Review: E.K Johnston Delivers a Thrilling Qi’ra Story in ‘Crimson Climb’
Ever since the controversial Solo movie hit theaters, I must admit I have been staunchly on one side of the divide. I adore that movie. A large part of what made that movie special for me was the introduction of Qi’ra. Emilia Clarke brought her unparalleled charisma to a new and exciting character, giving us a deeper look into my all-time favorite character, Han Solo. Of course, the ending of the movie made many of us yearn for more of Qi’ra. We’ve been fortunate to get some of that. It’s not been the Disney Plus show or sequel movie many of us had hoped for, but the comic world has been rich with Qi’ra content. If you haven’t read them, I won’t spoil the entire War of the Bounty Hunters arc for you. I’ll leave it at this. Her rise and fall through Crimson Dawn have higher galactic stakes than I ever imagined.
Then, it was announced Crimson Climb was coming to our bookshelves. Qi’ra was getting her first fully-fledged solo novel. My excitement was tremendous. It was announced this novel by E.K Johnston would fill in the blanks of her life from the time she and Han are separated at the beginning of Solo until we meet her later in the film. The promise of more Qi’ra, crime syndicates, and a full Qi’ra story were enough to get me pumped to read this book and write the review. I am pleased to report that this book is just as much fun as you hope it is. It was a blast to read from start to finish. It ties together everything we know about Qi’ra without just turning this into a Solo-nostalgia fest and is worth heading to the bookstore today to pick it up.
Diving into the psyche of Qi’ra was my favorite part. In Solo, we don’t get to explore her motives and development as much as we’d like because well, of course, it’s Han’s story. Much of Qi’ra’s life story is laced with tragedy. She’s sold, abused multiple times, and manipulated in ways she doesn’t fully understand at certain times. However, through all of this is her cunning, relentless ferocity, and charm. There’s little room in her life for true happiness. The only time she feels happiness throughout her story is exactly like she tells it in Solo: The moments she thinks of Han and being off with him on their adventures.
Throughout Solo, Han believes Qi’ra has a simple choice. Leave Crimson Dawn and join him, or the choice she ultimately makes, which is to plunge herself deeper into the belly of the beast. Throughout Crimson Climb, we get a deeper look at what went into that decision. It’s not the “simple choice” Han thinks it to be. There is so little opportunity throughout Qi’ra’s story in this book for free will. Many of the grand narrative decisions are made for her. She is forced into further servitude for Lady Proxima, then sold to another owner, and finally sold once more into Crimson Dawn. Rather than take away from her agency as a character, it does the opposite.
Many in her position would crumble, give in, and seek the easy way out. Qi’ra is not most people. She learns, adapts, and meticulously plans. There is always a choice. Sometimes, her choices are made for her, but she never loses her agency as a character. She makes the most of her situations, and while she is forcefully thrust into the world of Crimson Dawn, she does choose to rise through the ranks. She chooses to accept Crimson Dawn as her new home. She chooses survival. She chooses power.
Before I dive into some story elements from the book, I want to take a moment to talk about author E.K Johnston. We have been notably critical of some of the Star Wars stories she has written in the past. Not all, but some. This caused some level of trepidation when I heard Johnston was at the helm of this story. However, I must say that she nailed it. She delivered a gritty Qi’ra story full of heart and intrigue. She even got to take us on a final mission that seemed straight out of an Indiana Jones story. I can’t say enough about how well she delivered for a character who deserved a moment in the spotlight.
Needless to say, I love Crimson Climb. There aren’t these grand galactic stakes like some of the other novels we have been getting. Instead, it’s a singularly focused story on a character who I hope has more story to tell in the future. There’s something wonderful about a story that can just focus on a single character and spend time diving into all the ins and outs of their journey. Before this novel, I wasn’t completely sold on a potential crime syndicate show or movie in Star Wars, but now I must admit I am all in if they choose to go that route. Crimson Climb delivers exactly what it needs to and more.
Alright, I am going to dive just a wee bit into some of the story, so if you want to go in fresh, you may want to stop here. I won’t be giving many spoilers away, but here’s your warning.
Minor spoilers ahead!
The book begins right after Qi’ra and Han are separated at the beginning of Solo. Proxima’s minions have captured Qi’ra after the failed escape. She had let herself become blinded by Han’s optimism and half-baked plans. Throughout the novel, you will see her revisit that fateful failed escape as well as memories or thoughts of Han in general. At times, she wants to be angry at him or resentful. His recklessness is part of what landed her in the predicament she’s in when we first see her in the novel. However, it often has the opposite effect. The more horror she experiences throughout the book, the more she ultimately comes to appreciate who Han is. The fact that someone like him can exist in a galaxy full of terror, ruthlessness, and cruelty brings her happiness. She knows she can’t be that way. It’s not practical and will get her killed. But after reading, I think a part of Han always lingered. Part of Han allowed her to cling to whatever humanity was not being chipped away by everyone around her.
Qi’ra knows she is going to be in for a rough time upon her return–to say the least. Lady Proxima doesn’t have her killed, so Qi’ra at least has the assurance she is “still needed.” The other scrumrats don’t hold back when they steal everything of hers they can get their hands on. She is kicked, punched, and beaten to an extreme. It’s here she vows to do whatever it takes to survive. In these moments, she knows she will never let anyone else control her fate again. Before she ever comes into the power and authority–we know her to hold later in life–this is where Lady Qi’ra of Crimson Dawn becomes reality.
Qi’ra doesn’t spend an incredible amount of time with the White Worms in the book. She essentially plays a chess match with Lady Proxima throughout the remaining time she’s there. It’s a chess match Qi’ra wins, but not the prize she would like. Ultimately, she’s sold to another master. This one is full of malice and cruelty beyond even Lady Proxima and her followers.
Thankfully, Qi’ra spends a limited amount of time with him before she is delivered into the hands of Dryden Vos and Crimson Dawn. As a reader, I was eager to get to this point from the jump. Something I appreciated from Johnston was her ability to get me to buy in and care about all the events occurring before her time with Crimson Dawn.
Once with Crimson Dawn, the story heats up. The subterfuge, political dynamics, and the different powers at play are all fascinating. Qi’ra’s first assignment in a remote world brings about many changes for her. First, she’s faced with having her own personal space, property, and lifestyle for the first time in her life. She’s never had money to purchase something or a comfortable bed to sleep on with little risk of being attacked in the middle of the night. Second, she unexpectedly makes friends. It’s not even out of a desire to do this; it just happened organically. If anything, it was what she didn’t want to do.
Just because she’s making friends doesn’t mean she is getting complacent. Unlike many others, Qi’ra is never satisfied. She’s constantly observing and consistently looking for cracks in others’ armor. Johnston writes Qi’ra in a way that is easy and simple to understand and follow, while also keeping the story and her psyche feeling tremendously complex.
Through some incredible work on her part, she snags the attention of Dryden Vos himself. I won’t detail the events leading up to this because I want you to pick up a copy for yourself. But the final third gives you what you’ve been waiting for, Qi’ra: personal tutelage from Dryden Vos.
Vos is captivating in this book. I always enjoyed the character in Solo, but this book expands upon the character in wonderful ways. The book gives us more of the phony charm he exudes so well. It’s remarkable how entranced I became as a reader. His relationship with Qi’ra is fascinating. There’s a mutual respect between the two, but also a mental chess match playing out. Qi’ra doesn’t want to reveal all of her cards, and Vos is determined to find her limits.
The two’s relationship is the most compelling part of the book. It could’ve easily spanned the entirety of the novel without feeling too thin. I know we have been quite blessed with a ton of Qi’ra content via comics and books, but I won’t be upset if some more stories come our way.
The final third of the book is action-packed and adventure-laced. I mentioned this before, but the ending is pulled straight out of an Indiana Jones story. The relationships Qi’ra has built come to fruition, and her skills are honed so expertly that she is ready for the trials she faces.
Some quick hits to wrap it up:
- The usage of Maul was great throughout the book. His presence loomed large over everything going on with Crimson Dawn. He doesn’t show up in the flesh until the final pages. It was a great way to use the character.
- General Veers sighting! He’s not a general yet in this one, but it’s a cool moment.
- Han’s dice are a lifeline to the happiness Qi’ra won’t find in life. She almost leaves them behind on multiple occasions, but always comes back to grab them.
- The final page leaves off on a note that screams future Qi’ra stories are out there.
- The Grindalids and life in Corellia continue to fascinate me.
Crimson Climb was not a Star Wars masterpiece, but it belongs on any collector’s bookshelf. It’s a thrilling read from start to finish, and I hope everyone has a chance to dive in.
Rating: 7/10
Star Wars: Crimson Climb is available now wherever books are sold. Thank you to Disney-Lucasfilm Press for the copy used in this review.
Finding ways to nonchalantly incorporate Star Wars quotes into 8th grade classroom, Tyler lives and breathes Star Wars. His morning tradition is sending the latest number in the countdown for different Star Wars projects and loves engaging in uplifting Star Wars dialogue. If you are passionate about Star Wars you can follow him on Twitter at TyBrad5.
