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samgalanor's review against another edition
4.0
(I listened to this while gaming and knitting during load screens and I felt the part where the Stormtrooper violently unravels Vi’s knitting on a very personal level …)
This is a Mad Max-esque SiFi Adventure, telling the story of rural survivors who need to fight for everything. While also giving an inside of the First Order indoctrinated brainwashing and training program.
The middle of the book felt a little repetitive, but I later understood that it was an important part for Phasmas character development. Overall, there is a lot plot that only serves to show Phasmas development, and bits and pieces of the present where the Resistance spy Vi interacts with the First Order Captain Cardinal.
But for me there was too much of showing how desperate Phasma want’s to survive without looking back and with no mercy. This could have been shorten, especially since Vi later summed it up with even more detail at the end.
That said, I liked that all the characters presented here are no heroes or good™ people, but realistically flawed and realistically portrait given there circumstances. Furthermore, this is not a story that tries to frame any character as the hero of the story, which is refreshing.
Phasma feels now more like a character and not just like a new shiny gimmick for a franchise.
*
This book basically confirms the fandom-canon that Phasma and A. Hux are kinda murder plotting friends. And I’m so here for this. Also THE sofa.
[The Con Star Mining Corporation droid and the first Con Star Mining Corporation facility reminded me a little of AI Clovis and Bray Exo Science.]
This is a Mad Max-esque SiFi Adventure, telling the story of rural survivors who need to fight for everything. While also giving an inside of the First Order indoctrinated brainwashing and training program.
The middle of the book felt a little repetitive, but I later understood that it was an important part for Phasmas character development. Overall, there is a lot plot that only serves to show Phasmas development, and bits and pieces of the present where the Resistance spy Vi interacts with the First Order Captain Cardinal.
But for me there was too much of showing how desperate Phasma want’s to survive without looking back and with no mercy. This could have been shorten, especially since Vi later summed it up with even more detail at the end.
That said, I liked that all the characters presented here are no heroes or good™ people, but realistically flawed and realistically portrait given there circumstances. Furthermore, this is not a story that tries to frame any character as the hero of the story, which is refreshing.
Phasma feels now more like a character and not just like a new shiny gimmick for a franchise.
*
This book basically confirms the fandom-canon that Phasma and A. Hux are kinda murder plotting friends. And I’m so here for this. Also THE sofa.
[The Con Star Mining Corporation droid and the first Con Star Mining Corporation facility reminded me a little of AI Clovis and Bray Exo Science.]
serenyty's review against another edition
5.0
This is more of a 4.5 but man, I enjoyed Phasma so much I need to bump it up to a 5. This book may not be for everyone - it's largely a secondhand telling of Phasma's story through a framing device, which I'm aware may not be up to everyone's liking. However, the stories of Vi and Cardinal (the framing device) really worked for me, and did a lot to break up the story, especially in the earlier segments. More than anything, this does a lot to maintain Phasma as an almost mythic, legendary figure that is not very sympathetic or likable, but is the crux of the story. Mad Max was a big inspiration for the author, and that will also be a good thing to tell if you'll like it. Personally, I really enjoyed this aspect - this felt like a side of the Star Wars universe we haven't seen, and felt like a big, dark road trip adventure through a postapocalyptic thing but with a giant Star Wars twist. This is personally what I find really great about Star Wars books - Phasma is not a story that would likely be made into a movie, but it feels like it fleshes out and gives new light to a character in the Star Wars universe. The start is a tad slow, but by the second half there were enough reveals, twists and turns that i couldn't put it down. This is, by design, not a look into Phasma's mental state, but it is a great look at the Star Wars universe as a whole, and a great character study from an outsider perspective.
snugglor's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this book. I loved learning more about Phasma's past and her upbringing and how she will truly do anything to survive. I found it so exciting and I couldn't read it fast enough.
The only thing I would have liked done differently is to see things from Phasma's POV. We're told a third-hand story for most of the book, but I would have really enjoyed to get a bit more inside Phasma's head and learn what she really thought about some things, to see how particular events affected her, rather than to hear other characters surmise about what they thought she was thinking about.
The only thing I would have liked done differently is to see things from Phasma's POV. We're told a third-hand story for most of the book, but I would have really enjoyed to get a bit more inside Phasma's head and learn what she really thought about some things, to see how particular events affected her, rather than to hear other characters surmise about what they thought she was thinking about.
haleykuuleilani's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
dmcke013's review against another edition
3.0
I think it's a common understanding that, of all the characters in 2015's 'The Force Awakens', Gwendoline Christie's enigmatic Captain Phasma was the biggest missed opportunity.
Much like Darth Maul before her (who became a cult favourite in the 'old' Extended Universe), this novel seeks to set that right.
How?
By, effectively, having a story-within-a-story: in this case, by having a captured Resistance spy telling her First Order captor what she has discovered about Phasma, with that interrogation carried out in secret as Phasma is still viewed as a hero of the Order (but with deep mistrust by said captor).
This story-within-a-story, then, tells of the mysterious Phasma's originss, of her early life on her abandoned and decaying home planet, of a trip across said planet to the site of a crashed First Order spaceship in the company of a rescued officer and of the many and varied incidents and people/driods met along that journey.
The result is not a bad novel, but not the best of the recent Star Wars novels I've read: it passes a few days easy reading, sure, but (for me, at least) has no real oomph to it; nothing that really makes it stick in my mind or that would cause me to look for other novels by this author. That's not to say I wouldn't read any such if I came across them; just not going out of my way to look for them.
Much like Darth Maul before her (who became a cult favourite in the 'old' Extended Universe), this novel seeks to set that right.
How?
By, effectively, having a story-within-a-story: in this case, by having a captured Resistance spy telling her First Order captor what she has discovered about Phasma, with that interrogation carried out in secret as Phasma is still viewed as a hero of the Order (but with deep mistrust by said captor).
This story-within-a-story, then, tells of the mysterious Phasma's originss, of her early life on her abandoned and decaying home planet, of a trip across said planet to the site of a crashed First Order spaceship in the company of a rescued officer and of the many and varied incidents and people/driods met along that journey.
The result is not a bad novel, but not the best of the recent Star Wars novels I've read: it passes a few days easy reading, sure, but (for me, at least) has no real oomph to it; nothing that really makes it stick in my mind or that would cause me to look for other novels by this author. That's not to say I wouldn't read any such if I came across them; just not going out of my way to look for them.
cjcardosa's review
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
theroguerebels's review against another edition
5.0
“I am Phasma, and I am the greatest warrior of Parnassos.”
THIS IS THE MOST METAL STAR WARS BOOK EVER.
That’s right I said it. Not just because of her shiny armor choices either. Phasma reveals the backstory of this warrior. Not Captain. Not trooper. Warrior. Phasma is nothing short of a force of nature in this book.
Must… resist… only talking about Phasma…
This is the first time we are introduced to Resistance spy Vi Moradi! The story revolves around her capture by the First Order Captain Cardinal. Through an interesting turn of torture and interrogation, Phasma’s story and origins are revealed.
Delilah Dawson gives us a thrilling tale. I can’t help but compare it to some sort of Lost, Mad Max, Hunger Games, type of adventure. I personally enjoyed little things like The Nautilus, Keldo, the detraxors, the defense grid, grey sand, an especially dangerous dug, U5-GG, children of Jakku, Frey, knitting in hyperspace, the golden beetle, droid believers, the arena and the Arratu, the cursed Gand, radiation, the unknown malady, the happabore, and the Naboo chrome!
This book rocks. The action is ruthless and bloodthirsty and savage. While most Star Wars books give us blaster shootouts or saber duels this book uses violence on a whole ‘nother level. It’s definitely dark and dangerous but the characters are what make this book. Phasma is a force of nature and all those around her are in awe… or fear. This one is a MUST-READ. For all those curious about Phasma, THIS is where you need to look.
– Sal P.
“Those who survive must move forward.”
– Phasma
THIS IS THE MOST METAL STAR WARS BOOK EVER.
That’s right I said it. Not just because of her shiny armor choices either. Phasma reveals the backstory of this warrior. Not Captain. Not trooper. Warrior. Phasma is nothing short of a force of nature in this book.
Must… resist… only talking about Phasma…
This is the first time we are introduced to Resistance spy Vi Moradi! The story revolves around her capture by the First Order Captain Cardinal. Through an interesting turn of torture and interrogation, Phasma’s story and origins are revealed.
Delilah Dawson gives us a thrilling tale. I can’t help but compare it to some sort of Lost, Mad Max, Hunger Games, type of adventure. I personally enjoyed little things like The Nautilus, Keldo, the detraxors, the defense grid, grey sand, an especially dangerous dug, U5-GG, children of Jakku, Frey, knitting in hyperspace, the golden beetle, droid believers, the arena and the Arratu, the cursed Gand, radiation, the unknown malady, the happabore, and the Naboo chrome!
This book rocks. The action is ruthless and bloodthirsty and savage. While most Star Wars books give us blaster shootouts or saber duels this book uses violence on a whole ‘nother level. It’s definitely dark and dangerous but the characters are what make this book. Phasma is a force of nature and all those around her are in awe… or fear. This one is a MUST-READ. For all those curious about Phasma, THIS is where you need to look.
– Sal P.
“Those who survive must move forward.”
– Phasma
singlier's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The framing device of this story really ruined the reading experience of this book. I know what I signed up for: I wanted the backstory of Captain Phasma. But this story tells the backstory three characters removed from Phasma, in a weak plot about a Storm Trooper Captain named Cardinal seeking evidence to discredit Phasma in the eyes of the First Order.
The story *did not need this*. I don't care about Cardinal or Vi, that's not why I picked up this book. I don't need a reason why we're getting this story. And without any interior insight on Phasma, I genuinely don't feel like I know her any better than I did when I picked up the book. Sure, we know where she grew up and some of her actions, but what were her thoughts, feelings, justifications for what she did? We don't get that here.
Every break from the backstory to focus on Cardinal and Vi is *so boring* and anticlimactic. We know what's going to happen. He tortures her, they banter, she keeps telling the story. Every time Vi says "This will be your evidence" and then each time it's so...not interesting. Like, duh Phasma is cruel and merciless and powerful. I already knew that about her. I found myself asking, "Okay, what else?". I was constantly seeking a greater emotional depth that never delivered.
Most interesting parts of the story: History of Phasma, the mystery of Phasma's home planet, the lengths the people went to survive
Least interesting parts of the story:
Cardinal's emotional turmoil (I don't care about this man, he's not the reason I picked up this story), Vi's suffering (ditto)
The story is fine. It just could be a whole lot better.
The story *did not need this*. I don't care about Cardinal or Vi, that's not why I picked up this book. I don't need a reason why we're getting this story. And without any interior insight on Phasma, I genuinely don't feel like I know her any better than I did when I picked up the book. Sure, we know where she grew up and some of her actions, but what were her thoughts, feelings, justifications for what she did? We don't get that here.
Every break from the backstory to focus on Cardinal and Vi is *so boring* and anticlimactic. We know what's going to happen. He tortures her, they banter, she keeps telling the story. Every time Vi says "This will be your evidence" and then each time it's so...not interesting. Like, duh Phasma is cruel and merciless and powerful. I already knew that about her. I found myself asking, "Okay, what else?". I was constantly seeking a greater emotional depth that never delivered.
Most interesting parts of the story: History of Phasma, the mystery of Phasma's home planet, the lengths the people went to survive
Least interesting parts of the story:
Cardinal's emotional turmoil (I don't care about this man, he's not the reason I picked up this story), Vi's suffering (ditto)
The story is fine. It just could be a whole lot better.
erikadelcid's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75