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Star Wars: Victory’s Price Book Review

“Star Wars: Victory’s Price” closes out the Alphabet Squadron trilogy. 

Set after the events of “Star Wars: Return Of The Jedi,” “Victory’s Price” leads in to the Battle of Jakku with the dwindling Imperial remnants (such as Shadow Wing) facing off against New Republic forces (including Alphabet Squadron). Other key storylines involve Yrica Quell being back with the Empire (or is she?), the Emperor’s Messenger, Imperial Colonel Soran, sabotage, spies, a space battle in Chadawa, and a mission on Coruscant. How does everything play together? That would be spoiling.

If you were a fan of the first two installments of author Alexander Freed’s Alphabet Squadron trilogy, the third entry should be up your alley. If you weren’t enamored by the first two books, “Victory’s Price” is more of the same. I definitely fall in the latter camp. While I understand the interest in this series (especially if you are a Rogue Squadron enthusiast), ‘Price’ and the trilogy as a whole is bloated and in dire need of edits. Did this even need to be a trilogy? Did this final book need to be 460 pages? Probably not. More often than not, ‘Price’ seemed to just drag on with endless skirmishes, characters questioning their choices (or do actions that I never once bought), blabber on with exposition, or go in circles with their actions. It would be one thing if I was invested in these new characters like Alphabet Squadron pilots Nath, Kairos, Wyl, and Chass, but I just never found myself drawn to them. Of the new characters only Quell was remotely compelling as she was grappling with major dilemmas. The only character I was happy to read about was Hera as I was already a fan of the character from “Star Wars Rebels” and other media. In fact, ‘Price’ and the series as a whole is at its best when it does connect to canon.

Now, I’m not saying there isn’t anything to admire here storywise. The exploration of the psychological impact of war on the characters was a smart choice, but it’s so overcooked that it loses its impact. The Imperial in fighting would have made for some great storytelling, but it’s not developed enough. The Emperor’s Messenger plotline was an intriguing look at the Empire’s innerworkings and was arguably the highlight of the entire book, but it was more of a plot device than an actual story. Essentially, there are a lot of good ideas that just aren’t executed well enough in my eyes. 

Overall Thoughts: “Victory’s Price” will certainly appeal to fans of this series. For everyone else, I’d recommend picking up other SW novels such as “Star Wars: Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel,” “Resistance Reborn,” or “Bloodline.”

April 5, 2021 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Alphabet Squadron, Star Wars: Victory's Price Book Review