This article was originally published on TatooineTimes.com
The High Republic, an all-new era of Star Wars storytelling set 200 years before the events of The Phantom Menace, begins with Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule. The novel introduces soon-to-be iconic characters, ships, and a new threat for the galaxy: the Nihil. Soule—along with the rest of the Luminous Five, Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, Cavan Scott, and Daniel José Older—built The High Republic from the ground up, and even though Light of the Jedi is predominantly never-read-before lore, its core is pure Star Wars.
The novel immediately grabs the reader’s attention with a hyperspace anomaly that soon turns into a potential threat of catastrophic proportions. Each short (but fulfilling) chapter depicts the state of emergency of the anomaly from different perspectives—giving the reader the opportunity to slowly get introduced to the new characters, ships, and locations.
Part One of Light of the Jedi mainly focuses on the Republic and the Jedi—both factions represented in a new light compared to what we have come to know in Star Wars so far. The Republic, led by Chancellor Lina Soh, is one of peace and purpose, focused on bringing the best of the galaxy by working together in unison. This sense of unity and collaboration, especially with the Jedi, is solidified with Star Wars‘ newest catchphrase: “We are all the Republic.”
As the title suggests, the Jedi are at their purest, their connection to the light side of the Force stronger than ever before. Soule beautifully describes each Jedi’s representation of the Force and how they are able to become one with it at a much deeper level. Among the Jedi ranks, Light of the Jedi‘s protagonists include the brightest, most selfless Master of the Order Avar Kriss, the unorthodox Knight Elzar Mann, and the wise teacher Master Twi’lek Loden Greatstorm along with his Padawan Bell Zettifar. Although most of the novel focuses on these characters, Light of the Jedi does not shy away from pivotal side character cameos, some of which—like Jedi Master Trandoshan Sskeer and the Padawan Wookiee Burryaga—will star in other upcoming stories within The High Republic. And yes, even Grandmaster Yoda gets mentioned a few times!
Light of the Jedi features new, unique ships; among them, the Jedi Vectors. These compact, mosquito-like fighters of sleek design (inspired by some early Clone Wars designs for Episode III) are fascinating to say the least as they can only be activated and piloted by Jedi who through the Force are able to become formidable opponents and near impossible targets.
Part Two slows down the book’s pace, and the reader finally gets invited into the Nihil world. The new villains are the worst kind of people—murderers, thieves, and even kidnappers—they take what they want and leave a trail of destruction and death as they disappear like ghosts. Despite their less than noble values, the Nihil are an intriguing bunch. Their organization’s social and military hierarchy (their ranking inspired by the storm) gives complexity to the characters, but what makes the Nihil story interesting is the lies and deception spread among themselves, always looking for opportunities to raise the ranks and gain more power and wealth. Among the leaders of the Nihil is Marchion Ro, whose imposing and mysterious presence make him a fearful villain. However, his role as merely an observer within the Nihil leadership might not give him enough weight in the story until the final chapters of the book where he finally comes out as the big bad foe.
Part Three is a cliffhanger right up to the last page of the book. From epic space battles to jaw dropping plot twists, Soule’s writing is delightfully cinematic, making Light of the Jedi an irresistible page-turner. The ending will leave the reader full of questions, wanting to find out what lies ahead for the new heroes and villains. Are you ready to experience the beginning of The High Republic era? Then make sure to grab a copy of Light of the Jedi today, also available in audio format, read by Marc Thompson!
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