DVD Corner

Star Wars: The High Republic: The Eye Of Darkness Book Review

“Star Wars: The High Republic: The Eye Of Darkness” raises the stakes.

Phase 3 kicks off with a bang with “Star Wars: The High Republic: The Eye Of Darkness.” Set 1 year after the destruction of the Starlight Beacon, the galaxy is in a grim state. Marchion Ro and the Nihil have put up a Stormwall and have taken over a section of the Outer Rim in what is called the Occlusion Zone. The Nihil have blocked communications in and out of the Zone while the Stormwall is proving to be impenetrable for anyone to get in or out of without a Path that the Nihil have. 2 Jedi (Avar Kriss and Porter Engle) are trapped behind enemy lines and are attempting to help those in need as the worlds under Nihil rule are suffering and starving. 1 Jedi (Jedi Grand Master Pra-Tre Veter) has been taken captive by the Nihil and has been experimented on with The Nameless by Nihil scientist Baron Boolean.

Outside of the Zone, the Republic and Jedi are struggling with how to breach the Stormwall, find a Path drive, and deal with The Nameless who seem to have no weakness. Jedi Master Elzar Mann, Chancellor Lina Soh, and Jedi Knight Bell Zettifar and Burryaga are among those leading efforts to find any sort of solution. 

Elsewhere in the story are key plots involving Nihil Senator Ghirra Starros attempting to get the Nihil a Senate seat, Melis Shryke navigating the world of the Nihil under General Viess, and a reporter (Rhil) being held hostage by the Nihil that is secretly sending messages to the Jedi.

After Phase 2 delved into the past, Phase 3 returns to the timeline of Phase 1 to continue the Nihil saga. Author George Mann wastes no time getting down to business to show what has happened since the Starlight Beacon went down and to check in with many (but not all) of the central characters like Elzar Mann, Avar Kriss, and Bell Zettifar. There’s even some new characters here like the scene stealing Ugnaught Belin who aids Avar on her journey. 

Although there’s a lot of set-up to be had within this story, there’s a real urgency to the plot that made this an intense read. The oppression of the Nihil is weighing heavy on the heroes. The Nihil’s reign of terror is growing and the Jedi and the Republic have no answers for them, but are desperate to find some.

Mann also stuffs in some enticing teases for what will surely come into play in future stories with Nana, Lina’s lost son Jom, Marchion Ro hearing voices, and former Jedi Azlin Rell who may just be able to help the Jedi.

Overall Thoughts: “The Eye Of Darkness” is easily one of the best High Republic novels to date. It’s a fast-paced Star Wars story that offers up plenty of action, characterization, intrigue, and teases of what is to come.

November 12, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Jedi, Star Wars, Star Wars Books, Star Wars: The High Republic: The Eye Of Darkness Book Review