* A Reader Obsessed *'s Reviews > Crimson Climb

4 Stars

Showcasing Qi’ra, Han Solo’s close confidant while growing up a poor scrum rat in the bowels of Correlia, this story reflects on their time scraping by with spying, stealing, doing whatever’s necessary to be at the top of the food chain of the underlings serving the sewer worm Lady Proxima. This starts immediately after Han escapes and is forced to leave Qi’ra behind, an act that painfully makes her realize that she can no longer afford to depend on another for her livelihood or survival ever again. Only she can steer her life towards something possibly better.

Exploit or be exploited. Betray or be betrayed. Kill or be killed. That is Qi’ra’s new and necessary mantra and sadly, she’s not wrong. I do urge one to read Most Wanted first, as it and the movie Solo, lend insight to Han and Qi’ra’s relationship, what they went through together, and the fallout when separated. This fills in the gaps as to how Qi’ra came to be a member of the powerful crime syndicate Crimson Dawn, the eventual trusted lieutenant of the ruthless Dryden Vos, and most likely, indispensable to Darth Maul.

Truly, I feel this did an excellent job at exploring this character thoroughly - her trauma, her struggles, and her continuous contemplation of the good memories of Han that got her through the tough times. Honestly, I didn't admire nor agree with Qi’ra’s choices as they often become cutthroat and unemotionally efficient. However, she can’t show any hesitation when it comes to Dryden Vos’s agenda and ultimately, the mysterious person he reports to.

Overall, unlike Doctor Aphra, I still came out liking Qi’ra despite some uncomfortable and unsavory actions, a testament to this author’s skills in writing a sympathetic character. This was a win in and amongst my various Star Wars reads, and I would not say no to more stories of Qi’ra’s past, present, or future.


Star Wars Universe
Resistance Reborn - 5 Stars!
Crimson Climb - 4 Stars
Most Wanted - 4 Stars
Scoundrels - 4 Stars
A New Hope: The Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy - 3.5 Stars
The Princess and the Scoundrel - 3.5 Stars
The Rise of Skywalker - 3.5 Stars
Doctor Aphra - 2.5 Stars