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When the pandemic hit, I created a content writing business and began establishing professional relationships with publishers to provide reviews for their latest Star Wars releases. Each of the following book reviews are published and completed in collaboration with the publisher.
Witness Maul Operate in the Shadows and Palpatine's First Moves to Destroy the Republic from Within
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Michael Reeves delivers a Phantom Menace prequel highlighting Maul's operations in the shadows ensuring his Master's plan comes to fruition. Shortly before the Trade Federation's blockade of Naboo, a key Trade Federation official escapes the grasp of Nute Gunray and travels to Coruscant with vital information about the blockade. As a result, Sidious dispatches his apprentice, Darth Maul, to kill the Neimoidian and anyone he may have passed the information to. Jedi Knight Anoon Dondara and his Padawan Darsha Assant begin following the trail once Maul makes his first move, and Darsha finds herself faced with a challenge that pits her bravery against Maul.
As always I enjoy witnessing Palpatine be the puppet master that he is behind the scenes and watch his utter brilliance play out as if it's an insurmountable game of chess. As much as the Trade Federation is under Palpatine's grip, Maul is equally under his Master's control and it's intriguing to watch him strategize for the short and long-term. All the characters introduced are wonderful and are fun to explore throughout the story which is why I am disappointed Shadow Hunter takes place so close to the events of The Phantom Menace. Given how audiences know what transpires in The Phantom Menace, there are certain aspects that are predictable and there are evident plot conveniences throughout the story that become more prominent as the end draws near which negatively impacts the narrative as a whole. However, despite my gripes, I sincerely enjoyed Sam Witwer's narration of this story, and his performance significantly enhanced my experience with the narrative. Witwer is primarily known for being the Voice of Maul but has also voiced other characters - including Starkiller and The Son - so his talent is undeniable, but I have a greater appreciation for the actor after listening to him bring Shadow Hunter to life. There are a handful of characters we get to follow, of note Palpatine is a presence that must be portrayed with careful attention, and Witwer blew me away with his Palpatine impression - Witwer's impression of this iconic character is among the best I have heard, ever. It's rare that I get fully engrossed in an audiobook, and Witwer successfully caught and maintained my attention from beginning to end.
Final Thoughts: Shadow Hunter by Michael Reeves reveals Palpatine's subtle masterful manipulation of various pawns at his disposal in addition to showcasing how effective Maul is at operating in the shadows. I love how the story essentially leads directly into the opening of The Phantom Menace, and while there is nothing of note to reel over for the narrative itself, Witwer's performance was the highlight of my experience with this book. Despite the narrative flaws, I highly suggest checking out this audiobook rendition to listen to Witwer do his thing.
Catch Wedge and Rogue Squadron's Next Adventure in The Krytos Trap
It's said that the X-Wing novels are some of the best the expanded universe has to offer, and between an intricate plot and fun characters, it is not difficult to see why. Random House Worlds continues bringing legends novels to the Essential Collection with updated cover art, and for some an audio rendition, and X-Wing: The Krytos Trap by Michael A. Stackpole is one of the lucky novels that also got an audiobook that is narrated by none-other than Marc Thompson. The Krytos Trap picks up after the events of Wedge's Gamble on a newly reclaimed Coruscant and the Rebels are working to establish a new government, but unfortunately for them, this task is more difficult than they foresaw. A deadly virus called Krytos is wiping out the indigenous population, causing rising tension between human and non-human citizens, and a counter revolution ensues as a result. Meanwhile, the trial for Rebel hero Tycho Celchu is under way and agents of provocateurs carry out their own act of terrorism, so all that stands to protect the developing government is rogue squadron. As the x-wing fighters scramble to save the Rebellion, Corran Horn, who was given up for dead in Ysanne Isard's inescapable prison, discovers he alone holds the key to freeing Coruscant form the Empire's remnants.
Of the first three X-Wing books, I enjoyed The Krytos Trap the most. More characters are fleshed out in this installment, especially Corran, and some familiar faces make an appearance throughout the book - most notably Leia and Luke. Stackpole also continues the detailed dogfights most readers are here to enjoy and he does not disappoint on that front. However, I will say that Tycho's trial was one aspect of the book I did not enjoy as much. I was expecting something different than a model of the justice system closely resembling the U.S. uses, and the whole point of the trial being diffused immediately once Corran Horn shows up makes this subplot seem meaningless in addition to stalling Tycho's character development - especially since he seems to just drop the fact he was wrongly accused. Moreover, I also felt like there were some parts that fell short, including how the Krytos issue seemed to be conveniently solved and how the spy in Rogue Squadron seemingly fell off in this book despite Erisi playing an important role in the first two books.
Final Thoughts: The Krytos Trap by Michael A. Stackpole is an enjoyable addition to the X-Wing series despite my gripes. The character development and interesting plot is enjoyable now that the series is picking up after the introduction phase. If you go the audiobook route, Marc Thompson's narration is always delightful and it certainly enhanced my experience with this book.
A Rebellious Obi-Wan? Oh, I Don't Think So
So far we have yet to see a young Obi-Wan in the early days of his training until now. Padawan by Kiersten White delves into the complex intricacies of Obi-Wan's psyche as he struggles to find his footing as a Jedi Padawan. Between contemplating his place within the Jedi Order itself and where he stands with Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan discovers old files from Orla Jareni that were logged into the records but were never updated, and since Obi-Wan feels a strong connection to this Wayseeker, he decides to finish what she started. Ultimately, Obi-Wan ends up on Lenahra, an otherwise unfamiliar planet, and meets what appears to be the planet's only inhabitants: a group of children. Lenahra's secrets begin to unfold the longer Obi-Wan remains on the planet, and he soon realizes everyone is in danger unless he can get to the bottom of the great disturbance in the Force.
For a YA installment, Padawan delivers on all of the key aspects and is still a smooth read for older fans. The premise of following a 16 year-old Obi-Wan on an adventure while having him sort through some heavy burdens is especially relatable for the target age group and is something anyone can identify with. Despite strategic uses of themes, Padawan fell short for me due to the overuse of said themes - meaning it's rare to find a chapter where Obi-Wan isn't questioning everything he is doing, is about to do, or his Master - and the story progression suffered as a result. The end is where the plot picks up but has a rather convenient ending that feels rushed which I think is a missed opportunity for including a tailpiece demonstrating how Obi-Wan is different at the end of the novel versus in the beginning. Although, despite its shortcomings, I found a few instances where I enjoyed learning the history of some prominent components to the prequels - one of which being how Obi-Wan first knew a certain Besalisk.
Final Thoughts: Padawan by Kiersten White is another fine addition to the YA lineup of Star Wars novels set around the time of the prequels. With references from The High Republic and beyond, there are hidden gems for fans to discover along the adventure of following Obi-Wan through one of his earliest trials.
The Shroud of the Dark Side Falls on the New Republic
Taking place roughly 13 years before The Force Awakens, Adam Christopher delivers a new adventure that helps bridge the gap between the original and sequel trilogies. Luke and Lando are at the center of the novel, embarking on a common adventure for vastly different reasons, while we also follow Rey's parents who are newly fleshed-out characters on their task of keeping Rey safe. For some time now Luke has been haunted by visions of Exegol, plaguing him with uncertainty and worry for what this could mean for the future of the galaxy, and this creates great disturbances in the Force. As for Lando, it has been six years since his young daughter, Kadara, was kidnapped and he has been searching for her to no avail. Just as Lando is giving up all hope, he overhears whispers of children being kidnapped for sinister plans and the Sith which reignites the spark to keep searching for his daughter and he turns to none other than Luke for help. Despite different motivations, their paths converge on the mystery of Exegol. Meanwhile, Dathan and Miramir are desperate to keep Rey safe as they determine what steps need to be taken next.
It's rare that I am completely taken back by the first chapter, and Christopher successfully subverted all of my expectations by opening with Rey's parents: Dathan and Miramir. Not only do we get a name for these characters, but Christopher gives them a tragically compelling storyline. We find Rey and her parents while they are on the run from the Sith Eternal - Exegol's band of Sith cultists - who want to bring Rey to Exegol, and the individual who is hunting the family is Ochi of Bestoon - a character that comic readers will be familiar with. Ochi, however, is not the only main antagonist and the other is someone readers will also be familiar with if they read the Aftermath trilogy.
While there are a handful of great moments throughout the book, I am disheartened that Shadow of the Sith is necessary in order to understand the sequel trilogy and the added lingering questions The Rise of Skywalker threw into the mix. Christopher does a great job at bridging the Luke we see in the original trilogy and The Mandalorian with the disgruntled man we see on Ahch-to and incorporates pertinent details in a way that makes them meaningful so they don't feel as much like a conveniency merely to wrap up the sequel's story. I strongly feel like aspects of this book should have been in The Force Awakens to make the entire trilogy's story more cohesive, but we all know what happened with that.
Despite my gripes, I appreciated various callbacks to other Star Wars media, like Battlefront II with Shriv's cameo and Solo by referencing the Calrissian Chronicles. In addition to those callbacks and more, we see glimpses of young Ben Solo training with Luke where Christopher successfully incorporates foreshadowing of the gaps in Ben's training. Of the Disney-era novel releases we have gotten so far, Shadow of the Sith is one of the frontrunners with a direct plug-in with the Skywalker Saga films that I feel most readers will enjoy.
Final thoughts: Shadow of the Sith by Adam Christopher is a long overdue necessary piece of the equation when looking at the sequel trilogy. Most of the lingering questions from The Rise of Skywalker are addressed in addition to setting up other story decisions made in the first two films of the trilogy; moreover, Christopher crafted a narrative that can stand on its own and is enjoyable in isolation. Regardless of opinion on the sequel trilogy, there are aspects of the novel that anyone can enjoy.
A Balanced Anthology Discussing Jedi and Sith Alike
Spanning across various eras, Stories of Jedi and Sith is an anthology of 10 original short stories told by different authors - some are veteran Star Wars writers while others are making their debut to the scene. Although this collection is comparable to Stories of Light and Dark set during The Clone Wars, there is little to no retelling of major events and each story is enjoyable in its own respect.
Fans will also be pleased to know that the stories of Jedi and Sith told in this anthology is balanced, as all things should be (that is if you consider Barriss to have already started down the dark path), highlighting these characters as follows:
Michael Kogge - Yoda
Alex Segura - Qui-Gon Jinn
Sarwat Chadda - Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker
Karen Strong - Barriss Offee
Delilah S. Dawson - Asajj Ventress
Michael Moreci - Maul
Vera Strange - Darth Vader
Sam Maggs - Luke Skywalker
Tessa Gratton - Emperor Palpatine
Roseanne A. Brown - Rey
Overall there are interesting stories included in this anthology, and while most do lead up to major events that fans will recognize, I did not find that it distracted from the story. Despite having a short amount of time to communicate a story, the authors did a great job with the pages allotted to them; although, I will say that there were some that could have continued - like Barriss' short - since it felt like the story was just picking up before abruptly ending.
I recommend anyone who is on the fence to go ahead and grab this book to give it a try, especially if you are a Clone Wars fan, not only because of Barriss but also because of a Maul story set in the years after Revenge of the Sith as well as the well-executed short about Ventress - not to mention the writing from all the authors is great.
Tenth Time… that Business on Cato Neimoidia Does Count
Anakin and Obi-Wan have endured numerous adventures together while they were brothers-in-arms of the Jedi Order, oftentimes resulting in Anakin saving Obi-Wan’s skin, and you’ll be pleased to discover that Brotherhood by Mike Chen establishes the synchrony the dynamic duo share throughout the Clone War. Shortly after the events on Geonosis, Obi-Wan is sent to Cato Neimoidia as an emissary of the Republic to investigate a sudden bombing alongside the Separatist envoy, Asajj Ventress, while Anakin is on his first assignment as a newly promoted Jedi Knight with none-other than a handful of Jedi Initiates, at least until he receives a call for help.
Chen successfully cements a prequel feel early on in the narrative and his understanding of both Kenobi and Skywalker creates a seamless bridge between seeing these characters in Attack of the Clones and The Clone Wars (2008). Examining Anakin and Obi-Wan’s inner workings is rewarding and heartbreaking but leaves you craving more. As a devoted Anakin fan, I was nervous about his characterization in Brotherhood since there aren’t a lot of books that can accurately depict his character, but I was pleasantly surprised by Chen’s intentional care to Anakin’s presence throughout the narrative. Anakin’s pure devotion towards others is rarely depicted as coming from a place of genuinely good intentions without hints of fear or attachment clouding his judgement, and Chen highlights the sincere softheartedness of Anakin’s personality exceptionally well. Furthermore, Chen also successfully highlights the more vulnerable side of Obi-Wan through his internal wrestling with the urge to show compassion and pull to remain how he believes a Jedi should be. As I’ve mentioned previously, Obi-Wan is not my favorite character but I have an appreciation for the stories he’s in and Brotherhood is no different. All of my suspicions about Obi-Wan caring for Anakin and that he noticed early slight warning signs were confirmed; although I walked away with a greater sense of clarity, Kenobi’s strict dedication to the Jedi Code is frustrating and only reinforces my respect for his “redemption arc” in the From A Certain Point of View Empire Strikes Back short story titled There is Always Another.
Besides the characters we know and love, there are some new faces who are prominent throughout the book: Ruug Quarnom, a Neimoidian guard, and Mill Alibeth, a Zabrak Jedi Initiate. Ruug and Mill both have important roles throughout the story; however, Mill instantly became a new favorite who I’d love to see more of.
Final Thoughts: Brotherhood by Mike Chen is a must read for all prequel fans that won’t disappoint. Chen skillfully connects Brotherhood to Attack of the Clones along with other material around the same time, like E. K. Johnston’s Queen’s Hope, while also incorporating subtle nods to Fallen Order, Matthew Stover’s Revenge of the Sith novelization, Master and Apprentice by Claudia Gray, and more. It’s safe to say Brotherhood will make it to one of my top reads this year, and I implore anyone check out this book if you’ve at all pondered if that business on Cato Neimoidia does in fact count.
Marc Thompson's Narration Breathes Life Into the Fast-Paced Adventure of Rogue Squadron
X-Wing: Wedge’s Gamble by Michael A. Stackpole, first published in 1996, is the second novel in the X-Wing series to be part of Del Rey’ Essential Legends Collection and the third to receive an audiobook. Per usual, the audiobook production is top-notch and Marc Thompson successfully brings all the characters to life with his collection of voices. We find our heroes a few years after the Battle of Endor and roughly a month past the events of it’s predecessor, Rogue Squadron, and Wedge is recruiting a slew of new members for his squadron. The Rebels now have their sights on reclaiming Coruscant from the Empire’s grip, and Rogue Squadron must figure out how to aid the Rebellion in dealing a devastating blow to the Imperial remnants as well as its new leader, Ysanne “Iceheart” Isard. Iceheart’s tactics skillfully meet the Rebel’s plans at every corner and the Rebellion has yet to suspect an Imperial spy in their ranks.
Despite the premise of Rogue Squadron going undercover not entirely making sense, the narrative is compelling and it was a decent read. Wedge’s Gamble was my first exposure to this series and it was fun to read even without grasping all the context gained from the first book; although, it’s definitely better to read the first book first (obviously) if you’re planning on really diving into this series.
Final thoughts: Wedge’s Gamble by Michael A. Stackpole is a fun story with exciting characters to follow along on this adventure. It’s enjoyable to see the galaxy portrayed in a different light and the cliffhanger leaves readers on the edge of their seat.
First Reactions to the Raging Clone War are on Full Display
E. K. Johnston wraps up Padmé’s trilogy with Queen’s Hope and shows readers glimpses into the bond that Anakin and Padmé share. About a week after the fallout on Geonosis, we find Padmé wrestling with her decision to have a secret marriage with a Jedi as she sets off on a secret mission while Sabé is on Coruscant pretending to be Senator Amidala, which is essentially the story for this installment. Due to the Clone War, the political games are beginning and we get a closer look at Palpatine beginning to sew the seeds of dismay that will unravel the Republic from the inside.
Despite wanting more spotlight shone on the handmaidens, their stories have closure and may be satisfying for readers who have come to love these characters. Furthermore, Johnston discusses deeper themes through Padmé pondering the ethicality of war, more specifically the quandaries of using clones as soldiers, which sets up her arc that is spread across Season 3 of The Clone Wars (Heroes on Both Sides and Pursuit of Peace) and Season 1 (Senate Murders) pertaining to the Republic Military Enhancement bill. Conversely, Queen’s Hope set up interesting story paths, such as when Padmé leaves the core to have Sabé step in as her double, and this never gets resolved but rather is teased under the pretense that there are additional stories to come which is very disappointing. However, one of the good things to come from this is we get a side story that provides little backstory for some legacy characters which is a treat for Clone Wars fans and readers since Padmé and Sabé hardly get character development throughout the narrative.
Final Thoughts: The Queen trilogy mediocrely develops Padmé’s character and hardly provides superb Padmé content for her fans. I wish more attention was brought to this character is a better light, and despite Queen’s Hope providing reactions to the Clone War and being the first content in this period, I would only suggest die-hard Padmé fans read this trilogy but even that is being generous.
Another Adventurous, Disaster Filled Mission
Prior to the events of The Fallen Star by Claudia Gray, Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland begins with the Nihil attacking Port Haileap where they kidnap Avon Starros. Soon after, Vernestra and Imri learn of this attack and they immediately rush off to help their friend. Meanwhile, Avon is being held on an unknown planet where she realizes that she isn’t the only child the Nihil is holding, and apparently kidnapping children is the Nihil’s latest ploy to gather new recruits for their cause. As we know from Out of the Shadows, Vernestra was left with a few things to ponder about herself - specifically her special Force ability as well as cementing her role as a Knight and mentor to Imri - so I was looking forward to unraveling more of her character development through wrestling with these internal conflicts. However, to my surprise, none of these key points are prominent in Mission to Disaster and everything appears to be great with our characters. Yes, it is wonderful to see Vernestra thriving and having the writer assume the audience can fill in the gaps, but it feels like too quick of a resolution for my liking with internal conflicts this pertinent to the character as a whole even when considering the target audience (8 - 12 year olds).
To my surprise we are greeted with a familiar face amongst the Nihil but it’s not who you might think. The kidnapped children are placed with handlers to ensure they stay in line, and Avon’s handler is none other than Deva Lompop: a character who recently first appeared in Marvel’s Jabba the Hutt one-shot written by Justina Ireland, then again in the War of the Bounty Hunters crossover event. While Deva’s role in Mission to Disaster is minuscule I still appreciate references to the comics, especially those outside of the High Republic initiative.
While on the topic of unexpected inclusions, the Halcyon makes its first appearance in the books. The reason for including the ship is blatant at this point, and that’s all I’m going to say about that. There are also some characters that are obvious inserts of people, and while this has been a reoccurring thing, it’s exhausted at this point.
However, I will say that Ireland’s meritorious contributions to the Nihil are long overdue. The Nihil haven’t seen nearly as much development as they should have being this late in the era, but I’m thankful for the attention Ireland shows this group in Mission to Disaster. Furthermore, unlike the other installments, background knowledge of the other material in this era is not required in order to follow the story which is a refreshing change of pace and good news for casual readers of the High Republic.
Final Thoughts: Mission to Disaster is a great conclusion to Phase 1 for young readers. Out of the Shadows introduced interesting avenues to continue Vernestra and Imri’s character development in a prominent way; and while these aspects are not explored as much as I was hoping for, it is still a delight to follow these two along on another adventure.
The Emotional Follow-Up of the Edge of Balance Volume 1 Has Arrived
The Edge of Balance Volume 2 by Shima Shinya and Daniel José Older officially marks the end of the High Republic’s Phase 1 releases for older audiences, and our authors do not disappoint. In the wake of the Drengir attack on Banchii, the Jedi are preparing themselves in case the Nihil attack. Just as the operations are starting to get underway, Lily is tasked to go to Starlight beacon with a couple younglings - Nima and Viv’nia - and trust the preparations on Banchii to her Padawan, Keerin. While the story does coincide with the events of The Fallen Star by Claudia Gray, it does pick up almost immediately where we leave off in the first volume. As I’ve expressed previously, I’ve been waiting for an original Star Wars manga for awhile and the Edge of Balance series is great so far. The scope of the Edge of Balance Volume 2 is smaller since it primarily follows Lily on her travels; however, she has great character development throughout the volume and has prominent, distinct growth by the end. My only critique is Lily's growth is focused on shifting her teaching style from the rigidity the Jedi are known for to allowing to Force to guide her as she teaches, which is a lesson that can be translated into anyone's life (don't stress over the little things and not everything has to be perfect), but I was hoping for her arc to showcase other ways for characters to develop instead of portraying overused clichés.
To my surprise, Justina Ireland passes the baton to Daniel José Older for this volume, and while I miss what Ireland brings to the story, the connections to IDW’s High Republic Adventures is a treat; I didn’t know I needed Zeen and Lula depicted in a manga, but now I want more! At this point it is unknown which High Republic author will continue writing alongside Shima Shinya; although, I would love to see Justina Ireland return to the series. Who knows what Volume 3 will have in store, but I am looking forward to the next installment of this series.
Daniel José Wraps the YA Run of Phase I with Midnight Horizon
Phase I of the High Republic continues its conclusion with Midnight Horizon by Daniel José Older, and the Jedi are not out of the woods just yet. Jedi Masters Cohmac Vitus and Kantam Sy along with their Padawans, Reath Silas and Ram Jomaram, are sent to Coronet City on Corellia to investigate the disappearance of a handful of the planet's elite. Along the way the Padawans encounter Alys Ongwa, otherwise known as Crash, who helps them infiltrate Coronet City’s nightlife with the help of Zeen Mrala. The Fallen Star by Claudia Gray provides a front row seat to the destruction of the “light of the Jedi,” and Midnight Horizon is separated just enough from the events on Starlight so we get to experience reactions to the news from citizens as well as fellow Jedi. In sum, Midnight Horizon is an unexpected adventure between two unlikely partners, Reath and Ram; but despite the initial surprise, their dyad is a prominent and interesting aspect of this book. Ram and Reath continuously learn from each other - a detail that Older wrote well - and Reath taking on the role of a big brother to Ram was heartening. Older successfully continues meaningful character development for Reath as well as expand upon Ram in a light-hearted way that not only remains true to this character, but allows Ram - and Reath - to see glimpses of fun in the midst of chaos. Beyond our Padawans, exploring Kantam Sy’s internal conflict and learning more about them was a highlight since not much has been revealed about them up until this point. Additionally, it’s always lovely to see Lula and Zeen; but to my surprise, Zeen has a larger role in this book while, unfortunately, Lula falls to the wayside. Zeen and Lula’s appearance is heavily connected to IDW’s High Republic Adventures series that’s also written by Older, and the main events of Midnight Horizon overlaps with the plot comics. If you don’t want to spoil the Adventures comics of if you want the context going into Midnight Horizon, I recommend reading up to the latest issue - issue 12 at the time of writing this review - as well as taking a gander at the Adventures Annual.
If you’ve been following the High Republic releases, then you’re familiar with how every installment runs over events of the last book and/or comics before diving into the action - along with intermittent refreshers along the way - and Midnight Horizon continues this trend, especially when it comes to the events in IDW’s High Republic Adventures. At this point in the series I could do without the constant reminders; however, this appears to be a component of the series that won’t be going away any time soon. Furthermore, it took me a few chapters to adjust to Older’s style; but despite finding my groove later on, I didn’t gel with the delivery. Although, Midnight Horizon is my favorite book Older has written for Star Wars, and I enjoyed this book significantly more than Race to Crashpoint Tower.
Final Thoughts: Midnight Horizon is a great conclusion to the YA run of Phase I, and Older introduces audiences to an entertaining duo in Reath and Ram. Despite not completely filling in gaps to the devastation of Starlight Beacon, there are losses and unexpected turns of events that will heavily shape the series moving forward so the events in Midnight Horizon are a must know.
Dive Into the Epic Conclusion to Phase I of the High Republic Adult Novels
Over the past year we’ve been introduced to a myriad of new characters that have led readers on a fast-paced ride through the galaxy facing various threats from formidable foes, and now the first phase of this adventure is coming to a close with the third wave. The Fallen Star by Claudia Gray picks up months after the disastrous fallout at the Republic Fair, and the Jedi are scattered across the galaxy following leads on the Eye of the Nihil, or so they think. We find the Jedi still under the impression Lourna Dee is the Eye they seek; however, come to find out Ro is using this as an advantage while he plans his next strike. After The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott I was hoping the overall narrative of this series was going to move farther along since the disaster on Valo was a great escalation for the plot; however, The Fallen Star stalls the momentum built in the last wave of new releases to draw out the emphasis of how much the Nihil are impacting the order as well as the galaxy’s sense of peace and stability. While the main narrative around hyperspace science isn’t one I’m entirely fond of, the attention to story Justina Ireland spent in Out of the Shadows wasn’t mentioned or expanded upon which is a contributing factor in the overall narrative dragging. If anything, I suspect this will be continued in the young adult line of releases; however, I feel this should be brought into the adult novels as well just like the authors have done with other threads that make this era. Besides the overall narrative of the era falling behind, the attention to the Nihil still suffers and this makes it difficult to immerse myself in the story at large. Tempest Runner by Cavan Scott is the first installment that truly distinguishes the Nihil from other villainous parties in the galaxy, specifically Lourna Dee, and while an entirely Nihil-centric book may not fit in the main releases, more development similar to what was seen in Tempest Runner should make its way to the main books of the High Republic.
Despite my gripes, The Fallen Star succeeds in continuing to develop key characters in meaningful ways, notably Bell Zettifar. From being one of the side characters in Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule, Bell has become a key figure in the High Republic and is the primary lens in which we see the events of The Fallen Star through. The Rising Storm brought new challenges for Bell no one was anticipating he’d face this early in the series, and Claudia Gray excels in presenting how Bell is changing through the process of grieving his Master, adapting to life with a new mentor, and emphasizing glimpses of Bell’s introspection. Bell Zettifar is a prime example of a side character shifting to the spotlight, and while he’s one of the characters of this era I want to continue to learn more about, I wish this would happen with other characters as well. The characters I’m drawn to weren’t in the spotlight from the start, and while some have grown into a larger role in the series over the last few installments, others have been seemingly forgotten like so many other characters in the High Republic. One of the alluring facets of the High Republic was the variety of characters that were introduced from the initial promotions and novels; although, it seems like more characters were created than what time would allow for in substantial character development. Based on the treatment of certain characters so far I didn’t find the deaths shocking, but I am saddened I won’t get to learn more about characters I was really intrigued by.
I also had the opportunity to listen to Marc Thompson narrate, and he wonderfully brought the characters to life through his entertaining performance. If you’re able to listen to the audio rendition of The Fallen Star, I highly recommend checking it out.
Final thoughts: The Fallen Star concludes Phase I of the adult run with intrigue for what the other two novels in this wave have in store and prepares readers for whatever quest lies ahead for the Jedi. Gray’s prose is a delight as always, and Marc Thompson effectively narrates all facets of this story, so either way you are guaranteed a smooth reading experience.
Timothy Zahn Wraps Up Another Trilogy and Sets Audiences Up for a Thrawn-less Sequel
At a whopping 500 pages, Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil by Timothy Zahn wraps up yet another Thrawn trilogy in Zahn’s signature style of leaving some questions unanswered, yet successfully leading readers to Thrawn’s next adventure within the Galactic Empire. Lesser Evil commences where Greater Good leaves off and takes no time to dive into the tactical space battle action we’ve come to expect from a Thrawn novel. As expected, Jixtus is still conspiring to gain control over the Chaos, and he is now partnered with the Kilji - a religious sect intent on forcing the galaxy to achieve their version of enlightenment - who, inevitably, are a pawn that Jixtus sees as a means to an end. Overall, Zahn masterfully crafts a story set in unfamiliar space with interesting new characters that carry Thrawn’s origin story, while investing audiences in these characters so subsequent stories can take place to further fill readers in on the story of the Chiss without Thrawn’s active presence. I’m purely speculating and thinking aloud here, but if Zahn decides to create another trilogy following Ar’alani, Thalias, and Che’ri to parallel the latter half of the 2017 Thrawn trilogy and beyond, I think the Ascendancy trilogy builds upon these characters enough to where they can carry their own story - plus bringing back Eli Vanto to connect this proposed new parallel trilogy to Thrawn 2017 would be a bonus.
Zahn’s tactful prose transforms the pages into a grandiose chess board allowing readers to be a silent observer in a match between Thrawn and his adversaries, captivating audiences from start to finish despite the hefty page count. Those who read Zahn’s 2017 Thrawn trilogy will find the ending rewarding as it provides context for Thrawn’s exile and naturally leads audiences to pick up his story again in those pages. “Memories” is another integral aspect of Lesser Evil, but this time around the memories are primarily led by Thrass - someone you’ll recognize from Zahn’s first contributions to Thrawn that now fall under legends continuity. Besides Thrass, there is another character prominent in the memories sections that is a key player in Thrawn’s past, but not for the reason you might suspect. The Ascendancy trilogy provides an all-encompassing backstory to our favorite anti-hero and successfully connects the material to what it needs to in order to fit continuity; however, there are aspects I would have liked to see come full circle that aren’t completely resolved in these pages - like who exactly Jixtus is for example. I won’t get into too much detail here, but I will say the potential for subsequent trilogies to stem from this is rather high, and perhaps necessary to bring everything to a close.
Final thoughts: Lesser Evil continues the trend established in Chaos Rising of showcasing pertinent events in Thrawn’s backstory through the perspective of characters close to him. Throughout the Ascendancy trilogy, we’ve come to understand a different side of Thrawn and the inner-workings of the Chiss Ascendancy while meeting new compelling characters along the way. I believe Zahn is in a good spot to create a spin-off series of books following these characters, besides Thrawn, in the Ascendancy trilogy - with the addition of Eli Vanto - to bring more adventures from the Unknown Regions to bookshelves. I enjoyed immersing myself in the Chaos and can’t wait to see where everyone’s adventures will take them!
Ronin by Emma Mieko Candon is the Novel You're Looking For
In Emma Mieko Candon’s debut novel, Ronin, they flawlessly adapt and expand upon the characters and world established in “The Duel,” crafting a great narrative rich in inspiration from Japanese culture that made a gripping read. If you’ve seen “The Duel,” you know our Ronin antihero faces off against a Sith bandit leader - an homage to female samurai warriors of feudal Japan called “Onna-Musha” - in a small village, and the duel inevitably doesn’t go as Kouru, the Sith, expects. In the wake of his duel, The Ronin and his companion B5-56 meet up with a handful of interesting characters and embark on a momentous escapade that raises Star Wars storytelling to a higher level. Candon’s prose is eloquent and reminiscent of what you’d expect in advanced literature, somewhat reminding me of the style of prose in Neil Stephenson’s Snow Crash. I enjoy challenging reads and often engage with higher-level literature so Ronin wasn’t as strenuous of a read for me; however, I can see how the prose may be difficult for many audiences to grasp at first glance during a casual read-through. Conversely, the narrative Candon crafts surrounding Sith uprisings and Sith witches alike - not to mention the exceptional world building - will keep you hooked and determined to interpret Candon’s prose through to the end.
As a lover of stories inspired by Japanese culture, folk tales, and mythology, I enjoyed the components of Japanese culture Candon brings to Ronin. Hopefully without spoiling too much, I loved how it was mentioned that the Jedi were once wanderers of the galaxy helping anyone who needed it but are now loyal to the Empire and its Lords, individuals who hold power, so now the Jedi aren’t seen as honorable since their loyalties are tied. This is referencing how Samurai warriors served under Japan’s Emperor and were generally separated into different clans that had allegiance their respective Lord. Beyond the historical significance and relevance of this detail, I love the parallels between the depiction of the Jedi in Ronin and the Jedi of the Republic we’re familiar with. Like the Jedi seen in this world Candon crafted, the Jedi Order became too caught up in politics that the Jedi lost their way, resulting in some citizens of the Republic losing faith in the Jedi. Candon expands on this aspect even further by establishing the Sith in this world don’t necessarily rebel out of the overused trope of good versus evil, but because they want to forge their own path which is one of the overarching themes in the novel. Additionally, there are other aspects of Japanese culture included that enhance the reading experience such as katana-inspired lightsabers, tatami rooms inside ships, and other fun details you pick up throughout the novel. Also, another detail I thought was worth noting is the choice in referring to the main character, as well as the title of the book itself, as “ronin” since a ronin in feudal Japan was a wandering samurai with no master. This aspect plays a major role in the themes at work throughout the novel and connecting this parallel is beneficial to keep in mind as readers progress through the book.
The Ronin’s ominous past shrouds him as he’s paving this path before him of hunting down fellow Sith and taking the kyber crystals in their lightsabers as his way of atoning for his past sins, but he eventually realizes he can’t escape his past so easily. The Ronin’s internal conflict and character arc is so intricately weaved into the main plot that it skillfully executes an emotionally devastating slow burn that comes crashing down in the novel’s final chapters. Similarly, another character’s past is also cleverly weaved into the main storyline that delivers another emotional blow in Ronin’s final chapters that has the same weight as The Ronin’s arc because of how well they’re written. I found all of the characters enjoyable, each one with their unique way of interacting with the world that makes the group’s travels all the more interesting. There are a few more run ins with adversaries The Ronin must face, and Candon does a wonderful job developing all the characters so it doesn’t feel like The Ronin is just facing off against another random foe.
Final Thoughts: Ronin by Emma Mieko Candon is a gratifying story about redemption and forging your own path through a unique perspective of someone who has no desire to be the hero or a villain. “The Duel” established unique characters and a setting with potential to become something great, and Candon embraced everything given to them and created something truly wonderful. Any fan of Star Wars: Visions and “The Duel” needs to pick this up to read the masterpiece that is Ronin.
The High Republic Introduced the First Original Manga in the Star Wars Universe and it Delivers
So far the High Republic has whisked readers into fast-paced adventures around the galaxy, confronting the Nihil and Drengir left and right; but The Edge of Balance by Shima Shinya and Justina Ireland is a refreshing change of pace from the chaos enveloping the galaxy. Lily Tora-Asi is a young Jedi Knight tasked with relocating civilians to Banchii: a newly inhabited planet in the far outer rim. Lily finds herself yearning to do more to help her fellow Jedi bring peace to the galaxy, but little does she know she doesn't have to look far to find the reaches of evil. The Banchii Jedi Temple also is home to Master Arkoff, a mentor to Lily and the younglings on the outpost; an archivist named Ru-Ru; a handful of younglings; Dr. Silar, a civilian doctor; and a droid companion named DeeDee. As suspicions increase, everyone has to work together in order to discover the dangers lurking in the shadows.
I feel like the story is very relatable, because on one hand, we have the main Jedi who are front and center tackling the Nihil and Drengir at every turn. On the other hand, we are introduced to Lily who doesn’t have a prominent role in the main action, so we get to see how she learns to trust herself, how she comes to balance different aspects of her life to maintain her “spiritual zen” (balance in the Force and balancing her psyche,) as well as finding balance in her responsibilities: looking over the younglings on the outpost, mentoring her Padawan, and helping the incoming settlers. In many ways I see subtle connections to Vernestra Rwoh which doesn’t surprise me since Ireland created both of these characters who also happen to be in a similar Master and Apprentice dynamic. I love seeing similarities between characters; however, I hope Vernestra and Lily don’t become copies of each other.
Keerin Fionin, Lily’s Padawan, also has a substantial presence throughout the book and I enjoyed seeing his training sessions with Lily. From what I can tell so far Keerin doesn’t have a miraculous gift like Imri, but there are some personality overlaps when it comes to curiosity and the need for mentoring. Keerin, however, seems more responsible and conscientious so I’m glad there’s a distinct difference between Ireland’s Padawan characters.
The story itself is slow start but leaves off at a decent place for Volume II to pick up and enter the main parts of this story. My only issue is Edge of Balance isn’t structured to read from back to front like most manga which, as a manga reader, is disappointing. I do, however, understand Edge of Balance may bring new audiences to manga who aren’t familiar with the traditional style of reading manga from back to front which is presumably why this format decision was made; so there’s definitely a balance there, but I hope for the subsequent volumes this is changed. On a positive note, the artwork for the cover and panels done by Mizuki Sakakibara is wonderful, and I think her style suits the tone of the story very well.
Final Thoughts: Edge of Balance is a great introduction to Lily, Keerin, and the rest of the personnel located at the Banchii Jedi Temple. We’ve mostly seen Jedi who are a Padawan or higher, with the exception of some younglings in the IDW High Republic Adventures series, and I’m thrilled we got more younglings in Edge of Balance; Nima and Viv’nia are younglings who are also somewhat prominent throughout the volume, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them in subsequent installments. If you’re interested in checking out a manga or if you’re a completionist, definitely check out The Edge of Balance - you won’t regret it.
Share Your Love of Star Wars this Holiday Season with Holiday Tales from a Faraway Galaxy
Looking to jump into the holiday spirit and add a little Star Wars flare to your festivities? Life Day Treasury is the book for you that will fill your holidays with cheer! As the end of summer draws near, attention is fixed on the upcoming holidays, and since we already have Halloween covered with spooky stories set in Vader’s castle, Life Day Treasury by George Mann and Cavan Scott brings a whole new set of tales perfect for whatever festivities you’ll be having this holiday season. Eight tales from different reaches of the galaxy span multiple eras - from far before the High Republic to the days of the New Republic - to incorporate a variety of adventures for all audiences. Not familiar with Life Day? No need to fret: there’s a prologue that provides a comprehensive rundown of the holiday and its history so new audiences can jump into the tales with the necessary background knowledge!
As the cover dictates, Stellan Gios makes an appearance in a story centered around his stroll on Coruscant during their Solstice Tide celebrations. A holiday story from the perspective of a Jedi, especially during an era that’s *mostly* peaceful, was unique and it had unexpected callbacks to odd lines uttered throughout The Clone Wars. We always knew the Clone War affected the galaxy on a grand scale and how the Jedi interacted with civilians, mainly those on Coruscant. As much as this was a tale celebrating light and life, it also serves as a stark contrast between the Jedi of different eras, highlighting how the Jedi used to “have time for the citizens of the Republic,” and it makes me wonder what Solstice Tide was like during the war.
Mann and Scott created other fine additions to incorporate in this treasury of tales, and one of the most unique stories comes from the perspective of a little astromech on Tatooine. Did you know droids shared their own folklore? I never thought about these little details before but this particular tale is one of the standouts since it’s so distinct.
Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming story filled with holiday cheer, a well-written romance, or even a thrilling adventure; Life Day Treasury has you covered on all aspects. I wouldn’t say Life Day Treasury is a must read, but it is a cute compilation of stories to add more Star Wars to your festivities - and who doesn’t want more Star Wars in their life? Besides the cute tales, there are various connections to other content - even the most recent release Tempest Runner by Cavan Scott - that satisfies those hunting for easter eggs.
While Life Day Treasury is written with younglings in mind, it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment all audiences can experience while reading these tales. The Star Wars galaxy is vast with various cultures and customs that we otherwise wouldn’t get to learn about, and Grant Griffin’s vivid artwork effectively accentuates the individual lesson to be learned with each story as well as add charm to the whole collection.
Ride the Storm Alongside Lourna Dee in the Wake of the Attack on Valo
As we’re nearing the end of the High Republic’s second wave releases, we find the galaxy in the midst of chaos after the events of The Rising Storm. Tempest Runner by Cavan Scott displays the Nihil front and center on this action-filled adventure following Lourna Dee in the aftermath of Valo’s assault. Lourna’s ship, the Lourna Dee, is now under attack from Republic forces as she’s believed to be the Eye of the Nihil, and knowing her capture is imminent, Lourna devises a plan to conceal her true identity by taking on a new alias and making it appear as though she perished aboard her ship. Lourna’s plan goes off without a hitch… for the most part. Tasia, one of Lourna’s storms, discovers Lourna’s true identity and plots to use this to her advantage during their time in prison. Tempest Runner primarily follows Lourna Dee as we see what she experiences after she’s arrested as well as unravels her backstory through strategic flashbacks. Up until now most of the Nihil’s members were an enigma, and while that’s still true to some degree, I’m glad we got to see a longer glimpse into this organization through one of its higher-ranking personnel. Besides viewing the Nihil from its higher ups, most of the prisoners Lourna interacts with are former Nihil varying in rank - along with some who don’t have an affiliation with the Nihil - so it provides insight from various perspectives that’s intriguing to examine. New characters introduced play a major role in the story as Lourna finds her way in her present situation as well as helps the reader understand how various people have shaped who she is today. Additionally, we see familiar faces on both sides throughout the story; however, most of the attention is centered around the Nihil, which is a sorely needed change of pace. Marchion Ro and Pan Eyta have a notable presence that supplements Lourna’s overall story as well as reveal new backstory for their characters that you don’t want to miss.
Going into this audio-drama I wasn’t expecting an emotional story, but Scott masterfully weaved themes of love and loss, ambition and anguish, and calm and chaos seamlessly together as Lourna reckons with ghosts of the past. The way Scott presents Lourna’s internal conflict makes her a relatable character on a deeper, more intimate level and it’s been awhile since we’ve seen a character’s inner workings as clearly as Lourna’s in Tempest Runner. I definitely feel as though I have a better understanding and appreciation for this character, and the cast did a brilliant job bringing this narrative to life. Initially, I had qualms with some of the voices - mainly Lourna’s (Jessica Almasy)- because it wasn’t what I’ve imagined while reading past installments; however, I felt like the voice fit as the story progressed. Conversely, as much as I love Burryaga, he didn’t sound like a Wookiee at all and it took me out of the story every time he spoke. I will say, however, the sound effects and overall production of Tempest Runner is top-notch and it enhanced the story.
Past High Republic installments have primarily focused on larger events that shape the galaxy with minimal attention to the overall narrative for this era, and despite Tempest Runner not focusing on driving the overall story for this era forward in a substantial way, it does make waves that will change the Nihil’s organization itself in subsequent installments. Although the scope of Tempest Runner is significantly smaller than we’re used to seeing in High Republic installments so far, I thoroughly enjoyed this character focused story. As I mentioned previously, Lourna’s characterization was well executed and now I have some investment for “Team Nihil.”
Final thoughts: Tempest Runner delivers the antagonist centric story I have been looking for and the narrative excels at making readers more invested in this era. I couldn’t have asked for a better selected audio-original and hopefully this marks the start of more intricate character-focused stories to come.
Emerge From the Aftermath of the Republic Fair with Justina Ireland's Latest High Republic Novel
Wave two of the High Republic kicked off with a devastating storm of destruction for the Jedi and the Republic with the Nihil’s attack on Valo, and the adventure is continuing with Justina Ireland’s latest installment: Out of the Shadows. Ireland delivers an intricate follow-up to the attack on Valo and successfully depicts new tribulations for the Jedi as adversaries begin to seep out of the shadows. It’s two months after the devastation the Nihil wreaked at the Republic Fair, and the Jedi are working tirelessly to end the threat of the Nihil. There are two main storylines at work throughout the book: one following the Jedi - mostly Vernestra Rwoh, Imri Cantaros, Reath Silas, and Cohmac Vitus - and another following new character Sylvestri ‘Syl’ Yarrow and her unlikely partnerships as they work to unravel their suspicions about the Nihil. Ultimately, both storylines converge towards the end of the book when they work together to investigate an empty space sector believed to be used by the Nihil. Vernestra and Imri are at the forefront in their storyline, and Ireland really dives in to continue their characterization and development throughout the book. If I’m being honest, Vernestra and Imri have my favorite Master and Apprentice dynamic in the High Republic so far, and Vernestra is still one of my favorite new characters introduced. Vernestra is still coming into her role as a Master, and Imri is challenging her for the better which is refreshing to see a Master and Apprentice relationship that promotes growth in both parties. In A Test of Courage I wasn’t sure about Imri, but Out of the Shadows changed my perspective on his character for the better. Imri’s gift established in A Test of Courage provided a good opportunity to flesh out a unique skillset, and I’m glad Ireland built on Imri’s empathic abilities in Out of the Shadows. The characterization and development that went towards Imri’s character was sorely needed, and I’ll definitely be watching his career with great interest, along with Vernestra. Reath Silas, first introduced in Claudia Gray’s Into the Dark, also makes an appearance; although he’s not at the forefront, his presence is strong nonetheless. His new Master, Cohmac Vitus, is also another supporting character with a notable presence and it’s interesting to see more of Reath and Cohmac’s dynamic. As for our new characters, I was impressed with the amount of characterization and growth Sylvestri Yarrow had throughout the book. Syl’s notions about the Jedi make her an intriguing character to follow, and later when she’s forced to work alongside Jedi to meet a common goal, her interactions are revealing - especially with Vernestra. Xylan Graf, a member of the infamous Graf family, is a supporting character introduced in Syl’s storyline, and he’s definitely one to pay attention to.
While Ireland focuses on characterization for our protagonists throughout the book, little attention was given to the antagonists which definitely keeps the general mystery alive; however, I would have liked to see more development for the villains of this era. The perspective of the Nihil mostly comes from a familiar face from Claudia Gray’s Into the Dark: Nan. She’s an interesting character, don’t get me wrong, but I was hoping for more development there. Additionally, Lourna Dee made an appearance like the promotional material suggested, but her presence wasn’t substantial like I was expecting. Although, I suspect Lourna Dee will be getting more attention in Cavan Scott’s audio original Tempest Runner coming later this year, so I guess we’ll have to wait to see more on her. Overall, the pacing was comfortable throughout the book and Ireland’s style was reminiscent of the prequels just like in A Test of Courage. I attributed the prequels-esque tone in A Test of Courage as a technique to hook audiences in before fading into a tone unique to the High Republic; however, I’m starting to think this prequel feel will remain consistent in Ireland’s novels and I’m loving it. Furthermore, there were certain cameos and interactions with unexpected prequel characters that was more heartwarming than anticipated. Ireland also included a handful of foreshadowing to the state of the Republic we’ve seen so much of which reinforces the prequel-esque tone established as well as provide appropriate glimpses of the future for new Star Wars readers, not to mention a hint of dramatic irony for readers familiar with the prequels. One thing I thoroughly enjoyed in A Test of Courage was Ireland’s discussion about the Force, so I was ecstatic to see she continues this conversation and takes it a step further: differentiating the living and cosmic Force. I’ve always been fascinated with the Force and learning how it works, so I hope this discussion continues in Ireland’s novels to come.
The overall narrative is a little different from prior novels as the Jedi are working to uncover the deeper threads of the Nihil that allow the group to gain the advantage in their attacks, so at this point they’re heavily focusing on learning about hyperspace. There has been suggestions the storyline for the High Republic would eventually begin investigating this aspect but it hasn’t been a primary focus until now, which I suspect is definite signaling towards Phase II. Sure, the Nihil and Drengir have been at the forefront but I haven’t been convinced they’re the “big bad” the Jedi come to fear, and I’ve been thinking that bombshell will be revealed at the end of Phase I or sometime in Phase II, but I digress (if I’m wrong, I’m wrong - I’ll just be a little disappointed.) I hope hyperspace won’t be the whole focus for the High Republic initiative moving forward, I guess we’ll see, but at least the overall narrative centered around hyperspace in Out of the Shadows was well thought out.
Final Thoughts: Out of the Shadows is a must read for those wanting to jump back into the High Republic after the events at the Republic Fair in The Rising Storm. Ireland masterfully crafts the narrative from cover to cover, and the characters in this novel are some of the best this era has to offer. I highly recommend checking out Ireland's latest High Republic installment if you're invested in this era, because if one thing's for certain, this is where the fun begins.
Dive Into the Latest Fast-Paced Adventure Set in the High Republic with Race to Crashpoint Tower
Race to Crashpoint Tower by Daniel Hosé Older is the next High Republic middle grade installment that will take young readers on a fast-paced adventure. We meet our heroes on the planet Valo during the Republic Fair and yet again experience events from the adult novel - The Rising Storm - from another perspective. Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram is stationed on Valo when he notices the communications tower has been sabotaged by the Nihil, so he and his droid V-18 immediately race to find a solution. Meanwhile on Trymant IV, Lula Talisola tracks the Nihil and she eventually meets up with Vernestra Rwoh, then together they uncover the Nihil’s plan to attack the Republic Fair. From there, Lula and Zeen Mrala - Lula’s Force sensitive friend whose not a Jedi - end up meeting Ram on Valo to contribute to the Republic’s fight against the Nihil. Race to Crashpoint Tower was a surprisingly quick read and the pacing remained consistently fast throughout the whole book. Because of this, I feel like some opportunities to expand on certain key points mentioned in passing were missed where, if expanded upon, would have added more depth. Ram was the new character making his official debut besides briefly meeting him in The Rising Storm, and I feel like I didn’t get to know him as much as I would’ve liked. Lula and Zeen were the highlights of the book for me; I love to see comic characters venture to different storytelling mediums, but even with Lula and Zeen I think there were missed opportunities for deeper characterization due to the fast pacing. Although, considering the target age group, I think Race to Crashpoint Tower is suitable for its intended audience.
As we know, the High Republic initiative has emphasized its interconnectivity and Older does a good job at intertwining various threads of High Republic content together. There were times while reading where it really paid off having read other material so I could grasp everything - like filling in the gaps with Ram and Ty's interaction that was shown in The Rising Storm. Adult audiences will appreciate details like this; however, I’m not sure if the heavy interconnection with other material weaved in this book will cause issues for younger readers, especially those on the younger end of the target audience, who might not have read everything. Though Older tries to streamline the story by including plenty of background from previous works into his exposition, I found the result to be a bit overwhelming at times. Overall, I didn’t connect with Race to Crashpoint Tower as much as I would’ve liked; however, I think this book might be better received among its targeted age group because of its fast-paced nature. While Race to Crashpoint Tower isn’t a direct sequel to A Test of Courage and young readers could get by without reading other installments geared towards younger audiences, I still recommend introducing your youngling to the High Republic with A Test of Courage, and maybe encouraging the IDW series as well, in order to help them navigate this era before diving into Race to Crashpoint Tower.
Enter the Nihil's Rising Storm of Death and Destruction in the Latest High Republic Adult Novel
The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott sweeps you into its swirling storm of events right from the start and successfully builds anticipation for future releases. It’s been a year since the great disaster and the galaxy is still feeling the aftershocks of the tragedy while the Jedi have relentlessly been on the lookout for the Nihil who have been auspiciously absent, or so they think; and Chancellor Lina Soh has decided to host a Republic Fair on Valo to bring everyone together in celebration of unity and strength. Although, in the Nihil’s stead, the Drengir - first introduced in Claudia Gray’s Into the Dark and Marvel’s High Republic series - are actively unleashing terror wherever they go which is captivating the Republic’s attention. Meanwhile, the Nihil have been using this downtime to coordinate a devastating attack to further propagate ripples of chaos across the galaxy. However, tension rises within their ranks as raiders are anxious to re-emerge from the shadows, resulting the expansion of their rising storm of death and destruction to Valo. Scott provides a gripping story from beginning to end with exploration of the Force, among other things, and crafts a sinister tone that wraps everything together. The scope in The Rising Storm is the same as in Light of the Jedi; however, Scott’s prose delivers significantly smoother transitions between characters that heavily pays off during the grand showdown. Various familiar faces return to drive the story - including Bell Zettifar (and his charhound Ember, of course), Burryaga, Stellan Gios, and even characters we’ve seen at other points in the timeline make an appearance (a pleasant surprise) - as well as introductions to some new characters: former Jedi turned mercenary Ty Yorrick, a journalist named Rhil, and Sullustan Senator Tia Toon. Ty’s introduction wasn’t what I was hoping for, but it’s just enough to increase intrigue for the upcoming IDW comic miniseries, The Monster of Temple Peak, featuring Ty Yorrick set to release its first issue this August. I enjoyed what I saw of Ty so far, and I’m excited to see more of her in upcoming installments.
Politics are consistently present in The Rising Storm, and new character Tia Toon helps drive that along since he has dissenting opinions from the Chancellor. I’m not terribly into the politics side of things; although, I can appreciate its purpose in the novel. Circling back to the established characters, Scott focuses heavily on characterization and this is one of the aspects I loved about the book. Bell’s character development was my personal favorite, and the incorporation of little details in Light of the Jedi to develop his character was rewarding. Needless to say seeing more of Bell and his charhound, Ember, was a delight, and I’m loving their bond. Besides our protagonists, I feel like Scott effectively continues to define our villains, especially Marchion Ro, and let’s just say you’re in for an interesting read. Overall, now that there have been consistent High Republic releases since the launch of the first wave, there is a lot more material to work with when forming connections within the High Republic era itself, and Scott does a good job at reinforcing how interconnected these stories are without distracting from the story presented in this novel. You’ll find references to the Marvel and IDW comic series as well as insinuations to events in the young adult and middle grade installments, which are rewarding to spot if you’ve been keeping up with the material (not to mention the slew of references outside of the High Republic that make the book more satisfying). I thoroughly enjoyed The Rising Storm, and now that we’re settling into this era, I can’t see what else these stories have to offer!
Aphra's at it Again. Need I Say More?
Sarah Kuhn meaningfully expands upon Doctor Aphra’s first appearance in the Darth Vader (Kieron Gillen, 2015) comics, in addition to briefly covering her role in Vader Down and the Rebel Jail arc in the main Star Wars comic run (Jason Aaron, 2015), while also creating another notable entry point to Aphra’s adventures for new audiences. Just after escaping Maz Kanata and her pirate gang, Aphra finds herself face to face with Vader himself who’s demanding her service for his efforts to build a droid army to overthrow the Emperor. Since the Empire's insurmountable loss against the Rebels at the Battle of Yavin, Darth Vader has been taking the heat for the loss of Death Star I from the Emperor, and even though this tension doesn't make its way into Sarah Kuhn's Aphra story, the reader still can sense precedence in Vader seeking Aphra's assistance. In the Vader comic, Vader periodically reflects on his past whenever he encounters places or people Anakin knew, and in the script, it shows Aphra picks up on these subtleties within Vader which then causes her to recall her own memories, providing insight into who she is in a compelling way that parallels with Vader’s introspection; this is definitely one of my favorite aspects of Aphra's story and Kuhn does a wonderful job with creating these moments that can stand on their own, while also complementing events in the original comic well to provide a fresh experience for those who read the 2015 Darth Vader comics. Another highlight is none other than Sana Starros: Aphra’s first love. The comics establish there’s a romantic past between the two but it’s not elaborated on, which is something I’ve been curious about, and let’s just say you’re in for a treat when Kuhn unravels their history.
While reading, I was in awe of how profound Aphra’s voice is, especially in sections where she’s narrating, and it’s truly magical to read which is what prevents this script from feeling flat. Kuhn’s words dance across the page, which makes a captivating story from beginning to end. For those who aren’t familiar with Aphra or haven’t read the comics, reading - or listening to - Sarah Kuhn's Doctor Aphra will provide a good sense of who Aphra is and introduce her in an exciting way. Because this story covers so much about Aphra, I recommend new audiences read or listen to this story before diving into the comics. For those who have read the comics, it’s fun to view these events from Aphra’s perspective and see how much of an unreliable narrator she is which can be humorous at times - plus the insight into Aphra’s time at university as well as exploring her relationship with Sana is worth it. I enjoyed reading the script, and I hope there will be more Aphra stories told outside the comics, whether it be more audiobooks or an original novel (one can only hope)!
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