What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Wars Disney Canon Novel #9
The Rise of Skywalker
Witness the epic final chapter of the Skywalker saga with the official novelization of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, including expanded scenes and additional content not seen in theaters!
The Resistance has been reborn. But although Rey and her fellow heroes are back in the fight, the war against the First Order, now led by Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, is far from over. Just as the spark of rebellion is rekindling, a mysterious signal broadcasts throughout the galaxy, with a chilling message: Emperor Palpatine, long thought defeated and destroyed, is back from the dead.
Has the ancient Lord of the Sith truly returned? Kylo Ren cuts a swath of destruction across the stars, determined to discover any challenge to his control over the First Order and his destiny to rule over the galaxy—and crush it completely. Meanwhile, to discover the truth, Rey, Finn, Poe, and the Resistance must embark on the most perilous adventure they have ever faced.
Featuring all-new scenes adapted from never-before-seen material, deleted scenes, and input from the filmmakers, the story that began in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and continued in Star Wars: The Last Jedi reaches an astounding conclusion.
The Resistance has been reborn. But although Rey and her fellow heroes are back in the fight, the war against the First Order, now led by Supreme Leader Kylo Ren, is far from over. Just as the spark of rebellion is rekindling, a mysterious signal broadcasts throughout the galaxy, with a chilling message: Emperor Palpatine, long thought defeated and destroyed, is back from the dead.
Has the ancient Lord of the Sith truly returned? Kylo Ren cuts a swath of destruction across the stars, determined to discover any challenge to his control over the First Order and his destiny to rule over the galaxy—and crush it completely. Meanwhile, to discover the truth, Rey, Finn, Poe, and the Resistance must embark on the most perilous adventure they have ever faced.
Featuring all-new scenes adapted from never-before-seen material, deleted scenes, and input from the filmmakers, the story that began in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and continued in Star Wars: The Last Jedi reaches an astounding conclusion.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published March 17, 2020
630 people are currently reading
5360 people want to read
About the author
Rae Carson
37 books5,899 followersRae Carson was born in 1973 in California and now lives in Arizona. She developed an enthusiasm for storytelling in her earliest childhood. She studied social sciences and worked in various industries after graduating from university before she realized her dream and became a writer. The Girl of Fire and Thorns is her debut novel.
In her own words, she "write[s] books about teens who must do brave things. [Her] books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. [She] especially love[s] to write about questions [she doesn't] know the answers to."
Has also published as Rae Carson Finlay.
In her own words, she "write[s] books about teens who must do brave things. [Her] books tend to contain lots of adventure, a little magic and romance, and smart girls who make (mostly) smart choices. [She] especially love[s] to write about questions [she doesn't] know the answers to."
Has also published as Rae Carson Finlay.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 821 reviews
May 25, 2025
Thank you, Rae Carson. Thank you for making the book feel like Star Wars. I have no doubt that if Rae was given free reign, she would have written a 5-star book that would have corrected all the mistakes in the movie. I was expecting a salvage job from this book, but it is a lot better than I expected.
Unlike a certain director who said he did not care about Star Wars lore when he made the movie, Rae has done her research, adding in bit of information for the other Star Wars book in the Disney era. Including what could/should have been a great bridging book to the movie.
The book manages to fix many of the inconsistencies of the movie and goes into more detail of the characters. Though having to follow the screenplay, there are many things that could not be fixed or many characters who could not be given a lot more of a larger role.
I enjoyed this book a lot more that I was expecting to. This book is supposed to be the end of the Disney saga, but with so many things left loose, I would not be surprised to see more prequels definitely and possibly a sequel. I just hope they are written by real Star Wars fans that respect continuity of whichever era.
Unlike a certain director who said he did not care about Star Wars lore when he made the movie, Rae has done her research, adding in bit of information for the other Star Wars book in the Disney era. Including what could/should have been a great bridging book to the movie.
The book manages to fix many of the inconsistencies of the movie and goes into more detail of the characters. Though having to follow the screenplay, there are many things that could not be fixed or many characters who could not be given a lot more of a larger role.
I enjoyed this book a lot more that I was expecting to. This book is supposed to be the end of the Disney saga, but with so many things left loose, I would not be surprised to see more prequels definitely and possibly a sequel. I just hope they are written by real Star Wars fans that respect continuity of whichever era.
Want to read
December 24, 2019I DEMAND THIS BOOK TO HAVE AN ALTERNATE ENDING WHERE SURVIVES AT THE END.
March 25, 2020
I can honestly say that not only is this one of the most enjoyable Star Wars novelisations I have ever read, but also the one that adds the most to its source material. Most importantly, I think, reading this has made me appreciate and understand some of the creative choices that J.J. Abrams made with The Rise of Skywalker.
I understand the movie better as a result of reading Rae Carson’s impeccable novelisation – whether or not that means the movie itself is a failure is open to interpretation. Surely the former should stand on its own as a work of (popular) art, without needing a novel to help explain it? But what Carson has achieved so effectively here is to allow the reader into the thought processes of the characters during key events, something that a movie can only hint at.
Of course, the novel sacrifices the Big Screen spectacle, especially with the battle-to-end-all-battles (again) towards the end, where Carson’s writing is kind of perfunctory. She truly shines with her character work, and gives every one of the large cast a meaningful moment (some have extended scenes or explanatory bits added, while there is even an entirely new character.)
I can still clearly recall seeing the original Star Wars, and the sense of wonder it invoked in me (and terror. Which is perhaps something the later movies lacked, but one’s perceptions also change as you get older, of course.) That sense of thrilling wonder never left me, and inspired a lifelong love for science fiction as a result.
It is also a flame I keep going in the more trying moments of life, when I wonder what fusspot C3PO would say, or dashing hero Han Solo would do, in the face of adversity, stress, loss, and all the other messy bits of being human.
My faith in Star Wars was shaken severely with the toxic reaction to The Last Jedi, and the contempt shown by certain ‘manboys’ to the inclusion of diversity in this galaxy far, far away. What this taught me is that no single person has a right to entitlement, and that respect and compassion must be the presiding values of civilised discourse.
J.J. Abrams faced a herculean (some would say impossible) task with trying to please a very disparate fan base with what was touted as the last Star Wars movie ever (of course it won’t be.) Did he concede too much to fan-pleasing?
I honestly don’t know. There are bits I liked, some I loved, and others I really didn’t care for. What Carson does so well in the book is add much-needed connective tissue to the wider story binding the characters together. The Force was really on her side with this one.
I understand the movie better as a result of reading Rae Carson’s impeccable novelisation – whether or not that means the movie itself is a failure is open to interpretation. Surely the former should stand on its own as a work of (popular) art, without needing a novel to help explain it? But what Carson has achieved so effectively here is to allow the reader into the thought processes of the characters during key events, something that a movie can only hint at.
Of course, the novel sacrifices the Big Screen spectacle, especially with the battle-to-end-all-battles (again) towards the end, where Carson’s writing is kind of perfunctory. She truly shines with her character work, and gives every one of the large cast a meaningful moment (some have extended scenes or explanatory bits added, while there is even an entirely new character.)
I can still clearly recall seeing the original Star Wars, and the sense of wonder it invoked in me (and terror. Which is perhaps something the later movies lacked, but one’s perceptions also change as you get older, of course.) That sense of thrilling wonder never left me, and inspired a lifelong love for science fiction as a result.
It is also a flame I keep going in the more trying moments of life, when I wonder what fusspot C3PO would say, or dashing hero Han Solo would do, in the face of adversity, stress, loss, and all the other messy bits of being human.
My faith in Star Wars was shaken severely with the toxic reaction to The Last Jedi, and the contempt shown by certain ‘manboys’ to the inclusion of diversity in this galaxy far, far away. What this taught me is that no single person has a right to entitlement, and that respect and compassion must be the presiding values of civilised discourse.
J.J. Abrams faced a herculean (some would say impossible) task with trying to please a very disparate fan base with what was touted as the last Star Wars movie ever (of course it won’t be.) Did he concede too much to fan-pleasing?
I honestly don’t know. There are bits I liked, some I loved, and others I really didn’t care for. What Carson does so well in the book is add much-needed connective tissue to the wider story binding the characters together. The Force was really on her side with this one.
March 10, 2020
It is impossible for a novelization to fix the biggest problems I had with the movie but it can bring some new depth and appreciation for the story. That’s exactly what Rae Carson has achieved here.
April 5, 2020
"That's how they win. By making us think we're alone."
August 5, 2020
"Flower, gleam and glow
Let your power shine
Make the clock reverse
[...]Change the Fates' design
Save what has been lost
Bring back what once was mine."
AFTER READING 2.5 stars ⭐
nope
December 30, 2019Either make this a novelization of TROS, the one before Jar Jar started messing it up, or give us ending with Rey preparing to enter World Between Worlds to bring back her canon soulmate.
#BenSolodeservesbetter
October 5, 2025
Rae Carson's novelization of "The Rise of Skywalker" is, according to the cover, an "expanded edition". All this means, in reality, is that it includes scenes or extended dialogue that never made it into the movie, for whatever reason. If this were a DVD, these would all be in the "deleted scenes" section of the menu.
It's impossible to write a book review of this without it devolving into a movie review, as it is basically Carson's rewriting of the screenplay into a readable version. She does a decent job of it, nothing more or less. It is basically the movie in book form.
I feel like I was one of the few people in the world that actually liked J.J. Abrams's "The Rise of Skywalker". It was action-packed, colorful, funny, and wrapped up the recent trilogy (and the entire series) nicely. It was a brilliant move to bring back Emperor Palpatine as the villain, in my opinion. It kind of brings the whole series full-circle.
I also thought that Carrie Fisher's death---and the posthumous scenes of Leia---were handled smartly. If you didn't know that most if not all her scenes were computer-generated, I don't think you could tell.
Like all Star Wars films, "The Rise of Skywalker" is critic-proof. One could nit-pick the shit out of it, but what's the point? Same goes for Carson's novelization. It does its job: makes one want to go back and watch the film again.
March 25, 2020
I enjoyed the greater insights into the thoughts and motivations of characters like Allegiant General Pryde , Zorii Bliss and co. as well as Lando or Leia. Obviously it was an advantage to the author to not be limited to the available footage of the late, lamented Carrie Fisher and it helps in a major way to make her connection to Rey and the legacy of Luke come through much more clearly.
Art Credit: saintworksart of Deviantart
My one disappointment, as such, would be with the length of the book. I don't know if time or editorial constraints tied her hands but as I had read the Revenge of the Sith novelization recently I couldn't help but feel the absence of a comparable richness of narrative owing to the much lower page count.
Art Credit: saintworksart of Deviantart
My one disappointment, as such, would be with the length of the book. I don't know if time or editorial constraints tied her hands but as I had read the Revenge of the Sith novelization recently I couldn't help but feel the absence of a comparable richness of narrative owing to the much lower page count.
March 30, 2020
Dec 31, 2019
This movie was my most anticipated movie of the year... Sadly, I was completely let down by the ending and was utterly upset at the death of one of my fave characters. Furthermore, they characterizations were strange and did not flow with the previous two films in the sequel trilogy. In my honest opinion, The Rise of Skywalker did not tie up the Skywalker Saga as a whole. Instead, this movie completely eradicated the respect for the Original Trilogy and its characters.
Oct 11, 2019
This is going to be epic. I know it! ❤️😍✨🌈🌌
This movie was my most anticipated movie of the year... Sadly, I was completely let down by the ending and was utterly upset at the death of one of my fave characters. Furthermore, they characterizations were strange and did not flow with the previous two films in the sequel trilogy. In my honest opinion, The Rise of Skywalker did not tie up the Skywalker Saga as a whole. Instead, this movie completely eradicated the respect for the Original Trilogy and its characters.
Oct 11, 2019
This is going to be epic. I know it! ❤️😍✨🌈🌌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2020
"Se volvió hacia Kylo una última vez. Lo odiaba por decírselo. Y sin embargo estaba contenta con ello. Una díada ..."
Una estrella más por la emoción que trajo consigo para mí toda la saga de esta última trilogía y su buena adaptación por este libro. Pasé un gran rato de emociones viendo a estos dos tratando de fingir que se cazan mutuamente para destruir al otro, cuando en realidad ninguno de los dos lo quiere jaja. El estilo desde luego no es extraordinario aunque sí me pareció más pasable que el anterior libro de "The Last Jedi" del otro autor.
El libro resume desde luego la película pero tiene muuuuuuchos momentos extra y explica muchas cosas. La película no es perfecta, este libro no logra explicar todas las preguntas ni repara todos los agujeros pero creo que todo fan por lo menos saldrá complacido al conocer muchos detalles extra. Sobre todo el conocer el pensamiento de los protagonistas te hace comprender mejor la historia e incluso cosas de mucho antes. El entrenamiento de Leia con Luke y sobre todo los pensamientos de ella sobre Rey aquí se abordan mucho más. Y la relación de Kylo y Rey es bastante explorada. Yo me doy por satisfecho con este libro.
Una estrella más por la emoción que trajo consigo para mí toda la saga de esta última trilogía y su buena adaptación por este libro. Pasé un gran rato de emociones viendo a estos dos tratando de fingir que se cazan mutuamente para destruir al otro, cuando en realidad ninguno de los dos lo quiere jaja. El estilo desde luego no es extraordinario aunque sí me pareció más pasable que el anterior libro de "The Last Jedi" del otro autor.
El libro resume desde luego la película pero tiene muuuuuuchos momentos extra y explica muchas cosas. La película no es perfecta, este libro no logra explicar todas las preguntas ni repara todos los agujeros pero creo que todo fan por lo menos saldrá complacido al conocer muchos detalles extra. Sobre todo el conocer el pensamiento de los protagonistas te hace comprender mejor la historia e incluso cosas de mucho antes. El entrenamiento de Leia con Luke y sobre todo los pensamientos de ella sobre Rey aquí se abordan mucho más. Y la relación de Kylo y Rey es bastante explorada. Yo me doy por satisfecho con este libro.
March 18, 2020
i’m still not over Ben’s fate. it’s so cruel. i hate it here.
May 27, 2020
This was my first book by rae carson and I really enjoyed it! I love how we got some answers and different scene in here than we did in the movie. So thank u Rae for writing this book!(:
June 28, 2020
I used to love movie novelizations when I was a kid. At that time, it was one of the only ways to revisit a movie I loved, because home video wasn't yet a part of everyday life. I also liked how the authors would add to the story of the movie—scenes that were either cut from the final version of the film or that were totally made up just for the book adaptation.
It seems like perhaps that's all a thing of the past, however. The novelizations for the recent Star Wars films have been disappointing—little more than the screenplays, with "he said" or "she said" added into the dialogue. There's no scope for imaginative additions to the movie stories, and since it's not hard to rewatch the movies, there seems little purpose to have them in book form.
Even with all of that, though, and with such low expectations, the novelization of The Rise of Skywalker is bad. Rae Carson's writing style is so simplistic that the book feels more like the junior novelization for kids, not the real movie adaptation. It is really a bland book. True, the movie itself makes no sense. But it's at least exciting and fast-paced. The book is not. The typos throughout the book are distracting, but sometimes amusing. My favorite was Kylo Ren standing on the "wreakage" of the Death Star (177).
The few additional scenes in the book that didn't make it into the movie are not particularly interesting. We have the scene of Kylo Ren visiting the oracle on Mustafar, but it doesn't make any sense. And we see how Zorii escaped Kijimi before its destruction, but it's pretty much how I assumed it had happened; nothing surprising or enlightening.
I find it odd to read letters spelled out, which is often done in SW novels. Yes, we're all used to seeing "Threepio" and "Artoo." But it's somehow stranger to see "Beebee Ate" instead of just "BB-8." And when Finn and Jannah refer to their former stormtrooper designations in spelled-out form—"I was Tee-Zed One-seven-one-nine"; "Eff-En Two-one-eight-seven"—it's just downright bizarre. Is that really how they themselves conceptualized their designations?
I'm not a fan of the sequel trilogy, but even so, this novelization was disappointing.
It seems like perhaps that's all a thing of the past, however. The novelizations for the recent Star Wars films have been disappointing—little more than the screenplays, with "he said" or "she said" added into the dialogue. There's no scope for imaginative additions to the movie stories, and since it's not hard to rewatch the movies, there seems little purpose to have them in book form.
Even with all of that, though, and with such low expectations, the novelization of The Rise of Skywalker is bad. Rae Carson's writing style is so simplistic that the book feels more like the junior novelization for kids, not the real movie adaptation. It is really a bland book. True, the movie itself makes no sense. But it's at least exciting and fast-paced. The book is not. The typos throughout the book are distracting, but sometimes amusing. My favorite was Kylo Ren standing on the "wreakage" of the Death Star (177).
The few additional scenes in the book that didn't make it into the movie are not particularly interesting. We have the scene of Kylo Ren visiting the oracle on Mustafar, but it doesn't make any sense. And we see how Zorii escaped Kijimi before its destruction, but it's pretty much how I assumed it had happened; nothing surprising or enlightening.
I find it odd to read letters spelled out, which is often done in SW novels. Yes, we're all used to seeing "Threepio" and "Artoo." But it's somehow stranger to see "Beebee Ate" instead of just "BB-8." And when Finn and Jannah refer to their former stormtrooper designations in spelled-out form—"I was Tee-Zed One-seven-one-nine"; "Eff-En Two-one-eight-seven"—it's just downright bizarre. Is that really how they themselves conceptualized their designations?
I'm not a fan of the sequel trilogy, but even so, this novelization was disappointing.
January 25, 2022
Never reviewed this book back when I read it, but man. This one absolutely drove me nuts. I thought it'd fix all the flaws with the film, but it didn't even come close. Way too much romance between Ben and Rey that wasn't even in the film to begin with. Solid meh.
Read
January 16, 2022I wish Rae Carson a very I’m sorry you had to try to fix this mess in novel form…
September 26, 2020
*sigh* Rae Carson did her best with a bad script. She gave added depth and context to many scenes in Rise of Skywalker. Her action captured the frenetic pace of the film. She got the voices of the characters right. She was able to spend more time with General Leia, as the film had to adapt her part around Carrie Fisher's death.
But at its core, the story just isn't that good. It crams too much into too little time. The threads do not weave together into a beautiful tapestry. It does not transcend to become more than the sum of its parts. The redemption through death trope is hamfisted and ill-used here. The "they're dead! No wait they aren't!" reads just as poorly in text as it did on screen.
I feel that C-3PO, General Leia, and Luke Skywalker were all well-served and well written. Rey and Finn got a little more color than the film gave them. Lando got to shine - I loved the little glimpses inside his head. But the overall story just doesn't work for me.
While Rae did a good job, her copy editors obviously rushed to meet a deadline. There are several typos and one section of repeated text half a page later. Sad to see from a major release.
Unless you love the sequel trilogy, best to pass on this one.
But at its core, the story just isn't that good. It crams too much into too little time. The threads do not weave together into a beautiful tapestry. It does not transcend to become more than the sum of its parts. The redemption through death trope is hamfisted and ill-used here. The "they're dead! No wait they aren't!" reads just as poorly in text as it did on screen.
I feel that C-3PO, General Leia, and Luke Skywalker were all well-served and well written. Rey and Finn got a little more color than the film gave them. Lando got to shine - I loved the little glimpses inside his head. But the overall story just doesn't work for me.
While Rae did a good job, her copy editors obviously rushed to meet a deadline. There are several typos and one section of repeated text half a page later. Sad to see from a major release.
Unless you love the sequel trilogy, best to pass on this one.
March 25, 2020
Hoping they include the Kylo/Ben redemption arch they cut out in the film.
April 10, 2020
It was hard to rate this book. Was it well-written? Not really. But did it even stand a chance, considering it's based on a lukewarm messy attempt to undo everything that was new, original and interesting in Star Wars from TLJ?
Not really.
I only have three overwhelming thoughts upon parting with this book.
1) Rose Tico remains intergalactic treasure and deserved not only better, but also just MORE
2) Redemption by death simply must be the laziest, most boring and overplayed trope EVER
3) "The connection was…right. Good. Like coming home." I REMEMBER NOTHING ELSE
Now, excuse me as I dive back into the warm welcoming arms of ao3 and reylo fics 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
Not really.
I only have three overwhelming thoughts upon parting with this book.
1) Rose Tico remains intergalactic treasure and deserved not only better, but also just MORE
2) Redemption by death simply must be the laziest, most boring and overplayed trope EVER
3) "The connection was…right. Good. Like coming home." I REMEMBER NOTHING ELSE
Now, excuse me as I dive back into the warm welcoming arms of ao3 and reylo fics 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
February 25, 2022
Just ok
I am very surprised that this book did nothing for me. Ihave been a Star Wars fan from the beginning of the series.
Maybe it is a visual experience for me. Others loved it but it just didn't work for me.
I am very surprised that this book did nothing for me. Ihave been a Star Wars fan from the beginning of the series.
Maybe it is a visual experience for me. Others loved it but it just didn't work for me.
April 5, 2020
I’m at war with myself at what rating to give this. ****Spoilers ahead if you have not read the book or seen the movie****
My angry side wants to give it a ZERO star rating for being all over the place and for killing Ben Solo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My it’s was ok for the last chapter in the Skywalker saga wants to give it a 3 stars
But my ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH KYLO REN/BEN SOLO SIDE gives it a 5 stars. Personally in my humble opinion, he was the best part of this new trilogy. I loved the idea of him and Rey being a Dyad in the Force and the potential of their union was....incredible and I was here for it!!!! I was ready to see them BOTH ALIVE and bring balance to the force. So I decided to give it a 5 star rating only for Kylo Ren/Ben Solo story arch and growth and the potential of being even greater if he would have lived. I do like Rey in this book too and again both just work perfect together. You know what, in my mind he is still alive and him and Rey are together and brought balance and peace to the galaxy!!!!!! Lol. I will forever be in denial but I don’t care lol
My angry side wants to give it a ZERO star rating for being all over the place and for killing Ben Solo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My it’s was ok for the last chapter in the Skywalker saga wants to give it a 3 stars
But my ABSOLUTELY IN LOVE WITH KYLO REN/BEN SOLO SIDE gives it a 5 stars. Personally in my humble opinion, he was the best part of this new trilogy. I loved the idea of him and Rey being a Dyad in the Force and the potential of their union was....incredible and I was here for it!!!! I was ready to see them BOTH ALIVE and bring balance to the force. So I decided to give it a 5 star rating only for Kylo Ren/Ben Solo story arch and growth and the potential of being even greater if he would have lived. I do like Rey in this book too and again both just work perfect together. You know what, in my mind he is still alive and him and Rey are together and brought balance and peace to the galaxy!!!!!! Lol. I will forever be in denial but I don’t care lol
March 25, 2020
The thing about the sequels is that they carry deep personal meaning for me. While I love the other Star Wars movies, the themes and characters of the sequel trilogy particularly resonate with me. I have an especially strong bond with Rey, who has been an inspiration for me during a very dark period of my life. But this attachment to my own interpretation of the characters and themes makes it difficult to embrace someone else’s interpretation of it, be that Rae Carson’s or anyone else’s. My rating isn’t a knock on this novelization or the author, but an acknowledgement that novelizations of the sequel trilogy probably aren’t my cup of tea.
That being said, I can’t wait until Ian Doescher publishes his Shakespeare version.
That being said, I can’t wait until Ian Doescher publishes his Shakespeare version.
Want to read
December 26, 2019here's to hopelessly thinking this may deliver a better story than the movie??
March 25, 2020
... i don't know why i do this to myself.
tears were shed. AGAIN.
#bringbackbensolo
tears were shed. AGAIN.
#bringbackbensolo
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2022
This book ended me.
I thought I'd feel worse, but I just feel empty.
I cried over this book 4 times.
I've cried over the movie every time we watched it, plus three other times.
So overall, I have cried over The Rise of Skywalker at least 11 times, probably more.
I literally wrote fanfiction to change the ending, in hopes that it would allow me to move on, but of course it didn't, or I wouldn't be here.
Now, despite my severe emotional trauma, which I was expecting, I had a great time with this.
I believe my words in my first update were "I am begging this book to tear my emotional stability to shreds."
And it did.
Like the movies, I enjoyed this book more than TLJ.
Turns out, the lack of pointless subplots really makes things more enjoyable.
There were still points where I wanted to just get through some of the resistance parts, but that's only because I had 5 minutes until the start of school and I desperately wanted to cry over Reylo.
I seriously do not have the ability to write a useful criticism of this book, or even to do my usual rambling.
I love Reylo. It's probably my favourite ship ever.
I liked how Finn, Rey, and Poe spent the majority of this book together, rather than having them all separate like in TLJ.
Obviously I love Kylo Ren/Ben Solo's storyline. Especially with the extra commentary in the book, I thought that was funny.
There's a whole war going on and this man just wants to find his girlfriend.
And someone please give this poor child a hug.
I liked how there was more explanation about how Palpatine returned. I can overlook plot holes like that, but it's nice to have an explanation.
And all the sequel haters would say that the explanation doesn't matter and Palpatine's return is ridiculous, but I don't care.
This is not a safe space for sequel haters.
Anyways.
I love this trilogy.
I love this book.
And I love Reylo.
5/5 Ben Solo deserved better.
I thought I'd feel worse, but I just feel empty.
I cried over this book 4 times.
I've cried over the movie every time we watched it, plus three other times.
So overall, I have cried over The Rise of Skywalker at least 11 times, probably more.
I literally wrote fanfiction to change the ending, in hopes that it would allow me to move on, but of course it didn't, or I wouldn't be here.
Now, despite my severe emotional trauma, which I was expecting, I had a great time with this.
I believe my words in my first update were "I am begging this book to tear my emotional stability to shreds."
And it did.
Like the movies, I enjoyed this book more than TLJ.
Turns out, the lack of pointless subplots really makes things more enjoyable.
There were still points where I wanted to just get through some of the resistance parts, but that's only because I had 5 minutes until the start of school and I desperately wanted to cry over Reylo.
I seriously do not have the ability to write a useful criticism of this book, or even to do my usual rambling.
I love Reylo. It's probably my favourite ship ever.
I liked how Finn, Rey, and Poe spent the majority of this book together, rather than having them all separate like in TLJ.
Obviously I love Kylo Ren/Ben Solo's storyline. Especially with the extra commentary in the book, I thought that was funny.
There's a whole war going on and this man just wants to find his girlfriend.
And someone please give this poor child a hug.
I liked how there was more explanation about how Palpatine returned. I can overlook plot holes like that, but it's nice to have an explanation.
And all the sequel haters would say that the explanation doesn't matter and Palpatine's return is ridiculous, but I don't care.
This is not a safe space for sequel haters.
Anyways.
I love this trilogy.
I love this book.
And I love Reylo.
5/5 Ben Solo deserved better.
March 1, 2020
Got a copy at C2E2. And it was just...really boring? Not even the additional scenes and character POVs made it a compelling read. The prose was as dry as paint chips, and some of the moments I was on the fence about from the movie felt even more unconvincing in the novel, or like they opened up more plot holes. I don’t think I can pin any qualms I have with the story on this book since the book is just adapting a story from someone else’s script, but the writing style is what made this a truly dull read for me. For such an action-heavy story with lots of moving parts, I don’t remember any scene in this novel that had any excitement or momentum. The character POVs were all written in the same bland tone. That’s the saddest part, a Star Wars book should at least be entertaining, not boring and bare-bones. I wouldn’t have been surprised if someone had told me this was just the movie’s audio description transcript in book form. I guess I recommend this novel if you’re a big fan of the movie who wants to read some bonus scenes?
I was interested in picking up the writer’s non-SW books before I read this, but I don’t think I want to read this prose again.
I was interested in picking up the writer’s non-SW books before I read this, but I don’t think I want to read this prose again.
April 5, 2022
This book is the Star Wars equivalent to “What might have been?” as it delivers the emotional punch the movie sometimes lacked. While the books doesn’t add too many additional scenes, just getting into the minds of our favorite characters brings so much emotion to the forefront.
June 11, 2020
After the Last Jedi, everyone raged and speculated. But in that film, Lucasfilm gave us the clue, the message, the hope, in one line. (And it had nothing to do with sparks)
Take it easy, Big F [big fans]. They blow you up today, you blow them up tomorrow. It's... just business!
This is my favourite novelisation of the Sequels. Rae Carson has worked some magic on this material: our heroes on an epic quest through the Galaxy in search of objects and answers, while being chased by Kylo and his dark Knights.
So how can I order my thoughts on this book?
First, something annoying (not the author's fault) every single time the characters are about to have some fascinating and character-developing conversation, they have to leave in a huge hurry.
"'But Chewie... He...'
'I'm sorry!' Poe yelled. 'But we have to go. Now!'"
"She turned back to Kylo one last time. She hated him for telling her. And yet she was glad he had.
'C'mon!' yelled Finn."
"'You were right. I did want to take your hand. Ben's hand.'
Before he could respond, Rey grabbed Luke's lightsaber. [...] She ran toward the TIE fighter parked on the wreckage."
You get the drift. It just gets annoying after a while.
Something I've learned: x-wings are like Nokias. Or that Toyota Hilux on Top Gear that just wouldn't die. Zap them with a gazillion volts of Sith Lightning? All those delicate parts will be back online to moment it stops. Leave it to rot for twenty years under the sea? No problemo, just stick that wing foil back on and we're good to go. Where can I buy one?
Something funny: Kylo Ren getting his helmet fixed is a big deal in the First Order. His new look is news on a par with the Emperor giving them a starfleet. Picture this: ten or twenty grim-faced First Order generals sitting around a conference table, meant to be discussing the development of the Emperor returning to be a powerful ally, instead spending the first ten minutes gravely congratulating Kylo on his costume couture choice.
And afterwards we are given an insight into one of Hux's deeper thoughts on his Supreme Leader: "Hux distrusted masks on principle, but he was glad for Ren's because it spared him the indignant assault of the Supreme Leader's hair.
...
When Hux finally took his rightful place as Supreme Leader the first thing he'd do was make Ren cut off his hair."
All you Kylo haters? You just can't deal with that indignant assault of hair.
Lastly, something sweet. Uncle Chewie!
"[Kylo] Saw the Wookiee cuddling a human toddler, teaching an older boy to fly a speeder, target practice with a young man, their blasters set on stun against a haphazard dummy made of rocks.
Uncle Chewie, he'd called him back then."
A Wookiee Uncle to teach me to fly a speeder was all I ever needed in this world.
On a more analytical note, this book does a great job in filling in some of the missing story from the film, for example, I would recommend this to you if you're looking for more of the story and some true fan Easter eggs.
Take it easy, Big F [big fans]. They blow you up today, you blow them up tomorrow. It's... just business!
This is my favourite novelisation of the Sequels. Rae Carson has worked some magic on this material: our heroes on an epic quest through the Galaxy in search of objects and answers, while being chased by Kylo and his dark Knights.
So how can I order my thoughts on this book?
First, something annoying (not the author's fault) every single time the characters are about to have some fascinating and character-developing conversation, they have to leave in a huge hurry.
"'But Chewie... He...'
'I'm sorry!' Poe yelled. 'But we have to go. Now!'"
"She turned back to Kylo one last time. She hated him for telling her. And yet she was glad he had.
'C'mon!' yelled Finn."
"'You were right. I did want to take your hand. Ben's hand.'
Before he could respond, Rey grabbed Luke's lightsaber. [...] She ran toward the TIE fighter parked on the wreckage."
You get the drift. It just gets annoying after a while.
Something I've learned: x-wings are like Nokias. Or that Toyota Hilux on Top Gear that just wouldn't die. Zap them with a gazillion volts of Sith Lightning? All those delicate parts will be back online to moment it stops. Leave it to rot for twenty years under the sea? No problemo, just stick that wing foil back on and we're good to go. Where can I buy one?
Something funny: Kylo Ren getting his helmet fixed is a big deal in the First Order. His new look is news on a par with the Emperor giving them a starfleet. Picture this: ten or twenty grim-faced First Order generals sitting around a conference table, meant to be discussing the development of the Emperor returning to be a powerful ally, instead spending the first ten minutes gravely congratulating Kylo on his costume couture choice.
And afterwards we are given an insight into one of Hux's deeper thoughts on his Supreme Leader: "Hux distrusted masks on principle, but he was glad for Ren's because it spared him the indignant assault of the Supreme Leader's hair.
...
When Hux finally took his rightful place as Supreme Leader the first thing he'd do was make Ren cut off his hair."
All you Kylo haters? You just can't deal with that indignant assault of hair.
Lastly, something sweet. Uncle Chewie!
"[Kylo] Saw the Wookiee cuddling a human toddler, teaching an older boy to fly a speeder, target practice with a young man, their blasters set on stun against a haphazard dummy made of rocks.
Uncle Chewie, he'd called him back then."
A Wookiee Uncle to teach me to fly a speeder was all I ever needed in this world.
On a more analytical note, this book does a great job in filling in some of the missing story from the film, for example, I would recommend this to you if you're looking for more of the story and some true fan Easter eggs.
April 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this novelisation!
There's some added scenes and some much needed explanation to some stuff which all in all makes it for a good read
There's some added scenes and some much needed explanation to some stuff which all in all makes it for a good read
March 17, 2020
The Rise of Skywalker novelization is a quick, but good read. It adds a bit more to the movie and the characters without straying too far from the fast, action paced plot of the film. Readers will get to find out just how Palpatine survived, how his son came about, and more. There’s extended scenes that were hinted at with the behind-the-scenes artwork, plus sections that help transition characters from one place to another that the movie didn’t have time to delve into. But beyond the book just having extra content, it maintains a enjoyable vibe that stays entertaining from beginning to end.
First, lets get into the extra content. While it can be nice to have the dialog at your hands to go over again and catch what you might have missed, the real draw of any novelization is getting more out of the story. This novelization delivers on that in several ways. For anyone who was a fan of Zorii Bliss in the movie, you get a lot more of her in the novelization. The book explores a bit of her spice runner gang and helps connect the dots with what she did once everyone else left, how she wound up with Babu Frik, and how they wound up in the big battle at the end. It dives into her thoughts to explore more of her character. And the book doesn’t stop there. There are precious insights throughout the book where the story goes into the characters’ heads to reveal what they’re thinking and what they’ve been through. There’s reveals of Leia and her Force abilities and connection to the Force, what Hux thought he was up to, Poe’s reservations after Crait, Finn’s subtle realization of his Force connection, Rey’s lingering fear of the darkness within her and much more.
Furthermore, there’s some big reveals with Palpatine. The book lays out how he survived his fall in the shaft of the second Death Star, why he looks like a rotting corpse, and he wound up with a son which lead to Rey. Not everything is completely revealed or explored, though. There’s still much about Ben Solo that we don’t know. There’s some cryptic stuff about that dyad that still leaves a lot to be fleshed out. But the book isn’t meant to be an encyclopedia to answer everyone’s questions or fill in all the voids. The book is simply capturing the story of the movie while also giving the reader a bit more to enjoy.
Another factor that adds to that enjoyment is little bonuses like the cameos at the big space battle. At the end of the battle, there are thousands and thousands of ships. Far too many to identify while watching the film. We know there’s all kinds of visual cameos hidden in that scene. However, the book takes the time to point out some of those cameos, and even gives them a bit of dialog. Even the Wicket scene gets expanded with some dialog and background. It’s not a ton, but it’s a nice inclusion.
In the end, The Rise of Skywalker novelization does a good job of retelling the story of the movie, keeping it fun, and giving readers something extra to enjoy. For hardcore Star Wars fans, this is a must read as you’ll get more out of the movie by reading the book. On top of that, it’s a good read. As such, I give it a four out of five.
First, lets get into the extra content. While it can be nice to have the dialog at your hands to go over again and catch what you might have missed, the real draw of any novelization is getting more out of the story. This novelization delivers on that in several ways. For anyone who was a fan of Zorii Bliss in the movie, you get a lot more of her in the novelization. The book explores a bit of her spice runner gang and helps connect the dots with what she did once everyone else left, how she wound up with Babu Frik, and how they wound up in the big battle at the end. It dives into her thoughts to explore more of her character. And the book doesn’t stop there. There are precious insights throughout the book where the story goes into the characters’ heads to reveal what they’re thinking and what they’ve been through. There’s reveals of Leia and her Force abilities and connection to the Force, what Hux thought he was up to, Poe’s reservations after Crait, Finn’s subtle realization of his Force connection, Rey’s lingering fear of the darkness within her and much more.
Furthermore, there’s some big reveals with Palpatine. The book lays out how he survived his fall in the shaft of the second Death Star, why he looks like a rotting corpse, and he wound up with a son which lead to Rey. Not everything is completely revealed or explored, though. There’s still much about Ben Solo that we don’t know. There’s some cryptic stuff about that dyad that still leaves a lot to be fleshed out. But the book isn’t meant to be an encyclopedia to answer everyone’s questions or fill in all the voids. The book is simply capturing the story of the movie while also giving the reader a bit more to enjoy.
Another factor that adds to that enjoyment is little bonuses like the cameos at the big space battle. At the end of the battle, there are thousands and thousands of ships. Far too many to identify while watching the film. We know there’s all kinds of visual cameos hidden in that scene. However, the book takes the time to point out some of those cameos, and even gives them a bit of dialog. Even the Wicket scene gets expanded with some dialog and background. It’s not a ton, but it’s a nice inclusion.
In the end, The Rise of Skywalker novelization does a good job of retelling the story of the movie, keeping it fun, and giving readers something extra to enjoy. For hardcore Star Wars fans, this is a must read as you’ll get more out of the movie by reading the book. On top of that, it’s a good read. As such, I give it a four out of five.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 821 reviews