Star Wars: The High Republic: Tales Of Light And Life Book Review
“Star Wars: The High Republic: Tales Of Light And Life” favors character over plot.
With Phase 3 on the horizon, a new High Republic novel is hitting stores to tide fans over in the meantime. “Star Wars: The High Republic: Tales Of Light And Life” is different from past releases, however, as this is an anthology book containing 9 stories from both High Republic eras. What stories are within these pages? Read on to find out, fellow Star Wars fans.
“The Queen’s Bloom” by Zoraida Cordova is an Axel Greylark centric story that focuses on the character during his days in University. The story concerns Axel’s friends Kozmo and Leyli, a Queen’s Bloom party crash, thieves, and Axel’s parents. The first half of the story feels like “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” with Axel pulling pranks and getting into shenanigans, but the second half takes an unexpected turn. The story is light, but it does shed light on Axel’s past before he became involved with the Path.
Speaking of the Path, Tessa Gratton’s “A Closed Fist Has No Claws” is a post ‘Path of Vengeance’ story that follows up on what Marda Ro is up to. Not only is she looking for fellow Evereni, but she’s also murdering and gathering a crew for her future fiendish plot. Personally speaking, my favorite stories in this book involved check-ins with characters after the events of the last story they were in. This was easily one of the best as there’s a significant amount of characterization here.
George Mann’s “Shield Of The Jedi” focuses on Jedi Padawan Rooper Nitani who is undergoing a Jedi Knight Trial on Batuu by his Master Silandra Sho. If you’re a fan of stories involving Jedi and the Jedi Order, this one is for you. The story perfectly embodies the Jedi ideals and the Master-Padawan dynamic.
“The Lonely Traveler Is Home” by Daniel Jose Older is a rather heartfelt story involving a surprise party, homesickness, and Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram and force user Zeen Mrala . It’s easy to see where the story is going, but it’s nice to see a story with heart in here.
One of the best Star Wars novel authors (Claudia Gray) returns with a brand new tale with “After The Fall.” Set after the destruction of the Starlight Beacon, this entry follows up on Affie Hollow, Geode, Leox and a few familiar faces. The story involves the Guild, helping the people of Eiram, ship repairs, and the fallout of the disaster (both emotionally and physically). While not my favorite characters, this story definitely acts as a proper bridge to what is to come in Phase 3 (assumedly).
“The Force Provides” by Justina Ireland returns the focus to former Jedi Knight turned Wayseeker Vernestra Rwoh who is letting the Force guide her. Her journey takes her to Miekos where she meets a former Princess and Pirate Tanabi and an anti-guild movement. The plot may not be the most exciting ever put to paper, but learning more about Rwoh’s continued path was rewarding.
Perhaps the most hyped story in this entire book is Charles Soule’s “All Jedi Walk Their Own Path.” Without delving into spoilers, this story focuses on Bell Zettifar and answers the burning question of what happened to Burryaga. Certainly the most significant story here in terms of character and plot.
“Light In The Darkness” by Cavan Scott takes place on the Planet Ena which has been ruined/controlled by the Hutts. The locals (including Enami siblings Kian and Hoi) have been starving under their rule and decide to steal food. Will there be dire consequences or will someone save the day and help the Planet? This is another story where the end is inevitable, but the story does exemplify the good of the Republic and the Jedi.
Last, but not least is “The Call Of Coruscant” by Lydia Kang. In this short story, readers follow Padawan Amadeo Azzazzo and his Jedi Master Mirro Llox who begin by helping villagers from groundquakes and miners before venturing to Coruscant to be briefed on current events (AKA the Beacon disaster). While there, Amadeo begins to ponder other lifestyles outside the Jedi Order. A satisfying character piece in which Amadeo has to find himself and ponder if the Jedi Order is for him.
If you’ve been following The High Republic this long, you will no doubt be on board with reading this new anthology book (especially if you are a huge fan of any of the characters featured here). If you’re picking and choosing what to read, you can probably skip this one as it is far from essential reading.
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