Into the Dark (Star Wars: The High Republic)

by Claudia Gray

[Quirky Cat]

I received a copy of Into the Dark in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Into the Dark, by Claudia Gray, is part of the new High Republic series, and thus part of the new Star Wars Disney Canon world. Personally though, it's the fact that it's written by Claudia Gray that had me so excited about this read. She's one of my favorite Star Wars authors, and I will read anything she deigns to write.

The relationship between Padawan and Masters is complex, and designed to teach both parties more about their paths. This is a fact that has never been more true, as Padawan Reath Silas is sent off on an adventure he never wanted, or intended, to have.

He was content to stay on Coruscant, with access to the libraries and all the research he could ever have wanted. Instead, he was called out into the frontier by his Master. Unfortunately, something goes awry before he ever makes it there, as a disaster strikes. Now, Reath Silas and the other Jedi in his company are going to have to fight for their lives.

“'Adventure' is usually a euphemism for 'going places that have lots of bugs.'”

Into the Dark was very much not the book that I expected. In many ways, it was better. It was fascinating to dive a bit further into the High Republic (no, I haven't read Light of the Jedi – yet). More than that, I was fascinated to see a time when the Jedi were strong, and not openly battling such a war.

Likewise, I loved every new character introduced in this book. And trust me, there were a lot of them. Not all of them were Jedi, but many were. Silas isn't the only perspective in this book, despite what the description may have you think (surprising, as I said).

The other perspectives really help to flesh out the world, and provide different insight on the same situation. I'm sure that every reader will go into this book and come out with a different favorite, but that's to be expected.

Claudia Gray really did a fantastic job of capturing the essence of the characters, the timeline, and the importance of the training process – for both the Padawan and the Master. It's an understated lesson, but one that carries so much weight with it.

Personally, I can't help but hope that we'll be seeing more of her work for the High Republic, as I seriously am already feeling like I'm going through withdrawal. I want more of this timeline, and more of her writing. Preferably together.

Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks