Star Wars: The High Republic – Wave 2 – Book Details & Initial Reactions
Star Wars: The High Republic is a publishing initiative marking an all-new era of Star Wars storytelling, and wave 2 begins June 29, 2021 with some great titles. Here are all the details we know so far through July 2021, including some initial spoiler-free reactions. (My reactions are in blue) If you’re just jumping in to The High Republic, be sure to catch up with all the details here.
Several books, comics and serialized fiction comprise The High Republic wave 2, written by the same familiar authors as the first wave. Cohesion is in the DNA of The High Republic, with a story set 200 years before The Phantom Menace and all stories written by the same group of authors. In fact, Disney Publishing Worldwide calls them Story Architects, and they are Claudia Gray (Lost Stars), Justina Ireland (Lando’s Luck), Daniel José Older (Last Shot), Cavan Scott (Dooku: Jedi Lost), and Charles Soule (Star Wars, The Rise of Kylo Ren). Wave I back in January of 2021 astounded fans with the depth and breadth of story.
So without further ado, let’s get into Wave 2!
Note: This article will be updated as I read each preview copy of the books.
BOOKS
The Rising Storm
Author: Cavan Scott
On-Sale: June 29, 2021
Details: This adult novel published by Del Rey follows the dramatic events of Light of the Jedi (by Cavan Scott).
In the wake of the Great Hyperspace Disaster and the heroism of the Jedi, the Republic continues to grow, bringing more worlds together under a single unified banner. Led by Chancellor Lina Soh, the spirit of unity extends throughout the galaxy, with the Jedi and newly established Starlight Beacon station at the vanguard.
In celebration, the chancellor plans “The Republic Fair,” a showcase of the possibility and peace of the expanding Republic—a precept the Jedi hope to foster. Stellan Gios, Bell Zettifar, Elzar Mann, and others join the event as ambassadors of harmony. But as the eyes of the galaxy turn toward the Fair, so too does the fury of the Nihil. Their leader, Marchion Ro, is intent on destroying this spirit of unity. His storm descends on the pageantry and celebration, sowing chaos and exacting revenge.
As the Jedi struggle to curb the carnage of the rampaging Nihil, they come face to face with the true fear their enemy plans to unleash across the galaxy. The kind of fear that even the Force cannot shield them from.”
Initial Thoughts: The most difficult part about The High Republic series was learning all the character names. Throughout the first wave of novels, we’ve learned the names and general outlook of each character. The Rising Storm, therefore, jumps right in to the action, and I am eagerly swept along.
Right now I’m in the first half of the book, and it’s jumping around between several different characters, planets and action, often leaving an action scene just as it gets good to start in a quieter place in another scene. While this type of storytelling is quite effective in a movie, in this book it is a little disconcerting, especially if you aren’t reading straight through. With each chapter I must reacquaint myself with the characters and remember where we last left them 20 pages ago. But as the overall plot is revealed, my interest grows and I see how these 4 or 5 separate stories will eventually merge into a climax. Storylines are about to clash, and I’m sure the novel will be a rip-roaring read to the finale!
Cavan Scott has a beautiful way of jumping into different characters’ POV. Yet he never shares certain main characters’ thoughts. You only get a feel for what they’re thinking based on the characters around them. Specifically Marchion Ro, Eye of the Nihil. He is the leader, and in order for us, the readers, to be surprised by the plot as he gradually continues his plan to take over the known galaxy, Scott cannot share Ro’s exact thoughts. So he chooses the people surrounding Ro, like a Force-sensitive being. It’s a simple, yet effective device. Similarly, Lina Soh, Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic – it is only through the eyes and ears of people surrounding her post do we understand her vision for the galaxy.
I look forward to finishing out this book, and I’ll be updating this article as I finish each book leading up to their release. Look for the blue!
Race to Crashpoint Tower
Author: Daniel José Older
On-Sale: June 29, 2021
Details: Race to Crashpoint Tower is a Middle Grade Novel published by Disney Lucasfilm Press.
The Republic Fair is coming! Visitors from all over the galaxy are traveling to the planet Valo for a massive, awe-inspiring festival celebrating the Republic. While his fellow Valons prepare for the fair, Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram is hiding out in his favorite place: a dingy garage filled with mechanical parts and tools. But when a security alarm goes off on the nearby hilltop nicknamed Crashpoint Peak, he ventures out with his trusty droid V-18 to investigate. There he discovers that someone has knocked out Valo’s communications tower—a frightening sign that Valo, and the Republic Fair, are in danger. Sure enough, as Ram races to warn the Jedi, the dreaded Nihil unleash a surprise attack! It’s up to Ram to face down the enemy at Crashpoint Tower and send a call for help to the Republic. Luckily, he’s about to get some assistance from unexpected new friends…
Out of the Shadows
Author: Justina Ireland
On-Sale: July 22, 2021
Details: Out of the Shadows is a YA novel (Young Adult) by Disney Lucasfilm Press.
Sylvestri Yarrow is on a streak of bad luck with no end of sight. She’s been doing her best to keep the family cargo business going after her mom’s death, but between mounting debt and increasing attacks by the Nihil on unsuspecting ships, Syl is in danger of losing all she has left of her mother. She heads to the galactic capital of Coruscant for help, but gets sidetracked when she’s drawn into a squabble between two of the Republic’s most powerful families over a patch of space on the frontier. Tangled up in familial politics is the last place Syl wants to be, but the promise of a big payoff is enough to keep her interested…
Meanwhile, Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh has been summoned to Coruscant, but with no idea of why or by whom. She and her Padawan Imri Cantaros arrive at the capital along with Jedi Master Cohmac Vitus and his Padawan, Reath Silas—and are asked to assist with the property dispute on the frontier. But why? What is so important about an empty patch of space? The answer will lead Vernestra to a new understanding of her abilities, and take Syl back to the past…and to truths that will finally come out of the shadows.
COMICS & SERIALIZED FICTION
Marvel’s The High Republic #6
Author: Cavan Scott
Artist: Pencils by Georges Jeanty
Cover Artist: Phil Noto
On-Sale: June 2, 2021
Comic Details: In this new story arc, The Republic Frontier in crisis! The Jedi of Starlight Beacon join forces with their most feared enemy to face the terror of the unstoppable Drengir horde.
Avar Kriss and her new allies fight nightmarish creatures on a harsh lava world. Can young Jedi Keeve Trennis save her former master from the darkness?
Also who or what is the Great Progenitor?!
Star Wars Insider #203 – Hidden Danger Part I
Author: Justina Ireland
Artist: Louie De Martinis
On-Sale: June 8, 2021
Serial Details: In preparation for the Republic Fair on Valo, the Agrarian and Agricultural Alliance is having their annual seed bank conference on Starlight Beacon. This is a chance for the agricultural experts from all over the galaxy to come together to discuss experimental farming techniques and sustainability. Administrator Velko Jahen and Starlight Beacon’s Head of Security Ghal Tarpfen have been stressed nearly to the breaking point with ensuring the safety of the Starlight while also making certain that the conference goes off without a hitch. And the pair will be pushed to the limit when the Drengir slither onto the scene…
IDW Comics – The High Republic Adventures #6
Author: Daniel José Older
Cover Artist: Harvey Tolibao (cover A), Ilias Kyriazis (cover RI)
On-Sale: July 7, 2021
Comic Details: As the galaxy prepares for the Republic Fair, Qort and Farzala leave their Padawan friends to join Leox Gyasi and the crew of the Vessel on a secret mission for the Jedi. What could possibly go wrong? As it turns out: literally everything.
If you’d like to sample some of The High Republic books for free before you decide to dive in, Disney Publishing Worldwide has made a FREE digital chapter sampler available! Get a little taste of the series.
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