Light of the Jedi (Star Wars: The High Republic)

Review

Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule is the first book in a brand-new era of Star Wars storytelling, set hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga. It drops us into a time when the Jedi and the Republic are at their peak, filled with hope, growth, and exploration. The book does a great job of capturing that golden age while also planting the seeds of future trouble. The story kicks off with a massive disaster in hyperspace that puts countless lives at risk. From there, Soule introduces a wide cast of characters, both Jedi and non-Jedi, as they work to respond to the crisis and uncover who or what caused it. The opening is packed with tension, and it sets the tone for a story that feels both epic and personal. What really stands out in this book is the worldbuilding. Soule makes the Jedi feel larger than life but still relatable. Jedi like Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann are especially interesting, each dealing with their own struggles while trying to live up to the ideals of the Order. The villains, the Nihil, are totally different from the Sith or the Empire. They're unpredictable, brutal, and full of mystery. Marchion Ro, in particular, brings a creepy kind of menace that lingers in the background until it explodes into something terrifying. That said, the book can feel a bit slow in the beginning. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and some don’t get quite enough time to shine. It might take a while to get fully invested, especially if you're used to more fast-paced Star Wars stories. But once it hits its stride, it becomes a gripping mix of action, mystery, and Jedi philosophy. In the end, Light of the Jedi is a strong start to The High Republic series. It's not perfect, but it’s full of fresh ideas and introduces a fascinating new chapter in the Star Wars universe. If you’re curious about what the galaxy looked like before the fall of the Jedi, this is absolutely worth reading. I’d give it a solid 8.5 out of 10.