Star Wars is finally giving Leia and Rey the story they deserve

Image: Lucasfilm / Disney

Regardless of polarized opinions surrounding the Star Wars sequel trilogy, there is no denying that the narrative timeline left ample room for exploration. Lucasfilm has expertly tapped into these unexplored corners, delivering a wave of novels and comics that further flesh out the arcs of characters like Kylo Ren, Poe Dameron, Rey, and Finn.

The latest entry, Star Wars: Legacy by Madeleine Roux, is a prime example of this storytelling expansion. Taking place in the interim between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, Roux—an author celebrated for her mastery of atmospheric, genre-bending fiction—spotlights a mentor-mentee dynamic that felt underutilized on screen: the poignant bond between Leia Organa and her unofficial Jedi apprentice, Rey.

Desperate to restore her lightsaber following the passing of Luke Skywalker, Rey embarks on a quest to the ancient world of Tython, only to find the Resistance General herself at her side.

“If these women hold a special place in your heart, this story is for you,” Roux remarked in a statement to Polygon. “I’ve loved Leia since childhood, and Rey has been a beacon of inspiration since she first ignited her blade in The Force Awakens. It is a rare privilege to craft a narrative that acts as both a bridge between films and a contemplative exploration of their beautiful, complex connection.”

The following excerpt from Star Wars: Legacy (Random House Worlds) highlights the emotional gravity of their partnership as they navigate a perilous, long-forgotten temple alongside Gavrin, a cautious member of the Church of the Force. Read on to discover what lies ahead.

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“What did you see in there?”

She had seen a fractured version of herself. Kylo Ren. Ruin. Demise.

Avoiding the searching eyes of her companions, she drifted toward the platform’s edge. It hung perilously above the cistern, suspended by seemingly impossible architecture. Her gaze traced the floor, the dark pool, and the distant bridge, before returning to the void. “Echoes of my history. A relentless sandstorm on Jakku. A recent, brutal skirmish with the First Order.”

“Harsh visions,” Leia acknowledged. “But they felt distorted, as if I were somehow coloring them myself.”

“I’m not certain I was in command of the experience,” Rey admitted, pacing the platform’s perimeter. Something was fundamentally amiss; the ritual had failed to provide the clarity she sought. If anything, she felt more unsettled. “What are we overlooking?”

“I’d suggest another attempt, but that sounds like a recipe for disaster,” Gav muttered, exhaling sharply.

Rey reached the end of the platform, where the structure simply vanished into the abyss. There had to be a way forward; the riddle and the door were clearly intentional. The Jedi were notorious for their cryptic tests. She removed her cowl, wringing it out, only for Leia to step forward and place a grounding hand on her back. When Leia opened her arms, Rey leaned into the embrace, a sudden wave of relief washing over her.

“I am so grateful you are safe,” Leia whispered, her fingers checking Rey’s hair with a tenderness that reminded her of Jakku—of a mother’s gentle, protective habit of dusting sand from her daughter’s head.

The tension finally broke.

“Thank you for following me,” Rey said, pulling back and focusing her frustration on the sodden cowl, wringing it until the water fell in rhythmic droplets against the silent dark.

“Even if it nearly cost us everything?” Leia asked, though Rey’s focus had already shifted.

“Wait,” Rey breathed, her eyes widening. “Did you see that?” As she twisted the fabric, the water hitting the ground sparked a soft, melodic twinkle. A path, previously invisible, materialized below. Rey knelt, her hand tracing the smooth, cool glass of the hidden bridge. She checked the airflow—the ventilation kept the dust at bay, ensuring the path remained concealed. “It’s a test of perception.”

“Does anyone have a light?” Gavrin asked, hurrying to catch up.

“Remarkable,” C-3PO observed from a safe distance. “The ancient Jedi were peerless architects, but I have never witnessed such ingenuity.”

Rey activated her glow rod, casting a beam that revealed a bridge of solid transparisteel, wide enough for two. With a deep breath and a leap of faith, she tested the surface. It was solid. “Follow me,” she commanded.

They crossed in a cautious single file, the droid’s hesitant footsteps echoing against the silence. When they reached the door, Rey pressed her palms against the surface, focusing her mind. As the door began to rise, it triggered a mechanism that bathed the chasm in light, unveiling a blue holographic projection of a Jedi Master. He appeared calm, younger than the one they had previously glimpsed.

“Through reflection or sheer resolve, you have survived the Chamber of Quenching,” the hologram intoned. “A master goldsmith knows the temperament of the metal; they apply fire and frost with precision, knowing when to shape and when to restrain. So, too, must a Jedi master their own inner fire. The Way of the Reforged is demanding. Prepare yourself—beyond lies the Simulacris.”

“The Way of the Reforged?” C-3PO queried. “That sounds remarkably ominous.”

“You’re the translator,” Rey reminded him, her mind racing. “A forge. That can’t be a coincidence.”

“Sounded more like a metaphor to me,” Gavrin muttered, avoiding her gaze.

Leia reached out, her hand resting firmly on Rey’s forearm. “Whatever this ‘Simulacris’ is, perhaps we should pause.”

Rey nodded, the exhaustion of the ordeal finally setting in. “I think you’re right. I need to dry off and consult the texts before we rush into anything else.”

Leia offered a warm, proud smile. “Books are best paired with tea.” She turned toward Gavrin, gesturing for him to assist her back across the bridge. “Do you have tea at your camp? If not, our ship’s supply is at your disposal.”

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Star Wars: Legacy by Madeleine Roux arrives on July 28.

 

Source: Polygon