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katcrits's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a satisfying conclusion to this trilogy! This series, and this book, thoughtfully questions what it means to be a soldier in war. What are the ramifications of seeing your opponents as other beings, not just targets? What happens to even the most dedicated soldiers when the war is over? When you've given everything to the cause, but you loose, what will happen to you?
This trilogy gave us a compelling villain in Soran Keize, who above all else, is trying to protect those under his care. Yet, he commits heinous crimes to do so. While despising his actions, I couldn't help understanding his motivations.
Quell, Chass, Wyl, Nath, and Kairos are all captivating as they come to terms with the end of the war. I was genuinely satisfied with all of their endings. I was excited to see more of Hera's perspective in this book as well!
Overall, I'd recommend this series to anyone interested in this moment in the Star Wars timeline, as well as anyone interested in the stories of the troops, not just our lead heroes from the movies.
This trilogy gave us a compelling villain in Soran Keize, who above all else, is trying to protect those under his care. Yet, he commits heinous crimes to do so. While despising his actions, I couldn't help understanding his motivations.
Quell, Chass, Wyl, Nath, and Kairos are all captivating as they come to terms with the end of the war. I was genuinely satisfied with all of their endings. I was excited to see more of Hera's perspective in this book as well!
Overall, I'd recommend this series to anyone interested in this moment in the Star Wars timeline, as well as anyone interested in the stories of the troops, not just our lead heroes from the movies.
mmorrisohio's review against another edition
3.0
I have mixed feelings about this final entry in the trilogy. The plot was at times exhilarating, but the characters’ choices were often confounding. Ultimately disappointed that this trilogy didn’t live up to the hype, but I did enjoy the journey.
mardigan2's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
thisdadreads's review against another edition
4.0
This was a book I was eager to devour but wanted to savor every chapter. I didn’t want to finish it too quickly, but like Freed so beautifully illustrates, all good things must come to an end, and what a spectacular end it is.
Naturally, “Victory’s Price” picks up right where 2020’s “Shadow Fall” left off; our beloved Alphabet Squadron partially united but with individual priorities. One character’s shocking decision at the end of “Shadow Fall” weighs heavy on the crew and colors each of their storylines. Hera Syndulla is back leading the New Republic’s charge to hunt down the deadly Shadow Wing as they continue to wreak havoc across the galaxy and the plot culminates at the famed Battle of Jakku, the epic last stand of the Empire.
What I have come to love about Freed’s trilogy is the deep character development. He’s created a cast that have never appeared in any other form of Star Wars media yet I’ve come to love them so much. The squadron and the other supporting characters are outstanding for a number of reasons.
One, they are infused with relatable traits, both good and bad. In Wyl, Nath, Chass, Kairos and Yrica, we see bravery, foolishness, righteousness, redemption, regret, selfishness, forgiveness, love and everything in between. Freed makes readers feel close to them because we can so easily see ourselves in them, flaws and all. This is a group of heroes yes, but they live with the struggle of having to choose between right and wrong at seemingly every turn. Plus, the consequences are often as difficult to face as the decisions themselves, which creates a rich and resonant storytelling landscape.
Second, these characters have histories and backgrounds that are distinctively Star Wars, which makes them just so much fun. Kairos’ backstory particularly was one that I was not expecting. It’s a beautiful mixture of mystery and wonder and gives readers just enough information to explain who she is while leaving much to the imagination. She easily has become my favorite squadron member (Lucasfilm/Disney, can we get a spin-off please?!).
Lastly, Freed illustrates that it’s the coming together amidst differences that wins wars. It’s through diversity of background, thought and beliefs that battles can be won. It’s viewing the world from another’s perspective and making unselfish decisions that can benefit the greater good. It’s through honesty and forgiveness that true change can come about. I found myself close to tears numerous times as these flawed, broken characters go through an experience together and come out the other side changed because of it.
Yes “Victory’s Price” has space battles, explosions, drama and mystery. It ultimately succeeds, however, in showing that no matter how long a life you live or what you’ve done in the past, what really matters is who you live your life with and wherever the next part of your journey takes you, a galaxy full of possibilities awaits.
The Alphabet Squadron trilogy has firmly cemented itself as required reading in Star Wars canon.
Naturally, “Victory’s Price” picks up right where 2020’s “Shadow Fall” left off; our beloved Alphabet Squadron partially united but with individual priorities. One character’s shocking decision at the end of “Shadow Fall” weighs heavy on the crew and colors each of their storylines. Hera Syndulla is back leading the New Republic’s charge to hunt down the deadly Shadow Wing as they continue to wreak havoc across the galaxy and the plot culminates at the famed Battle of Jakku, the epic last stand of the Empire.
What I have come to love about Freed’s trilogy is the deep character development. He’s created a cast that have never appeared in any other form of Star Wars media yet I’ve come to love them so much. The squadron and the other supporting characters are outstanding for a number of reasons.
One, they are infused with relatable traits, both good and bad. In Wyl, Nath, Chass, Kairos and Yrica, we see bravery, foolishness, righteousness, redemption, regret, selfishness, forgiveness, love and everything in between. Freed makes readers feel close to them because we can so easily see ourselves in them, flaws and all. This is a group of heroes yes, but they live with the struggle of having to choose between right and wrong at seemingly every turn. Plus, the consequences are often as difficult to face as the decisions themselves, which creates a rich and resonant storytelling landscape.
Second, these characters have histories and backgrounds that are distinctively Star Wars, which makes them just so much fun. Kairos’ backstory particularly was one that I was not expecting. It’s a beautiful mixture of mystery and wonder and gives readers just enough information to explain who she is while leaving much to the imagination. She easily has become my favorite squadron member (Lucasfilm/Disney, can we get a spin-off please?!).
Lastly, Freed illustrates that it’s the coming together amidst differences that wins wars. It’s through diversity of background, thought and beliefs that battles can be won. It’s viewing the world from another’s perspective and making unselfish decisions that can benefit the greater good. It’s through honesty and forgiveness that true change can come about. I found myself close to tears numerous times as these flawed, broken characters go through an experience together and come out the other side changed because of it.
Yes “Victory’s Price” has space battles, explosions, drama and mystery. It ultimately succeeds, however, in showing that no matter how long a life you live or what you’ve done in the past, what really matters is who you live your life with and wherever the next part of your journey takes you, a galaxy full of possibilities awaits.
The Alphabet Squadron trilogy has firmly cemented itself as required reading in Star Wars canon.
darkside1523's review against another edition
4.0
Overall a really great ending to a very important trilogy in Star Wars canon. Freed might be the best writer of wartime drama and action in all of Star Wars. Stackpole, Allston, and Traviss wrote some excellent, action-packed Legends novels, but none of them factor in the drama, trauma, guilt, shame, justification, stress, camaraderie and other emotions that comes with those action scenes. The climactic final battle in this book extends about 100 pages and you don’t want to put it down until you get to the end.
The only thing that keeps this from getting 5* from me are the characters. They are amazingly deep and well written, but it’s hard to cheer for them sometimes. The pilots of Alphabet Squadron are imperfect and reluctant heroes. Yes, I understand that’s sort of the point, but it doesn’t make it any easier to root for them when their imperfections get in their own way again.
The only thing that keeps this from getting 5* from me are the characters. They are amazingly deep and well written, but it’s hard to cheer for them sometimes. The pilots of Alphabet Squadron are imperfect and reluctant heroes. Yes, I understand that’s sort of the point, but it doesn’t make it any easier to root for them when their imperfections get in their own way again.
colls's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
This series overall is phenomenal - and probably some of my favorite non-Jedi content in the Star Wars universe. This was a satisfying ending to the overall action in hunting down the Shadow Wing and I like the way the author dealt with soldiers and the aftermath of war.
the_resistance_book_club's review against another edition
3.0
I’m happy I finished the trilogy! I never wanna read from this author ever again
axlaru's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0