SWBC: The next High Republic book has arrived
Plus: A new "Visions" comic and a preview of "The High Republic Adventures."
The Eye of Darkness
I cannot believe how early reviewers like me have received The Eye of Darkness by George Mann. I was not expecting this book until at least October — but I’m certainly not complaining.
The Eye of Darkness is the first novel in The High Republic Phase 3, which is set about a year after the fall of Starlight Beacon and the events of The Fallen Star. It’s a dark time for the Jedi and the Republic, both of whom have suffered great tragedies and lost many people to the Nihil’s dastardly deeds.
With Eye of the Nihil Marchion Ro on the cover, we can surely expect much of this book to feature his perspective.
Publisher’s summary:
The galaxy is divided. Following the shocking destruction of Starlight Beacon, the Nihil have established an impenetrable barrier called the Stormwall around part of the Outer Rim, where Marchion Ro rules and his followers wreak havoc at his every whim. Jedi trapped behind enemy lines, including Avar Kriss, must fight to help the worlds being pillaged by the Nihil while staying one step ahead of the marauders and their Nameless terrors.
Outside of the Nihil’s so-called Occlusion Zone, Elzar Mann, Bell Zettifar, and the other Jedi work alongside the Republic to reach the worlds that have been cut off from the rest of the galaxy. But every attempt to breach the Stormwall has failed, and even communication across the barrier is impossible. The failures and losses weigh heavily upon both Elzar and Bell as they search desperately for a solution.
But even if the Republic and Jedi forces manage to breach the Stormwall, how can the Jedi fight back against the Nameless creatures that prey on the Jedi’s connection to the Force? And what other horrors does Marchion Ro have in store? As desperation for both the Jedi and the Republic grows, any hope of reuniting the galaxy could be all but extinguished. . . .
What I’m reading before Phase 3
The release of The Eye of Darkness is still nearly two months away, so I’m holding off on reading it until closer to the publication date. Plus, there’s still plenty of time to revisit and reread some Phase 1 material to prepare.
The Fallen Star (reread): It’s been over two years since I read the Phase 1 finale books, including The Fallen Star. I’m currently rereading this via audiobook, and holy hell Marc Thompson does a phenomenal job with the characterizations, voices, and the overall impending doom vibes of the book. I know how this all ends, but it’s still going to hurt all over again.
Midnight Horizon (reread): This one is next in the queue of audiobooks, and I’m so excited to revisit the scrummy Corellia-set story with our favorite Jedi Padawans. I’ll admit, this one took me a while to get into and appreciate, but the climax and last half of the book were absolutely thrilling and gutwrenching in all the best ways.
Revisiting The High Republic comics: Now that I have all the issues, I really need to binge-read them to remember what all happened with Avar Kriss, the Drengir, and Lourna Dee.
Crimson Climb: In the midst of all The High Republic excitement, we can’t forget about Qi’ra and her first standalone novel — Crimson Climb. This young adult novel by Queens Trilogy author E.K. Johnston comes out on Oct. 10.
What or who are you most excited to see in Phase 3? Let me know in the comments!
New comics coming soon: Visions and Revelations
Visions is one of the most artistically impressive Star Wars works ever, and I’ll take any and all new stories in any form — TV anthologies, books, and comics.
After the success of Volume 1’s “The Duel,” the one-shot prequel comic, and the Star Wars: Ronin novel, it’s no surprise that the Ronin and his straw hat-wearing droid B5-56 are back with a new comic.
Star Wars: Visions — Takashi Okazaki #1 is part of a new Visions collection of stories that showcase comic creators putting their own twists on Star Wars stories. The first issue in the series is Star Wars: Visions — Peach Momoko #1, which arrives in November.
As for the Ronin’s comic, that one comes out in January 2024.
Read more about the Visions comics at StarWars.com.
There’s a new Revelations comic coming soon! Like last year’s version, the 2023 one-shot is a collection of short stories from different writers and artists teasing what’s next in Marvel’s Star Wars comics.
Last year’s Revelations helped set up the Dark Droids mini-series and crossover event. This year’s cover includes characters from all across the Star Wars timeline — from Keeve Trennis during The High Republic and the prequels’ Mace Windu to Princess Leia and Thrawn.
The lineup of creators includes Marc Guggenheim, Charles Soule, Greg Pak, Marc Bernardin, Alyssa Wong, Ethan Sacks, and Cavan Scott.
Star Wars: Revelations (2023) #1 arrives on Dec. 20.
On the Star Wars Book Community Podcast
The Star Wars Book Community Podcast has been killing it lately. There really is something for everyone — from roundtable talks about the newest Star Wars books to in-depth discussions about Legends content and comics.
In this episode, I chat with Danielle (WrittenintheStarWars), Jonny (JournaloftheWhills), Chris (swbookcollector), and host Morgan (notaforceuser) about one of my favorite Star Wars books of all time — Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade.
You can read my full review and more thoughts about this incredible book in a previous newsletter, and click play below to listen to the new episode.
New to the SWBC shop
I’m still blown away by how many people around the world have purchased a bookmark from the Space Wizards Book Club Etsy shop. My favorite thing is getting tagged in photos showing off your bookmark and your current reads, so keep those coming!
And, of course, leaving a review and sharing with other Star Wars book lovers helps a ton, too. Anyway, below are photos of the newest items in the shop — I finally got some stickers!
Restocked: One of my favorite bookmark designs — “My favorite books begin with…”
I so, so appreciate everyone who’s purchased from my shop. Designing these bookmarks and stickers brings me so much joy, and I have plenty more items coming soon.
Reminder: Tales of Light and Life giveaway
Don’t forget — my latest giveaway is open until Sept. 27.
What you’ll get:
A new hardcover copy of The High Republic: Tales of Light and Life
A Space Wizards Book Club bookmark and your choice of another bookmark or sticker from my Etsy shop
Star Wars books and comics out this week
Sept. 19
The High Republic Adventures: The Nameless Terror trade paperback
Bounty Hunters Vol. 6: Bedlam on Bestine trade paperback
Sept. 20
Bounty Hunters #38
Dark Droids: D-Squad #1