DVD Corner

Star Wars: Inquisitor: Rise Of The Red Blade Book Review

“Star Wars: Inquisitor: Rise Of The Red Blade” is a page turner.

Having penned other Star Wars books such as “Star Wars: Phasma” and “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire,” author Delilah S. Dawson steps back into the sci-fi/fantasy universe with a brand new story set during the events of ‘Attack Of The Clones’ and after the events of ‘Revenge Of The Sith.’

The story revolves around the life of Iskat Akaris. At the start of the novel, Iskat is a Jedi Padawan whose Master is Sember Vey. The two seek out Jedi artifacts together even though Iskat craves more. Iskat is an outsider whose species is unknown. She’s also a rather temperamental, impulsive and impatient Jedi. When the Battle of Geonosis breaks out, Iskat is thrust into violent battles which she relishes. It is here her dark side begins to peak out and that becomes the focal point of the overarching story. As the title suggests, eventually Iskat’s journey leads her into the world of the Inquisitors, but is that the life she really wants? Elsewhere in the story are critical subplots involving a mysterious past Jedi named Feyra who may or may not have a connection to Iskat and a Jedi Padawan friend of Iskat’s named Tualon. 

At a time when the Star Wars book world is predominantly The High Republic heavy, it’s nice to see a stand-alone novel that dips back into the prequel era. It goes without saying that Iskat’s character journey and transition from the light side to the dark side is compelling. We have seen other characters fall from grace, yes, but getting inside their mind like Dawson does here proved to be supremely effective. On top of that, there’s a lot to chew on here for longtime Star Wars fans. Of course, there’s plenty of familiar faces and references in both the Jedi and dark side realms, but what really struck me about this story was getting an almost behind-the-scenes look at both the Jedi Order and the Inquisitors. From Iskat’s perspective, we really see the strain the war has put on the Jedi Order and how their secrets were their undoing. Likewise, we get a glimpse at the often brutal inner workings of the Inquisitors and Palpatine’s long term plans (including a spy!). The comparing and contrasting of the 2 ends up being a focal point in the end…but you’ll have to see what that means for yourself. Essentially, the world building here is what really grabbed me the most and made this novel stand out. 

July 11, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Inquisitors, Iskat Akaris, Jedi, Sith, Star Wars Books, Star Wars: Inquisitor: Rise Of The Red Blade Book Review