This past December, fans were given the final film in the Skywalker saga with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. The film was met with a lot of criticism, which is just par for the course these days, but it’s in the books as the final film, case closed, or so we thought. Thanks to Rae Carson‘s upcoming novelization of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which was given an advance release at C2E2 in Chicago, we get a little more insight into the final scenes between Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren/Ben Solo (Adam Driver).

The novel describes the scrutinized kiss between the two characters as follows:

“His heart was full as Rey reached for his face, let her fingers linger against his cheek. And then, wonder of wonders, she leaned forward and kissed him. A kiss of gratitude, acknowledgement of their connection, celebration that they’d found each other at last.

But then she drew back, concern on her face. She could feel him growing cold.

Ben smiled at her.

He had given Rey back to the galaxy. It wouldn’t atone for the darkness he’d wrought, but it was what he could do.”

Many fans said the kiss seemed forced, unnecessary, or passionless. And maybe passionless is on the right track, as it’s described as a “kiss of gratitude,” but I don’t ever kiss people to say thanks. And thankfully, I don’t know anyone that does. Gross. But fine, if that’s what they want to go with. The novel also gives fans insight into the last words uttered between the pair, as half of it is spoken only in the Force, by Kylo/Ben, who is slipping away. It says:

A voice came to her through the Force, clear and strong. I will always be with you, Ben said. She smiled. Let the truth of it wash over her. ‘No one’s ever really gone,’ she whispered.

This feels very sweet and authentic, and representative of their relationship and how far he had come in his evolution and their connection. It’s nice that the story can be further explored in the novel. Maybe fans can feel a little more connected to this story this way, and get closure from the final chapter.

What do you think about these insights?