The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition – Book Review

Ever finish a Star Wars movie and wish you had a few extra scenes or answers? Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – Expanded Edition by Rae Carson is exactly that – the official novelization of Episode IX that promises more than what we saw on screen. In a galaxy of blockbuster films, competitive gaming championships, and high-stakes bets, it’s refreshing to slow down with a book that dives deeper into the story. This review takes a witty, conversational look at how this expanded novel stacks up for Star Wars enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a good thrill (whether it’s an esports final or a nail-biting casino game). For those ready to dive in, the Expanded Edition is available on Amazon – but first, let’s explore why it might be worth your time.

Ready to turn the page and ignite the galaxy? Grab your copy now

A New Way to Experience Episode IX

The Expanded Edition isn’t a radical reimagining of The Rise of Skywalker, but it does offer a new perspective on the saga’s final chapter. Carson’s novelization follows the same core plot as the movie – so don’t expect an entirely different ending or character fates. However, the way the story unfolds on the page feels notably different. The film blasted through its adventure faster than the Millennium Falcon on a Kessel Run (many fans felt the pacing was that rushed). The novel, by contrast, lets the story breathe. You can linger on scenes, absorb the emotions, and savor details at your own pace. It’s like switching from a speedrun to a full exploration mode in a video game – less frantic, more fulfilling.

Another big draw is that the book carries the “Expanded Edition” label for a reason. It includes additional scenes and insights that weren’t in theaters. Think of it as the bonus DLC content for the movie, giving you behind-the-scenes lore and character moments. Here are some highlights of what the novel adds:

• Leia’s Training: The opening chapter shows General Leia Organa training Rey on Ajan Kloss. We get heartfelt dialogue between Leia and Rey, plus Leia reflecting on her own Jedi training with Luke. It’s a touching mentorship scene that the film only hinted at.
• Palpatine’s Survival Explained: The novel finally answers the burning question: How on Exegol is Palpatine still alive? It turns out the Emperor we see is a clone body housing Palpatine’s original spirit. Carson details the dark science (and Sith magic) keeping the decrepit Palpatine alive – including a creepy life-support harness and some clone-tank mystery fluids. It’s a wild revelation that makes the movie’s most bizarre twist easier to accept.
• Kylo Ren on Mustafar: Remember that blink-and-you-miss-it opening on Mustafar? Here it’s expanded into an actual sequence. Kylo Ren fights cultists guarding Vader’s Wayfinder and even encounters an oracle-like creature called the Eye of Webbish Bog. This eerie scene, meant to be in the film, gives a spooky video-game-side-quest vibe and sets a darker tone for Kylo’s journey.
• Insight into Kylo and Chewie: In a powerful deleted scene only in the book, Kylo interrogates Chewbacca after Chewie’s capture. Using the Force on Chewie’s mind, Kylo unexpectedly sees memories of himself as young Ben Solo – back when Uncle Chewie was a beloved mentor figure. Ouch, right? This glimpse of Ben’s past adds emotional weight and shows the reader that behind Kylo’s rage is still Ben’s lingering pain.
• Finn’s Secret & The Force: If you were scratching your head about what Finn wanted to tell Rey in the movie, the novel has answers. There are moments where Rey senses what Finn was trying to say, and it’s confirmed that Finn is feeling the Force. The book highlights Finn’s gut instincts in battle (guided by the Force) and even a scene where he almost shares his secret. It’s a satisfying payoff for Finn fans and finally addresses that dangling plot thread.
• Lando’s Lost Daughter: In a subtle “missing scene,” Lando Calrissian confides that the First Order kidnapped a young girl from him years ago. It’s implied this was his daughter. While the book stops short of naming Jannah explicitly as that child, it strongly hints at it. This emotional tidbit gives Lando’s character a deeper purpose – and perhaps sets the stage for future adventures (a gamble that paid off, as rumors of a Lando series popped up not long after).

These expanded moments are some of the novel’s best surprises. They don’t rewrite the story, but they fill in gaps that the film left open. Reading these feels a bit like hitting the jackpot on a slot machine for Star Wars lore junkies – each extra scene is a payout of information that makes the whole saga richer.

Plot twists, lightsabers, and existential crises await. Own the story

High-Stakes Action with Better Pacing

One thing that immediately stands out in the Expanded Edition is the pacing. The movie jumped from scene to scene at lightspeed, leaving some viewers with whiplash. The novel slows things down enough to keep the story coherent without sacrificing excitement. It’s still an action-packed tale, but you’re not overwhelmed by it. In fact, reading the climactic battles in this book gave me a thrill akin to watching a championship esports match – you’re on the edge of your seat, but you can follow every move.

Carson’s writing style shines during action sequences. She brings clarity to chaotic scenes like the final space battle over Exegol and Rey’s showdown with Palpatine. Because you’re in the characters’ heads, the stakes actually feel higher. You understand what each hero is thinking and fearing in the moment. It’s the kind of immersive rush even casino gaming enthusiasts can appreciate: high stakes, clear risks, and the sweet payoff when our heroes triumph. The difference is you get to savor the tension longer than in the film. It’s not over in a blink; you feel every moment.

Despite knowing how the story ends, there’s still suspense in how the novel unfolds the battles. The text manages to make the well-known finale exciting, which is a testament to Rae Carson’s energetic prose. She doesn’t just transcribe the film’s action – she enhances it. If the movie’s rapid pace felt like placing a frantic bet and hoping for the best, the novel is more of a calculated strategy, letting you appreciate every gamble and outcome in the fight for the galaxy.

This isn’t just reading—it’s a Jedi mind trick. Order it here

Deeper Character Moments and Emotions

Perhaps the biggest advantage of any novelization is getting inside characters’ heads. Expanded Edition takes full advantage of this, offering internal monologues and point-of-view insights that enrich the characters we know (or think we know). Rae Carson’s portrayal of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo is a standout. On screen, we saw Adam Driver’s intensity; on the page, we actually hear Kylo’s conflicted thoughts. The novel shows us the extent of his torment and the pull of Ben Solo beneath the mask. His journey back to the light doesn’t feel abrupt here – we witness a gradual erosion of his resolve, scene by scene, thought by thought. By the time you reach that moment when Kylo decides to be Ben again, it feels earned and heartfelt.

Rey’s internal struggle is equally well-crafted. In the film, Rey mostly projects determination (with an occasional hint of fear when her lineage is revealed). In the book, we feel the turmoil inside her – the tug-of-war between her light and dark impulses. She recognizes a darkness in herself (there’s even a moment she feels incomplete without Kylo, tying into the “dyad” concept). These nuances make Rey more relatable and her triumph more satisfying. It’s like understanding a pro gamer’s strategy during a tournament – knowing why she makes each choice under pressure.

We also get beautiful moments with General Leia Organa that the movie simply couldn’t give us (due to Carrie Fisher’s limited footage). Carson gifts Leia the send-off she deserved. We see Leia imparting wisdom to Rey, reflecting on her own Jedi training, and even sensing the moment of her passing in a more profound way. One particularly touching addition: as Leia fades, she reaches out in the Force and feels R2-D2’s concern for her, assuring him with gratitude. It’s a small detail, but if you have a heart (or ever loved that plucky droid), it’s hard not to get misty-eyed.

The supporting characters benefit from the expanded treatment too. The book sprinkles in scenes or lines that humanize the side characters. For instance, we see more of Rose Tico (who sadly had minimal screen time in the movie) saying goodbye to Rey and even contributing at the Resistance base. We find out Poe Dameron was deeply affected by the loss of his friend (the novel confirms pilot Nien Nunb’s death during the battle, and Poe’s reaction grounds that moment in emotion). Even the oddball newcomers like Klaud (the gangly slug mechanic) or Beaumont Kin get a little more presence, making the Resistance feel more like a team we know. These touches won’t make you suddenly love a character you ignored, but they add texture to the story’s world.

From the sands of Jakku to the ruins of Exegol… Continue the journey

Fan Service and Easter Eggs Done Right

Let’s be honest: a Star Wars finale is prime ground for fan service. The movie threw in plenty of callbacks and cameos, but the novelization takes it to another level – in a good way. It’s almost like Carson knew the fandom would dissect every detail (because we absolutely will) and she delivered some fun treats for the keen-eyed (or keen-brained) readers.

One of the coolest Easter eggs in the book is during the epic showdown over Exegol. In print, you can pause to name-drop allies arriving for the final battle. Carson doesn’t waste that opportunity. She explicitly mentions Team Inferno swooping in to help the Resistance – yes, that’s a direct nod to Inferno Squad from the Star Wars: Battlefront II video game. If you’re a gamer who’s played the campaign, this mention will put a big grin on your face. Likewise, the Fireball – the hero ship from the Star Wars: Resistance animated series – is called out among the fleet, along with the legendary Ghost from Star Wars Rebels. These cameos are blink-and-you-miss-it on film, but on the page they shine. It really feels like the entire Star Wars universe, from movies to games to TV, assembled to take down the Final Order. As a Star Wars geek, that’s as satisfying as hitting a royal flush in sabacc.

The novel also subtly tees up future storytelling. Lando Calrissian’s mention of his kidnapped daughter isn’t just a throwaway line – it hints at possibilities. By the end of the book, it’s heavily implied Lando is gearing up to help Jannah (and others taken by the First Order) find their families. It’s the kind of thread that gets hardcore fans speculating about spin-off novels, comics, or shows. Rather than feeling like a cheap plug, it comes across as a natural extension of Lando’s character (after all, Lando’s always been a gambler with a big heart, and here he’s betting on hope and reconciliation).

Even the Force lore gets little enhancements. The book touches on the “dyad in the Force” between Rey and Kylo, giving it a bit more explanation. It’s still mystical, but we learn Rey felt a missing part of herself, which was fulfilled by their bond. And for those who love the Jedi and Sith mythos, there are references to obscure lore (for example, Palpatine’s life-support “Ommin harness” is named – a deep cut from old lore about a Sith king). These details won’t confuse casual readers, but they reward longtime fans with that warm feeling of “aha, I get that reference!”.

Importantly, none of this fan service derails the story. Carson weaves them in gracefully, so if you catch it, great – if not, it still works. It’s fan service that enhances rather than distracts. In an era where both esports and pop culture thrive on Easter eggs and shout-outs (think of those secret references in games or the shout-caster nods that only the hardcore viewers get), this novel handles its nods with a similar finesse.

Still breathing after that chapter? Good. Fuel the Force

Final Verdict: Worth the Read?

So, is The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition worth your time and credits? If you’re a Star Wars lover who craves more insight into the saga – absolutely. This novel is like getting the “director’s cut” of Episode IX, except it’s the author’s cut, with Rae Carson deftly filling in story gaps and smoothing out rough edges. It won’t magically convert someone who outright despised the film’s plot (the fundamental story remains the same, and no book can completely flip that script). However, it will likely make you appreciate the story more. It’s a bit like watching a replay of a high-level esports match with expert commentary – you start to understand the strategy behind the chaos, even if you knew the final score. The book provides context and character motivations that can transform a mediocre moment into a meaningful one.

Casual readers who enjoyed the movie will find a lot to love here too. The writing is accessible, the humor lands where appropriate, and the heart of Star Wars beats strong throughout the pages. Carson’s style is conversational and occasionally witty, so it never feels like a dry rehash of the screenplay. On the contrary, there are moments of genuine emotion and chuckle-worthy quips from characters’ inner thoughts that you won’t get from the film alone.

For those who are on the fence (maybe you’re thinking, “I already saw the movie, why read the book?”), consider this: The novelization is official canon, meaning these extra details actually count in the Star Wars universe. That alone makes it a compelling read for the lore-hungry. And reading it is far from a gamble – more like a sure bet – if you enjoy Star Wars’ blend of action, myth, and camaraderie. You might be surprised at how much difference a little more explanation and character development can make. In many ways, the Expanded Edition redeems and enriches The Rise of Skywalker, giving the Skywalker saga a more poignant send-off.

In the end, The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition succeeds in its mission: it’s an expanded, entertaining take on a film that had epic ambitions and divisive reception. This book won’t please everyone (never tell a Star Wars fan the odds!), but it offers plenty of rewards to those willing to explore it. As a wise smuggler might put it, I’ve got a good feeling about this. If you want to experience the final chapter of the Skywalker saga in a fresh way, go ahead and grab a copy on Amazon and give it a read – page-turner, this novel is.

Stay connected with the galaxy’s latest updates!
Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest for exclusive content, mod guides, Star Wars gaming news, and more. Your support helps keep the Holonet alive—one click at a time!