Star Wars: The High Republic: Quest For The Hidden City Book Review
‘Star Wars: The High Republic: Quest For The Hidden City’ takes readers to a new era.
Written by George Mann with illustrations by Nilah Macgruder, ‘Star Wars: The High Republic: Quest For The Hidden City’ is one of the first few stories of Phase 2 of The High Republic dubbed Quest of the Jedi. Set 150 years before Phase 1, this era is one of exploration with Pathfinder teams roaming the galaxy. The galaxy is also impacted by a war between the planets Eiram and E’ronoh.
In this particular tale, there are several storylines that eventually tie together. The central characters of this ensemble story include Jedi Master Rok, a prospector father (Spece) and son (Dass) stranded on a planet with monsters, communications engineers (Kam and Amos), a pilot (Dietrix), Jedi Master Silandra Sho and her Jedi Padawan Rooper, a medic Obik, Katikoot aliens named Mittik and Rillik, and droids Nibs and GT-11. The main story involves the disappearance of Jedi Master Rok that is being investigated by Shilandra, Rooper among others. The team is led to the planet Aubadas inhabited by the bat-like species Katikoot. It seems the Katikoot are having their own crisis involving a mined mineral (which is used as an energy source) that is affecting their health. The mineral is mined on a sister planet (Gloam) which has become uninhabitable and contains alleged monsters. Eventually, the Jedi venture to Gloam where they not only find people, but uncover a deadly secret about Gloam.
The notion of Phase 2 of The High Republic jumping to another time period is a bit odd given that readers have just started to settle into Phase 1’s world and characters. While Phase 2 will no doubt tie into Phase 1, it’s going to take time to get adjusted to this new era once again. With ‘Quest of The Hidden City,’ the plot contains a lot of familiar elements- a missing Jedi, a hostile world, mysteries, and a rescue mission. What it lacks in originality it makes up for in adventure. This is a fast-paced and exciting story that does a fine job of setting up and juggling new characters all while telling an involving tale full of mysteries and intrigue (particularly everything happening on Gloam).
Perhaps the most striking thing about this book is George Mann’s writing of the Jedi Master (Silandra) and Padawan (Rooper). Not only does he perfectly capture the ideals of the Jedi Order, but he explores the dynamic between a Master and an Apprentice in a compelling manner. You’re left wanting to go on more journeys with these characters. Their characterization is the best in the book to be sure.
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