kaloughl's review against another edition
3.0
This book was fun. I enjoy reading these Star Wars novels that shed some light on lesser known characters or events from the saga. Phasma was a super intriguing character for me so I was excited to get to know them through this novel. I listened to the audiobook which was, as always, beautifully narrated by January LaVoy. However, just like the last Star Wars novel I listened to, had absolutely horrid sound effects that distracted from the story in a negative way. It is fun to occasionally hear the theme song in the background to amp up an exciting moment but to add sound effects for fights and other moments was fucking WEIRD and I need it to stop. This is an audiobook with ONE narrator, not a live action play. My annoyance with the production is the culprit of the 3 stars (for story it was closer to 4).
The way Dawson goes about telling Phasma's story is interesting.... it actually comes together via storytelling during an interrogation. At first, that approach annoyed me because it felt like we were getting a jaded view of a First Order character through Resistance eyes. However, as the story progressed and the viewpoint expands a bit, things really come together in a nice way and you begin to feel that this was the best way to tell Phasma's story. I'm always a little unclear how canon these novels are but I like this approach to Phasma. She is ruthless and has always been one to forge her own way and promote her own story, even if it means sacrificing those around her. I like that though this could be considered evil, and Phasma being part of the First Order is widely considered evil, you are almost in reverence of her by the end of the novel. We also get introduced to Cardinal, another First Order captain who, though on the same side, hates Phasma because she took part of his job and the attention of his mentor. Cardinal's arc throughout the novel was very interesting and even though he was created specifically for this novel, I wish we'd seen some of him in the movies because how he shaped the training of Stormtrooper, alongside Brendal Hux (father of Hux in the movies) and Phasma is super intriguing and leads you to so many more questions about Finn and the ex-Stormtroopers we experiences in Episode 9 (a movie of which I am continually disappointed).
Overall: story is a solid 4, audiobook narration a solid 2. I will continue to read more of these novels because they are a fun distraction (though will avoid the audiobooks for now).
The way Dawson goes about telling Phasma's story is interesting.... it actually comes together via storytelling during an interrogation. At first, that approach annoyed me because it felt like we were getting a jaded view of a First Order character through Resistance eyes. However, as the story progressed and the viewpoint expands a bit, things really come together in a nice way and you begin to feel that this was the best way to tell Phasma's story. I'm always a little unclear how canon these novels are but I like this approach to Phasma. She is ruthless and has always been one to forge her own way and promote her own story, even if it means sacrificing those around her. I like that though this could be considered evil, and Phasma being part of the First Order is widely considered evil, you are almost in reverence of her by the end of the novel. We also get introduced to Cardinal, another First Order captain who, though on the same side, hates Phasma because she took part of his job and the attention of his mentor. Cardinal's arc throughout the novel was very interesting and even though he was created specifically for this novel, I wish we'd seen some of him in the movies because how he shaped the training of Stormtrooper, alongside Brendal Hux (father of Hux in the movies) and Phasma is super intriguing and leads you to so many more questions about Finn and the ex-Stormtroopers we experiences in Episode 9 (a movie of which I am continually disappointed).
Overall: story is a solid 4, audiobook narration a solid 2. I will continue to read more of these novels because they are a fun distraction (though will avoid the audiobooks for now).
parue's review against another edition
2.0
I really wasn't the biggest fan of this book. I so badly wanted to like it, but I ended up having to force myself to finish so I could move on to something else.
First of all, I was not a huge fan of the writing style, so that threw me off right away.
Secondly, I just wanted the book to be so much more. I think it would have been more interesting if the story had been told from Phasma's perspective, because at least then she would have had the chance to be more than a one-dimensional character.
Thirdly, the story just felt like it dragged on after a while. Some events were more interesting than others, but overall I found the entire desert portion of the book to be rather boring for me.
If I hadn't already read Black Spire, which is also by Delilah Dawson and written much better imo, then I wouldn't have cared at all about Vi or Cardinal.
First of all, I was not a huge fan of the writing style, so that threw me off right away.
Secondly, I just wanted the book to be so much more. I think it would have been more interesting if the story had been told from Phasma's perspective, because at least then she would have had the chance to be more than a one-dimensional character.
Thirdly, the story just felt like it dragged on after a while. Some events were more interesting than others, but overall I found the entire desert portion of the book to be rather boring for me.
If I hadn't already read Black Spire, which is also by Delilah Dawson and written much better imo, then I wouldn't have cared at all about Vi or Cardinal.
ashleynicole11's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting read, but I really don't understand why the whole story wasn't told from Phasma's pov. Also there were many parts that became redundant. Overall just okay
siobhan15's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
antinard's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
jaygabler's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
5.0
Dawson absolutely nailed this assignment, creating a Phasma origin story wrapped in a compelling story of internecine conflict far richer than the usual bad-guy sniping. Introducing Vi Moradi to boot! 5/5, no notes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Violence
ariatari's review against another edition
5.0
Oof. If you thought I love Phasma before you bet I love her even more now. Sure, this book portrays her as a little bit of a jerk but TBH I actually prefer it that way. It shows how she got to be the cold heartless captain we see in the films.
saturnserina's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0