I’m a bit of a High Republic rebel. I’ve read things slightly out of order, and spoiled myself on certain details along the way. It hasn’t hindered my love for the world these authors have created, though. Tales of Light and Life includes short stories from many of the High Republic authors and features fan-favorite characters. While there are a couple of stories with all-new characters, this is primarily an anthology celebrating all the characters we’ve all come to love throughout Phase I and II.

If none of this language is making a bit of sense to you, I totally understand. I’ve been there. If you like Star Wars, definitely think about starting the High Republic! You don’t nee to know much at all about the Star Wars movies to get started, so it’s great for those new to the world. I recommend starting with Charles Soule’s Light of the Jedi or Claudia Gray’s Into the Dark.

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Synopsis:

Thrilling short stories featuring fan favorite characters from the beloved High Republic series each written by a New York Times bestselling author.

The High Republic authors share unmissable short stories that bridge Phases, resolve mysteries, and offer tantalizing hints of what is to come.

Rejoin the adventures of the Jedi and Padawans, Pathfinders and Path members, heroes and villains ahead of the launch of Phase III.

Authors:

Zoraida Córdova, Tessa Gratton, Claudia Gray, Justina Ireland, Lydia Kang, George Mann, Daniel José Older, Cavan Scott, and Charles Soule

Review:

This collection is spectacular. The following is the breakdown and rating of each individual story:

• “The Queen’s Bloom” by Zoraida Cordova – 4 stars
• “A Closed Fist Has No Claws” by Tessa Gratton – 5+ stars
• “Shield of the Jedi” by George Mann – 3.5 stars
• “The Lonely Traveler is Home” by Daniel Jose Older – 5 stars
• “After the Fall” by Claudia Gray – 4.5 stars
• “The Force Provides” by Justina Ireland – 4.5 stars
• “All Jedi Walk Their Own Path” by Charles Soule – 5 stars
• “Light in the Darkness” by Cavan Scott – 4 stars
• “The Call of Coruscant” by Lydia Kang – 5 stars

If you’re a fan of the High Republic and you want more of the characters you love, you need to read this book. There’s Bell Zettifar, Vernestra Rwoh, Ram Jomaram, Axel Greylark, Geode, Affie, and Leox. There’s a lot to love here.

One of my favorites was Charles Soule’s “All the Jedi Walk Their Own Path,” where Bell Zettifar sets out on his own looking for a missing (and presumed dead) Burryaga. Bell spends time as a sailor, and Soule puts his Endless Vessel ship knowledge to good use.

A story that really surprised me was “The Call of Coruscant” by Lydia Kang, which follows Padawan Amadeo Azzazzo and his master. It was an dreamy story of a padawan entranced by a Coruscant, a party, and a woman. It’s a story we haven’t really seen in Star Wars yet, and I really enjoyed it’s style. I can’t wait to see more from these characters in the future.

The story that really blew me away, though, was “A Closed Fist Has No Claws” by Tessa Gratton. Gratton’s story follows Marda Ro, an Evereni who is always looking for more like her – more of her species. When she does find more Evereni, they join her on her ship. Things get very complicated from there. It’s a masterful story, and I can’t believe how good it was. I need to read everything in Tessa Gratton’s backlist immediately.

Final Thoughts:

“A Closed Fist Has No Claws” by Tessa Gratton, “The Call of Coruscant” by Lydia Kang, and “All Jedi Walk Their Own Path” by Charles Soule were all absolutely incredible. These were top-tier science fiction.

“A Closed Fist Has No Claws” is one of the best short stories I’ve read in a very long time.

Rating: 4.5/5