Star Wars: Inquisitor – Rise of the Red Blade

By Ben Wright (@iamzavagno | www.xgeeks.co.uk)

This review is spoiler-free.

I have been eagerly anticipating Delilah S. Dawson’s Star Wars: Inquisitor – Rise of the Red Blade for a while now, and thankfully, it does NOT disappoint!

As you’d expect, Dawson’s writing style is uniquely captivating, immediately drawing readers into the story. She masterfully weaves together a complex narrative filled with intrigue, betrayal, and the struggle between the dark and light sides of the Force. The characters are well-developed, each with motivations and backgrounds that add depth to the story. Dawson delves into the complex hierarchy of power and the constant struggle for dominance, providing a deeper understanding of the Sith’s dark nature. This audiobook does venture into some very mature themes and features moments that, despite not being suitable for younger listeners, contain a very profound and reflective message.

One of the highlights of Rise of the Red Blade is the action sequences. Dawson’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail create a truly cinematic experience in the listener’s mind. This ‘cinematic feel’ is enhanced further when the story weaves into the prequel movie’s narratives! That’s right, get ready to live through some of the prequel trilogy’s most iconic moments, but experience them from a completely different view!

Star Wars: Inquisitor – Rise of the Red Blade is narrated by Kristen Sieh, and Sieh does an outstanding job with most of the characters! The story focuses on the journey of Padawan Iskat Akaris, and it’s with Iskat where Sieh really excels! The complexity of the character is enhanced by the performance, with both elements working in perfect balance! Sure, the ‘Yoda Voice’ made me chuckle when I first heard it, but that’s not a slight on Sieh, not at all! I couldn’t do it any better! It was just a little out of place when compared to the new characters, but that’s what happens when you already have such a well-established character, especially one as unique as Master Yoda!

As with most Star Wars audiobooks, the production quality is outstanding, and the sound engineering brings an additional layer of enjoyment to the narrative! The music and sound effects transport you into the Star Wars Universe!

So, what about the negatives?

The only slight downside was the moments when the pacing felt a bit uneven. Some chapters seemed rushed, while others lingered on less critical aspects of the story. While this did not detract significantly from the overall experience, it occasionally interrupted the otherwise engaging flow of the plot.

With its complex characters, exciting story and wonderful narration, Delilah S. Dawson’s Star Wars: Inquisitor – Rise of the Red Blade is an engaging and emotional journey into the dark side of the Force!