Short, last-minute High Republic books to read before 'The Acolyte'
Plus: All the new Star Wars releases in June.
With only *checks watch* four days left until The Acolyte premieres, the hype for the newest Star Wars show just keeps building. But maybe you’re still on the fence about reading The High Republic — overwhelmed by the sheer number of books and comics while still wanting to understand the basics of this era in which The Acolyte occurs.
Worry not, I got you.
The procrastinator’s guide to The High Republic
All the books below are short, easy reads but pack a punch of valuable information about The High Republic and its Jedi. Most can be read (better yet, listened to) in a day or two. A couple of them are excellent reference resources for characters, locales, events, and overall vibes of The High Republic.
*Editor’s note: Links below are Amazon Affiliate links
Chronicles of the Jedi by Cole Horton: A visually stunning tome, Chronicles of the Jedi is an in-universe history of The High Republic Jedi — mainly, the characters and events from Phases 1-2. It’s a must-read for both new and longtime fans, and it’s a great starting point for those interested in a solid overview of the Golden Age of the Jedi.
The Art of The High Republic by Kristin Baver: While Chronicles of the Jedi reads like a nonfiction narrative text, The Art of The High Republic is a comprehensive, illustrative reference guide. This hardcover art book includes over 300 illustrations and a galaxy’s worth of behind-the-scenes details about the design and artistic direction of the Star Wars Golden Age.
The High Republic Character Encyclopedia by Amy Richau and Megan Crouse: Another must-have reference book exploring more than 250 characters from The High Republic books, comics, short stories, and more. It’s a great guide to pick up when you inevitably hear High Republic characters name-dropped in The Acolyte (please?).
A Test of Courage and Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland: These two middle-grade novels are short and fun introductions to one High Republic Jedi making her live-action debut in The Acolyte — Master Vernestra Rwoh. In The High Republic books, Vernestra is the youngest Knighted Jedi in years and even has a Padawan of her own. These two books also introduce other characters and locations that become catalysts for later stories in Phases 2 and 3.
Want more High Republic and The Acolyte? Check out my guides below.
Star Wars releases in June
June 4
Essential Legends Collection:
Imperial Commando: 501st by Karen Traviss
The Lando Calrissian Adventures by L. Neil Smith
X-Wing: Iron Fist by Aaron Allston
Series premiere: The Acolyte on Disney+
June 5
Star Wars (2020) #47
The High Republic (2023) #8
June 11
Star Wars Legends: The Rebellion Omnibus Vol. 2
The High Republic: Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton
The High Republic (2023) Phase III Vol. 1: Children of the Storm
Obi-Wan Kenobi trade paperback
June 12
Darth Vader (2020) #47
June 18
Hyperspace Stories Vol. 3: Light and Shadows trade paperback
Dark Disciple by Christie Golden — new trade paperback
Rogue One by Alexander Freed — new trade paperback
A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller — new trade paperback
Catalyst by James Luceno — new trade paperback
June 19
Jango Fett #4
June 26
The High Republic Adventures: Saber for Hire #3
The High Republic Adventures (2023) #7
Darth Maul: Black, White & Red #3