Razor's Edge, formerly known as Empire and Rebellion: Razor's Edge, is a novel from the Star Wars Legends continuity (Star Wars Legends) and serves as the initial book in the Star Wars: Empire and Rebellion series of two books. The narrative unfolds a year prior to the events depicted in Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, centering its attention on Princess Leia Organa. Martha Wells is the author, and Del Rey released the first hardcover edition on September 24, 2013. The initial paperback version became available on October 28, 2014.
Back cover
When the Rebel Alliance and rogue factions collide, the Empire might emerge as the ultimate victor.
Internal flap
The Rebel Alliance faces dire circumstances. Imperial pressure and a scarcity of crucial resources are impeding the establishment of a new, clandestine base on the icy planet of Hoth. Consequently, when merchants from the Mid Rim offer essential supplies for purchase, Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo spearhead an Alliance delegation to broker an agreement.
However, betrayal compels the rebel vessel to seek refuge in pirate-controlled territory, leading Leia to a startling revelation: these ruthless pirates originate from Alderaan, Leia's home planet, which was recently obliterated by the Death Star. These survivors have resorted to piracy to sustain themselves—and they are indebted to a pirate fleet, which would eagerly hand over the princess to the vengeful Empire for a reward... should her true identity be discovered.
Torn between intense feelings of guilt, allegiance, and treachery, Leia resolves to assist her wayward people, even as Imperial forces close in on her damaged ship. Caught between deadly outlaws and oppressive adversaries, Leia and Han, along with Luke, Chewbacca, and a combat-ready crew, must defy death—or succumb to it—to ensure the survival of the rebellion.
Leia, Han, and the crew aboard the rebel ship 'Gamble' were en route to rendezvous with their informant, Davit, when they were ambushed by Imperial forces. After escaping to Arnot Station, they encountered the Alderaanian gunship 'Aegis,' which had become a pirate vessel, attacking a freighter. Upon learning of Leia's presence, Metara, the Captain of the 'Aegis,' requested a meeting. Leia, Han, Sian, and Kifar used an escape pod to meet with Metara. Metara revealed that they had survived Alderaan's destruction and subsequently turned to piracy. They were now indebted to Viest, the Lorddian pirate leader. Metara and Leia then met with Viest, who forced them to participate in a perilous game. Meanwhile, Han searched for the captured slaves and discovered Davit among them. Han assisted Leia in defeating a deranged mining droid, leading to Leia's victory in the game. However, Viest reneged on her promise and sent Leia back to the Aegis. Leia had gained an ally in Anakaret, a Twi'lek. Anakaret aided Leia and the crew by broadcasting a warning signal upon their departure from the system, creating a diversion. Han and Kifar were captured. Leia proceeded to set charges in the control room. Upon reaching the control room, they confronted Viest once more. Viest and Metara were killed. Luke and Chewbacca arrived in the Millennium Falcon to assist Leia and Han. During their return journey, they discovered that the Gamble had been seized by Imperial forces. While establishing a meeting point for negotiations, Kifar revealed himself as an Imperial spy and captured Luke. Leia orchestrated the escape of most of the rebel crew and exchanged Luke for an Imperial ship they had commandeered. Before the exchange, pirates entered the system, having tracked the Aegis from the pirate clearinghouse via an implanted tracker. Imperials, pirates, rebels, and the Aegis engaged in combat. Leia, Han, Chewbacca, Luke, Sian, and the crew of the Aegis (now under the command of Kelvan) escaped and reunited with the rebels a month later, joining the rebellion.
The novel's release date was initially set for October 1, before being changed to September 24, 2013.
Wells completed the final draft of the novel on January 15, 2013, and submitted it to the editorial team on January 18. Although she had an idea for a potential title, she did not finalize one during the writing process. Lucasfilm Ltd. was responsible for selecting the title, drawing from her suggestions or ideas from others.
- ISBN 9780345545244 ; September 24 , 2013 ; Del Rey ; US hardcover [1]
- ISBN 9780345545244 ; 2013; Del Rey; US hardcover, Science Fiction Book Club edition (1382847) [9]
- ISBN 9780345545688 ; September 24, 2013; Del Rey; US eBook [2]
- ISBN 9780345545251 ; October 28 , 2014 ; Del Rey; US paperback [3]
- ISBN 9781804951903 ; November 6 , 2025 ; Random House Worlds ; The Essential Legends Collection paperback [4]