The High Republic: Interview with the Luminous Five

This article was originally published on TatooineTimes.com

At the end of a long day, in a quiet conference room at Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022, I had the extreme pleasure of interviewing the Luminous Five: Cavan Scott, Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, Daniel José Older, and Charles Soule. Fresh off The High Republic panel mere hours earlier, the group was in high spirits as day one of the convention drew to a close.

Top of mind for everyone was Phase II of The High Republic coming this Fall, particularly all the new offerings revealed during the panel. Claudia Gray shared her excitement for her debut in the world of Star Wars comics with her upcoming Dark Horse series, Quest of the Jedi. Gray said, “It’s really exciting to me because one of the fundamental things that I wanted from The High Republic was to do a lot of different things that I haven’t gotten to do for Star Wars before. Mike [Siglain, Creative Director of Lucasfilm Publishing] can attest that I had many, many, many, many ideas for graphic novels over the years. So I’m excited finally to really get to dig in and do this.”

Another eagerly anticipated comic book offering is The Blade by Charles Soule (with its jaw-dropping cover art by Giuseppe Camuncoli). Soule described the Porter Engle backstory as more of an unveiling versus an origin story, “It’s the other side of the coin to the Porter Engle we see in Phase I. You see him as almost like a superhero Jedi, and he really is not that at all. He is somebody who is incredibly skilled but has a lot of things that have happened in his past that have led him to where he is.” Soule also shared his excitement for diving into the lore of The High Republic, “This story is me taking the Jedi martial art, the lightsaber, as far in my imagination as it can possibly go, and I can’t wait.” Neither can we Charles, neither can we.

Author of all trades Cavan Scott shared his enthusiasm for Path of Vengeance, his first foray into Star Wars YA: “This was a way of challenging myself. Telling stories for different audiences in different mediums keeps it fresh; it keeps it alive. Star Wars at its heart is a YA story, so I was following that tradition. It was something I definitely wanted to do, and Phase II has given me that chance.” Scott mentioned his desire to write “one of everything” in The High Republic—let’s hope he achieves his goal and has a middle grade novel in the works!

Since its inception, collaboration has been at the heart of The High Republic. Justina Ireland’s upcoming co-write with Tessa Gratton, middle grade novel Path of Deceit, highlights this fact as the real life best friends partnered on a Star Wars book for the first time: “Tessa has always been my support and hopefully vice versa, so it’s really nice to be able to tell a story together. I love her storytelling, and she compliments my storytelling in a lot of ways … it’s nice to have somebody that softens your rough spots.” Ireland admitted she has gotten really used to working collaboratively. “We’ve gotten spoiled [laughs],” she joked. “I don’t want to write by myself anymore; it’s too hard!”

The characters Daniel José Older crafted in his IDW comic series, The High Republic Adventures, have become some of the most loved by fans due to their tenacity and friendship. Older’s handling of these characters in his other Phase I works, the middle grade book Race to Crashpoint Tower and fan favorite YA novel Midnight Horizon, further cemented this group of Padawans in the hearts of readers. Was creating characters with such pure love and friendship a conscious effort on Older’s part? “I just have a very pure heart!” Older joked. “The friendships that coalesced were not planned, I just hoped it would work out, and that meant building these moments in the midst of all the action and adventure. Sometimes that becomes more apparent when newcomers come, and they’re welcomed into the fold … it becomes a big sleepover party so there’s a mix of having a plan and also just flowing with whatever happens.”

The High Republic offers readers of all tastes something to enjoy, and expands the galaxy as new authors and characters join the fold. Special thanks to Disney Publishing Worldwide for the opportunity to interview the original five authors of The High Republic. For Light and Life!

Star Wars: The Living Force Book Review

Thanks to Random House Worlds for the review copy of this book. This is a spoiler-free review. I receive commissions for links in this post.

This dad read Star Wars: The Living Force by John Jackson Miller! Set one year before The Phantom Menace, The Living Force is an ensemble piece that dives into the personalities of the Jedi Order of the prequel era like never before. Becoming more and more isolated on Coruscant, the Jedi Order are closing outposts left and right, with one more on the planet Kwenn likely next on the list. At the exhortation of Master Qui-Gon Jinn, the entire Jedi Council head to Kwenn, once a symbol of hope of a bygone era, as they face challenges on scales both large and small. Can the Jedi Order work together to help Kwenn’s citizens and, ultimately, themselves?

Admittedly, the Prequel Era isn’t at the top of my favorite list for Star Wars, so my expectations were relatively low going into this book and I ended up really enjoying it! From the get go, Miller nails the characterizations of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, something that immediately engrossed me in the world of the story. From each of their individual temperaments and personalities to their beloved master and apprentice relationship, it all just works. 

Taking on the entire Jedi Council as lead characters is no small task and Miller handles it brilliantly. Each council member is given individual attention so we get to know them in ways we never have before. Especially for characters like Ki-Adi-Mundi, Saesee Tiin, Even Piell, and Adi Gallia, a novel is the perfect way to explore their motivations and distinct personalities. Never does the cast of characters feel overwhelming or their paired-off storylines disparate; The Living Force is a master class in how to tell an entertaining story with a large ensemble cast.

For a story in which the stakes are understandably low, I also really enjoyed the threat the villains pose in The Living Force. In the sector of space in which the majority of the story takes place, there are a number of pirate crews who are threatening the peace. One pirate leader, a Nautolan named Zilastra, has an intense hatred for the Jedi; this combined with her ambition and cruelty makes for one highly entertaining baddie. Her motivations aren’t one note which makes her fascinating, plus she’s certifiably unhinged – there’s definitely never a dull moment when she’s on the page. It’s a smart move to make the threats in this book contained to its specific plot, as we all know there are far larger threats lurking in the background of the galaxy at large during this time.

For fans of The High Republic, The Living Force is kind of a jump forward to the events currently going on in Phase 3. It will be fun to see just how all the dots eventually connect, and I imagine The Living Force will warrant a reread by the time The High Republic wraps up. Just to be clear, no prior knowledge of The High Republic is needed to enjoy The Living Force as a standalone novel.

The Living Force took me by surprise in the best way possible with its mixture of plotline, characters, humor (one of the funniest Star Wars books in recent memory), and connections to other eras. I give The Living Force 🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 – highly recommend!

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Star Wars: The High Republic: Defy the Storm Book Review

Thanks to Disney Lucasfilm Press for sending me an advanced reader copy of this book. I receive commissions for links in this post.

This dad read Defy the Storm by Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton, the latest from Star Wars: The High Republic!

To say that I’ve been anticipating Defy the Storm would be quite the understatement. In addition to loving Ireland and Gratton’s first team up on phase two’s Path of Deceit, I’ve also enjoyed their non Star Wars book Chaos & Flame (whose sequel comes out very soon). The pair have been 2 for 2 for me so far but, disappointingly, Defy the Storm won’t be added to my list of favorites.

It’s my own fault for not realizing that Defy the Storm is basically a sequel to Ireland’s 2021 YA novel Out of the Shadows and, in hindsight, I should have reread it first. I gave Shadows 4 dad hats but in all honesty, it’s been over three years since I read that book and in that time I wasn’t exactly yearning to catch up with some of its main characters. Don’t get me wrong, I love some of The High Republic mainstays like Avon Starros and Vernestra Rwoh but I don’t think I realized how little I cared for Sylvestri Yarrow and Jordana Sparkburn or Xylan Graf for that matter. Yarrow, Sparkburn and Graf are front and center  in Storm and I found myself merely tolerating them until Avon and Vernestra reappeared. Deva Lompop is also in the mix and she outshines everyone else whenever she’s in a scene (I’d argue it’s really Deva’s book). Lompop’s been present in a number of Star Wars comics and she’s such a visually striking and memorable character, I absolutely loved her return to prose in this book (her debut being Ireland’s Mission to Disaster in 2022).

I guess what I’m trying to say is that my expectations for Defy the Storm were off. I thought we were getting (and still think this book is missing) a lot of forward momentum in the Jedi’s phase three plight against the Nihil but instead this book is more of a character catch-up with little plot movement. At this point in The High Republic I’m eager for plot bombs, revelations, shock, awe, and those things simply aren’t in Defy the Storm.

Expectations aside, Ireland and Gratton are professionals when it comes to matters of young adult emotions, of which there are many in Storm. Avon Starros in particular is coming into her own and maturing in a way that’s reminiscent of her devious mother but still influenced by her Jedi pals. She’s always been plucky but Defy the Storm has her in morally gray areas that are rife for character development and maturation. For further exploration on how Avon influences future Starros generations, I highly recommend reading Justina Ireland’s outstanding Marvel miniseries Sana Starros from 2023 (plus Deva Lompop’s there too!).  

Like many of the Jedi in phase three, Vernestra Rwoh is still reeling from the destruction of Starlight Beacon. Fresh off her sabbatical in Ibbe and spurred on by Avon, she has her sights set on finding her not dead Padawan Imra Cantaros (a plotline that never gets the weight it deserves). The Vernestra we see in Defy the Storm is one of transition. She’s definitely gone through the wringer, and while she’s come out on the other side somewhat better (her lightsaber/whip skills are killer) this book seems like a stepping stone on her overall journey. She’s still learning how to trust others and herself and I have a feeling that her presence in Gratton’s next adult novel Temptation of the Force will further explore her development and solidify the type of Jedi she is going to be.

Overall, Defy the Storm is a small step towards the conclusion of The High Republic phase three instead of a huge leap. Not a bad thing necessarily, but I feel like after the entirety of the initiative is over I’ll have a better perspective on how Defy the Storm truly fits into the overall story structure. For now, this might be the first High Republic book in which I’ve ever explicitly said that it’s not required reading.

I have to give a huge shoutout to artist Corey Brickley for their stunning cover, purchase this book for its beauty alone. I’m giving Defy the Storm 🧢🧢/5 – not required reading but time will tell how it fits into the overall High Republic narrative.

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Star Wars The High Republic: The Eye of Darkness Review

Thanks to Random House Worlds for the review copy of this book. This review is spoiler free.

George Mann returns to the world of The High Republic, offering up his first ever full length adult Star Wars novel, The Eye of Darkness. It’s been a year since the fall of Starlight Beacon and things are bleak. The Nihil still have a large section of the galaxy cordoned off in their Occlusion Zone, with Avar Kriss and Porter Engle both fighting from within its borders. Meanwhile, Bell Zettifar and Burryaga go on mission after mission aiding the territories bordering the Occlusion Zone, providing assistance however they can. Elzar Mann is still reeling from so much loss while navigating a Republic that’s found itself lost and at a political crossroads. Let’s not forget Marchion Ro, the titular Eye, who led the Nihil to victory but philosophically is at odds with the direction the Nihil is heading.

I know I’m not the only High Republic fan who’s been anxiously awaiting the return of the beloved characters from Phase I. I grew very fond of the new characters introduced in Phase II but couldn’t wait to catch up with the likes of Avar, Elzar, Bell, Burry, among others. My excitement for this return might have slightly clouded my memory, as The Eye of Darkness is solidly not a happy affair. I knew this going in, obviously, but I don’t think I was quite prepared for how bleak of an affair it would be. The Eye of Darkness is the dark side twin of Charles Soule’s Light of the Jedi (am I now just realizing that light and dark are literally in both of their titles? Quite possibly). All of this aside, The Eye of Darkness, while somber in tone, is a book I never wanted to put down. Mann does a stellar job of balancing multiple POV’s and taking readers on an emotional, psychological, and thrilling Star Wars adventure. And don’t get me wrong, I love me a bleak story; books are always more interesting to me when the heroes are down and out and the path to success is anything but clear.

George Mann has done what I thought was, at this point, highly implausible: causing my love for some of my all time favorite Star Wars characters to grow even more. In Mann’s hands, Bell Zettifar is as resilient as ever; his determination and sense of righteousness as he goes on missions to help those in the surrounding areas of the Occlusion Zone is heartwarming. Add to this his bromantic reunion with Burryaga and you’ve got pure joy on the page. Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann are separated, in more ways than one. Avar’s connection with the Force has weakened, its song barely a whisper, but she’s as determined as ever to fight for peace and fairness in the galaxy. Elzar Mann is still struggling with the choices he made during Starlight’s demise and aching for a sense of purpose and connection.

Of course at the center of all the chaos is the Eye of the Nihil himself, Marchion Ro. The Eye of Darkness, for numerous reasons, is a character study and Ro might be the most fascinating of all. Here’s a being who’s literally won; his Nihil have achieved their goal of defeating the Jedi (he quite literally has Jedi killers in the Nameless) and taking over a large territory of space, yet Ro is adrift. He doesn’t quite seem to know what to make of things, going so far as to let his lover Ghirra Starros have a solo meeting with the Republic, knowing all along she likely will fail. I think that Marchion’s character arc is still in the early stages. Unlike his Jedi counterparts, who have had to make massive changes and choices in their fight against the Nihil, Ro has been coasting on his success. George Mann hints at a family member who might be at the core of Ro’s struggle, but all we get is a whisper, making me believe that there’s still more layers to this mysterious Evereni.

The Eye of Darkness is an exploration of shadows. The shadows that threaten to dominate when all hope seems lost. The shadows that exist in utter loneliness. The shadows that tempt us to give in because continuing on is utterly exhausting. While darkness always comes before light, it’s anyone’s guess how the Jedi will pull themselves out of this particularly challenging bind. George Mann has crafted a stunner, I give The Eye of Darkness 🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 – highly recommend!

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Resurrection Walk Book Review

Thanks to Little Brown for the advanced copy of this book.

Michael Connelly is literally incapable of writing a bad book, and he’s provided Bosch and Haller fans another instant classic with his latest, Resurrection Walk. Defense attorney Mickey Haller has been in the game for a long time. As the eponymous Lincoln Lawyer, his penchant for doing whatever it takes for his client has given him quite the reputation. At this point in his life and career, Haller finds himself at a crossroads; keep playing the game, taking on any client who can pay and stroking his ego along the way or do the harder work of overturning wrongful convictions and freeing innocent people from prison. 

Which brings us to the main storyline of Resurrection Walk (Haller’s phrase for that glorious moment when an innocent prisoner rejoins society) which has Harry Bosch, retired LAPD and Mickey’s half brother, joining the dark side (as he calls it) and fully working as Haller’s private investigator. Bosch has his own set of morals which have served him well in his career, but he’s also at a different point in his life. He’s currently undergoing cancer treatments, so he needs work that not only aligns with his morals but also provides health benefits. With Haller riding the high of recently overturning a conviction and seeing a client walk free, Bosch’s task is to vet client letters so Haller can do it again. One case in particular piques Bosch’s interest: a Sheriff’s Deputy was killed and his ex-wife took a plea deal and is currently serving time but something is definitely fishy. Haller and Bosch dive in and head all the way to federal court to attempt to overturn the state’s conviction. As the case progresses and the trial unfolds, Bosch and Haller scratch their way to the truth, uncovering corruption and deceit in their march towards justice.

Michael Connelly once again proves he’s the king of legal/investigative thrillers. I challenge any reader of Resurrection Walk to actually follow through anytime they think “I’ll read just one more chapter” (hint: it’s impossible). Technically Resurrection Walk is a “Lincoln Lawyer Novel”, but the team up of Bosch and Haller make it something even more special. As a fan, I hope Bosch and Haller work together until the very end (which should be as far in the future as possible). This duo has shared storylines in the past, but having them work together this closely is outrageously satisfying.

If you’re not fully entrenched in the Connelly-verse, Resurrection Walk as a standalone is entertaining enough, but following Haller and Bosch through decades of stories (both in print and onscreen) will definitely make the book a more rich and fulfilling experience. Connelly also never rests on his laurels, keeping up with modern trends like AI and geofencing and allowing his characters to morph (Resurrection Walk’s final chapter hints at a drastic change in Mickey Haller’s future).

I can’t praise Resurrection Walk enough, it’s yet another stunner from Michael Connelly, I give it 🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 – highly recommend!

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Star Wars: Crimson Climb Book Review

Thanks to Disney Lucasfilm Press for the review copy of this book!

One of the final Star Wars novels of 2023 has arrived, Crimson Climb by E.K. Johnston. Serving as a sequel of sorts to Rae Carson’s 2018 book Most Wanted, an interquel to Solo: A Star Wars Story, and a prequel to the Crimson Reign Marvel series, this plot and character driven YA offering had me engaged from start to finish.

Crimson Climb does so much more than simply fill in a timeline gap for Qi’ra, a relatively minor, (yet beloved) Star Wars character. It’s a rags to riches origin story that’s bleak, dark, hopeful, and wildly entertaining. With her partner in crime Han Solo offworld, Qi’ra’s left to fend for herself on Corellia amidst Lady Proxima’s White Worms clan. The balance of power has shifted, leaving Qi’ra crawling her way back to some semblance of an existence. Qi’ra’s resilience starts to pay off as she takes baby steps towards a new and improved life. As Crimson Climb progresses, readers get a front row seat to the emergence of a power player in the world of the syndicates. Will Qi’ra leave behind her scrumrat ways forever as she ascends the ranks of the criminal syndicate Crimson Dawn?

In all transparency, I haven’t been the biggest fan of Johnston’s Star Wars works up to this point, however, I absolutely loved Crimson Climb! It scratched that don’t-want-to-put-it-down itch that I always crave in a book. From the very beginning Johnston took an established Star Wars character, gave her even more depth, and thrust her into a thrilling story filled with twists and turns. Qi’ra is the type of character that you can’t help but root for, shortcomings and all. She’s also not the typical heroine, with an edginess that’s refreshing and fun.

Similar to another 2023 Star Wars novel, Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade, Crimson Climb isn’t afraid to delve into the darker side of things. Here, the Force is barely mentioned and there’s not a Jedi or Sith to be seen, but it’s the darkness of humanity that’s explored as Qi’ra, and those around her go to extremes in their fight for survival. Qi’ra does some truly terrible things, and Johnston makes no excuses for her gritty determination to climb to the top, but she’s respectable for her perseverance and determination. The book closes with a mysterious cliffhanger, leaving potential for Qi’ra’s story to continue (which I hope is the case).

Crimson Climb is surprising, shocking, and sure fire hit – I give it 🧢 🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 highly recommend!

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The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade Book Review

Thanks to Disney Press for sending me a copy of this book for review.

It’s officially spooky season! Will newest book from beloved Star Wars/YA author Claudia Gray, The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade, give you goosebumps? Read on if you dare!

Storm & Shade revolves around Audrey Perez, a teenager who’s recently moved to New Orleans and, anxieties and all, quickly makes new friends. Audrey discovers a house in her neighborhood that’s too spooky to pass up, and after her first encounter with it, she and her friends become embroiled in a mysterious plot to claim its ghostly residents. Audrey’s balancing all of this paranormal activity with her own personal issues; her aforementioned anxiety, a boyfriend back home who seems to be growing more and more distant, plus a new love interest that may or may not be part of the land of the living. As Audrey and her friends learn more about the Haunted Mansion, they come to realize that its ghostly denizens don’t deserve eternal banishment; but can they solve the mystery of how to save the house before a powerful darkness overcomes the entire town?

Gray’s easy-to-read writing and love for the YA genre shines in Storm & Shade. Her characterizations of Audrey and her friends are thoughtful and rooted in real world issues, and they’re each distinct in their personalities. This trio of girls are the highlight of the novel, their fast friendship is adorable and their quirky personalities are hysterical (Gray balances their own senses of humor with physical comedy expertly). While the characterizations are spot on, there are moments when the teenage protagonists use references or slang that I find hard to believe would come out of the mouth of these modern teenagers. This out of touch nature with modern youth isn’t new to the genre and it only took me out of a story a small number of times.

Disney fans with a particular love for the Haunted Mansion ride might not quite have their expectation met with Storm & Shade. Yes, all the elements are there like the architecture, music and beloved ghosts that have haunted Disney Parks audiences for decades but Audrey’s story and the Mansion’s don’t quite mesh. I found myself interested both in the humorous and social aspects of the Audrey storyline and the Haunted Mansion’s lore, but the two never quite aligned. The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade feels like a compromise between a mega corporation and a mega talented author that unfortunately doesn’t result in a classic. I think either Audrey or the Mansion should have taken center stage; with both sharing the lead, Storm & Shade doesn’t reach its spooktacular potential (horror it definitely is not).

The Haunted Mansion: Storm & Shade didn’t quite do it for me, but that’s not to say certain audiences wouldn’t find it enjoyable. I give it 🧢🧢5 – recommend for Disney and/YA fans ages 12-17.

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Star Wars Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade Book Review

Thanks to Random House Worlds and Penguin Random House Audio for physical and audio review copies of this book.

This dad read Star Wars Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson! I have been eagerly awaiting this book’s publication as it’s the first time the Inquisitorius has been explored in a Star Wars novel, plus I’m a massive fan of Dawson’s work (Phasma is one of my favorites). Did the book live up to my internal hype? Let’s discuss.

The central character of Rise of the Red Blade is Iskat Akaris who, up until this point, has only appeared in Charles Soule’s 2017 Darth Vader Marvel comic book series. Going into the book, I was not familiar with Iskat as a character or her ultimate fate in the comic. Having previous knowledge is neither here nor there, as Blade jumps back into Iskat’s past and dives deeply into the tortured and unfortunate past of a gifted Force user. 

The Akaris we’re introduced to in Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade is a Jedi Padawan who, putting it lightly, doesn’t fit in. She and her Master, Sember Vey, travel the galaxy collecting Force artifacts for the Jedi Archives; an assignment that she feels has purposefully kept her away from Coruscant and her Padawan peers. An accident involving Iskat took place in the not-too-distant past at the Jedi Temple, one that unfortunately caused a friend to leave the Order and has her living in a state of fear, and we all know where that leads. Iskat finds herself back on Coruscant with a new mission, to help rescue fellow Jedi from the Separatists on Geonosis; an event which, combined with her attraction to Sith artifacts, more fully opens her eyes to her true nature. Throw in her survival of Order 66 and her eventual recruitment to the Inquisitorious and you’ve got one dark and angst-filled origin story.

Dawson has crafted a novel that gave me Darth Bane vibes; Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade isn’t afraid to go to the dark side in terms of plot, themes, and characterization. In this respect, Blade stands out as a unique canonical Star Wars novel. After recently reading Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void and Phase II of The High Republic, my opinion of the Jedi Order has been morphing. I don’t know if I can get behind a group that pulls children from their homes and indoctrinates them into a strict view of the Force. Star Wars has (for the most part) told us that the Jedi are the good guys, but time and again we see their flaws and shortcomings, and these types of stories are, to me, fascinating and entertaining. I love that books like Rise of the Red Blade force readers to take a hard look at the Jedi Order and examine it in a critical way. Iskat is definitely the type of sentient who’s nature and personality isn’t one that can thrive under the Order’s strict guidelines. Now, do I think becoming an Inquistor Sister and steeping herself in the dark side is ultimately best? Not at all. Time and again, the lesson that Star Wars teaches is one of balance. There is light and dark in all of us but it’s everyone’s responsibility to find a balance that helps contribute to a harmonious world. Rise of the Red Blade does a stunning job of telling a cautionary tale of how not to help someone who doesn’t fit the traditional mold.

Speaking of balance, I’d be remiss if I said I outright loved every aspect of this book. I am a huge fan of Dawson’s writing, and it remains high quality here, but some pacing irregularities threw me. Over half of Blade takes place before Iskat joins the Inquisitorious, with numerous chapters and internal dialogue hitting home the point that she feels like a misunderstood outsider. I know this aspect of the book is deeply personal to Dawson, so no disrespect to this thematic exploration (I found myself relating to Iskat time and time again), but in general I would have liked to have had more of a balanced story, half of the novel light side and half dark. It seemed like a lot of “rise” and I was wanting more “red blade.”

Ultimately, Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade does more than simply fill in the gap of a blink-and-you’ll-miss-her side character. It exposes the interior of a tortured soul and examines a life filled with choices, some made for her and others her own. I couldn’t help but be reminded of how every day I also make dozens of choices that affect both those around me and my own internal being. Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade treads on deep and dark territory that will linger with you long after you put the book down.

Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade features amazing cover art by Anthony Jones and also comes in audiobook format, narrated by Kristen Sieh. However you decide to read this book, you’re guaranteed a good time. I give Star Wars Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade 🧢🧢🧢/5 – recommend!

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Star Wars: The High Republic – The Edge of Balance: Precedent Manga Review

This dad read Star Wars The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Precedent by Daniel José Older and Tomio Ogata! Precedent is the sole manga offering from Phase II of The High Republic and, true to its name, tells a cautionary tale of the Jedi’s history with the Nameless that can hopefully be a guide in their ongoing battles against the Nihil.

The Edge of Balance: Precedent, similar to The Nameless Terror miniseries, is told in flashback. Vol Garath (an arachnid-type species known as a Harch) is an ex-Path of the Open Hand member and in the timeline of The High Republic Phase I, is seeking information on the Nameless as he’s out for revenge against the Jedi. He’s joined by none other than the Nihil and their leader Marchion Ro himself. On the planet Dalna, Garath and company uncover droid ZZ-10, who’s been hidden for over a century and becomes the narrator of this tale. 

We’re taken back 150 years, when Wookiee Padawan Arkoff, his Master Revna and young Jedi Knight Azlin Rell head to offer assistance in the Battle of Dalna. They quickly are thrown into the fray and encounter the horrors of the Nameless. While Master Revna is a force to be reckoned with (pun intended), both Arkoff and Rell struggle, with Rell suffering the worst. While the trio experience the destructive horrors of their enemy, seeing Rell’s ongoing suffering might be even more terrifying. Rell’s haunting visions are cause for alarm, but can Arkokk in the “present day” of Phase I learn from the past in the Jedi’s ongoing battle against the Nihil?

In typical Daniel José Older style, Precedent is filled to the brim with frenetic action that’s both awesome and terrifying. While Precedent is firmly a Phase II story, Older cleverly links it to Phase I and teases what we can expect from our Jedi heroes in Phase III. Also, he twists the narrative of the Nameless that readers have come to know, with Azlin Rell surviving his encounter with the Force-consuming beast with ghastly consequences. In terms of characters, Jedi Master Ravna is a particular standout; she’s small but mighty and has numerous scenes that will leave your jaw on the floor. Artist Tomio Ogata fills each page with amazing artwork that can at times be a little hard to follow, but nonetheless makes the story come to life beautifully.

As one of the final offerings in The High Republic Phase II, The Edge of Balance: Precedent definitely isn’t to be missed. I give it 🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 – highly recommend!

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Desert Creatures Book Review

Thanks to Erewhon and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest, spoiler-free review.

Desert Creatures is an alternative dystopian/western with elements of spirituality and the supernatural by Kay Chronister and published by Erewhon. The story focuses on Magdala, who starts the novel as a 9-year-old who’s navigating a harsh world with her father. The two of them make their way through Sonoran Desert which is  filled with horrific creatures and find a place amongst a community of survivors. As Magdala ages, Desert Creatures follows her journey for redemption, to the new spiritual center of the county, Las Vegas. Along the way Magdala forms relationships that shape the woman she becomes, all while trying to survive in a harsh new world. Can Magadla find the salvation she’s worked a lifetime to achieve?

Desert Creatures had me captivated from beginning to end. Kay Chronister’s writing is a poetic, dark and beautiful, a mixture that serves the story very well. Magdala’s journey of discovery and maturity is relatable and at times utterly heartbreaking. Chronister has made her a character that readers start out feeling sorry for and by story’s end are rooting her on for her resilience and fortitude. As a father myself I couldn’t help but feel protective of Magdala for the cards she’s been dealt in life (both physical and otherwise), but as she matures and becomes hardened to the world I became her biggest champion by the end. Chronister does an amazing job of crafting a lead character that readers want to see succeed, flaws and all.

An unexpected element to Desert Creatures are themes that deal with spirituality and religion. Having Magdala’s journey also be a spiritual one adds depth and shines a light on an aspect of life rarely explored in popular fiction. Chronister doesn’t shy away from the aspects of religion that can be messy and/or tarnished by flawed humans. There are characters who do terrible and amazing things, both in the name of religion, making for a novel that, while firmly fictional, resonates in today’s real world too. Having this aspect of humanity included and explored makes Desert Creatures utterly unique, a stand out in modern speculative fiction.

Desert Creatures bends and twists the coming of age narrative into something that’s equal parts horrifying, beautiful, and inspiring. For lovers of modern fiction, and English class, I can’t recommend it enough. I give Desert Creatures 🧢🧢🧢🧢/5 recommend!

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