The story of the Star Wars High Republic goes more in-depth with the release of the most recent books in the series that debuted in January.
The Rising Storm (written by Cavan Scott) and Race to Crashpoint Tower (written by Daniel Jose Older) were released June 29, followed by Out of the Shadows (written by Justina Ireland) on July 27.
The Rising Storm
Nearly a year has passed since the Great Disaster, where several people were killed when their ships were pulled from hyperspace. The Nihil, the group responsible for the disaster, have seemingly disappeared.
Chancellor Lina Soh is hosting The Republic Fair, an event designed to celebrate the unity of the High Republic. Jedi Master Stellan Gios is finally introduced in this book and the story largely centers on him and his efforts to make sure attendees of The Republic Fair stay safe. Unfortunately, disaster strikes the Fair and the Jedi, including Stellan, are truth into action.
Scott seemed to have an easier time writing The Rising Storm than Charles Soule did writing Light of the Jedi. The challenge with the first book was trying to introduce all of the lore of the era and the characters. In The Rising Storm, the era is already established, so readers don’t have to spend time figuring out what’s going on.
The Rising Storm also builds on the mythology of the Jedi and more specifically the issue of attachment. This is especially explored with the character Elzar Mann, a dedicated Jedi who has a brush with the Dark Side, and does something forbidden to the Jedi regarding attachment (hint: It’s similar to Anakin marrying Padme).
The Race to Crashpoint Tower
This middle reader takes place at the same time as The Rising Storm, specifically during the events of The Republic Fair. The story follows Jedi Ram Jomarum, who would much rather work on a broken ship than being around lots of people.
When disaster strikes at the Republic Fair, Ram springs into action and joins forces with fellow padawan Lula Talisolu and Force sensitive (but not a Jedi) Zeen Mrala.
Accompanied by glorious illustrations similar to its predecessor A Test of Courage, The Race to Crashpoint Tower is a lovely tale for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Out of the Shadows
The second young adult book in the High Republic series, Out of the Shadows follows Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh (never Vern) and her padawan Imri Cantaros from A Test of Courage. Also featured are Master Cohmac and his padawan Reath Silas, featured in the first YA book, Into the Dark.
Like The Rising Storm, Out of the Shadows does not rely on a new cast of characters. The four main Jedi were introduced in earlier stories and this book allows their characters to be fleshed out and explored in greater detail.
Out of the Shadows also features more ordinary characters of the Star Wars universe in the form of Sylvestri “Syl” Yarrow, whose mother’s research into hyperspace may play a role in events yet to come. It’s refreshing to see a character who is more human than the somewhat superhuman Jedi and the Nihil.
The most interesting part of the story concerns Vernestra and Imri. Vernestra, being only about 17 and already a Jedi Knight, has doubts about some of her teaching abilities. Likewise, Imri is close in age to Vernestra, and he has doubts about being a Jedi at all. The two learn much from each other and they work well together. Though the characters are both young, they’ve both been through a lot and their dynamic is certainly one to keep an eye on going forward in the series.
The Future of the Series
These three books make up only a chunk of the second wave of Phase One of The High Republic series. Up next is The Edge of Balance, a manga series set to debut with volume one on Sept. 7, written by Shima Shinya and Justina Ireland.
Also due out soon is Showdown at the Fair¸ written by George Mann. The book is for young children and will serve as an adaptation of The Rising Storm.
Phase One, also known as Light of the Jedi, is set to conclude early in 2022. Up first is Mission to Disaster, a middle grade novel written by Justina Ireland. It is set to debut on Jan. 4, 2022.
The Fallen Star, written by Claudia Gray, is due for release on Jan. 18, 2022. The publisher’s summary states the book will serve as a “gripping sequel” to The Rising Storm and the Jedi will face their darkest hour.
A third young adult novel, Midnight Horizon written by Daniel Jose Older, is due out Feb. 1, 2022. Also due out that day is The Battle for Starlight, a young children’s book that will likely adapt part or all of The Fallen Star.
Comic books detailing other adventures set in the High Republic era will also be released early in 2022.
Phase One is just the first of three planned in the series. Phase Two is named Quest of the Jedi and Phase Three is Trials of the Jedi. No word yet on any of the works for these two phases, nor any release dates. But if the second wave of Phase One is any indication, these stories will be just as enjoyable as what we’ve seen so far.
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