SWBC: 'Temptation of the Force' may reveal why the Jedi oppose attachment
The stunning cover is giving as close as we'll get to a cartoon rom-com.
Temptation of the Force and Jedi attachment
We may soon learn why the Jedi of the prequels and subsequent eras are so opposed to romantic and other types of attachments.
This week — on Valentine’s Day, no less — Star Wars revealed the cover for Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton, the next adult book in The High Republic’s third and final phase. The stunning cover features Jedi Masters Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann, the star-crossed duo who are among the main Jedi heroes of The High Republic. They also recently had starring roles in The Eye of Darkness by George Mann, the first book to kick off this phase of storytelling.
It’s no secret that Elzar is down bad for Avar. He has been since they were Padawans, and it’s been confirmed they used to have a ~thing~ going on when they were younger. Fans like me have been desperate for flashbacks to Avar, Elzar, and their fallen polestar Stellan Gios during the trio’s Firebrand days.
Temptation of the Force may just be the vehicle for reminiscing. And, based on the recently released description, the book may reveal the relationship that forever changed the Jedi Order’s doctrine.
Official description:
For over a year, Jedi Masters Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann were kept apart by the Nihil’s Stormwall. After Avar makes a daring escape from inside the Occlusion Zone, the star-crossed Jedi are reunited. But while the physical distance between them has evaporated, their shared grief over their failure to protect the galaxy from the Nihil threat still remains. To rally the Jedi Order, and the Republic, Avar and Elzar cling to their belief in serving Light and Life. Working together they lead a daring mission into Nihil space to liberate the planet of Naboo, and show those trapped behind the Stormwall that the Jedi will never abandon them. Now back within close orbit of one another, the two Jedi Masters can no longer deny the bond that has always drawn them back together and made them stronger. After finally embracing their true desires and imbued with renewed purpose, Avar and Elzar devise a plan to turn the tide of the conflict with the Nihil once and for all. Accompanied by Jedi Knights Bell Zettifar, Burryaga, and Vernestra Rwoh, the Jedi begin their hunt for Marchion Ro. But to seek out the Nihil’s dangerous leader the Jedi will have to survive the Nameless terrors that they have thus far been powerless to stop.
The novel’s cover is giving Star Wars’ version of a cartoon cover romance, and the description heavily hints that we’ll finally see Avar and Elzar get back together. But because it’s Star Wars, the consequences are likely to be disastrous and heartbreaking.
It’s unlikely to happen, but we can still hope for a happily ever after for Avar and Elzar. But I have a sinking feeling that their eventual reunion will reap unexpected and devastating consequences and create ripples felt in the prequel era 200 years later.
Attachment is also one of the major themes in all of Star Wars. Nearly every Jedi we’ve met has struggled with it at some point — be it romantic or friendship or familial.
Anakin Skywalker’s fierce attachment to Padme Amidala was a key component in his fall to the dark side in desperation to save her life. Luke Skywalker struggled with attachments to his friends and especially his father even as Darth Vader cut off his hand. Grogu famously chose his attachment to Din Djarin over being trained as a Jedi.
The list goes on. But throughout Star Wars and especially The High Republic, attachments are often shown not just as risky roads to the dark side. Attachments are ways to show compassion, care, and love for another person. The tricky part is not letting your attachment become possessive.
What’s more, the book is set to include Vernestra Rwoh — the young Jedi Knight’s first starring role in an adult novel. The Mirialan has been a main character in the middle grade and some of the young adult novels, including the upcoming Defy the Storm by Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton. I’m currently reading an ARC of Defy the Storm, so my review will arrive closer to the release date of March 5.
It’s books like Temptation of the Force (and honestly all of them) that make me fall in love with The High Republic over and over again. Others may not feel the same way, but I love Star Wars’ method of storytelling — going back in time and fleshing out a person’s, group’s, or event’s history.
We won’t see the full picture of how The High Republic influenced the Jedi Order and Republic government we see in the prequels just yet, but when we do, it will be glorious. Especially when Vernestra shows up in The Acolyte.
Please make live-action Nihil, too, Star Wars!
Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton arrives on June 11.
What are your thoughts on Jedi attachment in The High Republic and later eras? Share them in the comments!
This week’s Star Wars releases
Feb. 14
The High Republic Adventures (2023) #3
Darth Vader (2020) #43
I've always liked the High Republic more than the Skywalker era--although I like those (just not as much)--even having written a hundred pages or so of a book of my own. But, I want to read this because I love Tessa Gratton's writing. Her novels THE QUEENS OF INNIS LEAR and THE LADY HOTSPUR are captivating in their language. I can't wait!