Star Wars: The Mask of Fear (Reign of the Empire)

By: Alexander Freed

Narrated by: January LaVoy

Before the Rebellion, the Empire reigns, in book one of a trilogy told through the eyes of Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera—for fans of Andor.

“The Mask of Fear is a perfect prequel for Andor.”—ScreenRant

“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 of 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 Random House Worlds (P)2025 Random House Audio

Fantastic political thriller

Great characters portrayals examining how deeply embedded they are in their politics and how desperate is their fight against the looming darkness… unnerving to see in the face of what our own world faces today. Great sound effects like with most Star Wars productions, and excellent narrator. Recommended.

great spy and non jedi novel

January logs a solid performance. the universe has familiar scenes but bring a different and new i tricacies to the SW universe.

STOP USING SAW

Great book, But he don’t need to be in every single piece of Star Wars. He died in rogue one. All he does is kill our favorite teams like Tech from the Bad batch. Yall gotta stop with him.

Star Wars Politics

Love is contrast between Mothma and Organna.
My favorite parts of the book were parts 3 & 4.
Sue-jen was an enjoyable character.

Great lore for Andor!

I had just finished watching Andor and Rogue One before listening to this audiobook! FYI Saw Gerrera is my favorite! I'd love it if he ever had a standalone in any media!

Star Wars Political Thriller

If you enjoyed Andor, you will enjoy this book too! See the early days of the Galactic Empire and the seeds of the Rebel Aliance. I'm ready for book 2!

Good but not Great

This is a good story of the period immediately after the events of the Revenge of the Sith. It follows the stories of Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, and Saw Gerrera. It lays out a pretty interesting and believable beginning to the Rebellion.

What I didn’t enjoy was the numerous moments which took me out of the Star Wars universe. One major character takes anxiety meds, the Empire is frequently referred to as the “administration”, and one character employed a plural pronoun. Maybe this was accidental but too much of the politics seemed to feel like it was framed in US domestic politics. All of this repeatedly jars you out of a galaxy far, far away and back to earth. Disappointing.

So Good

Great story and great voicings. Couldn’t stop listening to it! The sound effects and music add so much to the listening experience.

Great back story for Bail, Mon Mothma, and Saw.

Intriguing story that showed us sides of Mon Mothma we never knew. Between this and Andor, Mon has really sky rocketed from a background character in a short scene to an important player in the Star Wars universe.

Viewing the Emperor's rise to power is eerily chilling given today's political climate.

Mon Mothma is definitely a flawed individual with a purpose

Narration was good and certain plot point as it pertains to the Jedi were compelling overall I give this book a B- rating