DVD Corner

Star Wars: The High Republic: Into The Light Book Review

Claudia Gray returns with “Star Wars: The High Republic: Into The Light.” 

Written by Claudia Gray, “Star Wars: The High Republic: Into The Light” is the latest Phase 3 YA novel. The blight continues to wreak havoc across the galaxy having now destroyed the Inad Komesh moon. Now, the Wookiee planet Kashyyyk is under threat from the blight. Not only that, the blight threatens something that is sacred to both Kashyyyk and the Wookiees (no spoilers to what that is). Jedi Reath Silas leads a mission to Kashyyyk to try and deal with the blight alongside Burryaga, Dez, Cohmac, Amadeo, Avon, Kelnacca, and the Byne Guild (Affie, Leox, and Geode more specifically). More surprising than that, the troublesome Nihil Nan and the shady Azlin Rell are also joining the trip. Given their history, it’s possible they could pose a threat to the Jedi. Upon arrival, the group also discovers that there’s a dark presence, but it’s initially unclear as to what that is. 

The Jedi aren’t the only ones headed to the Wookiee homeworld. The Drengir (led by The Great Progenitor) find themselves traveling there as well as Dr. Mkampa (who works for Nihil leader Marchion Ro). Mkampa is looking for an object on the planet and is also connected to the Drengir’s presence on the planet (again, no spoilers). 

Sprinkled throughout the book are other small subplots involving Marchion Ro, Ghirra (who continues to work with the Nihil), among others.

As Phase 3 nears the end, “Star Wars: The High Republic: Into The Light” features some big moments for The High Republic. Usually, the YA books tend to be character centric tales that don’t move the plot forward as much as some would like, but this one has some key payoffs to be sure. The Drengir storyline (possibly?) closes out, there are major developments in regards to the blight, and there’s a specific sacrifice that will undoubtedly be emotional for High Republic aficionados. On top of that, this is a major story for both Reath and Nan. Reath really comes into his own here as he is tasked with leadership duties (ala leading the mission to Kashyyyk). Nan, meanwhile, starts out by going on a mission for Marchion Ro, but her character arc takes several turns. 

For the most part, Claudia Gray has been a consistent writer in the Star Wars Universe and that certainly holds true with “Star Wars: The High Republic: Into The Light.” She has a deep understanding of the world, knows how to pace the stories well, creates memorable characters, and really has a handle on the mythology. It’s unclear if this will be Gray’s last High Republic book as plans beyond Phase 3 are unknown at the moment, but if it is, she goes out on a high note. 

April 6, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | Claudia Gray, Drengir, Jedi, Star Wars, Star Wars Books, Star Wars: The High Republic, Star Wars: The High Republic: Into The Light Book Review