Today, Lucasfilm Publishing has announced Star Wars: Reign of the Empire, a new trilogy of novels set throughout the rise of resistance against the Imperial regime. Star Wars fans hungry for more of the political intrigue featured in the Andor series will likely be interested in how this new trilogy of novels is aimed at exploring the political origins of the Rebel Alliance.
As io9 exclusively revealed, the new trilogy is scheduled to kick off in 2025 with the release of Star Wars: Reign of the Empire - The Mask of Fear, which is written by Star Wars: The Alphabet Squadron author Alexander Freed. Set in the year after the events of Revenge of the Sith, Mask of Fear explores how Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera react to the death of the Republic and the emergence of Emperor Palpatine's new government.
“I’m enormously excited to be a part of this project and explore an era of Star Wars especially rich with the nuanced stories of ‘ordinary’ citizens–people living inside the machinery of the Empire, still figuring out what’s happened to their government and in violent disagreement over ideas of democracy, resistance, revolution, and complicity,” Freed said in an official statement (via io9). “It’s a chance to write a political thriller and spy drama and sweeping historical epic all at once, as well as spotlight Mon Mothma–a character I’ve been passionate about for ages. I can only hope the end result does justice to the grand themes of the prequel films, and manages a similar blend of timelessness and relevance.”
What is Star Wars: Reign of the Empire - The Mask of Fear about?
You can read the official synopsis for Star Wars: Reign of the Empire - The Mask of Fear below:
Before the Rebellion, the Empire reigned. “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.
The second book of the Reign of the Empire trilogy will be written by Rebecca Roanhorse, who previously authored the novel Resistance Reborn. The third book will be written by Fran Wilde, who previously wrote the short story No Contingency in From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi starring Mon Mothma.
Star Wars: Reign of the Empire - The Mask of Fear is set to release on February 25, 2025. Book 2 will be released in Spring 2026, and Book 3 in Spring 2027.
