As a new student at Lothal’s Imperial Academy, Zare Leonis does everything it takes to pass as a model cadet. But secretly, he is a hidden enemy among Imperial loyalists, determined to discover the truth about his missing sister and to bring down the Empire. Luckily, he has his tech-savvy girlfriend Merei by his side, willing to help him however she can-even if it means dealing with criminals in the shadiest parts of Capital City. In the meantime Zare must face down a dangerous foe of his own: Lieutenant Curahee, who seems bent on pushing Zare to his breaking point. Join these rebellious cadets as they risk it all to take on the fearsome Empire.
Jason Fry does it again. The second in his 4 part junior series, Servants of the Empire, Rebel in the Ranks delivers a story that is entertaining for young readers and Star Wars fans alike. Picking up where the first book left off, Zare Leonis is still desperately searching for his missing sister Dhara, who vanished from the Imperial Academy the previous year.
Beware, mild spoilers ahead.
Leonis is a “rebel” in the ranks, pretending to serve the Empire, while having his tech savvy girlfriend Merei look for clues to Dhara’s whereabouts. The story seamlessly fits behind the scenes of Star Wars Rebels episode Breaking Ranks and we get to see the story told from Leonis’s point of view. It’s fun witnessing how Zare first perceives Ezra and fellow academy student Oleg, who subsequently could not be more unlikeable and obnoxious, if Fry tried. It’s almost overkill, Oleg’s pretentious personality. I felt like I was back in high school!
Aside from behind the scenes commentary, Fry uses his unique talent of bringing the “foreign” world of Star Wars, down to the relatable level, that makes the reader feel like Lothal is a country on Earth, that any kid can live in. Characters listen to music, talk about their childhoods, crack jokes, etc.
As for the story it is a great addition to the new canon. Not coincidentally, this book came out after the Season 1 finale and gives us some clues as to what to further expect from the secretive Imperial Inquisitors….
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