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Star Wars: The High Republic: Convergence Book Review

“Star Wars: The High Republic: Convergence” is an eventful Star Wars novel. 

Written by Zoraida Cordova (who previously penned “Star Wars: A Crash Of Fate”), “Star Wars: The High Republic: Convergence” is the latest installment in Phase 2 of The High Republic. The story concerns the war between the planets Eiram and E’ronoh. Jedi Knight Gella Nattai, Master Char-Ryl-Roy and Padawan Enya Keen and Jedi Master Creighton are en route to Eiram on a relief mission but find themselves getting embroiled in the conflict. An attempt to broker peace between the worlds is put into place with Eiram’s young Lord Phan-tu Zenn and Captain/Princess Xiri of E’ronoh and Chancellor Mollo leading the efforts, but there are those who don’t want peace including the Path of the Open Hand. As if the peace proceedings weren’t enough, there are assassination attempts, traitors, characters who aren’t what they seem, a troublesome son of a Chancellor (Axel) who is his mom’s eyes and ears, and rebellious movements that stand in the way of peace.

The last High Republic novel reviewed here on DVDCorner (“Star Wars: The High Republic: Path Of Deceit”) was among the very best. The introduction of the eerie Path of the Open Hand cult really opened up many storytelling possibilities and that thread continues here (though it’s not the focal point). We (the reader) really see how this organization will undoubtedly prove to be a great threat to Jedi (not to mention other planets). 

Outside of that though, the book has a very “The Phantom Menace” esque feel to it with peace negotiations, politics, conflicts, plot twists, and Chancellors all being involved in the story. There’s a lot going on here and there’s never a dull moment. As a fan of TPM that sort of vibe was appreciated as it allowed for the reader to learn about new planets, cultures, and characters (especially those outside the Jedi). Sure, there are still several Jedi characters (namely Gella) and Jedi heroics within these pages (it is Star Wars afterall), but characters like Axel, Phan-tu and Xiri are more front and center here. If the ending is any indication, we may not have seen the last of some of these characters either. One thing is for certain, Zoraida Cordova certainly has a knack for developing characters and hopefully she will continue to write more Star Wars novels in the future.

As of this moment, Phase 2 is already well on its way to surpassing Phase 1. The Path Of The Open Hand is one of the best story elements for Star Wars novels in quite awhile and it will be fascinating to see where that story heads from here on out. 

November 21, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Star Wars Books, Star Wars Convergence, Star Wars: The High Republic: Convergence Book Review, The High Republic