn't. The endings for all the characters and story threads felt real I guess but they weren't fulfilling. Setting this story wholly on one planet between episodes 8 and 9 also made it very restricted with what it could do.
Besides the good character exploration of Leia and Rey, the main things I liked were the various lines or things that occurred in that movies that were explored here. Things that maybe didn't make sense or didn't have explanations behind them now had more of an earning to them. Spoiler: like Rey's force healing.
Read this is you absolutely love Rey and Leia or the Sequel trilogy but honestly, there are so many better Star Wars books to choose instead.
August 16, 2026
This is quite good. I like how we’ve gotten a canon novel with a lot of focus on Rey and Leia, and that they’re actually in the book quite a lot. The setting is also good because it helps fill in some gaps between 8 & 9, and also takes some elements from other Star Wars books. Not sure if I’ll ever revisit it, it never quite grabbed me enough to want to do that, but still an enjoyable read
August 17, 2026
The moments between Leia and Rey are genuinely awesome, but they weren't deep enough for me to fully appreciate. It didn't help that the First Order subplot took up so much space, I just didn't care about it at all and felt that it took away from the parts of the story that were great.
August 23, 2026
Just finished this one.
I enjoyed this story focusing on General Leia Organa-Solo and Rey (not-yet-Skywalker) in between Star Wars VIII - IX.
Mostly on the planet Tython and with a First Order agent on their heels and Kylo Ren and Rey's Force Dyad connection and Dark Rey popping up in dreams.
The story doesn't interfere with the films as there isn't too much information available anyways.
I enjoyed this story focusing on General Leia Organa-Solo and Rey (not-yet-Skywalker) in between Star Wars VIII - IX.
Mostly on the planet Tython and with a First Order agent on their heels and Kylo Ren and Rey's Force Dyad connection and Dark Rey popping up in dreams.
The story doesn't interfere with the films as there isn't too much information available anyways.
August 13, 2026
I don’t have a lot to say about this other than idk what I expected and this wasn’t it?
My biggest highlights (however brief)
•KYLO BENNATHON REN
•Dark Rey 😈
My biggest highlights (however brief)
•KYLO BENNATHON REN
•Dark Rey 😈
September 6, 2026
Overall, I really loved this. Between LEGACY and SHADOW OF THE SITH, it’s now far easier to trace the connective tissue between TLJ and TROS. And while I agree that films shouldn't need tie-in books to paper over the cracks, I'll take whatever plastering I can get.
Far and away the greatest strength of LEGACY is its depiction of the relationship between Rey and Leia, which is really beautifully rendered. Rather than depicting it as a straightforwardly positive dynamic, it really emphasises the sources of tension between them - Rey is constantly fleeing, driven by an irrepressible desire to be alone, and struggles to even look at Leia directly because her eyes remind her of Ben’s.
And while it would have been easy to focus on Rey’s struggles, the book is great at giving Leia her own journey. Leia may be older but she’s still processing, still learning, and still struggling - while she’s a legend, she’s very human. Her vulnerability is characterised with great depth and nuance. The budding trust between Leia and Rey feels well-earned and based on their commonalities - their experiences of Jedi training, and their grief and longing for Ben Solo.
I’ve observed before how TROS makes me sad in how it depicts Rey as being full of shame over her connection with Kylo Ren, and Legacy confronts that aspect of her head-on. It gives real depth and force to her visions, which can best be described as a heady mix of her deepest fears and deepest desires. She repeatedly sees her evil Dark side twin and Kylo Ren beckoning to her, testing her resolve and repeatedly interrupting the progress of her Jedi training.
One of the most beautiful scenes in the book shows Rey finally confessing her Force connection with Ben, and Leia being left in turmoil by the revelation - experiencing a mix of fear for Rey’s safety and hope for Ben’s future. The book is highly introspective in how it focuses on the characters’ inner feelings and emotions - for others the lack of action may be a weakness, but for me it was a great strength.
The original characters make good foils, raising interesting questions around the strength of the Jedi religion and the resurgence of the Resistance, though I will admit that their dilemmas and struggles were - naturally - less engaging for me than those of Rey and Leia. Meepka was a standout - very much a quintessential ‘cute kid’ character, but highly endearing nonetheless.
Of the original characters, Brilla is probably the most interesting - a First Order officer whose star falls in spectacular fashion. I particularly enjoyed following her dawning awareness of her own fall in the book’s final stretch, all of her illusions of superiority and status having been brutally stripped from her. She reminded me a lot of Dedra from Andor, which can only be a flattering comparison.
Kylo Ren is very much a presence haunting the narrative, and his point of view is only given on three occasions - a few paragraphs early in the book, and then two brief chapters at the very end. His chapters show a man mired deep in the dark side and almost entirely motivated by his fixation with Rey - he’s irritated with Hux and the other First Order officers due to their failure to feel the urgency of his pursuit of her. He’s appalled that she and his mother dare to endanger themselves in their quest for arcane Jedi knowledge. It’s a great insight into his mind at one of his darkest moments, tempered by all the tenderness and compassion shown by Rey and Leia in their memories and dreams of him.
This is the exact kind of novel I wanted from this period in the Star Wars timeline, and I really hope Madeleine Roux gets the chance to write these characters again. While I hate to name names, this book is everything that Charles Soules’ version of Kylo Ren/Rey is not - focused on the new characters and their future potential rather than remaining stubbornly fixated on Vader’s shadow.
Far and away the greatest strength of LEGACY is its depiction of the relationship between Rey and Leia, which is really beautifully rendered. Rather than depicting it as a straightforwardly positive dynamic, it really emphasises the sources of tension between them - Rey is constantly fleeing, driven by an irrepressible desire to be alone, and struggles to even look at Leia directly because her eyes remind her of Ben’s.
And while it would have been easy to focus on Rey’s struggles, the book is great at giving Leia her own journey. Leia may be older but she’s still processing, still learning, and still struggling - while she’s a legend, she’s very human. Her vulnerability is characterised with great depth and nuance. The budding trust between Leia and Rey feels well-earned and based on their commonalities - their experiences of Jedi training, and their grief and longing for Ben Solo.
I’ve observed before how TROS makes me sad in how it depicts Rey as being full of shame over her connection with Kylo Ren, and Legacy confronts that aspect of her head-on. It gives real depth and force to her visions, which can best be described as a heady mix of her deepest fears and deepest desires. She repeatedly sees her evil Dark side twin and Kylo Ren beckoning to her, testing her resolve and repeatedly interrupting the progress of her Jedi training.
One of the most beautiful scenes in the book shows Rey finally confessing her Force connection with Ben, and Leia being left in turmoil by the revelation - experiencing a mix of fear for Rey’s safety and hope for Ben’s future. The book is highly introspective in how it focuses on the characters’ inner feelings and emotions - for others the lack of action may be a weakness, but for me it was a great strength.
The original characters make good foils, raising interesting questions around the strength of the Jedi religion and the resurgence of the Resistance, though I will admit that their dilemmas and struggles were - naturally - less engaging for me than those of Rey and Leia. Meepka was a standout - very much a quintessential ‘cute kid’ character, but highly endearing nonetheless.
Of the original characters, Brilla is probably the most interesting - a First Order officer whose star falls in spectacular fashion. I particularly enjoyed following her dawning awareness of her own fall in the book’s final stretch, all of her illusions of superiority and status having been brutally stripped from her. She reminded me a lot of Dedra from Andor, which can only be a flattering comparison.
Kylo Ren is very much a presence haunting the narrative, and his point of view is only given on three occasions - a few paragraphs early in the book, and then two brief chapters at the very end. His chapters show a man mired deep in the dark side and almost entirely motivated by his fixation with Rey - he’s irritated with Hux and the other First Order officers due to their failure to feel the urgency of his pursuit of her. He’s appalled that she and his mother dare to endanger themselves in their quest for arcane Jedi knowledge. It’s a great insight into his mind at one of his darkest moments, tempered by all the tenderness and compassion shown by Rey and Leia in their memories and dreams of him.
This is the exact kind of novel I wanted from this period in the Star Wars timeline, and I really hope Madeleine Roux gets the chance to write these characters again. While I hate to name names, this book is everything that Charles Soules’ version of Kylo Ren/Rey is not - focused on the new characters and their future potential rather than remaining stubbornly fixated on Vader’s shadow.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2026
My issues with 'Legacy' might come down to the fact I listened to it on audiobook, rather than because of the novel itself. The narrator was good but I haven't listened to any audiobooks in a while so I found myself zoning out and having to rewind quite a lot. I do think this is one that I will eventually reread physically.
Anyway, I've been really looking forward to 'Legacy' ever since it was announced because it fit so nicely into the giant sequel era chronological project that I did last year. The gap between 'The Last Jedi' and 'The Rise of Skywalker' has some good content in it, but there is surprisingly little development for Rey. This novel shows us how her and Leia grew closer between the two films and gives us some more wonderful insight into Leia and the Force.
My favourite scenes and chapters were when the novel focused on those two. I always enjoy Leia reflecting on the past and her time training with Luke still has a lot of mystery to it. Lucasfilm actually just announced a new novel coming out next year called 'Twin Crossroads' that is set in that time period, which feels perfect as a follow up to 'Legacy'. We also get some fun surprises in this book either through Force Ghosts appearing to our two leads, or people appearing in mystical visions. The planet that the bulk of the story is set on has something strange inside of it that is bringing all of these things to the surface for both women.
I didn't care about the new characters and their plots in 'Legacy' much but I think that is because I was always so desperate to get back to Rey and Leia. There is a whole extended family that we spend a lot of time with and while I liked all of the characters well enough, I can't say I was ever invested in their story. We also spend a lot of time in the perspective of a First Order captain named Brilla. I enjoyed her storyline and I always appreciate an insight into the Empire or the First Order, but she wasn't the most thrilling character of that type that I have read about. It is her portions of the story that I want to revisit most with a physical read, because I felt like I missed some stuff.
The author Madeleine Roux does a good job at emulating the voices of the characters we are familiar with, mostly Rey and Leia, and I hope she writes more 'Star Wars' stories. You can find all of my 'Star Wars' book reviews here and I also have an entire timeline of reviews (books, shows, films) here.
Anyway, I've been really looking forward to 'Legacy' ever since it was announced because it fit so nicely into the giant sequel era chronological project that I did last year. The gap between 'The Last Jedi' and 'The Rise of Skywalker' has some good content in it, but there is surprisingly little development for Rey. This novel shows us how her and Leia grew closer between the two films and gives us some more wonderful insight into Leia and the Force.
My favourite scenes and chapters were when the novel focused on those two. I always enjoy Leia reflecting on the past and her time training with Luke still has a lot of mystery to it. Lucasfilm actually just announced a new novel coming out next year called 'Twin Crossroads' that is set in that time period, which feels perfect as a follow up to 'Legacy'. We also get some fun surprises in this book either through Force Ghosts appearing to our two leads, or people appearing in mystical visions. The planet that the bulk of the story is set on has something strange inside of it that is bringing all of these things to the surface for both women.
I didn't care about the new characters and their plots in 'Legacy' much but I think that is because I was always so desperate to get back to Rey and Leia. There is a whole extended family that we spend a lot of time with and while I liked all of the characters well enough, I can't say I was ever invested in their story. We also spend a lot of time in the perspective of a First Order captain named Brilla. I enjoyed her storyline and I always appreciate an insight into the Empire or the First Order, but she wasn't the most thrilling character of that type that I have read about. It is her portions of the story that I want to revisit most with a physical read, because I felt like I missed some stuff.
The author Madeleine Roux does a good job at emulating the voices of the characters we are familiar with, mostly Rey and Leia, and I hope she writes more 'Star Wars' stories. You can find all of my 'Star Wars' book reviews here and I also have an entire timeline of reviews (books, shows, films) here.
August 14, 2026
Three-and-a-half stars, rounded up, for this Star Wars tie-in novel that takes place between the movies The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. It's a messier narrative than I would ideally prefer, with too many extraneous characters and a plot heavily revolving around Force visions in the ruins of an ancient temple while Rey seeks to repair her / Luke's / Anakin's broken lightsaber. At the same time, however, it delves into two key interpersonal dynamics that were underdeveloped in the original sequel film trilogy, and in my opinion, it's worth the read for that alone.
First, as you could likely guess from the cover, is the relationship between the young heroine and Leia Organa, with the older woman serving as a mentor figure and even a surrogate Jedi master in the wake of Luke's death. The former desert scavenger is in a particularly vulnerable and self-doubting headspace at this point in her journey, and it's great to see Leia counsel and support her through that. These two protagonists didn't get to share nearly enough time together on-screen, especially with the general's role in the last movie significantly reduced due to the passing of her actress Carrie Fisher, and this work is a welcome effort to remediate that deficit.
More unexpectedly, the book also finds Leia visited by the Force ghost of her brother throughout, advising her much as the late Obi-Wan's spirit once did for him. To Luke she's able to unburden her own fears and concerns -- over her companion, her wayward son Ben, and beyond -- and that's just another really neat development that never had a chance to play out in the films.
Opposite that, there are the usual franchise cameos and busywork. (I did snort at the squeezed-in reference to Lieutenant Bek, of the Rise of the Resistance theme park ride.) One major thread involves a First Order officer carrying significant post-traumatic stress following an unsuccessful assassination attempt, who grows increasingly unhinged as she chases down some surviving members of the cell that plotted it, which is the kind of thing that should probably drive a story of its own instead of getting lumped in with the more introspective moments here. But still: a nice treat for the fans, overall.
[Content warning for gun violence, torture, and gore.]
Like this review? Find more of my writing on:
--https://www.goodreads.com/lesserjoke
--https://letterboxd.com/lesserjoke
--https://lesserjoke.home.blog
Or check out these ways to support me, if you'd like:
--https://ko-fi.com/lesserjoke
--https://patreon.com/lesserjoke
First, as you could likely guess from the cover, is the relationship between the young heroine and Leia Organa, with the older woman serving as a mentor figure and even a surrogate Jedi master in the wake of Luke's death. The former desert scavenger is in a particularly vulnerable and self-doubting headspace at this point in her journey, and it's great to see Leia counsel and support her through that. These two protagonists didn't get to share nearly enough time together on-screen, especially with the general's role in the last movie significantly reduced due to the passing of her actress Carrie Fisher, and this work is a welcome effort to remediate that deficit.
More unexpectedly, the book also finds Leia visited by the Force ghost of her brother throughout, advising her much as the late Obi-Wan's spirit once did for him. To Luke she's able to unburden her own fears and concerns -- over her companion, her wayward son Ben, and beyond -- and that's just another really neat development that never had a chance to play out in the films.
Opposite that, there are the usual franchise cameos and busywork. (I did snort at the squeezed-in reference to Lieutenant Bek, of the Rise of the Resistance theme park ride.) One major thread involves a First Order officer carrying significant post-traumatic stress following an unsuccessful assassination attempt, who grows increasingly unhinged as she chases down some surviving members of the cell that plotted it, which is the kind of thing that should probably drive a story of its own instead of getting lumped in with the more introspective moments here. But still: a nice treat for the fans, overall.
[Content warning for gun violence, torture, and gore.]
Like this review? Find more of my writing on:
--https://www.goodreads.com/lesserjoke
--https://letterboxd.com/lesserjoke
--https://lesserjoke.home.blog
Or check out these ways to support me, if you'd like:
--https://ko-fi.com/lesserjoke
--https://patreon.com/lesserjoke
July 31, 2026
This book is set between TLJ and TROS, and follows Rey and Leia as they explore an ancient Jedi temple on Tython, searching for a way to heal the broken kyber crystal from the Skywalker lightsaber. Rey doesn't have the inner peace needed to perform the healing; secretly, she's deeply ashamed of her failed attempt to turn Kylo Ren. Leia wants to help, but she's the last person Rey feels comfortable confiding in on this topic.
It makes sense that Rey needs to find healing for herself before she can embark on more advanced spiritual pursuits, and if this book gets one thing right, it's Rey's psychology: her stubborn self-reliance, slowness to open up and trust others, and pride that causes her to bury her own feelings. This is crucial to the story.
At the same time, this means we don't really get into a lot of Jedi-specific stuff until near the end of the book, when Rey discovers a stash of holovids of old Jedi masters. It's a delight to see her staying up all night on the Falcon, popping cassette after cassette into R2-D2, and finally getting the guidance she's been desperately seeking.
Where this book can feel unsatisfying, though, is in its relationships. I was looking forward to seeing the special master-student bond between Rey and Leia develop, but Rey spends most of the story refusing to open up to her mentor. Even if this is realistic from a psychological standpoint, it does feel like a missed opportunity.
Then there's Rey's relationship with Ben. This book seems to go out of its way to sap nearly all the warmth out of the memory of the bond that was so compellingly portrayed in The Last Jedi. We barely get a sense of the good thing that Rey is mourning the loss of. Even the hope for and compassion towards Ben that would be fitting for a Jedi to feel seems to be missing. Everything is reduced to Rey's fear that she will turn to the dark side.
At the same time, the book is coy about what Rey's attraction to the dark side actually consists of. Is she confused, like Anakin and Ben, into thinking that the dark side is actually correct? Is she just looking for an outlet for her feelings, even one that she knows is wrong? Is this all paranoia and excessive introspection? The reader shouldn't be left to guess on such an important point.
The ending does nicely tie up the theme of speculation on the road not taken, and the lines with which Rey finally accepts her situation are truly beautiful. Ultimately, Rey fans will still want to pick this up. But like Rey and Leia, I am left with a haunting sense of what this book could have been.
It makes sense that Rey needs to find healing for herself before she can embark on more advanced spiritual pursuits, and if this book gets one thing right, it's Rey's psychology: her stubborn self-reliance, slowness to open up and trust others, and pride that causes her to bury her own feelings. This is crucial to the story.
At the same time, this means we don't really get into a lot of Jedi-specific stuff until near the end of the book, when Rey discovers a stash of holovids of old Jedi masters. It's a delight to see her staying up all night on the Falcon, popping cassette after cassette into R2-D2, and finally getting the guidance she's been desperately seeking.
Where this book can feel unsatisfying, though, is in its relationships. I was looking forward to seeing the special master-student bond between Rey and Leia develop, but Rey spends most of the story refusing to open up to her mentor. Even if this is realistic from a psychological standpoint, it does feel like a missed opportunity.
Then there's Rey's relationship with Ben. This book seems to go out of its way to sap nearly all the warmth out of the memory of the bond that was so compellingly portrayed in The Last Jedi. We barely get a sense of the good thing that Rey is mourning the loss of. Even the hope for and compassion towards Ben that would be fitting for a Jedi to feel seems to be missing. Everything is reduced to Rey's fear that she will turn to the dark side.
At the same time, the book is coy about what Rey's attraction to the dark side actually consists of. Is she confused, like Anakin and Ben, into thinking that the dark side is actually correct? Is she just looking for an outlet for her feelings, even one that she knows is wrong? Is this all paranoia and excessive introspection? The reader shouldn't be left to guess on such an important point.
The ending does nicely tie up the theme of speculation on the road not taken, and the lines with which Rey finally accepts her situation are truly beautiful. Ultimately, Rey fans will still want to pick this up. But like Rey and Leia, I am left with a haunting sense of what this book could have been.
August 7, 2026
Rey's lightsaber is broken and, troubled by her failure to fix it on her own, she believes that a trip to a mystical Jedi forge on the world of Tython will help her. General Organa insists on accompanying her. There are things Rey would rather keep hidden from the general. Meanwhile, a First Order major who survived an assassination attempt is on a hunt that will also lead her to Tython.
Oh. I feel delated. Disappointed. But I'm not sure how much of that disappointment was caused by this book or by the decisions made in the sequel trilogy. Roux had a mountain to climb in terms of trying to appease me.
That said, I did get some of what I wanted here - Leia acting as a master of sorts to Rey, whose journey was full of guilt and turmoil. Frankly, the whole book should have been about that. Instead, we were constantly interrupted by a subplot that might have been more satisfying in a separate novel (emphasis on might). More flashbacks to Leia's training would have been nice. I've also just discovered that this part of Leia's life will be covered more extensively in a book coming out next year and I'm a tad annoyed about the missed opportunity to tie it properly into this one (as Roux reportedly had no knowledge of what was in the pipeline). Someone is making poor decisions somewhere and it's not the authors. So I won't hold Roux accountable for that.
If you're desperate for more Rey and Leia interaction, this is as good as you're going to get. Bonus ancient Jedi ruins (my great weakness, no matter the canon).
Oh. I feel delated. Disappointed. But I'm not sure how much of that disappointment was caused by this book or by the decisions made in the sequel trilogy. Roux had a mountain to climb in terms of trying to appease me.
That said, I did get some of what I wanted here - Leia acting as a master of sorts to Rey, whose journey was full of guilt and turmoil. Frankly, the whole book should have been about that. Instead, we were constantly interrupted by a subplot that might have been more satisfying in a separate novel (emphasis on might). More flashbacks to Leia's training would have been nice. I've also just discovered that this part of Leia's life will be covered more extensively in a book coming out next year and I'm a tad annoyed about the missed opportunity to tie it properly into this one (as Roux reportedly had no knowledge of what was in the pipeline). Someone is making poor decisions somewhere and it's not the authors. So I won't hold Roux accountable for that.
If you're desperate for more Rey and Leia interaction, this is as good as you're going to get. Bonus ancient Jedi ruins (my great weakness, no matter the canon).
July 31, 2026
Journey to the world of Tython, a place of deep significance within the Star Wars universe. This story unfolds after The Last Jedi but before The Rise of Skywalker, and it resonated with me more emotionally than I anticipated. The narrative shifts perspectives between Rey and General Leia Organa, with glimpses of other characters like Brilla, Gav, and Kylo Ren, allowing us to see how each is adjusting to different set circumstances pushing them all together. Rey and Leia's new roles as Master and Apprentice mirror the rule of two in its own unique way. Throughout this universe governed by the rule of two, we witness Leia's dedication to her teachings from someone she trusts so she can in turn help her apprentice, and Rey's brave exploration of her isolation/independence after the heartbreak of The Last Jedi. I appreciated how their emotional journeys unfold, highlighting their growth and the bond that develops between them. Rey’s strength and resilience shine through, yet we also see her vulnerability and the inner fears she’s learning to face—reminding us that even the bravest need support. The moment near the end when Rey shares a heartfelt conversation with Anakin Skywalker was truly moving—a beautiful full-circle moment that touched my heart.
As always, I can't resist the subtle hints to Reylo—my heart always yearns for more Ben/Rey moments! That connection keeps me eagerly awaiting more… and *screams like Kylo Ren* MORE.
As always, I can't resist the subtle hints to Reylo—my heart always yearns for more Ben/Rey moments! That connection keeps me eagerly awaiting more… and *screams like Kylo Ren* MORE.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2026
3.75 rating! Ok, I was looking forward to this book because I was hyped for a Rey/Leia adventure to repair the Skywalker lightsaber. It halfway delivered on this but with some issues. I was more invested in Rey's journey on Tython, trying to deal with how to fix the lightsaber and in turn, letting Leia mentor her through the ways of the Force (or what little knowledge she had gained with Luke). Like a few adult Star Wars novels before, I feel like the stories of the side characters took over from the main theme. The villain in the story, Brillo, felt flat to me and I saw her as very snotty and entitled in almost a cartoonish way. The Church of the Force was an interesting group, and I did appreciate their presence in the book. I have always loved Rey and Leia's relationship, and it was nice to see the ways they communicated, the push and pull of it. Overall, this was solid but I wish I loved it more than I did!
August 1, 2026
This book is one of the most frustrating Star Wars books I’ve read. The good parts are very good, some of them exceptional even. However, they are buried in almost 400 pages of uninteresting new characters and a B plot that is time wasting and almost soul sucking. However, I loved many of the Leia and Rey interactions, the Tython visions and musings on the Force. This would have made a great short story or novella back in the day but this is not a very good book.
August 14, 2026
The premise of this novel had a lot of potential. Unfortunately most of it was boring. I will hold a grudge against this book because my son was born while I was reading it, and I wish I was in the middle of a 5-star read during my C-section recovery instead of this dull attempt to salvage the sequel trilogy.
August 19, 2026
I loved being able to spend time with these characters again. Roux really understands the voice and complexities of Leia and Rey, and their scenes together really shine. I loved Rey's journey in this one from the damaged angry person she was at the end of TLJ to the confident Jedi in TRoS. When these characters are free of the uneven writing in the films, they really shine. I even appreciated how this book made Kylo Ren genuinely menacing while still showing how insecure and damaged he is.
My only frustration was the B story with the First Order officer. The ending of her story felt abrupt and unsatisfying. Perhaps that was the point l, but I really wanted something more with her, some kind of ending.
But overall, I had a great time with this one!
My only frustration was the B story with the First Order officer. The ending of her story felt abrupt and unsatisfying. Perhaps that was the point l, but I really wanted something more with her, some kind of ending.
But overall, I had a great time with this one!
August 23, 2026
Just finished this one.
I enjoyed this story focusing on General Leia Organa-Solo and Rey (not-yet-Skywalker) in between Star Wars VIII - IX.
Mostly on the planet Tython and with a First Order agent on their heels and Kylo Ren and Rey's Force Dyad connection and Dark Rey popping up in dreams.
The story doesn't interfere with the films as there isn't too much information available anyways.
I enjoyed this story focusing on General Leia Organa-Solo and Rey (not-yet-Skywalker) in between Star Wars VIII - IX.
Mostly on the planet Tython and with a First Order agent on their heels and Kylo Ren and Rey's Force Dyad connection and Dark Rey popping up in dreams.
The story doesn't interfere with the films as there isn't too much information available anyways.
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