Ricky Church reviews Star Wars: Phasma…
If there was one underutilized character in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, it was Gwendoline Christie’s Captain Phasma. Despite her incredibly cool appearance and heavy promotion, Phasma had very little screentime and was taken down fairly easily by the small group of heroes. Hopefully she’ll have much more to do in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but if Delilah S. Dawson’s novel Star Wars: Phasma is any indication, she’s far more interesting and deadly than her chrome armour lets on.
Rather than tell a straightforward origin story, Dawson instead takes a more unique approach. The story begins as a Resistance spy is captured by the stormtrooper captain named Cardinal who, like Phasma, is a high-ranking soldier charged with training new recruits. He has a rivalry with Phasma, though, and in his quest to discover any of her weaknesses he interrogates the spy, believing she has information on Phasma’s history. What follows is a second-hand account of Phasma’s youth that makes the reader question its authenticity at times.
Dawson’s narrative certainly is intriguing, pulling the reader into the story and Phasma’s history. Its doesn’t read like any typical Star Wars novel, nor does it have the same type of feel as most other novels set in the galaxy far, far away. Due to the ravaged world Phasma lived on and the harsh conditions her people had to suffer through, the majority of the novel feels like a cross between Star Wars and Mad Max: Fury Road. The mash-up allows Dawson to create some cool action sequences that are rarely seen in Star Wars, such as actual swordfights and a lot of hand-to-hand combat.
Phasma has a nice roster of supporting characters. Despite being about the First Order’s lead stormtrooper, the most interesting figure of this book is probably Cardinal. He comes across quite intimidating, but also honourable and compassionate in his own way, fully believing in the First Order’s sense of ‘justice’ rather than recognizing it for what it is. His arc is one of the book’s highlights, as is the spy Vi Moradi. The both of them share some good chemistry with each other and Moradi’s wit and narration keep the story entertaining. Some of their early conversations, though, are a little repetitious when Moradi is not recounting what she’s learnt of Phasma.
Of course, the star of the show is the title character herself. While she doesn’t really have any narration to herself, that makes Phasma’s characterization in the book better. She remains a mystery, yet we still gain an understanding of how her mind works and where her loyalties truly lie. Fans will likely enjoy the insight into her character, explaining away one of The Force Awakens’ most common criticisms against Phasma rather well, even if it is retroactive continuity.
Dawson writes a great Phasma, showing her transformation from backwater scum to the significant First Order figure. Her arc is intriguing, but it also begs the question whether Phasma transformed at all or was always just a cold, ruthless person. The answer elevates Phasma’s character into one of the biggest threats and wildcards in the saga.
Star Wars: Phasma is a refreshing change of pace for these novels. Dawson offers something different and it pays off, delivering an intriguing insight into Captain Phasma and the First Order. The characters share good chemistry with each other and provide some exiting insight into characters we haven’t seen much of. Dawson’s captivating book gives readers a reason to be excited for Captain Phasma again.
Rating: 9/10
Ricky Church
