Light of the Jedi (Star Wars: The High Republic)

by Charles Soule

Long before the First Order, before the Empire, before even The Phantom Menace . . . Jedi lit the way for the galaxy in The High Republic

It is a golden age. Intrepid hyperspace scouts expand the reach of the Republic to the furthest stars, worlds flourish under the benevolent leadership of the Senate, and peace reigns, enforced by the wisdom and strength of the renowned order of Force users known as the Jedi. With the Jedi at the height of their power, the free citizens of the galaxy are confident in their ability to weather any storm But the even brightest light can cast a shadow, and some storms defy any preparation.

When a shocking catastrophe in hyperspace tears a ship to pieces, the flurry of shrapnel emerging from the disaster threatens an entire system. No sooner does the call for help go out than the Jedi race to the scene. The scope of the emergence, however, is enough to push even Jedi to their limit. As the sky breaks open and destruction rains down upon the peaceful alliance they helped to build, the Jedi must trust in the Force to see them through a day in which a single mistake could cost billions of lives.

Even as the Jedi battle valiantly against calamity, something truly deadly grows beyond the boundary of the Republic. The hyperspace disaster is far more sinister than the Jedi could ever suspect. A threat hides in the darkness, far from the light of the age, and harbors a secret that could strike fear into even a Jedi’s heart.

• Publish Date: 5 January 2021
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Cornerstone
• Imprint: Del Rey
• Edition: Out of Print Exclusive
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 400
• Language: English
• Special: Exclusive Design Signed

Reviews

[Quirky Cat]

Book Summary:

It's the golden era of the High Republic, where everyone works as one unit to try and create a better universe. Well, mostly everyone. Then something catastrophic happens. The death toll has the potential to be incalculable.

This is one of those moments that Jedi were made for. Dozens of Jedi masters and their Padawans step up, arriving on the scene hoping to save lives and reduce casualties when possible. Will it be enough, or is this the end of an era?

My Review:

Well, this was certainly a Star Wars story of epic proportions. The Light of the Jedi is very much a tale of Jedi triumph. Or at least Jedi numbers. It's been a hot minute since I read a Star Wars novel with hundreds of Jedi characters (granted, not all of them were named, but you get my point).

Overall, The Light of the Jedi probably has half a dozen different perspectives. Most are Jedi, with a couple of Padawans for good measure. Plus a few other surprises, which I won't spoil. This helps to show the scale of everything happening, which was much appreciated.

I almost wish we had time to get to know these characters better, but that's a challenge when you share the perspective with so many of them. Still, it was insightful. I'm certain every reader will walk away from The Light of the Jedi with their own favorite character.

All things said and done; I was surprised by the intensity of this novel. For some reason, I thought it would be more of a relaxing read (probably because of the timeline), but boy was I wrong about that! Still, it's a solid reminder that things can (and do) go wrong.

Highlights:
Star Wars Story!
Multiples POVs
High Republic Era
Epic Tales

Trigger Warnings:
Massive Catastrophes
Character Deaths

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