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A review by thisdadreads
Victory's Price by Alexander Freed
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.