DVD Corner

Star Wars: The High Republic: Escape From Valo Book Review

“Star Wars: The High Republic: Escape From Valo” is a quality character centric story. 

Written by Daniel Jose Older and Alyssa Wong, “Star Wars: The High Republic: Escape From Valo” is a follow up of sorts to “Star Wars: The High Republic: Race To Crashpoint Tower” only this story takes place during the Third Phase of High Republic stories. As the title suggests, the story returns to the planet of Valo which is now being occupied by the Nihil after the Republic Fair disaster. Moreover, the planet is behind the Nihil Stormwall and is cut off from the Republic. Commander Vark Tarpalin is plotting a Dark Fair, but his celebration becomes sabotaged by resistance fighter the Secret Skull. In reality, the Secret Skull is none other than Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram. Ram isn’t the only Jedi that managed to survive though as Master Kunpar and 3 Jedi Younglings (Gavi, Tep Tep and Kildo) are also present on Valo. 

When Kunpar is taken hostage by Vark, the 4 young Jedi plot to save him. On their journey, they run into Zyle (a pirate who wants to follow in his family’s footsteps). Zyle is on Valo to find the sunken Innovator ship as he hopes to score valuable Bacta. He decides to join forces with the Jedi as they saved his life.

Elsewhere in the book are storylines involving 2 ships, droids, Driggit (a Valo citizen and former friend of Gavi who is collaborating with the Nihil in order to protect Valo people but is secretly planning to screw them over in the long run), and young Nihil scientist Niv Drendow (who appears on Valo with a Nameless creatures and also seeks something on the Innovator).

Even though ‘Escape From Valo’ may follow younger characters, this isn’t a story aimed at a younger audience like “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.” It’s more of an adventurous young adult/teen story that has some surprisingly dark moments. What really struck me about this story is that it explores the loss of innocence and the effect the war against the Nihil has had on both the Jedi Younglings and the people of Valo. No one is the same after the Republic Fair disaster and we really get to see how that horrific event impacted these characters. On top of that, there’s a great deal of rewarding characterization here as characters like Gavi really begin to figure out their lives. Driggit is perhaps the most intriguing character here as there is so much storytelling potential with her in the future. Seeing how she will undercut the Nihil is going to be a thrill.

If there is any knock on this novel it’s that the story is rather slight. The Dark Fair element was really underplayed (that could have been an exciting element), Master Kunpar is rather wasted here, and there’s a bit too much convenience with the plot elements involving the ships and all roads leading to the Innovator. Still, the character work here is reason enough to give this a read. 

Note: The book contains a handful of illustrations by Petur Antonsson.

January 17, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Jedi, Star Wars Books, Star Wars: The High Republic, Star Wars: The High Republic: Escape From Valo Book Review