A new Star Wars book trilogy titled “Reign of the Empire” has been announced, set to explore the period immediately following the prequels. This new series aims to delve deeper into the formation of the resistance against the Galactic Empire. The first book, “The Mask of Fear,” will be written by Alexander Freed, renowned for his work on the Alphabet Squadron series. This installment is set during the first year of the Empire’s reign and will feature characters such as Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera, and Bail Organa as they navigate the early days of resistance against Palpatine’s tyranny.
The trilogy is inspired by the success of “Andor,” which presented a fresh take on the Star Wars narrative by focusing less on the Force and more on political intrigue and espionage. Freed expressed his excitement about contributing to this era of Star Wars, describing the project as an opportunity to craft a political thriller, spy drama, and historical epic all in one. This new series promises to provide a closer look at the political landscape that shaped the resistance’s actions and motivations.
Fans are already eagerly anticipating the release of “The Mask of Fear,” with pre-orders available even though the book won’t hit shelves until February 2025. The following two books in the trilogy, penned by Rebecca Roanhorse and Fran Wilde, are slated for release in 2026 and 2027, respectively. The trilogy aims to blend familiar faces with new characters, offering a rich tapestry of stories set against the backdrop of the Empire’s rise.
The announcement of “Reign of the Empire” has generated significant excitement within the Star Wars community. The promise of exploring nuanced stories of ‘ordinary’ citizens and the political machinations of the early Empire era has fans eagerly looking forward to this new chapter. As the Star Wars universe continues to expand through various media, this trilogy is set to provide a fresh and compelling perspective on the origins of the Rebel Alliance and the fight against Imperial oppression.
