SciFi Book Review: Star Wars: Rebel Rising

Star Wars: Rebel Rising by Beth Revis

Synopsis:
When Jyn Erso was five years old, her mother was murdered and her father taken from her to serve the Empire. But despite the loss of her parents she is not completely alone-Saw Gerrera, a man willing to go to any extremes necessary in order to resist Imperial tyranny, takes her in as his own, and gives her not only a home but all the abilities and resources she needs to become rebel herself.

Jyn dedicates herself to the cause-and the man. But fighting alongside Saw and his people brings with it danger and the question of just how far Jyn is willing to go as one of Saw’s soldiers. When she faces an unthinkable betrayal that shatters her world, Jyn will have to pull the pieces of herself back together and figure out what she truly believes in… and who she can really trust.

Review:
In the film Rogue One, there’s a big gap from when Jyn’s a child and rescued by Saw to when she’s rescued from the Imperial prison. Rebel Rising fills in those missing years.

Jyn is just a young girl when she goes to live with Saw. With Saw, she learns skills beneficial to subverting the Empire. And Saw trusts no one, especially with the truth of who Jyn’s father is. Through the years, Saw become more of an extremist. And after a horrifying massacre, Jyn flees a planet and finds herself alone for the first time. This coming-of-age story is action-packed yet heartfelt. There is plenty of adventure, intrigue, drama, and even a bit of romance. I thoroughly enjoyed Jyn’s story from beginning to end, when she chooses to join the rebellion in an inspiring finale.