For just the second time since the Star Wars universe books relaunched, we’re arrived at a momentous occasion: the conclusion of a book trilogy. (Let’s not split hairs right now regarding the new Thrawn books.) Out today, Alphabet Squadron: Victory’s Price by Alexander Freed brings the story of five New Republic pilots doing their best to survive to its conclusion even as the war against the Empire does the same above the sands of Jakku. After the previous book, Shadow Fall, none of the Alphabet pilots were doing well by any stretch of the imagination but will they all live to see a time of peace? Or will some of them pay the ultimate price in the name of victory?

Alphabet Squadron, flung in separate directions in the last book, is no longer a cohesive unit. How can they be when their own leader, Yrica Quell, has turned traitor yet again after her previous crimes were revealed? The Empire may be slowly dying but Shadow Wing has found new life with Colonel Keize at its head. And with the horrific Operation Cinder getting a second wind, there is plenty to keep General Hera Syndulla’s battle group busy even before they must head to Jakuu for the final battle. It won’t be an easy path for any of them.

First things first: yes, Victory’s Price does stick the landing. Trilogies can be a tricky thing to end even under the best of circumstances and a book centered around five characters who are all so deeply traumatized by the horrors of war has a harder task of that than most. Without spoilers, the endings for Yrica, Wyl, Chass, Nath, Kairos, and even Hera are all narratively satisfying. Yrica Quell’s is, in particularly, well done which isn’t always easy when you’re dealing with a character who has served the Empire. Somehow, she’s the mash up of Iden Versio and Lara Notsil I never knew I needed until Freed put her on the page before us. Wyl Lark is another character who has gone on quite the narrative journey since we first met him. He’s a leader now, in title and in actuality, but the core of that good sweet metaphorical horse boy is still there beneath that beard. It’s impossible to discuss exactly why these arcs are so successful without going into spoilers (which don’t worry, we won’t) but they are the core of this book and of this trilogy.

One of the best things about Victory’s Price is how reading this book is actually enjoyable. Shadow Fall, while well written and a well-executed story, was not a novel that could easily be described as an enjoyable reading experience because of the truly gut wrenching, heart breaking things our core bunch of characters go through. Victory’s Price doesn’t pull any punches but also, it feels far less soul crushing which was, quite frankly, a relief as a reader.

What Victory’s Price does best is continue to ask the tough, moral questions to which there are no easy answers. How far is too far in war especially when you’re one of the good guys? How far down the ranks does culpability go? What does redemption even mean when someone’s taken part in genocide? Much of how these are delved into is difficult to discuss here without spoilers but there is a beautifully phrased passage where a character speaks of how, in the service of the Empire, “everyone does something to stain their conscience.” Even though Nath had a hero medal slapped on his chest, these still aren’t the stories of the heroes of the Rebellion where right and wrong somehow seems more black and white. There is no pretty bow that can be placed on top at the end. And while there are answers given, they are not necessarily definitive. It’s likely fandom will be talking about these for a while.

The Alphabet Squadron trilogy has been the pilot stories that so many people in fandom have missed while also having the Freed trademarked emotional depth and pain. Victory’s Price more than does justice to these characters we’ve come to know and love over the last two years. It’s been a rough, heart-wrenching ride at times… but it’s absolutely been a worthwhile one.

Victory has a price… but also, it comes with hope. And sometimes, that spark of hope alongside the heartbreak is just what we need.

Thank you to Del Rey for providing an early copy of the book for review purposes.