One brand-newStar Warsstory released today is perfect for the upcomingAndorseason 2, to the point of being a must-read before the next iteration of the story is told.Star Warshas a long-running tradition of supporting the stories it tells in both live-action and animation with written and visual content, most notably books and comics.Andoritself is a prequel to the events ofRogue One: A Star Wars Story, a movie that was also supported by the novelCatalystby James Luceno.

Though not as intimately tied toAndorasCatalystwas toRogue One, a newStar Warsnovel released today is perfect for anyone who finds themselves thoroughly enjoying the live-action TV show, from its characters to its overall darker tone. WithAndorseason 2now only two months away, this is the perfect time for readers to pick up this story. Here’s more onStar Wars’newest book release, and how it connects so perfectly to the world ofAndor.

Padme sitting with Mon Mothma and Bail Organa in a deleted Revenge of the Sith scene

The Reign Of The Empire: The Mask Of Fear Is The Perfect Andor Prequel

It Follows Some Of Andor’s Most Important Characters

Just asAndoracts as a prequel toRogue One, the newStar WarsnovelReign of the Empire: The Mask of Fearby Alexander Freed acts as a prequel toAndoritself.The Mask of Fear, which is the first story in a brand-new series titledReign of the Empire, follows three key figures in theRebel Alliance, two of whom are heavily featured inAndor:Mon Mothma, Bail Organa, andSaw Gerrera.This story, however, sees how they navigate the Imperial era prior to the events ofAndorand the formation of the Rebel Alliance.

Purchase Reign of the Empire: The Mask of Fear on Amazon

Cassian Andor and Luthen from Andor (2022-2025)

WithAndor’s story starting in 5 BBY, much closer to the beginning of the Galactic Civil War,The Mask of Fearacts as the perfect precursor to how the events of that show would unfold for these notable characters.The Mask of Feartakes place almost directly after the events ofStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, and concurrently with thetimeline ofStar Wars: The Bad Batch, between 19 and 18 BBY - thus providing context for how Mothma, Organa, and Gerrera would originally find their footing for a future Rebellion.

The Mask Of Fear Adds So Much More Depth To Andor’s Characters

This Further Exploration Enriches Andor’s Story

Ultimately, the greatest benefit ofThe Mask of Fearis that it explores these characters in further depth. By placing the readers inside their minds, especially at such a crucial turning point in galactic history, it enriches their stories and lays the framework for their actions in projects likeAndor.The danger of what they’re doing, even so early on in the Empire’s reign, proves the high cost they would all have to payin so many different areas of their lives to eventually free the galaxy.

Andor Season 2 Cast & Character Guide

Andor season 2 returns with an extensive cast, including some familiar faces from the show’s past, some big Star Wars returns, and new characters.

This is whyThe Mask of Fearis a perfect prequel forAndor, especially ahead of season 2. This upcoming season will be taking things to a new level as far as the Rebel Alliance is concerned, andThe Mask of Feargoes back to the very beginning of these characters' Rebel origin stories to show how far they truly have come. For anyone who wants to enrich theirAndorexperience even more,The Mask of Fearis an absolute must-read.

Andor Seasoon 2 official poster