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The High Republic: Escape from Valo Review!

Sal Perales

“We spent a year searching for the others. We couldn’t find any traces of them. They were gone. It’s just been us ever since.”

Tep-Tep

Just when you think that The High Republic can’t get any more bombastic the dynamic duo of Daniel José Older and Alyssa Wong double the chaos in Escape from Valo!

Trapped behind the stormwall, Ram Jomaram fights the Nihil invaders on Valo. When he finds a trio of young surviving Jedi initiates, they join forces to protect their home. But the Nihil invaders won’t leave without a fight.

It’s a few young Jedi against a world of violent Nihil! Wild Acklays! Scarlet Skulls! Shipwrecked! Adventures in pirating! Baby Force Eaters! And a weird scientist!

SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD!

Jedi Lost

On the Nihil-occupied planet of Valo, Ram Jomaram does what he can to fight back against the invaders of his former home. But he isn’t as alone as he thinks he is. Three young Jedi have endured the past year in hiding. Underneath their adorable exterior, each youngling carries their own scars. These Jedi survivors band together to help each other, and maybe even fight for their home.

Or what’s left of it.

Legendary

Zyle Keem hails from a family of legendary pirates. Who coincidently have plenty of stories about their antics over a century ago at the Battle of Jedha… But Zyle just wants to make a name for themselves and Valo just might be the adventure they are looking for.

Weird Science

Nihil commander Vark Tarpalin might think he has everything under control on Valo but he is about to find there is some fight left on the planet after all. And the locals aren’t the only thing in Vark’s way. Nihil scientist Niv Drendow has ambitions of his own that clash with Vark’s goals. Niv Drendow is obsessed with the Nameless and using them against the Jedi. Driggit is a young native of Valo who joined up with the Nihil to survive. Her instincts have gotten her this far but will she turn her back on everything she knew and loved to survive?

Bits and Pieces

Escape from Valo is deeply heartfelt, moving, and full of hope and chaos that speaks directly to its readers. All while overflowing with action, fun, and laughs. It’s a story of children amidst loss, devastation, and war, picking themselves up and finding their path forward. Seeing Ram’s growth throughout was a joy. Kildo, Gavi, and Tep Tep were wonderful to meet and learn from. Zyle and Driggit were also deep characters and watching them make their choices throughout was gripping. The book dances on the line between crushing sorrow and fancy-free fun, which may sound odd if you haven’t read any of the authors’ previous work. Wong and Older capture a sense of childlike wonder and combine it with lost innocence in a way that feels honest, raw, and real. In a galaxy full of sci-fi and magic it never ceases to amaze me that Star Wars is at its best when it connects right to the core of our dreams, hopes, and fears.

This is a must-read for anyone searching for a story of young people finding strength, hope, and faith in each other and the power inside themselves to make a difference.

  • Sal P.

“THIS IS THE VOICE OF THE SCARLET SKULL! I HAVE ARRIVED ON VALO TO SEND ALL YOUR BEST-LAID PLANS TO THE SWEET ABYSMAL BASIN OF THE VOID! CONSIDER YOUR DREAMS DUST, YOUR HOPES ASH!”

The Scarlet Skull

The High Republic: Escape from Valo is available now!

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