Summary

It is a golden age. Intrepid hyperspace scouts expand the reach of the Republic to the furthest stars, worlds flourish under the benevolent leadership of the Senate, and peace reigns, enforced by the wisdom and strength of the renowned order of Force users known as the Jedi. With the Jedi at the height of their power, the free citizens of the galaxy are confident in their ability to weather any storm But the even brightest light can cast a shadow, and some storms defy any preparation.

When a shocking catastrophe in hyperspace tears a ship to pieces, the flurry of shrapnel emerging from the disaster threatens an entire system. No sooner does the call for help go out than the Jedi race to the scene. The scope of the emergence, however, is enough to push even Jedi to their limit. As the sky breaks open and destruction rains down upon the peaceful alliance they helped to build, the Jedi must trust in the Force to see them through a day in which a single mistake could cost billions of lives.

Even as the Jedi battle valiantly against calamity, something truly deadly grows beyond the boundary of the Republic. The hyperspace disaster is far more sinister than the Jedi could ever suspect. A threat hides in the darkness, far from the light of the age, and harbors a secret that could strike fear into even a Jedi’s heart.

Review

Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule is the first book in the first phase of what is known as The High Republic in Star Wars lore. This book takes place thousands of years before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope. To make things more confusing in the timeline (as Star Wars is fond of doing) the second phase of the High Republic books takes place chronologically before Light of the Jedi. But, as this is the first book in a first phase for Star Wars books, it’s a good entry point for anyone who hasn’t read Star Wars books before. It’s also a great book for long time fans of Star Wars.

Be warned there will be spoilers below.

What’s it about?

It’s a time of prosperity and peace in the Republic. Most worlds in the galaxy are part of the Republic. And they benefit from the governance on Coruscant and the protection of the Jedi order. Only the outer rim territories, on the edge of the galaxy, haven’t joined. But the Jedi and the Republic have worked together to build a new station and signal of hope known as the Starlight Beacon. This is a place where world representatives can come and find common ground, as well as a place for Jedi to be able to gather and protect citizens when needed.

Just as this new symbol of hope for the galaxy is about to open, unimaginable disaster threatens the galaxy. Something impossible is coming out of hyperspace. There was a collision as a ship traveled through hyperspace. This is not possible according to everything the Senate and the Jedi know to be true.

This event, known as the Emergence is happening. At the speed the debris of this wreck travels, it will shatter worlds, and whole systems of planets, to dust. If the Jedi cannot coordinate a response fast enough to prevent the damage, countless worlds will be lost and the lives of trillions of beings will be forfeit.

As the Jedi work together with the Republic and with brilliant and courageous beings across the galaxy to prevent damage or aid in rescue efforts, a threat is brewing behind the scenes.

The new enemy

Not everyone is on board with the Republic and the Jedi enforcing their version of peace on all beings in the galaxy. There is a secretive, powerful, group called the Nihil who are making moves behind the scenes which will disrupt peace in the galaxy.

Are the emergences unrelated to this new threat? Or is there something more going on? Can the Jedi prevent casualties while uncovering the truth? If the Jedi do find out the truth, will their power be enough to slow the tide of destruction?

New Characters

If you want a book full of characters from Star Wars cameos, this book will disappoint you. Yoda is mentioned a few times but he’s not in any way a main character here. This is a mixed blessing.

On the one hand, new characters are built up and we get to know them, and it’s refreshing to see something we haven’t before. On the other hand, we don’t know a lot about them yet, so when they are in danger or killed, we don’t care as much.

Some of the interesting things in this book are new uses of the Force, an innovative way to use astromech droids, and one of the most memorable endings of a Star Wars book I have seen.

There are a few standout new characters here. Two to watch are Avar Kriss who is known as the best of the best of the Jedi (my vote is still for Yoda in that department) and Loden Greatstorm who is a lot more experimental with the force.

There’s tons of explanation about hyperspace and how that came to be in this book. Telling much more would be a heavy spoiler. The Nihil are introduced as villains. I’ll admit I was not on board with them at the outset. The ending changed my mind and now I find them fascinating.

The action is fast paced. In the beginning where the biggest threats are, the story is a little slow. But that’s because we don’t know these characters yet so it’s hard to care what happens to them until further along. If you can make it through the beginning of the book, the end has a fantastic pay off so it’s worth the read whether you are a long time Star Wars fan or not.

Conclusion

The book is as satisfying as can be. Action happens. We learn about new powers. We meet new characters. The Jedi use not just force powers but their collective wisdom to defeat threats.

The book takes place in an exciting era. Reading this one feels like watching the films for the first time. You don’t know what will happen. It’s enormous and plays out on a galactic scale.

Lightsaber fights abound. Villains threaten the galaxy. A sweeping epic is born. This book is worth the read. Go out and grab your copy, whether you are new to Star Wars or a longtime fan.

I can’t wait to see what other surprises are in store for this phase of Star Wars. If the quality of the writing is as good as it is in Light of the Jedi there will be a lot to like.

Want to know where to start with Star Wars? Check out my guide here.

May the force be with you!