What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren
Star Wars: The Rise of Kylo Ren #2
SNOKE SINKS HIS CLAWS IN! YOUNG BEN SOLO FACES THE KNIGHTS OF REN! With the new Jedi school in ruins and fellow students hot on his trail for the murder of their master, Ben Solo flees to the only friend he has left in the galaxy…a man named Snoke. But Snoke has plans for Ben…and ideas about the Force that are as dangerous as they are intriguing for the troubled young Jedi. If Ben wishes to be truly free…the answers might lie with the dark side. And with the Knights of Ren! But it won’t be the first time he’s tangled with the Knights. In the past, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker journeys to the Unknown Regions and brings young Ben along for the mission. Can even Luke Skywalker stand against the fabled Knights of Ren?!
24 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 8, 2020
30 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Charles Soule
1,517 books1,692 followersCharles Soule is a #1 New York Times-bestselling novelist, comics author, screenwriter, musician, and lapsed attorney. He has written some of the most prominent stories of the last decade for Marvel, DC and Lucasfilm in addition to his own work, such as his comics Curse Words, Letter 44 and Undiscovered Country, and his original novels Light of the Jedi, The Endless Vessel, The Oracle Year and Anyone. He lives in New York.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 9, 2020
Just like in my review of the previous issue, all I have to say is: Ben, I’m sorry. I am so, so very sorry.
I love Ben Solo more than anything and while these comics are good, they break my heart even more. I don’t understand why they’d release them now...
I love Ben Solo more than anything and while these comics are good, they break my heart even more. I don’t understand why they’d release them now...
January 9, 2020
Without judgement or criticism on the authors, I have to ask again: what is the point of these comics now that we know the fate of Ben Solo? What is uplifting about this series, and will it ultimately make any difference?
My anger and hurt on behalf of this character are only deepening the more we learn.
Perhaps this series is meant for people who found it challenging to empathize with his character in the film? I can’t relate.
What the Disney-canonverse tells us about Ben Solo so far:
- Thoughts manipulated by Palps since he was IN UTERO
- Droid almost killed him as a child
- Sent away at 10 years old to train with Luke because his parents feared him
- Trained as a Padawan for approx. 13 years before fully turning to Snoke
- He did not burn down the Jedi temple or kill the other Padawans
- Ben was physically and mentally abused literally his entire life
My thoughts can basically be summed up with this tweet:
Excuse me while I scream into the void for the rest of my life.
My anger and hurt on behalf of this character are only deepening the more we learn.
Perhaps this series is meant for people who found it challenging to empathize with his character in the film? I can’t relate.
What the Disney-canonverse tells us about Ben Solo so far:
- Thoughts manipulated by Palps since he was IN UTERO
- Droid almost killed him as a child
- Sent away at 10 years old to train with Luke because his parents feared him
- Trained as a Padawan for approx. 13 years before fully turning to Snoke
- He did not burn down the Jedi temple or kill the other Padawans
- Ben was physically and mentally abused literally his entire life
My thoughts can basically be summed up with this tweet:
Excuse me while I scream into the void for the rest of my life.
January 11, 2020
This continues to be a great series, but mostly because the concept alone is so compelling. Ben Solo's journey to the dark side is mostly untouched in canon but for snippets from other character's POVs.
Unfortunately it doesn't go as deep into Ben/Kylo's mind as I would like - plus he's already pretty much embraced the dark side at this point, it seems.
Still, this is a solid story with good dialogue and action. It's really cool to learn more about The Knights Of Ren. And Snoke in his funky little hat will always put a smile on my face. I'm hopeful that as the series goes on it will come together well and I'll love it overall! :)
Unfortunately it doesn't go as deep into Ben/Kylo's mind as I would like - plus he's already pretty much embraced the dark side at this point, it seems.
Still, this is a solid story with good dialogue and action. It's really cool to learn more about The Knights Of Ren. And Snoke in his funky little hat will always put a smile on my face. I'm hopeful that as the series goes on it will come together well and I'll love it overall! :)
January 13, 2020
About time we get some more background on Kylo Ren. But it is enough? In this series he already knows Snoke. Well, how did they met? When was it decided Ben would become a Jedi? This just seems to be a little tease, a quick look into Ben's background. Why does he dislike his parents? Because they are too famous, because he feels left out? We know why Anakin went to the dark side, but why Ben?
February 27, 2020
I'm honestly just reading these to experience the comic version of Adam Driver's face as Kylo Ren
February 12, 2020
I will never not be bitter that they're publishing this after killing off the characters (seriously, everybody in this issue is dead) but that doesn't mean I didn't absolutely love it. The art is stunning and the dialogue hits just right. Can't wait to read issue #3!
January 20, 2020
It can't end like that. I want more!
February 1, 2020
Perfect
October 22, 2020
5 stelline perché come al solito è fatto molto bene, anche se anche questo secondo numero mi ha fatto soffrire molto.
1. Per l’influenza di Snoke, anche nel flashback di anni prima quando Ben era più piccolo.
2.Per la fiducia e preoccupazione di Ben nei confronti di Luke, che poi sappiamo lo tradirà provando ad ucciderlo.
Rivediamo inoltre,un personaggio che vediamo all’inizio di TFA,e ora sappiamo come e perché conosceva Ben.
Mancano due volumi alla fine e per adesso questa serie è come me l’aspettavo,mi sta piacendo molto!
1. Per l’influenza di Snoke, anche nel flashback di anni prima quando Ben era più piccolo.
2.Per la fiducia e preoccupazione di Ben nei confronti di Luke, che poi sappiamo lo tradirà provando ad ucciderlo.
Rivediamo inoltre,un personaggio che vediamo all’inizio di TFA,e ora sappiamo come e perché conosceva Ben.
Mancano due volumi alla fine e per adesso questa serie è come me l’aspettavo,mi sta piacendo molto!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2020
Hay muchos detallitos, y me gusta ver cómo Ben poco a poco se convierte en Kylo. Y está guay que enseñen un poco más de los caballeros de Ren.
January 9, 2020
4.5 stars rounded up. Review coming soon.
February 7, 2020
Ben solo is trying to find the Knights of Ren .. to learn more about his Shadow.
May 10, 2020
Very short, but provides an interesting backstory into how Ben Solo first encountered the Knights of Ren.
May 14, 2020
I WAS NOT BORN SNOKE I BECAME SNOKE
January 9, 2020
A strong second issue with a fascinating story, although I feel that the whole series should have been released before The Rise of Skywalker was.
November 15, 2025
Reading these comics is making me want to rewatch the sequels.
January 17, 2020
This review can be found at The Book Review
January 30, 2020
AMAZING. This is what I was expecting from this series! After a bit of a slow (but not unworthwhile) first issue, this second issue kicks into high gear by revealing more background of the Knights of Ren and how Ben Solo becomes acquainted with them. It also gives some interesting backstory to Lor San Tekka, that old guy killed by Kylo at the beginning of "The Force Awakens."
But the BEST and absolutely COOLEST part of this issue is LUKE SKYWALKER KICKING TRASH. This is a part of the film series that we only get to see a glimpse of — Master Luke at his fighting best. His confidence and Force abilities are unmatched, and this issue represents a critical homage to the power of such a well-beloved character. (Although that confidence does later come back to bite him, as explained in "The Last Jedi.") If anything, read this comic just to see Luke in action.
We also get a little bit more background of the relationship between Luke and Ben, as most of the issue flashes-back to when Ben was a 14-year-old padawan. The three forgettable padawans from Issue #1 do reappear here, but in a much more limited sense, making their presence palatable.
FIVE STARS EASY for this one. This is what Star Wars comics were made to do!
But the BEST and absolutely COOLEST part of this issue is LUKE SKYWALKER KICKING TRASH. This is a part of the film series that we only get to see a glimpse of — Master Luke at his fighting best. His confidence and Force abilities are unmatched, and this issue represents a critical homage to the power of such a well-beloved character. (Although that confidence does later come back to bite him, as explained in "The Last Jedi.") If anything, read this comic just to see Luke in action.
We also get a little bit more background of the relationship between Luke and Ben, as most of the issue flashes-back to when Ben was a 14-year-old padawan. The three forgettable padawans from Issue #1 do reappear here, but in a much more limited sense, making their presence palatable.
FIVE STARS EASY for this one. This is what Star Wars comics were made to do!
January 11, 2020
As always the art is incredible, but I did have a few issues with the plotline in this one.
March 11, 2020
We learn that Snoke took twisted to a new level in this green planet, saying he chooses to live there (more like hiding), because it was a place made to hold back the dark. Now, it still has its overgrown plants that weave themselves through bones and skulls of multiple bodies. And Snoke comtrols the plants to crush the bones. Wow, you just keep getting worse Snoke. There's a slight Hux cameo, with just his voice placing a call in to Snoke. Who brushes it off and does not tell Ben who he is (or who he is to him. For all we know this is an act-which of course it is).
We see Ben thinking back on memories of when he was a young boy with his uncle facing off against the knights of Ren, and how they saw the shadow in him (the dark). There's also a memory of Snoke speaking to him in his head at that young age and calling him friend.
Anyway, we also see how Ben wanted to pilot the ship on this trip with his uncle. This is referencing Ben Solo's true dream in the series. He wanted to be a pilot just like his father, who was his hero. But as older Ben say's, the name Solo is a lie. Ben feels betrayed by his father who always left him behind on his own, lied to him, sent him away and then never came for him.
Favorite quote:
That's exactly it, Snoke. Obi-wan Kenobi... Big famous jedi. Everyone thinks I'm supposed to be him. I never even met him.
But.. one more thing. You said you could sense the shadow in all of us-- That's right. We've all got it. But you know your apprentice does too, right? Powerful. Can feel it. Better be careful., jedi man.
We see Ben thinking back on memories of when he was a young boy with his uncle facing off against the knights of Ren, and how they saw the shadow in him (the dark). There's also a memory of Snoke speaking to him in his head at that young age and calling him friend.
Anyway, we also see how Ben wanted to pilot the ship on this trip with his uncle. This is referencing Ben Solo's true dream in the series. He wanted to be a pilot just like his father, who was his hero. But as older Ben say's, the name Solo is a lie. Ben feels betrayed by his father who always left him behind on his own, lied to him, sent him away and then never came for him.
Favorite quote:
That's exactly it, Snoke. Obi-wan Kenobi... Big famous jedi. Everyone thinks I'm supposed to be him. I never even met him.
But.. one more thing. You said you could sense the shadow in all of us-- That's right. We've all got it. But you know your apprentice does too, right? Powerful. Can feel it. Better be careful., jedi man.
January 31, 2020
Star Wars: The Rise Of Kylo Ren continues straight after the previous book seeing Kylo getting more involved with the Dark Side as Snoak turns him further from the light! :D At the same time the Knights of Ren are further developed this illustrates what a dangerous bunch that they are! :D
Star Wars: The Rise Of Kylo Ren is full of character development from the start and you can see how Snoak subtly works on Kylo and how he actually turned! :D At the same time the further development of the Knights of Ren is neatly handled showing where they all come through and how warped they are! :D
Star Wars: The Rise Of Kylo Ren neatly continues the previous plots but at the same time sets up more! :D Snoak antics are certainly brilliantly handled and fills in an unexpected period in Kylo career! :D Full of action, back stabbing, twists and adventure! :D Crisp High Five! :D Brilliant and Highly Recommended! :D Get It When You Can! :D
Star Wars: The Rise Of Kylo Ren is full of character development from the start and you can see how Snoak subtly works on Kylo and how he actually turned! :D At the same time the further development of the Knights of Ren is neatly handled showing where they all come through and how warped they are! :D
Star Wars: The Rise Of Kylo Ren neatly continues the previous plots but at the same time sets up more! :D Snoak antics are certainly brilliantly handled and fills in an unexpected period in Kylo career! :D Full of action, back stabbing, twists and adventure! :D Crisp High Five! :D Brilliant and Highly Recommended! :D Get It When You Can! :D
December 1, 2021
Me reading a book about Ben Solo becoming Kylo Ren: 0_0
Me at the end of this comic: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
That's it, that's the review.
No I'm kidding. Ben goes to a place he and Luke had traveled to years ago because he wants to become a Knight of Ren to learn how to use the Dark Side of the Force. Snoke is already building the First Order (we learn Hux's first name HAHAHA it's such a white boy name), and those pesky Jedi show up all "We can't let you do that" annoying hero style. I'm saying it now, Ben Solo is a constant disappointment to me and will probably always be my least favorite trash child. His parents should've just not had kids if they weren't going to take time out to raise him properly.
Me at the end of this comic: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
That's it, that's the review.
No I'm kidding. Ben goes to a place he and Luke had traveled to years ago because he wants to become a Knight of Ren to learn how to use the Dark Side of the Force. Snoke is already building the First Order (we learn Hux's first name HAHAHA it's such a white boy name), and those pesky Jedi show up all "We can't let you do that" annoying hero style. I'm saying it now, Ben Solo is a constant disappointment to me and will probably always be my least favorite trash child. His parents should've just not had kids if they weren't going to take time out to raise him properly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2020
“Everything is a lie”
This is my least favorite issue out of the ones I've read so far, and yet I loved it, which is a testament of how good the complete series is. Seeing how even as a kid he was being slowly groomed and manipulated by 𝖯̶𝖺̶𝗅̶𝗉̶𝖺̶𝗍̶𝗂̶𝗇̶𝖾̶ Snoke is heart-breaking even to those of us who always knew this was something that happened. Also, The Knights of Ren are 100 times cooler in this issue than in the entirety of the Sequel Trilogy and their beliefs on shadows and the Force are fascinating. Anyway, I love Ben Solo so much it hurts.
This is my least favorite issue out of the ones I've read so far, and yet I loved it, which is a testament of how good the complete series is. Seeing how even as a kid he was being slowly groomed and manipulated by 𝖯̶𝖺̶𝗅̶𝗉̶𝖺̶𝗍̶𝗂̶𝗇̶𝖾̶ Snoke is heart-breaking even to those of us who always knew this was something that happened. Also, The Knights of Ren are 100 times cooler in this issue than in the entirety of the Sequel Trilogy and their beliefs on shadows and the Force are fascinating. Anyway, I love Ben Solo so much it hurts.
April 5, 2020
Goodreads finally admits the paperback edition exists! This one gives us some background on how Luke and Ben first encountered the Knights of Ren, while exploring for Jedi artefacts with Lor San Tekka. The temple/outpost on Elphrona fits stylistically with the ruins we see on Jedha in Rogue One, building that sense of continuity in the new timeline. (It's also clearly inspired by Petra for some Indy/Last Crusade vibes). There is also a link with the Aftermath series of novels.
Really enjoyed this issue, and I look forward to seeing what happens with the next one.
Really enjoyed this issue, and I look forward to seeing what happens with the next one.
February 18, 2020
The plot thickens. And still..
Ok. So I'm loving this and so far where it is going. Beyond what the film's have already established I mean. But. I'm. Intrigued. How did Ben first encounter Snoke? I hope that question is answered here soon
Four stars only because it is good but I didn't really feel keen twords the Ten character. Seemed like a punk kid. Which I get is his character. It just felt. Weak. I dunno. We shall see in the next issue I suppose.
Ok. So I'm loving this and so far where it is going. Beyond what the film's have already established I mean. But. I'm. Intrigued. How did Ben first encounter Snoke? I hope that question is answered here soon
Four stars only because it is good but I didn't really feel keen twords the Ten character. Seemed like a punk kid. Which I get is his character. It just felt. Weak. I dunno. We shall see in the next issue I suppose.
March 12, 2020
This was definitely a step up from the first issue. We get some lore and also see more of Ben and Luke's relationship in a flashback. It's still hard for me to imagine the Luke of the OT growing up to have the sense of humor that this older look has, but it's still cool to see him. We get info on how Ben encountered the Knights of Ren.
November 27, 2022
The dark deep dive of Kylo Ren I've always wanted. - 5 out of 5 stars.
A lot more Ren/Knights of action in this one. Again, serious Band of the Hawk (Berserk) vibes.
Great depth and backstory of young Ben Solo and his transition to Kylo Ren under the watch of Luke.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
A lot more Ren/Knights of action in this one. Again, serious Band of the Hawk (Berserk) vibes.
Great depth and backstory of young Ben Solo and his transition to Kylo Ren under the watch of Luke.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
January 9, 2020
I feel sorry about Ben.
He was just an innocent boy who had been manipulated by both the dark side and the light.
Reading his background story only makes me angry about how Disney treats him like this.
He was just an innocent boy who had been manipulated by both the dark side and the light.
Reading his background story only makes me angry about how Disney treats him like this.
January 13, 2020
Snoke in his garden is super baffling. Ben and Snoke being bros is baffling. I'm really interested to see the rest of this series! Animation is spot on for Luke and Ben. Excellent.
Ben's backstory and seeing that friends came after him really fills in some holes that the movies left.
Ben's backstory and seeing that friends came after him really fills in some holes that the movies left.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews