Another young adult High Republic novel. I was hoping this would be a continuation of Into the Dark and it sort of was since it featured Reath Silas, but the book was not about him. Instead it was another Jedi (Vernestra Rwoh). She is close to the age of Reath (and they are friends), but she is a full Jedi Knight (I think they mention that she is the youngest to pass the trials, or one of the youngest).
This book focused on the idea of who is actually the power in the galaxy: the Jedi, the Republic, or wealthy corporations. The rich Graf family is at odds with the San Tekka clan (we met them in the first High Republic book since they are the hyperspace pioneers and that is the family Marchion Ro’s oracle belonged to…also, if you remember in The Force Awakens…Max Von Sydow played Lor San Tekka). It is interesting how much of the current view of the world is influencing Star Wars. The focus on corporations being the ones controlling things and working both sides of the conflict (again, this was a theme in The Last Jedi).
The book ends with the Jedi Council deciding to take a more active role in the battle against the Nihil. Instead of just responding to attacks, they are discussing being the Republic’s army, which is where the precedent comes for their control of the military during the Clone Wars.
I am digging The High Republic and cannot wait to see where things go from here. I am guessing that Chancey Yarrow’s weapon will become the basis of the Interdictor-class of ships, which was used by the Empire to create hyperspace blockades.
