Shadowfall Review

Star Wars Shadowfall is the newest Star Wars Novel, written by Alexander Freed, and a sequel to the novel Alphabet Squadron. Like the previous novel, it focuses on the Rag Tag Alphabet squadron on the hunt for the Imperial Shadow Wing. As before, I will begin with a general review before delving into spoilers.

This is easily one of the best Star Wars novels of the new canon. Much like it's predecessor it's a wonderful look at the New Republic military immediately following the Battle of Endor. Alexander Freed continuously is able to capture the emotions of soldiers fighting in a war, as well as the high stakes drama of combat. The characters are immensely compelling, and I found myself deeply invested in their personal arcs. The book also contains a few very interesting references to the wider Star Wars universe, which keeps it firmly grounded in the lore. Overall, it's a wonderful read, especially if you enjoyed Alphabet Squadron. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys Star Wars.

The Review from this point on will contain heavy spoilers for the full book. Turn back now if you have not read it yet.

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To begin with, one of the most impressive aspects of the book is how it manages to juggle four separate narrative threads. About half way through the book, the characters end up split into four different narratives. One focuses on Yrica quell, one on Nath Tensent and Wyl Lark, one on Shadow Wing leader Soran Keiz, and one on Chass na Chadic. Each of them is compelling in their own way, as each character goes through the process of their own traumas. Personally I think chapter 18 which focuses on Yrica finally overcoming her guilt is one of the best single chapters in Star Wars ever.

One common motif between Alphabet Squadron and Shadowfall is the presense of the Emperors Messenger, the red sentinel droids first introduced in Star Wars Shattered Empire. Here, the messenger acts as a constant reminder of the empire that once was, to the point that it is almost worshiped by Shadow Wing.

The book also is possibly the best case of a sympathetic Imperial Portrayal. It doesn't valorize the empire, but it treats them as humans fighting for a cause they believe in. Both Soran Keize and Wyl Lark provide avenues for humanizing imperial enemies, and making the enemies in the book way more then faceless drones to be slaughtered by the heroes.

I really can't say how amazing all of the different story threads of this book are. I could go on discussing each individual story thread and discussing how great it is, but the best I can say is that the book is absolutely worth the time to read, and I heavily encourage anyone reading this to pick up both it and Alphabet Squadron.

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