In celebration, the chancellor plans the Republic Fair, a showcase of the possibilities and the peace of the expanding Republic—a peace 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 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 from which even the Force cannot shield them.
Ok, at this point I feel really comfortable saying that THE HIGH REPUBLIC publishing initiative is easily the most exciting thing to happen to Star Wars books since I’ve been reading them. I’m also keenly aware that phase one is nearing its end, so I’m really holding out some hope that there’s news soon regarding what’s next, and when.
Because I love this era with my whole entire heart, and I really would love to see another diverse group of talented authors take a shot at this thrilling corner of the galaxy far, far away.
I’ll just get right to it: I’d put THE RISING STORM right up there with some of the very best Star Wars novels I’ve ever read. I loved everything about this one, cover to cover. Cavan Scott builds on everything that Charles Soule did with LIGHT OF THE JEDI, while adding so much depth and nuance to the story, all while paving the way for Claudia Gray’s forthcoming THE FALLEN STAR. This is just amazing storytelling coming from these folks, and we are really getting some of the best Star Wars stories EVER!
There were some characters I fell in love with in LIGHT OF THE JEDI, and really hoped to see more of in THE RISING STORM. That actually didn’t prove to be the case here, as two of my favorites from LOTJ (Avar Kriss & sensitive cinnamon roll Wookiee, Burryaga) seemed to take on minor roles in this sequel.
NEVERTHELESS!!! There are an abundance of amazing characters from this era, and we get to spend time with so many of them.
Bell Zettifar is really at the center of things in THE RISING STORM. Much like LOTJ, this book has an absolutely electrifying opening, with Bell in the midst of a harrowing fight for his life. His co-pilot? Ember, his “canine” companion & the goodest girl in the galaxy. We needed a Very Good Dog™️ in Star Wars, and the High Republic authors have blessed us.
I WOULD DIE FOR BELL AND EMBER.
Elzar Mann continues to evolve into one of the more interesting Jedi this era has to offer. He really struggles a lot this time out, and while this was all hinted at in LOTJ, it was intense to see. There are many aspects to the Force, and Elzar is someone who is pretty open about his darker moments.
Ty Yorrick came along and kinda stole the show for me, in a big way. She is enigmatic, mysterious af, insanely badass, and kinda hilarious. The less said about her the better, but this is someone I am deeply curious about.
And then of course there is Marchion Ro, leader of the Nihil. I think what’s so fascinating about the Nihil as villains is how fractured & volatile they are as a whole. Marchion is only barely keeping things together, and seeing the internal strife in this “organization” only makes them all seem so much more dangerous, on an individual level.
The story centers around The Republic Fair, the brainchild of Chancellor Lina Soh. An attempt to demonstrate to the galaxy that this is a peaceful, prosperous time, full of art & invention, the fair is held on Valo. It’s a massive undertaking, much to the chagrin of… well, many. In particular, a Sullustan senator named Tia Toon. Toon is set up like a particularly grating antagonist, but he’s a really level-headed and interesting character, someone to keep your eye on in this story!
Obviously, the extremely chaotic Nihil take a keen interest in The Republic Fair, so they show up & have some nice food and then go home and everything is fine.
IT’S JUST FINE!!!!
THE RISING STORM was honestly fucking incredible, and I couldn’t have enjoyed this any more. There’s some truly thrilling action sequences, some brutally tender character moments, and no shortage of threats to the Jedi & the galaxy. It also felt like there was a very slight Jurassic Park influence to some scenes, which I loved.
I don’t have long to wait now for THE FALLEN STAR, which I’m sure will be another joy-filled adventure, with no emotional pain. I mean, what else would it be?
Grimdark Dad 