“We seldom see the results of our actions in person.”
Qui-Gon Jinn
The Jedi Council upholds the ideals of the Jedi, peaceful protectors and guardians of the people. But after returning from a mission, unorthodox Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn issues a challenge. One that makes the Jedi Council realize they may be too isolated from the galaxy, and more importantly, the people. But outside of the Jedi temple, real people face real dangers. And although the Jedi famously do not crave adventure and excitement, they just might get their fill anyway.
John Jackson Miller hits us with a story that you can’t miss. The Jedi Council road trip! I mean, how can you NOT already be on board! The entire council from The Phantom Menace goes out for a work retreat! Seriously! I don’t think I need to explain any further. You’re already imagining the possibilities!
Gambling pirates! Celebrations of renewal! The Unquenchable Flame! And community outreach!
SLIGHT SPOILERS AHEAD!
Our Own Council
Nestled within their spire atop the Jedi temple on Coruscant, the Jedi Council leads the Jedi order with its wise council. But Qui-Gon Jinn thinks the Jedi Council is too isolated and removed from the galaxy. And he has a point. Qui-Gon challenges the Jedi to step out of their chambers and walk among its people. To see and connect with the galaxy in a way they have not done recently. The older masters like Yoda, Yaddle, Poof, and Rancisis have all seen many things throughout the centuries, but their wisdom and experience have only been used in repetitive and rote ways in recent times. While many of the council members are familiar to us, others we are still getting to know. Each has a unique voice and their interactions are some of the most enjoyable things about this book!
Look.
Ki-Adi Mundi and Yarael Poof have remarkably different senses of humor and if that doesn’t make you want to know more then you and I have remarkably different senses of humor.
Traveling the Keys
The planet of Kwenn may be new to us but the history it brings is intricately tied to the Jedi and some of the characters. Kwenn and its people are no longer in their glory days and much of the story revolves around what the galaxy can do to help. Should a world and its people be left behind and forgotten in the name of progress? As time marches on and people and places rise and fall should a planet be given more attention because of its connection to the Jedi? Does that go against the Jedi rules on attachments and be unfair to worlds without that connection? And what happens to the places left behind?
Sabacc Shift
When things start to fall apart and people can’t make ends meet they look for another way. That’s when the gangs can seize the power. Zilastra, leader of the Riftwalkers, plays out her plans like a game of sabacc. But she isn’t the only one ready to make a play for Kwenn. The Poisoned Blades, the Staved Skulls, the Filthy Creds, and the Vile are all making their gamble as well. When the Jedi make an appearance will that be enough to scare the gangs away? Or will the criminals see this moment as an opportunity?
Bits and Pieces
The Jedi Council rise to the challenge and set out to see the galaxy with fresh eyes. The story fits wonderfully between The High Republic and the Fall of the Jedi eras showing parallels and how the Jedi have changed over the centuries. The story feels personal in a way Jedi stories rarely do, but it’s that very thing that makes it matter. Stories with galaxy-spanning stakes are all well and good, but like the Jedi, we should take time to look at the people who live out in the galaxy. All of them. It’s a story that brings Jedi compassion and empathy into focus. And it’s a lesson we can all learn as we remember to get out into the world and connect with others.
This is a must-read for fans looking to see the Jedi Council touch grass and reconnect with the galaxy they are charged with protecting!
- Sal P.
“We will see the people of Kwenn- and they will see us.”
Depa Billaba
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You Might Also Like:
- The High Republic: Light of the Jedi
- The High Republic: There is No Fear
- Master and Apprentice
- Obi-Wan and Anakin
- Tales of the Jedi
The Rogue Rebels 