William Shakespeare’s The Merry Rise of Skywalker: Star Wars Part the Ninth

After nine books, miles of meter, and rhyming couplets galore, Ian Doescher’s Shakespearean take on the most famous saga in science fiction has come to a close. But how does it all end for Rey, Leia, Finn, Poe, Chewie, R2-D2, C-3PO, and the citizens of the galaxy at war with the sinister First Order?

It seems impossible that someone could write nine books that are not only a treat for Shakespeare fans but also a treasure trove of inventive joy for devotees of Star Wars, but Doescher has done precisely that with The Merry Rise of Skywalker. It’s perhaps the best stick-the-landing moment in sci-fi and humor in a long time. Where other authors could have coasted on their previous hard work, Doescher doubled-down with callbacks, references galore, and expansions on the subject matter that are simultaneously hilarious, brilliant, clever, and thoughtful.

From R2’s global overview of the events of the saga to the wonderful insights into Chewie’s mind (not to mention the brilliant artwork that evokes stage performance even as ruffled collars meet space helmets), you’ll need to read this book three times over to get every delightful little detail, easter egg, and mint-worthy moment tucked inside.