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Star Wars
Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade
When the Jedi Order falls, an Inquisitor rises.
Padawan Iskat Akaris has dedicated her life to traveling the galaxy alongside her master, learning the ways of the Force to become a good Jedi. Despite Iskat’s dedication, peace and control have remained elusive, and with each setback, she feels her fellow Jedi grow more distrustful of her. Already uncertain about her future in the Jedi Order, Iskat faces tragedy when her master is killed and the Clone Wars engulf the galaxy in chaos.
Now a general on the front lines contributing to that chaos, she is often reminded: Trust in your training. Trust in the wisdom of the Council. Trust in the Force. Yet as the shadows of doubt take hold, Iskat begins to ask questions that no Jedi is supposed to ask: Questions about her own unknown past. Questions the Jedi Masters would consider dangerous.
As the years pass and the war endures, Iskat’s faith in the Jedi wanes. If they would grant her more freedom, she is certain she could do more to protect the galaxy. If they would trust her with more knowledge, she could finally cast aside the shadows that have begun to consume her. When the Jedi Order finally falls, Iskat seizes the chance to forge a path of her own. She embraces the salvation of Order 66.
As an Inquisitor, Iskat finds the freedom she has always craved: to question, to want. And with each strike of her red blade, Iskat moves closer to claiming her new destiny in the Force—whatever the cost.
Padawan Iskat Akaris has dedicated her life to traveling the galaxy alongside her master, learning the ways of the Force to become a good Jedi. Despite Iskat’s dedication, peace and control have remained elusive, and with each setback, she feels her fellow Jedi grow more distrustful of her. Already uncertain about her future in the Jedi Order, Iskat faces tragedy when her master is killed and the Clone Wars engulf the galaxy in chaos.
Now a general on the front lines contributing to that chaos, she is often reminded: Trust in your training. Trust in the wisdom of the Council. Trust in the Force. Yet as the shadows of doubt take hold, Iskat begins to ask questions that no Jedi is supposed to ask: Questions about her own unknown past. Questions the Jedi Masters would consider dangerous.
As the years pass and the war endures, Iskat’s faith in the Jedi wanes. If they would grant her more freedom, she is certain she could do more to protect the galaxy. If they would trust her with more knowledge, she could finally cast aside the shadows that have begun to consume her. When the Jedi Order finally falls, Iskat seizes the chance to forge a path of her own. She embraces the salvation of Order 66.
As an Inquisitor, Iskat finds the freedom she has always craved: to question, to want. And with each strike of her red blade, Iskat moves closer to claiming her new destiny in the Force—whatever the cost.
343 pages, Hardcover
First published July 18, 2023
223 people are currently reading
4136 people want to read
About the author
Delilah S. Dawson
177 books2,837 followersDelilah S. Dawson is the New York Times-bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma, Black Spire: Galaxy's Edge, and The Perfect Weapon. With Kevin Hearne, she writes the Tales of Pell. As Lila Bowen, she writes the Shadow series, beginning with Wake of Vultures. Her other books include the Blud series, the Hit series, and Servants of the Storm.
She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.
Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.
She's written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore's Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.
Find out more at www.whimsydark.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 573 reviews
July 20, 2023
Oh man, Delilah Dawson triumphantly returns to the Star Wars universe, this time in a new era for her, the prequels!
Probably the biggest shock of reading this book was the focus on the Clone Wars. From excerpts released ahead of time, we knew that the Clone Wars would be in this book. However, I don't think people are prepared to understand that this is a Clone Wars book, truly. About two-thirds of the book take place during the clone wars, and it is very entertaining.
We follow Iskat Akaris, who gets elevated to Jedi Knight after the battle of Geonosis and spends her time trying to prove to the Jedi council that she is worthy of being in the field...even though they don't seem to agree. Eventually she is faced with the opportunity to join the Inquisitors...and she accepts, frustrated with her time with the Jedi (and none of that is a spoiler, its all information covered in the dust jacket).
If you are a fan of easter eggs, Dawson fills this book with plenty, not only to the Clone Wars series, but to later eras in the canon, and even some Legends connections. There were references to Mike Chen's "Brotherhood" that were excellently and organically included. Dawson has proved that she really can write whatever era she is given (and whatever sub-genre).
This book is a tragedy, and you see the events unfolding throughout. Iskat tries to uncover information about her past, and you just know that won't be happy information to uncover. She also is forced to confront those she has known her whole life as a Jedi. It is difficult to read some scenes, with how dark they can get, but I appreciate that Dawson doesn't quite dwell on the darker elements like some of the other Star Wars authors.
I think that the book is unfortunately designed in that it stradles the Clone Wars and the Inquisitor periods. Random House Worlds could have easily had 1 book set in the Clone Wars and a whole book focused on Iskat being an Inquisitor. However, I am sure there is a financial or business or creative reason why they weren't able to do that and therefore crammed the whole story into here. I really think we should have gotten around another 100 pages of Iskat as an Inquisitor, and it would have felt more balanced of a story and would have lived up to the "Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade" title.
Overall, I was delighted by this book. Delilah Dawson has this writing style that really works for me, and this style usually doesn't. I found myself racing through the book, and it never felt boring or filler. My biggest problem is that it wasn't long enough! I don't know if it is my favorite of Dawson's Star Wars books, but I am leaning in that direction! 9 out of 10!
Probably the biggest shock of reading this book was the focus on the Clone Wars. From excerpts released ahead of time, we knew that the Clone Wars would be in this book. However, I don't think people are prepared to understand that this is a Clone Wars book, truly. About two-thirds of the book take place during the clone wars, and it is very entertaining.
We follow Iskat Akaris, who gets elevated to Jedi Knight after the battle of Geonosis and spends her time trying to prove to the Jedi council that she is worthy of being in the field...even though they don't seem to agree. Eventually she is faced with the opportunity to join the Inquisitors...and she accepts, frustrated with her time with the Jedi (and none of that is a spoiler, its all information covered in the dust jacket).
If you are a fan of easter eggs, Dawson fills this book with plenty, not only to the Clone Wars series, but to later eras in the canon, and even some Legends connections. There were references to Mike Chen's "Brotherhood" that were excellently and organically included. Dawson has proved that she really can write whatever era she is given (and whatever sub-genre).
This book is a tragedy, and you see the events unfolding throughout. Iskat tries to uncover information about her past, and you just know that won't be happy information to uncover. She also is forced to confront those she has known her whole life as a Jedi. It is difficult to read some scenes, with how dark they can get, but I appreciate that Dawson doesn't quite dwell on the darker elements like some of the other Star Wars authors.
I think that the book is unfortunately designed in that it stradles the Clone Wars and the Inquisitor periods. Random House Worlds could have easily had 1 book set in the Clone Wars and a whole book focused on Iskat being an Inquisitor. However, I am sure there is a financial or business or creative reason why they weren't able to do that and therefore crammed the whole story into here. I really think we should have gotten around another 100 pages of Iskat as an Inquisitor, and it would have felt more balanced of a story and would have lived up to the "Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade" title.
Overall, I was delighted by this book. Delilah Dawson has this writing style that really works for me, and this style usually doesn't. I found myself racing through the book, and it never felt boring or filler. My biggest problem is that it wasn't long enough! I don't know if it is my favorite of Dawson's Star Wars books, but I am leaning in that direction! 9 out of 10!
July 24, 2023
I was completely taken aback by this book -- it confounded my expectations and I couldn't stop reading it. An emotionally exhausting tragedy, both personal and galactic. Iskat Akaris is the ultimate victim. First she is the victim of an uncaring Jedi Order, an organization that authors its own death warrant. Not only is this the greatest depiction I've read as to how blinkered, detached from reality, arrogant and hypocritical the Order was by its end...it's also a final lesson in how, by turning its back on love, relationships, and family, the Jedi couldn't hope to comprehend & understand the galaxy and the people it supposedly protected...even within their own order.
But once that is done, Iskat's submission to the dark side & the Inquisitorius turns into a similar prison for her, as she trades an ossified & irrelevant order for a fascist and regimented nightmare. It's been a while since I've seen the dark side portrayed with such terrifying conviction. The icing on the cake comes with the brief appearances of Darth Vader, who has never been depicted with such power -- his is a primal, unstoppable angel of death, leaving nothing but devastation in his wake. The conclusion is brutal and achingly sad...and the end result is a Lucasverse novel that is Shakespearean in its depth, and easily the best Star Wars novel I have read in years.
But once that is done, Iskat's submission to the dark side & the Inquisitorius turns into a similar prison for her, as she trades an ossified & irrelevant order for a fascist and regimented nightmare. It's been a while since I've seen the dark side portrayed with such terrifying conviction. The icing on the cake comes with the brief appearances of Darth Vader, who has never been depicted with such power -- his is a primal, unstoppable angel of death, leaving nothing but devastation in his wake. The conclusion is brutal and achingly sad...and the end result is a Lucasverse novel that is Shakespearean in its depth, and easily the best Star Wars novel I have read in years.
August 4, 2023
An excellent and intimate novel of an unrepentant fall to the Dark Side of the Force, probably the canon novel I have most enjoyed in some time.
Book protagonist Iskat Akaris as seen in Star Wars: Darth Vader - Dark Lord of the Sith, Vol. 1: Imperial Machine.
Book protagonist Iskat Akaris as seen in Star Wars: Darth Vader - Dark Lord of the Sith, Vol. 1: Imperial Machine.
November 11, 2024
This is a novel that tells the complete life story about a character that made a brief appearance in a comic run. The majority of the story tells about her life living as a Jedi and how she feels like she never belonged. This leads to her willingly joining the dark side.
This book totally surprised me and easily surpassed my expectations. I have read other offerings by this author in this universe and it has been hit or miss. This is definitely a hit. I really enjoyed the concept of the book. How does one feel if they do not fit in and the repercussions this could lead to? I thought this book handled that concept well as it is not one event but a build up of events. I liked the transition to the dark side also and the allure of it for the character. I also liked how the author portrayed the Jedi and their not perfect way of handling their own. Their attitude of holier than now comes out perfectly in this book. Add in clever appearance from established characters and you have a recipe for an excellent book. I did think the ending was a little contrived with the romantic doom of two characters. It felt a little rushed and started bordering on the YA genre. I was wavering between four and a five star rating for this novel until then. The ending cemented a four star rating for me instead of five.
This was such a pleasant surprise for me and I wish I did not put off reading it for so long. Honestly it felt like a breath of fresh air. I have not been a fan of the High Republic series which Disney puts out book after book. Maybe I enjoyed this because it was a change from the underwhelming era of books for me. I believe my overall enjoyment was high because this finally felt like a Star Wars novel that I have been waiting a long time for.
This book totally surprised me and easily surpassed my expectations. I have read other offerings by this author in this universe and it has been hit or miss. This is definitely a hit. I really enjoyed the concept of the book. How does one feel if they do not fit in and the repercussions this could lead to? I thought this book handled that concept well as it is not one event but a build up of events. I liked the transition to the dark side also and the allure of it for the character. I also liked how the author portrayed the Jedi and their not perfect way of handling their own. Their attitude of holier than now comes out perfectly in this book. Add in clever appearance from established characters and you have a recipe for an excellent book. I did think the ending was a little contrived with the romantic doom of two characters. It felt a little rushed and started bordering on the YA genre. I was wavering between four and a five star rating for this novel until then. The ending cemented a four star rating for me instead of five.
This was such a pleasant surprise for me and I wish I did not put off reading it for so long. Honestly it felt like a breath of fresh air. I have not been a fan of the High Republic series which Disney puts out book after book. Maybe I enjoyed this because it was a change from the underwhelming era of books for me. I believe my overall enjoyment was high because this finally felt like a Star Wars novel that I have been waiting a long time for.
May 5, 2025
Pretty good! Much better then I expected. I wish we had gotten more information on the Inquisitors and how their organizing worked, it felt pretty bare bones by that point.
Iskat was a fascinating character, and similar to Anakin with her fall in some ways and different in others.
She's a complicated character and I love that. She killed civilians in her first mission, didn't seem to care much about it because she took out the factory and was grounded for the rest of the war, basically. She was never allowed on the front lines again, but she never realized why, and blamed the Jedi Masters. While she was slipping into a depression and wanted positive attention and praise, the Jedi Order at war simply had no time for her and she basically fell through the cracks.
Also, Palpatine had spies in the temple to look out for possible Inquisitors. And the brief look at the inquisitors, which basically made them all out to be broken people brought together by the Grand Inquisitor who forced them into a weird, twisted family dynamic was fascinating. I wanted to see more of that. Even though many of them had been tortured into being there. Such as Trilla, Second Sister (my favorite inquisitor), who got a small mention.
It was very Clone Wars focused, which is my favorite era, and I definitely enjoyed it. It was well written for being about a random pair of Inquisitors.
I will say it has the same weakness as the Arthas novel, both stories get weak once the protagonist is fully evil. Ah well.
Iskat was a fascinating character, and similar to Anakin with her fall in some ways and different in others.
She's a complicated character and I love that. She killed civilians in her first mission, didn't seem to care much about it because she took out the factory and was grounded for the rest of the war, basically. She was never allowed on the front lines again, but she never realized why, and blamed the Jedi Masters. While she was slipping into a depression and wanted positive attention and praise, the Jedi Order at war simply had no time for her and she basically fell through the cracks.
Also, Palpatine had spies in the temple to look out for possible Inquisitors. And the brief look at the inquisitors, which basically made them all out to be broken people brought together by the Grand Inquisitor who forced them into a weird, twisted family dynamic was fascinating. I wanted to see more of that. Even though many of them had been tortured into being there. Such as Trilla, Second Sister (my favorite inquisitor), who got a small mention.
It was very Clone Wars focused, which is my favorite era, and I definitely enjoyed it. It was well written for being about a random pair of Inquisitors.
I will say it has the same weakness as the Arthas novel, both stories get weak once the protagonist is fully evil. Ah well.
September 29, 2025
"Iskat's thoughts and worries fell away, and she became . . .
A song, a poem, a dance.
A being of pure focus, intent on a singular goal."
A stellar novel.
When I heard the announcement pertaining Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade, I was excited. I've enjoyed Delilah S. Dawson's previous Star Wars books: Phasma and Black Spire. Curiosity also took a hold of me as I'm not that well versed in the Star Wars comics.
So, of course, I did a little bit of digging before the book's release.
Even though I discovered the fate of Iskat Arkaris, who'd become the Thirteen Sister in the Inquisitorius, I still wanted to know more about the character. I wanted to hear her story, to learn it.
When my physical copy came in the mail, I didn't start off right away. I waited, hoping my library would get the digital copy in the next few days. Eventually, though, my patience ran out and I started my journey.
I was surprised to discover her story beginning soon before The Clone Wars. I honestly thought main focus would be on Iskat's time with the Inquisitorius with flash backs of her life as a Padawan/Jedi Knight. That doesn't mean I was disappointed, far from it, and I couldn't wait to see how Iskat grew from Padawan to Jedi Knight to Inquisitor. My progress was slow, partly due to trying (and failing) to pronounce certain characters' names correctly.
"Every time she thought she'd reached a place of calm, every time she felt pleased with her progress, something seemingly insignificant happened and she lost her composure."
Once I got the audiobook, though, it was a game changer.
The narrator, Kristen Sieh, did a good job with her performance. I greatly appreciated the audio as it allowed me to know whether I was pronouncing certain names correctly (i.e.: Tualon) or not. The music, as always, really amped up the atmosphere when needed. It made the experience even better.
Focusing back on the story itself, I was finding myself never wanting it to end, .
"... she sensed they had all been broken, somehow, crushed and pulverized and reforged to fit a very specific mold."
I loved the interactions Iskat Akaris had with her fellow Inquisitors. I loved the name drops of others, like the Second Sister; although, I would have loved it even more if there'd been some interaction between the two. And I loved how Dawson really nailed down Seventh Sister and Fifth Brother; they felt so in character, and it was great to see how the members of the Inquisitorius interacted with each other.
I also loved seeing the dynamic between the Inquisitorius and Darth Vader himself, especially where Iskat was concerned. The comparison between the two was fascinating and it was a treat to discover what Iskat's thoughts were on the popular Sith Lord.
Despite already knowing the fate of Iskat and Tualon, Dawson still managed to sucker-punch me right in the feels.
All in all, this is one of the best Star Wars books that I've read! It's definitely made its way into my Top Ten.
A song, a poem, a dance.
A being of pure focus, intent on a singular goal."
A stellar novel.
When I heard the announcement pertaining Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade, I was excited. I've enjoyed Delilah S. Dawson's previous Star Wars books: Phasma and Black Spire. Curiosity also took a hold of me as I'm not that well versed in the Star Wars comics.
So, of course, I did a little bit of digging before the book's release.
Even though I discovered the fate of Iskat Arkaris, who'd become the Thirteen Sister in the Inquisitorius, I still wanted to know more about the character. I wanted to hear her story, to learn it.
When my physical copy came in the mail, I didn't start off right away. I waited, hoping my library would get the digital copy in the next few days. Eventually, though, my patience ran out and I started my journey.
I was surprised to discover her story beginning soon before The Clone Wars. I honestly thought main focus would be on Iskat's time with the Inquisitorius with flash backs of her life as a Padawan/Jedi Knight. That doesn't mean I was disappointed, far from it, and I couldn't wait to see how Iskat grew from Padawan to Jedi Knight to Inquisitor. My progress was slow, partly due to trying (and failing) to pronounce certain characters' names correctly.
"Every time she thought she'd reached a place of calm, every time she felt pleased with her progress, something seemingly insignificant happened and she lost her composure."
Once I got the audiobook, though, it was a game changer.
The narrator, Kristen Sieh, did a good job with her performance. I greatly appreciated the audio as it allowed me to know whether I was pronouncing certain names correctly (i.e.: Tualon) or not. The music, as always, really amped up the atmosphere when needed. It made the experience even better.
Focusing back on the story itself, I was finding myself never wanting it to end, .
"... she sensed they had all been broken, somehow, crushed and pulverized and reforged to fit a very specific mold."
I loved the interactions Iskat Akaris had with her fellow Inquisitors. I loved the name drops of others, like the Second Sister; although, I would have loved it even more if there'd been some interaction between the two. And I loved how Dawson really nailed down Seventh Sister and Fifth Brother; they felt so in character, and it was great to see how the members of the Inquisitorius interacted with each other.
I also loved seeing the dynamic between the Inquisitorius and Darth Vader himself, especially where Iskat was concerned. The comparison between the two was fascinating and it was a treat to discover what Iskat's thoughts were on the popular Sith Lord.
Despite already knowing the fate of Iskat and Tualon, Dawson still managed to sucker-punch me right in the feels.
All in all, this is one of the best Star Wars books that I've read! It's definitely made its way into my Top Ten.
August 30, 2023
i liked this book, but i had two big problems with it:
1: more focus on iskat’s time as an inquisitor and her romance with tualon. the first two-thirds of the book were focused on her time as a jedi, but one-third of the book wasn’t enough time to get a good look at the inquisitorius.
2: the way the jedi order, especially mace windu were written. mace gets badmouthed enough by fandom—do we really need official books doing it too? and the jedi—look, i think death of the author is fine, but if you’re writing for a franchise where the creator specifically made the jedi to be the unequivocally good guys, why twist them into something they’re not? jedi and sith having gray-and-gray morality doesn’t make them more interesting. (yes, i know iskat has her own narrative biases, but sometimes a bitch gets tired reading books where her favorite jedi is slandered. where is my mace novel.)
anyway i liked the bits with the inquisitors i think they’re fascinating.
1: more focus on iskat’s time as an inquisitor and her romance with tualon. the first two-thirds of the book were focused on her time as a jedi, but one-third of the book wasn’t enough time to get a good look at the inquisitorius.
2: the way the jedi order, especially mace windu were written. mace gets badmouthed enough by fandom—do we really need official books doing it too? and the jedi—look, i think death of the author is fine, but if you’re writing for a franchise where the creator specifically made the jedi to be the unequivocally good guys, why twist them into something they’re not? jedi and sith having gray-and-gray morality doesn’t make them more interesting. (yes, i know iskat has her own narrative biases, but sometimes a bitch gets tired reading books where her favorite jedi is slandered. where is my mace novel.)
anyway i liked the bits with the inquisitors i think they’re fascinating.
September 23, 2023
I give this a 4.5/5 stars!
This was a really enjoyable read; I think anyone who is a fan of the Clone Wars era or the Rise of the Galactic Empire would love this book. This starts off as a story of a Jedi padawan named Iskat who just doesn’t fit in and seemingly is always messing up.
During the Battle of Geonosis, she learns she has a real knack for one thing: battle. Upon returning, she is immediately promoted to Jedi Knight during Anakin’s knighting ceremony. As the war continues, she is continuously stymied by the council due to the darkness inside of her. By the end of the war she is disillusioned with the Order and willingly joins the Inquisitorious. We then get to delve in how the dark brother and sisterhood was born and created a little more in depth than other media have shown us before reaching the novels climactic ending: Iskat once again coming face to face (mask) with Anakin Skywalker.
Iskat Arkaris is a really fun, new character introduced into canon. She is seemingly a perfect analogy to how Anakin feels. Anakin feels like the council distrusts him, and is holding him back but largely..he gets to do whatever he wants. Iskat is treated exactly how he feels, it is no wonder she willingly walked away from the Order.
This is a fun companion novel to Mike Chen’s Brotherhood as several chapters happen concurrently between both books. This does drive me to re-read a portion of Brotherhood as I could’ve sworn Brotherhood alludes to a number of hastily organized Knighting ceremonies post-Geonosis before Anakins, however, in this book it is listed as the first of such ceremonies.
Parts of this book remind me a lot of Claudia Grays’ Lost Stars. A lot of this book takes place during events we know well about, namely the Battle of Geonosis, and Order 66. However it happens in the point of view of new characters so you get a new spin on classic stories.
Another thing I like is that this is one of the few books of late that had only one Point of View character which created a very nice, cohesive story from start to finish with a satisfying ending.
Ignoring that, this has been one of my favorite books of this era and I highly recommend it to anyone considering reading it.
This was a really enjoyable read; I think anyone who is a fan of the Clone Wars era or the Rise of the Galactic Empire would love this book. This starts off as a story of a Jedi padawan named Iskat who just doesn’t fit in and seemingly is always messing up.
During the Battle of Geonosis, she learns she has a real knack for one thing: battle. Upon returning, she is immediately promoted to Jedi Knight during Anakin’s knighting ceremony. As the war continues, she is continuously stymied by the council due to the darkness inside of her. By the end of the war she is disillusioned with the Order and willingly joins the Inquisitorious. We then get to delve in how the dark brother and sisterhood was born and created a little more in depth than other media have shown us before reaching the novels climactic ending: Iskat once again coming face to face (mask) with Anakin Skywalker.
Iskat Arkaris is a really fun, new character introduced into canon. She is seemingly a perfect analogy to how Anakin feels. Anakin feels like the council distrusts him, and is holding him back but largely..he gets to do whatever he wants. Iskat is treated exactly how he feels, it is no wonder she willingly walked away from the Order.
This is a fun companion novel to Mike Chen’s Brotherhood as several chapters happen concurrently between both books. This does drive me to re-read a portion of Brotherhood as I could’ve sworn Brotherhood alludes to a number of hastily organized Knighting ceremonies post-Geonosis before Anakins, however, in this book it is listed as the first of such ceremonies.
Parts of this book remind me a lot of Claudia Grays’ Lost Stars. A lot of this book takes place during events we know well about, namely the Battle of Geonosis, and Order 66. However it happens in the point of view of new characters so you get a new spin on classic stories.
Another thing I like is that this is one of the few books of late that had only one Point of View character which created a very nice, cohesive story from start to finish with a satisfying ending.
Ignoring that, this has been one of my favorite books of this era and I highly recommend it to anyone considering reading it.
August 30, 2023
I love the premise of this book. I love the idea of a character highlighting the people that the Jedi order (and in real life organized religion) didn’t serve. There are beautiful moments along the way in that vein.
Where I liked it less was the way it seemed to argue that the Jedi had nothing positive to offer. In the end the inquisitors are painted as villains too, but it was tragic how Iskat never got to talk with the right people among the Jedi and kept hearing the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Additionally from a narrative perspective, given the title, I just kept wondering when and how she would become and inquisitor. That made the book feel predictable.
Also, how did the inquisitors get anything done? They just constantly severely maim each other.
Maybe two stars is a bit harsh but I spent a lot of the time frustrated with the characters and their decisions. It did get me thinking though which I appreciate.
Where I liked it less was the way it seemed to argue that the Jedi had nothing positive to offer. In the end the inquisitors are painted as villains too, but it was tragic how Iskat never got to talk with the right people among the Jedi and kept hearing the wrong thing at the wrong time.
Additionally from a narrative perspective, given the title, I just kept wondering when and how she would become and inquisitor. That made the book feel predictable.
Also, how did the inquisitors get anything done? They just constantly severely maim each other.
Maybe two stars is a bit harsh but I spent a lot of the time frustrated with the characters and their decisions. It did get me thinking though which I appreciate.
March 22, 2025
One of the best and most important Star Wars stories I've ever read.
From my review for Dork Side of the Force:
In the newest adult Star Wars novel by Delilah S. Dawson, Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade will make you happy to see the destruction of the Jedi Order.
Rise of the Red Blade is one of the boldest and darkest entries in Star Wars publishing yet. It offers heartbreaking yet illuminating perspectives of the Clone Wars, the Jedi Order’s suppressive religious dogma, and Order 66. This thrilling and introspective novel is clearly written for the biggest fans of the prequel era, especially those who question the righteousness and arrogance of the Jedi during this period.
Iskat Akaris is the star of Rise of the Red Blade. Starting as a Padawan to Master Sember Vey, Iskat is nearly a pariah amongst her peers. She struggles with control and inner peace, and as a youngling, her emotions exploded and caused a column to fall on and gravely injure another young Jedi.
Then the Clone Wars erupt after the Battle of Geonosis – in this book, depicted as an intense, chaotic, and violent warfare that results in the deaths of far too many Jedi. Iskat and a bunch of other Padawans are then hastily turned into Jedi Knights and generals, sent on missions with little intel and clone troopers under their command.
When Iskat is sidelined after her first mission, her distrust and confusion with the Jedi Order grows and grows as the years of war drag on. Without giving too much away, Order 66 happens and Iskat is given a chance at the type of freedom and answers she’s sought all of her life – by joining the Inquisitors.
Spending more time during the Clone Wars in a novel with “Inquisitor” in the title is far from a bad thing. Rise of the Red Blade’s goal is to show why a Jedi would fall to the dark side and become a Jedi hunter.
The book answers this question with memorable and devastating moments, ones that show just how badly the Order failed Jedi like Iskat and Anakin Skywalker. Even when Iskat is at her most rageful and violent, you can’t help but empathize with her (sometimes murderous) actions.
Author Dawson has a penchant for writing multi-layered, sympathetic “villains,” and Rise of the Red Blade is no different. Iskat is relatable right from page one, and that relatability keeps growing even through her Inquisitor days.
Dawson’s newest book absolutely shines in its character work and action scenes, as well as plenty of Easter egg moments and alternative perspective parallels to other Star Wars media like Attack of the Clones, Mike Chen’s Brotherhood, and Revenge of the Sith.
The novel has a tangible tonal shift in its last quarter or so. There are times when it feels like reading an entirely different story, but Dawson still manages to keep the pacing steady and focused on Iskat’s journey amid a few jarring time jumps.
The only complaint I have with the book is a minor one – I wanted more with Inquisitor Iskat. And I definitely wanted more with Iskat and Tualon in their new toxic but intoxicating relationship.
Still, Rise of the Red Blade is a red-hot piece of Star Wars storytelling, and contains some of the most important messages for its prequel era – the destruction of the Jedi Order was largely to blame on the Jedi themselves and their inability to see past their own hubris. The Jedi are not the heroes in this story, and many actively do irreparable harm to young people like Iskat.
George Lucas’s Star Wars has always been a fantastical fight of good vs. evil. But stories like Rise of the Red Blade and Dawson’s Phasma show the blurry lines between what constitutes a “good guy” and a “bad guy.”
Combine that with Dawson’s strong writing and command of multifaceted women who behave badly, and Rise of the Red Blade is one of the best Star Wars books – stories – we’ve gotten in the last decade.
From my review for Dork Side of the Force:
In the newest adult Star Wars novel by Delilah S. Dawson, Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade will make you happy to see the destruction of the Jedi Order.
Rise of the Red Blade is one of the boldest and darkest entries in Star Wars publishing yet. It offers heartbreaking yet illuminating perspectives of the Clone Wars, the Jedi Order’s suppressive religious dogma, and Order 66. This thrilling and introspective novel is clearly written for the biggest fans of the prequel era, especially those who question the righteousness and arrogance of the Jedi during this period.
Iskat Akaris is the star of Rise of the Red Blade. Starting as a Padawan to Master Sember Vey, Iskat is nearly a pariah amongst her peers. She struggles with control and inner peace, and as a youngling, her emotions exploded and caused a column to fall on and gravely injure another young Jedi.
Then the Clone Wars erupt after the Battle of Geonosis – in this book, depicted as an intense, chaotic, and violent warfare that results in the deaths of far too many Jedi. Iskat and a bunch of other Padawans are then hastily turned into Jedi Knights and generals, sent on missions with little intel and clone troopers under their command.
When Iskat is sidelined after her first mission, her distrust and confusion with the Jedi Order grows and grows as the years of war drag on. Without giving too much away, Order 66 happens and Iskat is given a chance at the type of freedom and answers she’s sought all of her life – by joining the Inquisitors.
Spending more time during the Clone Wars in a novel with “Inquisitor” in the title is far from a bad thing. Rise of the Red Blade’s goal is to show why a Jedi would fall to the dark side and become a Jedi hunter.
The book answers this question with memorable and devastating moments, ones that show just how badly the Order failed Jedi like Iskat and Anakin Skywalker. Even when Iskat is at her most rageful and violent, you can’t help but empathize with her (sometimes murderous) actions.
Author Dawson has a penchant for writing multi-layered, sympathetic “villains,” and Rise of the Red Blade is no different. Iskat is relatable right from page one, and that relatability keeps growing even through her Inquisitor days.
Dawson’s newest book absolutely shines in its character work and action scenes, as well as plenty of Easter egg moments and alternative perspective parallels to other Star Wars media like Attack of the Clones, Mike Chen’s Brotherhood, and Revenge of the Sith.
The novel has a tangible tonal shift in its last quarter or so. There are times when it feels like reading an entirely different story, but Dawson still manages to keep the pacing steady and focused on Iskat’s journey amid a few jarring time jumps.
The only complaint I have with the book is a minor one – I wanted more with Inquisitor Iskat. And I definitely wanted more with Iskat and Tualon in their new toxic but intoxicating relationship.
Still, Rise of the Red Blade is a red-hot piece of Star Wars storytelling, and contains some of the most important messages for its prequel era – the destruction of the Jedi Order was largely to blame on the Jedi themselves and their inability to see past their own hubris. The Jedi are not the heroes in this story, and many actively do irreparable harm to young people like Iskat.
George Lucas’s Star Wars has always been a fantastical fight of good vs. evil. But stories like Rise of the Red Blade and Dawson’s Phasma show the blurry lines between what constitutes a “good guy” and a “bad guy.”
Combine that with Dawson’s strong writing and command of multifaceted women who behave badly, and Rise of the Red Blade is one of the best Star Wars books – stories – we’ve gotten in the last decade.
August 3, 2023
If i were to critique it i would probably say, a little less clone wars and little more inquisitor romance
July 18, 2023
“Your future is more important than your past. Make it count.”
Jocasta Nu
Jedi Padawan Iskat Akaris finds her path leading further from the Jedi tenets she has lived with her entire life. When she is offered another path, she feels more herself than ever.
Begun the Clone Wars have! Seeing through the lies of the Jedi! Embracing passions! Spinny sabers! And the Inquisitorious!
Delilah Dawson weaves a tale of solitude, untapped potential, loneliness, and roiling anger. As Iskat goes from Jedi to Inquisitor, her thoughts, feelings, and reasoning lead her further down a dark path. As the Clone War ends and the Jedi fall, Iskat finds a future, unlike anything she could imagine.
And it seems to suit her well.
Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade is haunting, cynical, and unforgiving. It takes us from one side of the Force to the other while making consequences clear and understandable, no matter how difficult. It lets us understand how a person can find themselves at home in the most unexpected places. Choice, freedom, connections, and empathy are all strong themes explored by Akaris. Dawson once again gives us another amazing tale of a character choosing to walk the darkest path.
This is a must-read for anyone looking for more than just the narrow dogmatic view of the Jedi and fully giving themselves to the dark side!
Sal P.
“You are not broken. We are all imperfect beings, striving for enlightenment. You just have to strive a little more than most.”
Sember Vey
Full review at: https://theroguerebels.com/2023/07/17...
Jocasta Nu
Jedi Padawan Iskat Akaris finds her path leading further from the Jedi tenets she has lived with her entire life. When she is offered another path, she feels more herself than ever.
Begun the Clone Wars have! Seeing through the lies of the Jedi! Embracing passions! Spinny sabers! And the Inquisitorious!
Delilah Dawson weaves a tale of solitude, untapped potential, loneliness, and roiling anger. As Iskat goes from Jedi to Inquisitor, her thoughts, feelings, and reasoning lead her further down a dark path. As the Clone War ends and the Jedi fall, Iskat finds a future, unlike anything she could imagine.
And it seems to suit her well.
Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade is haunting, cynical, and unforgiving. It takes us from one side of the Force to the other while making consequences clear and understandable, no matter how difficult. It lets us understand how a person can find themselves at home in the most unexpected places. Choice, freedom, connections, and empathy are all strong themes explored by Akaris. Dawson once again gives us another amazing tale of a character choosing to walk the darkest path.
This is a must-read for anyone looking for more than just the narrow dogmatic view of the Jedi and fully giving themselves to the dark side!
Sal P.
“You are not broken. We are all imperfect beings, striving for enlightenment. You just have to strive a little more than most.”
Sember Vey
Full review at: https://theroguerebels.com/2023/07/17...
February 11, 2024
Iskat is just soso special and soso powerful and nothinh is her fault ever but the mean bully jedi just don't understand how special she is.
Another installment of all the jedi being hilariously obtuse and a protagonist who is agonizingly self important.
Another installment of all the jedi being hilariously obtuse and a protagonist who is agonizingly self important.
February 10, 2024
“Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade” has a familiar set-up to Star Wars fans, namely taking a minor character from a different Star Wars project and making them the star of their own spin-off story. In this case, the author Delilah S. Dawson took a nameless Inquisitor that briefly appeared in two issues of a Darth Vader comic, gave her a name (Iskat Akaris) and a very intricate backstory of her fall to the Dark Side of the Force.
Rise of the Red Blade parallels other Star Wars stories I’ve encountered in the past. Iskat’s character and story definitely mirror Anakin Skywalker’s own story of being treated with suspicion for being an aggressive and unorthodox Jedi and the Jedi Order’s failure to get them the therapy they needed drove both to first resenting the Order and then actively working towards its destruction. This is definitely an ironic similarity due to Iskat’s ultimate fate at the hands of Darth Vader. Likewise, Rise of the Red Blade takes the same approach that Karen Traviss took in her Republic Commando books in heavily critiquing the Jedi Order and its role in driving Jedi Knights into the arms of another Star Wars faction.
I will say I prefer both Vader’s and the RC characters’ stories a bit more than Iskat’s. Dawson went a bit overboard with making the Jedi unlikable here and Iskat too eager to embrace her and the Inquisitor’s villainous mission. I found her sympathetic in the first part of the book but once she falls she frankly becomes incredibly grating, cruel, and a hypocrite (she is fine with the Inquisitors performing acts that she resented the Jedi for). Maybe that’s Dawson’s intent but frankly there’s been better depictions of villainous Inquisitors with sympathetic sides and there’s unsympathetic and cruel Star Wars villains like Palpatine I prefer reading about.
Regardless of the main character and some issues Dawson has with established continuity and characterizations (a problem I had in a Firefly story of hers I read), Rise of the Red Blade is an entertaining Star Wars novel. I think Dawson gave the expected story beats of a Jedi’s fall (a few missions as a Jedi, Order 66, fighting to secure a place in the Inquisitor, and killing a few Jedi) and they do their intended purpose well. And as much as I find Iskat grating in the second half, I did like the general time among the Inquisitors. Most are a bunch of mustache-twirling villains but it's fun seeing them plot against one another.
I really wanted to like “Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade” and I did like a good portion of it. I just ultimately didn’t find Iskat that sympathetic and in fact I found her too unlikable in the second half. There’s been better Star Wars novels with villainous protagonists than this. But all the same Rise of the Red Blade was a nice peek into one of the Star Wars series’ villainous factions and life under threat of dismemberment from their Sith masters.
Rise of the Red Blade parallels other Star Wars stories I’ve encountered in the past. Iskat’s character and story definitely mirror Anakin Skywalker’s own story of being treated with suspicion for being an aggressive and unorthodox Jedi and the Jedi Order’s failure to get them the therapy they needed drove both to first resenting the Order and then actively working towards its destruction. This is definitely an ironic similarity due to Iskat’s ultimate fate at the hands of Darth Vader. Likewise, Rise of the Red Blade takes the same approach that Karen Traviss took in her Republic Commando books in heavily critiquing the Jedi Order and its role in driving Jedi Knights into the arms of another Star Wars faction.
I will say I prefer both Vader’s and the RC characters’ stories a bit more than Iskat’s. Dawson went a bit overboard with making the Jedi unlikable here and Iskat too eager to embrace her and the Inquisitor’s villainous mission. I found her sympathetic in the first part of the book but once she falls she frankly becomes incredibly grating, cruel, and a hypocrite (she is fine with the Inquisitors performing acts that she resented the Jedi for). Maybe that’s Dawson’s intent but frankly there’s been better depictions of villainous Inquisitors with sympathetic sides and there’s unsympathetic and cruel Star Wars villains like Palpatine I prefer reading about.
Regardless of the main character and some issues Dawson has with established continuity and characterizations (a problem I had in a Firefly story of hers I read), Rise of the Red Blade is an entertaining Star Wars novel. I think Dawson gave the expected story beats of a Jedi’s fall (a few missions as a Jedi, Order 66, fighting to secure a place in the Inquisitor, and killing a few Jedi) and they do their intended purpose well. And as much as I find Iskat grating in the second half, I did like the general time among the Inquisitors. Most are a bunch of mustache-twirling villains but it's fun seeing them plot against one another.
I really wanted to like “Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade” and I did like a good portion of it. I just ultimately didn’t find Iskat that sympathetic and in fact I found her too unlikable in the second half. There’s been better Star Wars novels with villainous protagonists than this. But all the same Rise of the Red Blade was a nice peek into one of the Star Wars series’ villainous factions and life under threat of dismemberment from their Sith masters.
April 16, 2024
It's a good book. Got to say Delilah had me at the acknowledgements and author's note being one of the ones who does not fit the mould in most places. I could empathise a lot with Iskat's journey, especially as I do find the Disney era Jedi a bit too political and self-serving. I would like to think I would make better choices, but if there is no choice, survival is the only option.
Iskat Akaris has always found the Jedi teachings difficult and questionable. Peace and restraint foes not come easy to her. However, in a time of war, she should excel, right? Wrong here, she finds even more secrets and constraints on her. Now, she has a dangerous radar and a dark trajectory.
I enjoyed the book all the way through, but it was a little slow in places. Though I understand why it was written that way to enhance the trapped and despair feelings of Iskat. Though I found the book a bit slow, the ending was a bit too rushed for me. Overall, I would like to see more of Iskat. Let's see if that is possible?
Iskat Akaris has always found the Jedi teachings difficult and questionable. Peace and restraint foes not come easy to her. However, in a time of war, she should excel, right? Wrong here, she finds even more secrets and constraints on her. Now, she has a dangerous radar and a dark trajectory.
I enjoyed the book all the way through, but it was a little slow in places. Though I understand why it was written that way to enhance the trapped and despair feelings of Iskat. Though I found the book a bit slow, the ending was a bit too rushed for me. Overall, I would like to see more of Iskat. Let's see if that is possible?
February 4, 2024
This books is almost the embodiment of mediocrity. While not horribly bad, it is a tedious mass of stale stereotypes and over-used plot devices.
The central character is dull and self-absorbed. The reader spends the book trapped inside her whiny and self pitying mind. Iskat Akaris also devotes a great deal of tedious effort to searching for excuses and self-justification. When not doing those things, she nurses her various resentments and and petty grievances. The plot is a mass of cliches and stereotypes.
I felt very disappointed. Instead of a Wagnerian tragedy, this is tired melodrama.
The central character is dull and self-absorbed. The reader spends the book trapped inside her whiny and self pitying mind. Iskat Akaris also devotes a great deal of tedious effort to searching for excuses and self-justification. When not doing those things, she nurses her various resentments and and petty grievances. The plot is a mass of cliches and stereotypes.
I felt very disappointed. Instead of a Wagnerian tragedy, this is tired melodrama.
October 6, 2023
This is one of the best Star Wars novels I’ve ever read. It does such a good job character building and highlights really cool ideas in the force world that are often not address in the same ways they are in this book.
Also, not exactly where I expected the story to start, but I really enjoyed the era this book took place in without retelling and over utilizing too many characters that were familiar to Star Wars fans.
Also, not exactly where I expected the story to start, but I really enjoyed the era this book took place in without retelling and over utilizing too many characters that were familiar to Star Wars fans.
July 25, 2023
Rise of the Red Blade is a brilliant novel. Reading the origin story of a villain gives you a different and worthwhile perspective.
September 12, 2023
4.5 stars.
Institutions that have been around a very long time, as the Jedi Order and its Council have, have a tendency to become too much of these attributes, unless they make concerted efforts at modernisation or reinvention: complacent, rule bound, rigid, comfortable, remote from the concerns of the people around them and part of them, too, if the people within don't happen to quite conform. That's the situation Delilah S. Dawson shows us by focusing on Iskat Akaris, a Jedi Padawan who is paired with a Master who would rather spend all day bargaining with merchants for ancient artifacts, than connecting with her pupil, and giving her a well-rounded education.
Iskat knows that her Master, is not comfortable with her, and probably doesn't like or trust her. This comes to a head at Geonosis, when her Master is killed in the battle (along with many other Masters). Iskat, though not particularly in synch with her Master, still grieves, though none of the other Masters she goes to for guidance afterwards appreciates what Iskat is going through, giving her useless platitudes, such as her Master is one with the Force (much as Luminara did to Rafa and Trace when their parents were killed during Luminara's hunt for Ziro) or handle her distress by simply focusing and meditating.
Iskat had struggled for years trying to be a good Padawan, always finding it extremely hard to focus and find peace when meditating, instead only feeling frustration and anger. At Geonosis, however, Iskat experienced a tremendous amount of satisfaction and freedom when taking on the Geonosians in the arena, and succeeding at saving many others. She found surrendering to her anger gave her much more power wielding the Force.
Iskat, along with a number of other Padawans (including Anakin) are fast tracked to knighthood. Though she has more status, Iskat is left it wander the Temple with no one to consult or lean on, and keeps being told to find focus, and is finally assigned to teach younglings. While very rewarding, Iskat knows her talents lie in combat, rather than teaching, and she longs for more challenging assignments where she can use her lightssabre skills, which she greatly improves through constant, solo training. Even her supposed best friend, Tualon, evades her at the Temple, leaving her feeling increasingly isolated and lonely. (She has nursed warm, romantic feelings for Tualon for years.)
When Order 66 occurs, Iskat is finally given the opportunity she craves, and she grabs it. That it proves ultimately a terrible decision, as even within the Inquisitorius Iskat is alone, constantly underestimated, and never manages to make the connections she has needed all her life.
This story is a freaking tragedy, within the larger story of tragedy that Star Wars is. I loved seeing the Order from the perspective of yet another square peg Padawan (Anakin being the other, and a giant square peg amidst a bunch of round ones.)
We know, going into this book, that Iskat's future is grim, and her life will be over too soon. How she gets to her end is absorbing, and no matter how hard she tries, she's misunderstood, maligned and isolated.
The Jedi, and particularly several senior Jedi Masters, come off as giant tools, completely out of touch with their own emotions and consequently unable to see the disaster-in-making that Iskat (and that other Chosen One guy,) is.
Dawson creates a textured, heartbreaking portrait of a lonely young woman surrounded by flawed people in a flawed, ossified organization, while making us care deeply for Iskat Akaris.
Institutions that have been around a very long time, as the Jedi Order and its Council have, have a tendency to become too much of these attributes, unless they make concerted efforts at modernisation or reinvention: complacent, rule bound, rigid, comfortable, remote from the concerns of the people around them and part of them, too, if the people within don't happen to quite conform. That's the situation Delilah S. Dawson shows us by focusing on Iskat Akaris, a Jedi Padawan who is paired with a Master who would rather spend all day bargaining with merchants for ancient artifacts, than connecting with her pupil, and giving her a well-rounded education.
Iskat knows that her Master, is not comfortable with her, and probably doesn't like or trust her. This comes to a head at Geonosis, when her Master is killed in the battle (along with many other Masters). Iskat, though not particularly in synch with her Master, still grieves, though none of the other Masters she goes to for guidance afterwards appreciates what Iskat is going through, giving her useless platitudes, such as her Master is one with the Force (much as Luminara did to Rafa and Trace when their parents were killed during Luminara's hunt for Ziro) or handle her distress by simply focusing and meditating.
Iskat had struggled for years trying to be a good Padawan, always finding it extremely hard to focus and find peace when meditating, instead only feeling frustration and anger. At Geonosis, however, Iskat experienced a tremendous amount of satisfaction and freedom when taking on the Geonosians in the arena, and succeeding at saving many others. She found surrendering to her anger gave her much more power wielding the Force.
Iskat, along with a number of other Padawans (including Anakin) are fast tracked to knighthood. Though she has more status, Iskat is left it wander the Temple with no one to consult or lean on, and keeps being told to find focus, and is finally assigned to teach younglings. While very rewarding, Iskat knows her talents lie in combat, rather than teaching, and she longs for more challenging assignments where she can use her lightssabre skills, which she greatly improves through constant, solo training. Even her supposed best friend, Tualon, evades her at the Temple, leaving her feeling increasingly isolated and lonely. (She has nursed warm, romantic feelings for Tualon for years.)
When Order 66 occurs, Iskat is finally given the opportunity she craves, and she grabs it. That it proves ultimately a terrible decision, as even within the Inquisitorius Iskat is alone, constantly underestimated, and never manages to make the connections she has needed all her life.
This story is a freaking tragedy, within the larger story of tragedy that Star Wars is. I loved seeing the Order from the perspective of yet another square peg Padawan (Anakin being the other, and a giant square peg amidst a bunch of round ones.)
We know, going into this book, that Iskat's future is grim, and her life will be over too soon. How she gets to her end is absorbing, and no matter how hard she tries, she's misunderstood, maligned and isolated.
The Jedi, and particularly several senior Jedi Masters, come off as giant tools, completely out of touch with their own emotions and consequently unable to see the disaster-in-making that Iskat (and that other Chosen One guy,) is.
Dawson creates a textured, heartbreaking portrait of a lonely young woman surrounded by flawed people in a flawed, ossified organization, while making us care deeply for Iskat Akaris.
June 17, 2024
Inquisitor the Rise of Red Blade is fantastic. Extremely well written, profound and very emotional. Not only was I able to connect with new characters, but I saw certain events that I thought I already knew in a completely different light. It's the story that allowed me to understand so well how a Jedi, a beacon of light, can become something as dark as a murderer, a monster. This is the tragic journey of Iskat Akaris.
My only criticism is that the third act wasn't longer. I would have loved to have seen more of that side of the character.
Recommended for anyone who wants an extremely mature story that focuses on the dark side of the Force.
My only criticism is that the third act wasn't longer. I would have loved to have seen more of that side of the character.
Recommended for anyone who wants an extremely mature story that focuses on the dark side of the Force.
August 4, 2023
To say I loved this book is an understatement. Dawson has gone on to deliver one of the best Star Wars books I've ever read. To say as little as possible, she does an excellent job of making you empathize with a character you really shouldn't. She flips the expectations any long time Star Wars fans may have concerning the Jedi Order in ways that will tint all future interactions you have with Star Wars books.
Additionally, a massive bonus (in my opinion), this book requires no extra homework. Sure, you should know what an Inquisitor is, but if you've watched Kenobi that's enough. But for those that have read additional material, there are a lot of easter eggs!
Additionally, a massive bonus (in my opinion), this book requires no extra homework. Sure, you should know what an Inquisitor is, but if you've watched Kenobi that's enough. But for those that have read additional material, there are a lot of easter eggs!
September 23, 2024
This was a very entertaining read that doesn't shy away from dark and emotional themes.
The main character is well layered and I liked how the author showed the grey areas between the light and dark side.
The inquisitor time period of the book was definitely the highlight and I would have liked to read more of this.
The main character is well layered and I liked how the author showed the grey areas between the light and dark side.
The inquisitor time period of the book was definitely the highlight and I would have liked to read more of this.
August 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. I loved getting a story about a character where so little is known; it was refreshing. The book was exciting, fast-paced, and kept me drawn in. The darkness is well crafted, and the writing made me nearly sympathetic to a dark side character for the first time. Excellent!
July 24, 2023
Delilah Dawson's past books have been great but this is the first one that I finished and said damn, I think this is a top 10 for me personally. The story might not be what’s expected but going along for the ride I left the excperience entertained, challenged, and satisfied. It’s an extremely bittersweet story. I believe that this can be a gateway to healthy conversations that can be hard to start. Dawson strikes back with a simple plot that challenges the reader with a not so simple character journey that will be discussed for a while.
More stories that challenge the reader and more stories from Dawson please!
More stories that challenge the reader and more stories from Dawson please!
July 31, 2023
4.25
First Star Wars book I've finished in a long time! It was pretty good. But the last 1/4 of the book wasn't as good as the the first 3/4, or I would have scored this one higher. Loved how Dawson took us inside the characters head.
First Star Wars book I've finished in a long time! It was pretty good. But the last 1/4 of the book wasn't as good as the the first 3/4, or I would have scored this one higher. Loved how Dawson took us inside the characters head.
to-read-2023
October 9, 2022An unnamed comic background character getting a full novel to flesh her out? Count me in!
August 11, 2023
unfortunately i think it spent too much time in the clone wars for my liking 😭
September 27, 2025
Yet another story of a Jedi who actually survived Order 66, except she was never quite attached to the Jedi Order and turns into an Inquisitor instead. The Inquisitors are more of a new canon invention, as they are meant to hunt down any surviving Jedi, and are featured heavily in the animated shows and the video games (Jedi Fallen Order). So aside from those materials, and maybe the comics, we don't know much about them, so this was an unique opportunity to learn more about how they gain members, how their names are chosen, their inner workings, etc.
Two thirds of the story focus on Iskat Akaris herself, how when growing up because disillusioned with the Jedi teachings and you can see the seeds being planted for her turn. This is done well, not too over the top and also not that you have to really read between the lines. The third part is about her turn to Inquisitor, which for me could have easily been expanded more, as it is now not the main area of the book. The ending was also spoiled in one of the comics, but I'm glad it was still featured here and did not go the "You should read the comic for the ending" route.
All in all fun! Not an absolute favorite, but worth a read.
Two thirds of the story focus on Iskat Akaris herself, how when growing up because disillusioned with the Jedi teachings and you can see the seeds being planted for her turn. This is done well, not too over the top and also not that you have to really read between the lines. The third part is about her turn to Inquisitor, which for me could have easily been expanded more, as it is now not the main area of the book. The ending was also spoiled in one of the comics, but I'm glad it was still featured here and did not go the "You should read the comic for the ending" route.
All in all fun! Not an absolute favorite, but worth a read.
November 13, 2023
A fantastic addition to expand on the arrogance and folly of the Jedi order leading up to their destruction during Order 66. Iskat is a deep character that is essentially abused by the dogmatic and wayward Jedi order. She certainly deserves more than she was afforded by them. Furthermore the novel is heart-wrenching at times watching Iskats journey, each successive painful moment putting her further down the path she firmly chooses.
This is a great palate cleanser to the generally lighter and more optimistic tone that Star Wars can often take. As others have said this is a Star Wars novel with considerable depth as the author navigates a dark tragedy that universes like Star Wars rarely get the chance to explore in prose.
I thoroughly enjoyed 99.9% of this , there was just one moment where I was extremely sad for a poor Tooka cat whose owner meets an untimely end.
This is a great palate cleanser to the generally lighter and more optimistic tone that Star Wars can often take. As others have said this is a Star Wars novel with considerable depth as the author navigates a dark tragedy that universes like Star Wars rarely get the chance to explore in prose.
I thoroughly enjoyed 99.9% of this , there was just one moment where I was extremely sad for a poor Tooka cat whose owner meets an untimely end.
May 23, 2024
Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Die Inquisitorin von Delilah S. Dawson
Über das vergangene Jahr habe ich bereits viel zu „Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade“ gehört und zwar ausschließlich Positives. Nun darf auch die deutsche Leserschaft dieses Abenteuer erleben und ihr könnt drauf gespannt sein!
Die Handlung:
Iskat Akaris hatte stets das Gefühl nie wirklich dazu zu gehören. Ihre Meisterin Sember Vey ist abweisend, sie weiß nicht mal woher sie stammt und die anderen Jedi wimmeln neugierige Nachfragen dazu ab. Der Ausbruch der Klonkriege macht dies alles nicht leichter. Bis der Untergang des Ordens Iskat eine Perspektive bietet...
Meine Meinung:
Noch nie im Kanon wurde der Zerfall des Jedi-Ordens so eindrücklich und detailliert beschrieben wie in diesem Buch. Iskat ist eine unzufriedene Protagonistin, die die Heuchelei um sich herum aufdeckt. Grade diese Perspektive erreicht ein erweitertes Level an Einsicht, welches selbst die Prequels nicht schafften. Schließlich hatte Anakin wenigstens einige Freunde, einen Bruder in Obi-Wan und eine Geliebte in Padmé. Iskat hingegen hat nichts, was sie wiederum gefährlich macht. Als Inquisitorin wiederum bewahrt sie sich bis zum Schluss einen vielfältigen Charakter, was sie spannender als die eher eindimensionalen Geschwister des Ordens erscheinen lässt. Durch das ganze Buch hindurch werden zusätzlich spannende Easter Eggs zu anderen Büchern oder sogar Comics präsentiert, was den Lesespaß noch erweitert.
Fazit:
Eine emotionale Charakterstudie über das Finden seiner Selbst mit eindrücklichen sprachlichen Bildern.
Werbung: Vielen lieben Dank an das Bloggerportal für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionexemplares!
Die Inquisitorin von Delilah S. Dawson
Über das vergangene Jahr habe ich bereits viel zu „Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade“ gehört und zwar ausschließlich Positives. Nun darf auch die deutsche Leserschaft dieses Abenteuer erleben und ihr könnt drauf gespannt sein!
Die Handlung:
Iskat Akaris hatte stets das Gefühl nie wirklich dazu zu gehören. Ihre Meisterin Sember Vey ist abweisend, sie weiß nicht mal woher sie stammt und die anderen Jedi wimmeln neugierige Nachfragen dazu ab. Der Ausbruch der Klonkriege macht dies alles nicht leichter. Bis der Untergang des Ordens Iskat eine Perspektive bietet...
Meine Meinung:
Noch nie im Kanon wurde der Zerfall des Jedi-Ordens so eindrücklich und detailliert beschrieben wie in diesem Buch. Iskat ist eine unzufriedene Protagonistin, die die Heuchelei um sich herum aufdeckt. Grade diese Perspektive erreicht ein erweitertes Level an Einsicht, welches selbst die Prequels nicht schafften. Schließlich hatte Anakin wenigstens einige Freunde, einen Bruder in Obi-Wan und eine Geliebte in Padmé. Iskat hingegen hat nichts, was sie wiederum gefährlich macht. Als Inquisitorin wiederum bewahrt sie sich bis zum Schluss einen vielfältigen Charakter, was sie spannender als die eher eindimensionalen Geschwister des Ordens erscheinen lässt. Durch das ganze Buch hindurch werden zusätzlich spannende Easter Eggs zu anderen Büchern oder sogar Comics präsentiert, was den Lesespaß noch erweitert.
Fazit:
Eine emotionale Charakterstudie über das Finden seiner Selbst mit eindrücklichen sprachlichen Bildern.
Werbung: Vielen lieben Dank an das Bloggerportal für die Bereitstellung des Rezensionexemplares!
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