SWBC: Reading guide to The High Republic's next phase
Plus: Star Wars books and comics arriving in November.
The Eye of Darkness and The High Republic’s third and final phase
One of the best parts about The High Republic publishing initiative is the accessibility of its stories. While there are unofficial trilogies or duets of books, the authors and creatives behind The High Republic craft their tales in such a way as to make almost every novel or comic series a good starting point for new readers.
However, The High Republic’s third and final phase differs from that norm. That’s certainly not a bad thing, as Phase 3 brings back beloved characters and storylines we haven’t read about in over a year. It’s a big payoff for veteran High Republic fans who’ve been reading and following along since Light of the Jedi in January 2021.
With the arrival of Phase 3, The High Republic’s storyline moves into its conclusion phase. Don’t panic, The High Republic is far from being over — books and comics are slated to come out through 2025. But the stories we’re about to get are the results — and show the effects — of what happened in previous books and comics.
I’m a completionist — and I also review these books professionally — so I’m not skipping anything. As someone who’s read every High Republic and comic so far — plus reading nearly half of the upcoming The Eye of Darkness novel (Nov. 14) — here are my suggestions for approaching Phase 3.
The basics: Be caught up with Phase 1
The Eye of Darkness brings back all of the main characters from the Phase 1 adult novels — Light of the Jedi, The Rising Storm, and The Fallen Star. I also highly recommend Cavan Scott’s first High Republic run of comics for more on the Jedi and the Nihil. If you want to know why Avar Kriss, Elzar Mann, and Bell Zettifar are the way they are in Phase 3, read what happened to them in Phase 1.
One of the most common questions I get about High Republic reading is, “do I have to reach the young adult books?” Far be it from me to tell you what to do, but since you asked — yes. That’s especially true for Phase 2 stories, but I’ll get to that in a moment.
Like other young adult Star Wars books, The High Republic ones include some of the best storytelling and most loveable characters in the era. You’d be doing yourself a disservice if you skipped the books with Reath Silas (now a Jedi Knight), Vernestra Rwoh, Lula Talisola and Zeen, and the other Jedi Padawans and their masters.
Heading into Phase 3, you’ll want to know who the main Jedi are, what the Republic is like during this time in Star Wars history, who the Nihil are and what makes them tick, and what happened during the Great Hyperspace Disaster, the Republic Fair, and the fall of Starlight Beacon.
You’ll start to see words like Stormwall and the Occlusion Zone, as well as the Leveler and the Nameless. The two former names get full definitions and details in The Eye of Darkness. The Leveler and the Nameless are fully explored — often in horrific detail — in Phase 2’s books.
Exploring Phase 2
Phase 2 of The High Republic pulled a typical Star Wars — going back in time for prequel stories. Phase 2 is set about 150 years before the events of Phase 1. But while this phase includes brand new characters and stories — not continuing the stories of Phase 1 — I consider it essential reading for those who want the full history of the Nihil and the Nameless creatures.
This phase also includes my favorite young adult books in The High Republic — Path of Deceit and Path of Vengeance. They’ve got a little bit of everything: Force cults, forbidden young romance, and an epic and brutal battle between said Force cult and the Jedi.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Do not be turned off by the “young adult” genre designation. These aren’t cheesy or unrelatable to adult audiences. Star Wars young adult books are often true masterpieces in storytelling.
If you had to pick up just one thing from Phase 2 to prep for The Eye of Darkness, I suggest getting a copy of The Blade comic mini-series. A certain Blade of Bardotta gets a starring role in the upcoming novel, and his past is key to understanding his present and future.
My full review of The Eye of Darkness will come out on the release date, Nov. 14. Note: The review embargo has lifted as of Nov. 1, so you’ll start seeing those pop up.
What other questions do you have about The High Republic Phase 3? Share them in the comments!
Star Wars books and comics of November
There’s a lot to be excited about in November, especially when it comes to new Star Wars stories.
November marks the official arrival of The High Republic Phase 3 with The Eye of Darkness novel and the return of the Marvel Comics main run. It’s been over a year since we’ve seen the original Phase 1 characters, and fans have been clamoring to find out what happened to the Jedi and the Republic after the fall of Starlight Beacon.
Beyond The High Republic, there’s a new Visions comic with stunning covers by Peach Momoko. There are also two issues of Hyperspace Stories set to come out this month. Then there are new issues of the currently-running Star Wars series, including the main series, Bounty Hunters, Dark Droids, Darth Vader, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
For the full list of Star Wars books and comics coming out this month, check below. And share what you’re most excited to read in the comments!
New to the Space Wizards Book Club shop
New Star Wars sticker alert! There are two new sticker designs, a larger “Anakin, No” sticker, and a new bookmark now available in the Space Wizards Book Club Etsy shop.
Even as I type this, I’ve already got more ideas brewing — including tote bags and t-shirts. Maybe some holiday ornaments, too. We’ll see!
Endless thanks to everyone who’s bought items, reviewed, and shared them. I did not expect my humble little store to be as popular as it has been, and I’m so excited to continue to grow it and share my love of Star Wars books. Reminder: I’m always open to ideas of what you’d like to see and shop for.
Next week: Iron Flame, the sequel to Fourth Wing
I don’t read just Star Wars books, okay?
While this newsletter is largely about news and reviews of Star Wars books, I’ve often shared my thoughts and current reads beyond that genre. It may come as a surprise to probably no one, but I love a good fantasy. And I seriously love dragons.
That’s why I’m so excited about the release of Iron Flame next week. The sequel to Rebecca Yarros’ smash hit Fourth Wing comes out on Nov. 7. It’s expected to be so popular, that bookstores are finally bringing back midnight release parties.
Yes, I am attending one such party at my local shop, which is partnering with a bakery across the street for themed cheesecake. Books and cheesecake — two of my favorite things.
Fourth Wing is arguably the most popular fantasy book of the year, and its fandom rivals that of Sarah J. Maas. I devoured Fourth Wing, and I’m likely to do the same for Iron Flame.
Yes, the characters and the romance and all that are amazing. But the dragons. I didn’t know how much I’d been wanting a book with dragons and dragon politics until I read Fourth Wing.
What are your thoughts on Fourth Wing and its upcoming sequel? Are you interested in seeing more non-Star Wars book coverage in this newsletter? Let me know in the comments!
More of my current reads:
Solitaire by Alice Oseman
The Eye of Darkness by George Mann
Zodiac Academy: Cursed Fates by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace (audiobook)
I'm so far behind on starting the High Republic stuff as it is. Not thrilled to see you say the YA books are recommended as well. Not that I have any issue reading YA books, but it will take me that much longer to catch up.
I'm always interested to hear about more books!