The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
akswhy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
*slaps hood* this baby can fit so many LGBTs in it!!!!! 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈 The plot is well thought out, the new characters are entertaining as heck, and the deeper dive into some of our favorite THR Adventures comics characters was very welcome. Some plots and characters were expertly resolved, and others were frustratingly ambiguous. There is a ton of crossover with the last few issues of the phase 1 THR Adventures, so read both with caution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Murder and Injury/Injury detail
galax003's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Murder and Violence
ehmannky's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It took me around 100 pages to really get into this one, but I ended up quite enjoying it. I do think that I enjoy Older's storytelling more in a visual format, but, again, I ended up liking it in the end. I also enjoyed that there was not one, but TWO pairs of yearning sapphic couples in here. I also really liked the ending of this book and what it sets up for the next phase of this story.
Also, I really like that this showed that the Jedi Order is a pretty flexible as an institution. It once again feels like Anakin truly was a mess of his own making. Everything with Yoda was so good, and I just can't wait to see where this goes!
Also, I really like that this showed that the Jedi Order is a pretty flexible as an institution. It once again feels like Anakin truly was a mess of his own making. Everything with Yoda was so good, and I just can't wait to see where this goes!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Grief, and Death
billyjepma's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I struggled with this one more than anything else in The High Republic series so far. Older's writing works wonderfully for middle-grade books, but the transition to YA with this one was choppier than I was expecting. A lot of the humor didn't land for me, the stakes were murky until the very end, the plot struggled to settle on a direction, and the prevailing tone just didn't vibe with me. It feels like the book is stuck in a disorienting limbo between MG and YA. However, considering I'm not the intended demographic for this particular title, I'm happy to accept that this wasn't for me. But it's still disappointing.
There is quite a bit of good to be found, though. For one, the book is rich with diversity—spotlighting diverse characters has always been one of Older's strengths. I loved spending more time with Jedi Master Kantam Sy and thought their flashbacks to their apprenticeship with Yoda were a treat (albeit one that didn't quite mesh with the rest of the plot). It's a very queer book in a lot of lovely ways, and I love it for that. I also love how Older writes Jedi and found many of his insights into their thoughts and motivations refreshingly candid, which has been a significant highlight of The High Republic for me. I wish the plot integrated those themes smoother, but I appreciated them nonetheless.
The book does end on a very high note, which does a lot to lessen the general disinterest I had with much of the book until that point. Those final 100 pages are a nonstop race of riveting action sequences, razor-sharp pacing, tangible stakes, and moving heroism. It also acts as another ending for this first phase of The High Republic, setting up future plotlines while resolving current ones from this book, Older's The High Republic Adventures comic, and more. I can't say I love all of these developments, but I enjoyed them as they happened and am eager, as always, to see what comes next.
There is quite a bit of good to be found, though. For one, the book is rich with diversity—spotlighting diverse characters has always been one of Older's strengths. I loved spending more time with Jedi Master Kantam Sy and thought their flashbacks to their apprenticeship with Yoda were a treat (albeit one that didn't quite mesh with the rest of the plot). It's a very queer book in a lot of lovely ways, and I love it for that. I also love how Older writes Jedi and found many of his insights into their thoughts and motivations refreshingly candid, which has been a significant highlight of The High Republic for me. I wish the plot integrated those themes smoother, but I appreciated them nonetheless.
The book does end on a very high note, which does a lot to lessen the general disinterest I had with much of the book until that point. Those final 100 pages are a nonstop race of riveting action sequences, razor-sharp pacing, tangible stakes, and moving heroism. It also acts as another ending for this first phase of The High Republic, setting up future plotlines while resolving current ones from this book, Older's The High Republic Adventures comic, and more. I can't say I love all of these developments, but I enjoyed them as they happened and am eager, as always, to see what comes next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Violence, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
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