Star Wars: Legacy Review – A Bridge Between Leia & Rey, The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker

Star Wars: Legacy by Madeleine Roux explores the sizeable story gap between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker – specifically Rey and Leia’s developing relationship as mentee-mentor. The novel begins as a quiet, introspective character piece delving into the minds of both Rey and Leia, but gradually transforms into an exciting adventure filled with Jedi mythology, Force mysteries, and compelling new characters. The climax builds into something I would love to see onscreen.

Star Wars: Legacy Synopsis

After barely escaping the First Order on Crait, Rey and the Resistance are struggling to rebuild. Rey’s Jedi master Luke Skywalker has died, so Leia Organa tries her best to train Rey in the ways of the Force as Luke did for her so many years ago (as we will see in the newly-announced novel Twin Crossroads by Beth Revis). But Leia’s knowledge is limited, Rey’s lightsaber is broken, and the specter of Kylo Ren and regrets from the past haunt them both. 

So Rey and Leia journey to Tython to visit a long-forgotten Jedi temple in search of a way to repair Rey’s broken lightsaber.  As they work to unravel the temple’s mysteries, they encounter a group of refugees living in its shadow, hiding from a First Order officer hot on the trail of two freedom fighters in their midst. With the threat of the First Order looming and the secrets of the temple yet to be unlocked, the newly forged master and apprentice must confront their pasts, reach each other in the present, and decide what it means to carry the legacy of the Jedi into the future.

Legacy begins on an introspective note, as author Madeline Roux establishes Rey and Leia’s mindset after escaping death numerous times in The Last Jedi. Much of the novel is surprisingly reflective. Both Rey and Leia wrestle with questions about identity, purpose, and legacy, giving the story a melancholy tone because of the somber themes and emotions. Rey and Leia have far more interaction in this novel than they ever did in The Rise of Skywalker, and I found myself meditating on Carrie Fisher’s death and how it led to such stilted scenes in Rise. 

Review

However, around Chapter 8, the story really finds its momentum when the novel introduces one of its strongest elements: First Order Major Brilla Wolstenholme – an officer who climbed to the top of the First Order as their symbol, but now has been dismissed to a remote assignment for reasons unknown. She’s intelligent, underestimated, and determined to solve the mystery surrounding Resistance activity and her own remote banishment. Her perspective gives the First Order side of the story genuine depth.

The final act ties every storyline together in a satisfying fashion, as Kylo Ren enters the picture in pursuit of Rey. Rey must confront her “dark Rey” self, the dark Rey we see in her vision on the damaged Death Star in The Rise of Skywalker. We also learn how Leia acquired the knowledge that Rey is of Palpatine’s descent.

Star Wars Easter eggs (may contain a few spoilers)

Star Wars: Legacy contains some fun Easter eggs. We visit Tython, the same planet Grogu and Din Djarin visited in The Mandalorian episode, “Chapter 14: The Tragedy”. In that series Tython contained a “Force phone” where Grogu meditated and called to Luke. In this novel, Tython also contains an entire ancient Jedi Temple with mysteries galore. 

The appearance of Luke Skywalker as a Force ghost is especially touching, providing one of the closest emotional moments we get between Luke and Leia following The Last Jedi.

And did you know that pesky flies exist in the Star Wars galaxy (joining ducks as another surprisingly Earth-like creature)? Rey complains about them in the refugee camp. We also get the phrase “sing like a Yuzzum,” which longtime fans of Jedi Rocks will appreciate. Coincidentally, we just heard this phrase spoken by Din in The Mandalorian and Grogu.

Conclusion

While the opening chapters take their time establishing the characters and their emotional journeys, the payoff is worth it. Star Wars: Legacy bridges two sequel films that seem very disjointed, gives us more General Leia, and deepens Rey’s growth. If you’re looking for a story that enriches Rey’s journey while adding meaningful lore to the sequel era, Star Wars: Legacy is an easy recommendation.