Published: February 2, 2021 (US); February 18, 2021 (UK)
Author: Claudia Gray
Cover Artist: Giorgio Baroni
Publisher: Disney-Lucasfilm Press
Formats: Hardback (352 pages), ebook (352 pages) Audiobook (672 minutes)
Timeline: 232 BBY
The synopsis;
Long before the First Order, before the Empire, before even The Phantom Menace… Jedi lit the way for the galaxy in The High Republic.
Padawan Reath Silas is being sent from the cosmopolitan galactic capital of Coruscant to the undeveloped frontier – and he couldn’t be less happy about it. He’d rather stay at the Jedi Temple, studying the archives. But when the ship he’s traveling on is knocked out of hyperspace in a galactic-wide disaster, Reath finds himself at the centre of the action.
The Jedi and their travelling companions find refuge on what appears to be an abandoned space station. But then strange things start happening, leading the Jedi to investigate the truth behind the mysterious station, a truth that could end in tragedy…
The review;
“We are the Republic!” To say that I have been encapsulated by the wonder that is The High Republic would be somewhat of an understatement. This series is only in its infancy and it is already proving to have some of the very best (if not the very best) that Star Wars literacy has had to offer in a very long time. The whole premise, the time period, it allows the contributing authors a vast, new galaxy that allows them to tell the stories they want, that aren’t confined by the movies. The stories so far have been original, engrossing and pure Star Wars through and through. So, add into the mix one of my all-time favourite Star Wars authors, Claudia Gray. As Timothy Zahn is the godfather of the Star Wars literary world, Gray is easily the godmother. Her books are simply incredible. I will go on record saying that I believe Lost Stars is the best book to have come out of this new era of Star Wars. It left a very lasting impression on myself and many fans with her other book releases equally well loved. To have Gray write for The High Republic seemed a perfect pairing and my expectations were incredibly high.
What really struck me about this book first and foremost was the atmosphere that is prevalent throughout it. Gray really goes back to the core of the original Star Wars, a Space Western. Although this time period is the height of The High Republic, with the expansion into the Outer Rim through the Starlight Beacon, there is this overarching feeling that the characters are journeying into the frontier, into the unknown. After reading Soule’s Light of the Jedi, you have a sense that the Republic are bringing their light to this region, to bring better knowledge, better technology and a better way of life. Gray really builds on this, with the Jedi characters thinking they are above those who are not part of the Republic. Not only does this draw comparisons to the expansion of the American frontier but it also starts to show the arrogance of the Jedi, the arrogance that will eventually lead to their downfall. Gray makes it very clear that the Jedi aren’t all knowing that actually a little humility in this new region would serve them far better.
Gray then shifts from a Western to a creepy, space horror with the characters finding themselves on an ancient space station. The tension created reminded me very much of Alien and Event Horizon. It’s not so much about what you see, but what you don’t see and Gray uses this to maximum effect.
Gray could not have done a better job of the settings, the atmosphere, the unnerving sense, but it is her characters that show us exactly why she is such a fan favourite. There are characters here for everyone to enjoy and relate to. By the end of the book, you will adore them all, which with the number of characters there are, this is no small feat. Yet the time dedicated to each character never feels short or hampered because of the focus on another character. Gray is able to have multiple, engaging storylines that draw you in over and over again.
The main character, Reath, believes he is not the typical Jedi. He has worked himself hard to be the best that he can be, but with a focus on the academic rather than the practical. In fact, very similar to the educational system that can be found in many places, which is only now starting to realise that a hands-on experience is very beneficial. Reath is scared of the unknown, of being out of his comfort zone. He, like many Jedi, doesn’t realise how much of an attachment he has to his way of life. He doesn’t want to get his hands dirty in the real world and would rather stay where he is. Not only this, but he has a fear of using his lightsaber, of fighting for justice when the call arises. It is clear that Reath still has much to learn on his path to becoming a Jedi. Yet it is these flaws that make him so likeable and also give him the room to develop as a character throughout the story. The lessons he learns are a very powerful message to the younger generation, that even though young and inexperienced, they can have a lot to offer their elders.
While Reath is learning to become a Jedi, the other major character in the story is Affie. She is a young girl trying to prove herself to her foster mother, who runs a shipping guild. She too is trying to gain experience, but unlike Reath, she is happy to throw herself into new experiences to prove her worth to her mother. Having Reath and Affie running side by side really shows the differences in their experiences and how each see the world differently. Gray is no stranger in employing this sort of style, as she does something very similar in Lost Stars.
There are several Jedi that travel with Reath, some that show the cracks that are appearing in the order. Gray wants it clear that even during this time, the Jedi are forming part of the bureaucracy and are starting to ignore the calling of the force. It’s subtle and it’s easy to see why they do it, but there are some Jedi who see the mistake in it. It’s very interesting to see these cracks, as in all the stories available for The High Republic, you can’t ignore the fact that the Jedi are at their prime. Their powers, their beliefs, their trust to the force are like nothing we’ve seen before. You can’t help but think the higher you climb….
The main characters are very likeable, but it is the side characters that really steal the show, namely Leox and Geode. They work together on the Vessel with Affie and it is they who bring wonderful humour into a dark storyline. Just like in the original movies, Gary uses them like the bickering droids, to lift our spirits. Leox is the wise, hippie pilot who is so chilled even the lost dire of situations. I’m not sure what Gray had in mind (I’m pretty sure someone far younger) but I couldn’t help imagining Leo from That 70s Show. And Geode. There is so much to say about him, but I don’t want to spoil it for any who are yet to read the book. All I shall say is that every moment with him is pure joy with humour spewing out of him at every turn!
Heroes are only as good as their villains and Gray makes sure there are aplenty. There are the overarching Nihil, who are the main bad guys during this time, yet they almost take a back seat for this story. Gray makes full use of the freedom offered by this period to bring in original (and terrifying) new enemies for the Republic to face. Not only that, but the Smith, or at least their influence is still very much in play. I’m enjoying that there is something else threatening the galaxy other than the Sith, but as such an important part of the galaxy’s history, I think Gray makes a good decision to show their lingering effects. It is here that I don’t want to delve too deep as I don’t wish to give anything away, but what I will say is that Gray throws in a few very shocking twists and turns in the story that really make you sit up in surprise. There is also some movement of pieces that set the foundation for the next stories set in The High Republic, pieces that I can’t wait to see further explored.
The standards set so far by the books and comics of The High Republic is astronomically high, yet Gray manages to meet that standard and then take it even further. There is a darkness and atmosphere to this story that really sets it apart from our views so far of this era. Having several authors for this series allows something new and different for each part, it’s what is making this series work so well. It feels like Gray has given us The Empire Strikes Back of the series so far. The atmosphere, the characters, the villains, they are all woven together to create an engaging story that keeps you very much on the edge of your seat. In such a short space, Gray has created some very memorable characters, some who I’m sure will become fan favourites. I’m really hoping we see a return of them very soon. The twists and turns are very unexpected and show just how wonderful Gray can write with so much misdirection. Although previous reading isn’t essential, if you are following the series, you’ll get so much more out of this book. I cannot recommend this highly enough (or any of The High Republic material out there in fact) to any fan. This is how Star Wars should be and it’s a pleasure to see what Gray can do when given the space to tell the story she wants to. Now let’s talk about that Leox/Geode series….
Availability;
The High Republic: Into the Dark by Claudia Gray is published by Disney-Lucaslfilm Press. It was released on February 2, 2021 in the US and February 18, 2021 in the UK. It is available in hardback, audiobook and ebook formats from all good bookstores and through online retailers including Amazon in the UK and US.
