Books and other Short Stories · Ghost Transmissions · Reviews · Spectre-1 · Star Wars · The High Republic

The High Republic: Defy the Storm Review!

Sal Perales

“You have to come back so we can save him. It has to be us, Vern. No one else can do it.”

Avon Starros

The Nihil continue their stranglehold on the galaxy as the Republic and the Jedi scramble to find a way to fight back. But Avon Starros has a plan to break through the Stormwall. After finding her Jedi friend Vernestra Rwoh and recruiting her, they set out to save Vernestra’s former padawan Imri Cantaros. Together with former deputy Jordanna Sparkburn, deceitful Xylan Graf, and Nihil mercenary Deva Lompop, they head to the Occlusion Zone. But if everyone has their own motives can things really be so simple?

Defy the Storm by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland, picks up on many of the bigger threads connecting throughout The High Republic storytelling. The characters themselves find that the path forward is littered with difficult choices and the challenges they face aren’t just as simple as mortal danger. As the danger and complications multiply in enemy territory can Avon and Vernestra find what they are looking for?

A Vengeful Goddess! Lightning Crash! San Tekkas and Grafs! Fomenting pockets of resistance! And the Merry Maker!

SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD!

Path of Vengeance

It’s a difficult time to be a Starros. When your mom turns out to be a traitor and openly becomes a Nihil Minister of Information there’s going to be some blowback. Not to mention Avon’s own feelings on her mother’s choices. But Avon is more than just the daughter of a senator. She’s a genius scientist in her own right. But can she solve the problem of the Stormwall and help the republic finally break the Nihil’s grip on the galaxy? Or does Avon have another motive altogether?

Visions and Voices

After Starlight Beacon crashed, Vernestra ignored the Jedi calls to regroup and set out to find her own way. After losing her master and padawan, Vernestra finds her relationship with the Jedi Order strained. But after encountering Mari San Tekka, the brilliant savant behind the Nihil’s paths, Vern carries the hyperspace secrets Mari entrusted her with. When Avon tells Vernestra that her former padawan, Imri Cantaros is alive, Vernestra knows she can’t ignore the chance to find out the truth. But where will the path lead her?

Frienemies

Xylan Graf is just as poised, pretentious, and dangerous this time around. In fact, he’s become more instrumental than ever to the Nihil and won’t be easily intimidated. But even after Avon and Vern convince him to help, they know he’s not to be trusted.

Deva Lompop is definitely a Nihil mercenary. Which makes Vernestra Rwoh extremely suspicious. But Deva has personal loyalties of her own, and Avon depends on those to ensure Deva stays on their side through it all.

Jordanna Sparkburn joins the crew in hopes of helping her family in the Occlusion Zone and seeking the truth for Sylvestri Yarrow. While Avon’s plan is clear, any of these moving pieces could spell disaster.

Bits and Pieces

Defy the Storm is an action-packed tale full of complications, conniving, and twists. The characters all have ulterior motives and watching their choices play out is deeply intriguing. The world-building and bigger threads move forward fascinatingly and finish in fresh territory. The bigger questions leave me looking forward to wherever The High Republic takes us next!

This is a must-read for Vernestra and Avon fans! Their journey takes them through challenges and choices they never saw coming.

  • Sal P.

“Allies can easily forget the grace you allow them.”

Deva Lompop

The High Republic: Defy the Storm is available now!

You might also like:

Check out the Rogue Rebels The High Republic playlist here!

Check out the Rogue Rebels Books and Stories playlist here!

Follow us EVERYWHERE!