A fascinating incursion into the politics of post-Clone Wars Coruscant, Alexander Freed’s latest publication shows us the different attitudes towards the emergence of a well disguised dictatorship, as adopted by characters of various backgrounds and moral dispositions.

I think the primary known characters (Mon Mothma, Bail Organa and Saw Gerrera) were depicted in a manner consistent with their on-screen presence, while Freed’s original characters were likewise fairly well developed. The story itself provides some interesting commentary on the nature of democracy and authoritarianism, and on what forms legitimate (or possibly illegitimate) resistance can take, as well as a worthy dramatic framework for these conversations. However, as with most (if not all) Star Wars books, I do not know if I would read it without the SW connections. The prose is fairly simple and the ideas can be explored elsewhere. Alas, the work is fun and engaging (and enhances other Star Wars projects) so I think an 8.5/10 is appropriate. I certainly look forward to the next books in this trilogy!