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Star Wars: The High Republic: A Test of Courage Book Review

“Star Wars: The High Republic: A Test of Courage” ushers in a new era

Alongside “Star Wars: The High Republic: Light of the Jedi,” “Star Wars: The High Republic: A Test Of Courage” is the first in the new High Republic multimedia event series. For those not in the know, The High Republic is set years before “Star Wars: Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” at a time in which the Jedi and the Republic are thriving. The backdrop of this particular novel involves the launch of the Starlight Beacon Space Station which is a way station, a temple and a communications post. The primary plot revolves around 2 Nihil pirates sabotaging a luxury liner (Steady Wing) en route to the Beacon. The ship is destroyed, but a precocious Senator’s daughter (Avon Starros), a new Jedi Knight (Vernestra), a nervy and emotional Padawan (Imri), a naive Ambassador’s son (Honesty) and Avon’s reprogrammed multi-purpose droid J-6 manage to survive and find refuge on a moon called Wevo. The group must try to survive and find a way back home, but can they work together to make that a reality? Are they alone on Wevo or will they find trouble?

Author Justina Ireland (who previously penned 2 enjoyable SW novels with “Lando’s Luck” and “Spark of the Resistance”) returns to the SW universe with a book aimed at a younger crowd (Grades 3-7). Don’t let that deter you though as this 240 page book can be enjoyed by any SW fan. 

From a story perspective, this is a simple tale of new young characters being tested through challenging times and obstacles. It’s a short (perhaps too short) and engaging character centric adventure. Luckily, Ireland has created characters whose paths you will find yourselves invested in (particularly with the two Jedi characters who are the highlights to be sure).

Perhaps the most intriguing inclusions here are the sprinkling of details of this particular era in the SW universe. You get hints about what the universe is like at this time period along with some surprising name drops here and there. Also, I cannot confirm this as I have yet to read the other High Republic material at the time of this review, but I am assuming interconnected events and characters from other media are touched upon here as well. It will be fun to connect all the dots once the High Republic era keeps progressing. 

December 21, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Jedi, Star Wars, Star Wars Books, Star Wars: The High Republic: A Test of Courage Book Review