Star Wars Inquisitor – Rise of the Red Blade
Padawan Iskat Akaris has dedicated her life to travelling the galaxy alongside her master, learning the ways of the Force to become a good Jedi. Despite Iskat’s dedication, peace and control have remained elusive, and with each setback, she feels her fellow Jedi grow more distrustful of her. Already uncertain about her future in the Jedi Order, Iskat faces tragedy when her master is killed and the Clone Wars engulf the galaxy in chaos.
Now a general on the front lines contributing to that chaos, she is often reminded: trust in your training. True in the wisdom of the Council. True in the Force. Yet as the shadows of doubt take hold, Iskat begins to ask questions that no Jedi is supposed to ask. Questions about her unknown past. Questions the Jedi Masters would consider dangerous.
As the years pass and the war endures, Iskat’s faith in the Jedi wanes. If they would grant her more freedom, she is certain she could do more to protect the galaxy. If they would trust her with more knowledge, she could finally cast aside the shadows that have begun to consume her. When the Jedi Order finally falls, Iskat seizes the chance to forge a path of her own. She embraces the freedom of Order 66.
As an Inquisitor, Iskat finds the freedom she has always craves: to question, to want. And with each strike of her red bald, Iskat moves closer to claiming her new destiny in the Force – whatever the cost.
Author: Delilah S. Dawson
Page Count: 343 pages
Publisher: Del Rey
Release Date: 18th July 2023
ISBN: 9781529907643
What’s it about?
A tale that takes place during the prequel trilogy in which a young Jedi Knight tries to find her way. Iskat Akaris of an unknown species doesn’t fit in, she makes mistakes and thus loses the trust of her fellow Jedi. She finds her true self on the planet of Geonosis and from there starts a journey of questioning everything she has been taught to think and everyone she thinks she’s been able to trust. The Dark Side promises her the one thing she’s never had; freedom.
Should I read this book?
For me, this is one of the most important Star Wars novels ever released. I realise that’s a huge statement but hear me out.
First of all, from a story point of view, we find out so much more about what it was to be an Inquisitor for the Empire, we see their inner workings and get a glimpse as to how Darth Vader treated his subordinates. Its a truly insightful story that gives us more information that was given in the Darth Vader comics.
Secondly, and most importantly, it shows us the frailties of the Jedi. As the blurb and my short summary suggests, Iskat has some serious questions about what she’s being taught and how she’s being taught it. Her arguments are relatable, well thought out and show the many cracks that the Jedi had in their imperious temple. Iskat is a round peg for a square hole and the Jedi Masters just don’t know how to cope with it, and you know what, it’s really sad. You feel for her and you understand why she falls the way she does. Delilah Dawson does an incredible job at showing this and its written with compassion and sensitivity.
For those readers who like to challenge the way of thinking, to see the galaxy far, far away from a different perspective there is so much to enjoy and read in to.
Thirdly, for those people who like action sequences, a well thought out time line and plenty of in galaxy nods to other canonical works like the films and Michael Chen’s Brotherhood there is much to enjoy.
What did you like?
A lot of it. I consumed it within days and it stayed with me after I turned the last page. I loved Iskat and though her actions towards the end of the book are inexcusable, they’re understandable.
I also like how frailty, mental health and weakness was explored. Dawson doesn’t pull any punches and that is good. Yes, Star Wars is escapism for many, including me, but sometimes the work we love should reflect the world we live in and Dawson does this so well. Iskat is flawed and makes many mistakes and that makes her so relatable as, lets be honest, we all do too.
Finally, the broad scope of characters, known and unknown are wonderfully fleshed out. Dawson is able to had nuance to loved characters such as Yoda and Mace Windu and she has created ones that bring fear to you like no other.
This novel is a triumph.
What did you not like?
Well, not a lot.
However, my one critique would be the epilogue. I felt that it didn’t do the rest of the story justice. I can’t say too much to avoid spoilers but I felt the novel lacked the ending it so deserved. Now, that may be out of Delilah’s control due to storygroup intervention but…those are my honest thoughts.
What’s next?
Who knows? If this is a one shot then it’s up there with the best Star Wars novels ever released. It also shows that Delilah S. Dawson should be invited back any time. She’s a novelist at the top of her game.
- Hardcover Book
- Dawson, Delilah S. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 368 Pages - 07/18/2023 (Publication Date) - Random House Worlds (Publisher)
