r/Highrepublic

I have to admit I didn't quite know what to expect from this novel. Aside from whether its nature as a prequel would have an impact, I was actually more skeptical given that it followed a major event like the Battle of Jedha. Fortunately, I’m happy to say that this book perfectly accomplished everything it set out to do.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. I wasn't familiar with Lydia Kang’s work, and I loved how easily she steps into the story of established characters, giving them a plausible and interesting continuation—surpassing Convergence in my opinion.

Speaking of characters, I have to admit she really resolved the issue I had with Axel Greylark. I wasn't the biggest fan of the character; he struck me as insufferable and hypocritical (and a bit cringey, too) most of the time. It was a real pleasure to see his development here, delving into a person trapped by a childhood trauma and isolated from family ties. This leads him to be both self-destructive and childish, yet deep down he seeks redemption—a journey that is very satisfying to follow. The fact that what finally ended his indecision was having to kill with his own hands speaks a lot about him; he is far from being an irredeemable monster, being more like an "edgy" teenager. Much of this is complemented by the presence of Gella Natai—an incredible character. Her bond with Axel was great and fun to read, even making me think in a romance story. I hope they return in the future.

I also liked the role played by Kyong Greylark, who chooses to be a good mother above all else, rather than a politician. It’s nice to see a dysfunctional family relationship where both parties are willing to make a change.

Of course, the story wouldn't be complete without the antagonists, and the Path of the Open Hand/Closed Fist really managed to step up their game for me. It was great to see how they planned their next attack, playing under their own conditions. The way Elecia found the perfect purpose on the resentment already brewing within her cult—making the formation of a subgroup feel natural—was an unexpected strategy; this group not only did the dirty work but also took the fall for the escalating actions against force-users. In that regard, Binnot can also be see as a tragic figure: desperate to prove himself, disillusioned, and seeking control, yet manipulated by the very person he thought he was breaking free from.

Perhaps my only criticisms of the novel concern are Xiri and Phan-tu; despite playing important roles—and having their own personal conflicts—they faded into the background as the story progressed. Since it was a story involving Eiram and E'ronoh, I would have liked to see them more involved. In the same way, I wasn't exactly a fan of Cippa; while I appreciate having another recognizable Jedi present and seeing how it is illustrated the training of a new initiate, I found her slightly annoying for much of the time.

In short, it was an excellent novel in every respect, featuring both thrilling action sequences and deeply emotional moments. I am excited to see what unfolds in Path of Vengeance.

I just completed my 3d model of Marchion Ro based on Grant Griffin's original concept art for the character! More images and details on the creation process are available on Artstation.

Here is a link to my full Artstation showcase of the piece:

https://www.artstation.com/artwork/egJ0Ab

Any likes on the artstation post would be appreciated!

The GOAT Geode returns.

I just finished this one. I went in skeptical, because typically, I find short stories end up feeling inconsequential in Star Wars, and it just isn’t usually my jam.

This really surprised me. I didn’t love all of them, but a few of them clicked for me in ways I didn’t expect.

I’m attempting a full reading order for THR. All comics, books, manga, Junior novels, everything. And I’ll be honest with you, sometimes it’s a little overwhelming. Occasionally, characters blur together for me, and or I’ll forget whether it was Bell Zettifar or Reath Silas or Imri Cantaros involved in this event or that battle, etc.

This book gave me clean perspective on some characters who, previously, I’d not really connected with.

I hated Marda Ro during Phase II. I found her unrelatable, idiotic and insufferable. The first person story in Tales gave me fresh perspective.

I never felt much of anything about Bell. Just sort of a nondescript goober padawan. Until I read his short story in this about rescuing Buryagga.

The Ram Jomaram story was adorable. Rooper Nitani’s knighting was a nice Phase II coda. Keeve’s
story was the kind of inspirational Jedi tale that makes you feel good, and the Call of Coruscant was sort of a fun coming of age romp to wrap it all up.

Unfortunately, nothing will ever make me want to read about Axel Greylark.

Amiens, France, 1995
Original post: https://x.com/valeriaaugusta8/status/2086849268531220671?s=46

Another piece of my High Republic Jedi Sentinel OC Fjallrava with her new apprentice, Varlo, post Hetzel. They’re looking for cool bugs hunting down clues about the Nihil.

Again tried something different with poses and think I’m getting better at composition and how clothing works. Their faces bug me from this angle though.

On a side note, I’m grateful for The Acolyte for opening me up to the wonderful world of Jedi with capes lol

To preface Ik they only announced rebellion content. I also know there is already a starwars ttrpg( well three) from 2015. Do you think enough people will care to get high republic content in ttrpg form. Ik that they are making a bunch of minis for wow just a pipe dream to hope for Marchion Ro minis and long beams and drill ships not to mention Elzar Avar etc. idk it seems like maybe if enough people cared we could see this.

Was going back through the preview pages we have for Fall of Kylo Ren and wow it just occurred to me just how put through the ringer Hetzal had been over the centuries.

1. Site of the Great Hyperspace Disaster, inciting the entire High Republic storyline. Thankfully Avar Kriss and co. were there to save the day but that's still an apocalyptic level of damage and casualties for sure.

2. Only a couple of years later, Marchion Ro takes the planet as the primary home of him and the Nihil following the establishment of the Occlusion Zone. Beyond the typical crimes expected of the Nihil, Baron Boolan was also based there for a time committing who knows how many horrific experiments with the people of Hetzal likely serving as many of his test subjects.

3. Cut to a couple centuries later and the planet is now under invasion by the First Order. And actually doing not too shabby as far as defending themselves until Kylo Ren himself intervenes to put them down.

Suffice to say Hetzal has been through it and then some. I feel particularly bad for any of the long-lived species there who would've been around to experience the horrors of both the Nihil and First Order. Hopefully after the sequel era they get to chill out for at least a few centuries or so.