Star Wars: The Mask of Fear cover art

Star Wars: The Mask of Fear

Star Wars: Reign of the Empire, Book 1

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Star Wars: The Mask of Fear

By: Alexander Freed
Narrated by: January LaVoy
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Before the Rebellion, the Empire reigned. The first book in a new trilogy.

"In order to ensure the security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire! For a safe and secure society!"

With one speech, and thunderous applause, Chancellor Palpatine brought the era of the Republic crashing down. In its place rose the Galactic Empire. Across the galaxy, people rejoiced and celebrated the end to war—and the promises of tomorrow. But that tomorrow was a lie. Instead the galaxy became twisted by the cruelty and fear of the Emperor’s rule.

During that terrifying first year of tyranny, Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera, and Bail Organa face the encroaching darkness. One day, they will be three architects of the Rebel Alliance. But first, each must find purpose and direction in a changing galaxy, while harboring their own secrets, fears, and hopes for a future that may never come, unless they act.

©2025 Alexander Freed (P)2025 Penguin Audio Action & Adventure Adventure Fantasy Genre Fiction Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins Science Fiction Space Opera Star Wars Interstellar

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I get that this might not be to some peoples taste like the reviewer below who called it boring. If you’re only used to reading Star Wars books in their beautiful pulpy glory, you might struggle with a novel as nuanced and patiently paced as this.
For me, getting inside the politics of the early days of the Empire and the various factions vying for the support of imperial citizens was something I’d wanted for a while and it did not dissapoint. The crowning glory of Freed’s book though was how he got inside the mind of Mon Mothma in her journey from liberal reformer to revolutionary fire brand and her emotional trauma in imperial detention. Chapter 17 was next level writing for a Star Wars book. Wonderfully narrated too. Good to hear a fresh voice on a Star Wars audiobook.

Brilliant writing. A gripping political thriller.

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A great story that want more meat on their Star Wars Stories. This is not for your basic lightsaber fighting SW fan. It is for us that see the raise of Evil within politics and how people find themseles in a fight for what is right.

A more adult Star Wars Story

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January LaVoy gives a stellar performance narrating this, as always. The story itself was good but not the best Star Wars novel I've read / listened to. It's certainly worth a listen though

Great performance, decent story

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A really brilliant and exciting addition to Star Wars world building. Excellent story with LOTS of resonances with today’s world. Look forward to next chapter.

Fantastic Story. Lots of resonance with today’s world. History rhymes

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Quite enjoyable, and covers many different perspectives across all sides of the Clone Wars.

The narrator was fine, but I can’t help but feel like a British narrator would have fit better.

I also didn’t like how the new governor who was introduced to Mon Mothma was basically a Texan, it was a bit on the nose.

A nice insight into a lesser seen part of the Star Wars Universe

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