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.

“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

Should Have Been a James Luceno Book

I had looked forward to this new series, a political one. A story about Mon Monthma, Bail Organa and Saw Guerra after the Empire had come to power. Canon has had a tendency to dumb down certain characters, notably Bail Organa. Bail was always a shrewd politician and privy to great secret of the new hope for the Jedi. I had to suspend belief that Bail was as naive as he appears in this book. Protesting about what happened to the Jedi, unaware of Imperial surveillance. He's not a stupid man, but this book makes him one. Mon Mothma is handled better and this is really her book. Saw is Saw. There are a number of extra characters, and plots about terrorists and protestors. They focus on one augmented terrorist. We also visit a Confederacy syndicate Moth tries to make allies with. The only Imperial senior official we see is Mas Ameda. This book decides to forget a major influence that determined Imperial focus. Most notably the Tarkin Initiative. Admiral and later Grand Moff Tarkin would have had major influence and frequently had interacted with senators and Vader was missing. It is interesting to note that the book claimed unlimited funds to create Imperial camps when the Death Star construction was where the majority of funds were supposedly going.

I have read the Rogue One adaptation and Freed's Battlefront Twilight Company which was one of my least favorite books. This was a political thriller that wasn't that thrilling. Timothy Zahn, James Luceno and Michael Stackpole could write politics and an exciting story that keeps you interested. All three are sorely needed. January LaVoy did a fantastic job on narration for the audio book. I don't have high hopes for the rest of this series and will go back to legends.

Fantastic production

The voice acting, sound effects, and ambient music were all immersive without detracting from the story. Very much heightened the experience over all. Highly recommend.

Narrator is alright

So far I like the espionage part of it, although I don’t like the extra characters the author decided to throw in the mix. I thought this books would focus on the three big rebel of the early rebellion. Instead I’m stuck listening to a non binary character who doesn’t really contribute to anything in the story other than family related. The saw part of the story is the most disappointing given that it doesn’t even focus on saws POV. We are stuck with some unknown alien. Lastly the narrator does good on the female parts but the male voices just sound the same. Oh well.

Significantly better than Alphabet Squadron

Releasing this book to coinside with AndorS2 was genius. I am so hyped! I haven't always cared for Alexander Freed's work but this is the political thriller Ive been wanting! Can't wait for books 2 and 3! January Lavoi has been pretty solid over the years but her range of voices seemed a bit more limited this time around.That being said I hope they stay consistent with one narrator for the trilogy. I enjoyed this!

Amazing book but please stop using this narrator

This book is truly incredible Star Wars if you enjoyed Andor you will love this. Everybody is morally complex and compelling. The length is also incredible and you get to enjoy nearly 17 hours of great Star Wars. I can’t wait for the next book in this trilogy.

The only complaint is the narrator who can’t do a male voice well. The absolute worst is when she quotes Palpatine and Yoda and both were direct quotes from Revenge Of The Sith. I have listened to her narration for multiple books and was always disappointed by her and I am thankful none of the main male original trilogy characters were in this book since that would be making me wish for a zero star option for performance.

Essential back story to the Rebellion

As a whole, I very much so enjoyed everything in this book. The first part had me ho-humming a little, but I’m so glad that I allowed myself to just be told a story. Everyone in this book went into a direction and had an aspect of their part of the Rebellion, and to see it come together was a very awesome “ah-ha” moment to see how diverse the points of view strong figures of it have. I have fallen in love with the dramatic, adult centric story this has. I enjoyed Andor, the various novels providing depth to the overall story. This has been my favorite novels in this story line thus far. I feel it’s been able to show Saw, Mon and Bail as actual characters and how they have to bridge their differences for the same cause for their own reasons, to accomplish the same end goal. Very cool book, I look forward to more. Give. Me. More!

This was everything I was hoping for!

I wanted a story that talked about The Delegation of 2000 and I got way more than that! Well written and Great voices for the audiobook. Thank you for an enjoyable adventure and cannot wait for the next one!

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

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.