Review: Star Wars the High Republic- Light of the Jedi

Quick Summary

Pros: The book’s main storyline is captivating all the way through. The way the Jedi are written is fantastic and shows how awesome the Jedi Order was at its height. The other characters are great too.

Cons: The beginning of the book has some small storytelling problems.

Overall: This is a fun book that really takes advantage of its unique setting. The storytelling is mostly positive, the characters are great, and there is enough action and excitement to keep things interesting. The entire narrative also offers fans a chance to witness a different type of Jedi Order, one that feels more connected to the Force in a way that is awesome to see. All in all, this book is a great choice for any fan looking for a different type of Jedi story.

Story

Star Wars The High Republic: Light of the Jedi, by Charles Soule, is an awesome book on its own and an excellent showcase for the High Republic era. The entire read manages to tell a thrilling and entertaining story while constantly reveling in its unique setting.

The main narrative running through this book is what makes it worthwhile on its own. This narrative opens with an instantly appealing story about the galaxy’s response to a cosmic disaster. This features tense situations where heroic forces are racing to save as many people as they can. Then, the narrative shifts to a more traditional but still unique battle between the forces of light and dark. This features complex plans and impressive feats being pulled off by both the heroes and the villains. All of this then wraps up in a satisfying conclusion that builds even more excitement for the next chapter in the High Republic saga.

What really allows Light of the Jedi to stand out is the characters, particularly the Jedi. The High Republic era is all about emphasizing that the forces of good in the galaxy are at their zenith. To accomplish this, the book has the Jedi utilizing the Force in increasingly creative ways, consistently highlighting the deep connection between these Jedi and the Light. The way the Jedi are written here truly gives the feeling that we are witnessing a more enlightened age for the Jedi Order, one that most fans are sure to enjoy.

The book also has plenty of great characters outside of the Jedi. I really enjoyed reading about the Republic in a time where the Chancellor seems to have genuinely magnanimous goals. In addition, the book’s main villain is fantastic, especially as the read draws to a close.

My only complaint with Light of the Jedi is that near the beginning the storytelling feels chaotic at times. The narrative jumps from character to character in a way that sometimes doesn’t leave you with enough time to really get to know anyone and sometimes just seems unnecessary. Luckily, as the volume progresses, this problem essentially vanishes.

Continuity

Star Wars the High Republic: Light of the Jedi takes place in the High Republic era of Star Wars history. This occurs long before the events of the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy.

The story here continues in Star Wars The High Republic: The Rising Storm (Review).

This book also makes a few references to other Star Wars works:

• The story surrounding Jora Malli’s apprentice, Reath Silas, is continued in Star Wars: The High Republic: Into the Dark (Review).