I really enjoyed this book. The second adult novel of Phase II helped redeem some of the other stuff from the Convergence and Path of Deceit. I look forward to seeing where things go after this (although does Phase III pick up where Phase I ended?).
Here are a few random thoughts…
-The book ends with Yoda and Creighton Sun discussing the Levelers, and how if anyone knew that something out there could prey on the Jedi, it could spell disaster for the Order. The two Masters agree to not enter this information into the archives and to keep this secret. I feel like this whole phase is just an elaborate retcon to explain why the Jedi did not know about the Great Leveler since they faced these things before.
-I loved Yoda and Yaddle’s rescue of Gella and Axel, and the display of their power. I enjoyed Yaddle being featured so prominently in the book. Her just showing up to rescue everyone, kind of reminded me of Gandalf in The Hobbit.
-Was there a part in one of the Phase I novels that mentioned there used to be two chancellors? And this is the explanation of why there is only one? Like, Kyong Greylark resigns and they cannot hold an election to choose another one? Or however they pick chancellors? Seems a bit weird.
-More weirdness with the Mother. Axel and others have mentioned that she appears to be aging rapidly. Is the Leveler feeding off her somehow? Is she helping the creatures reproduce by giving some part of herself to them? I still believe she is some type of Force user, so it would make sense that the creature is feeding on her.
-Where were the Ro sisters? Did they split off from the Path of the Open Hand? Are they with the Herald still on Jedha? Okay, I need to start reading the comics because I feel like I am missing so much stuff!
-Finally, Master Yoda and Chancellor Mollo mention how the Republic and Jedi worked well together, and that maybe they should continue this partnership. By the time of Phase I, the Jedi Council has become almost a political position that has to navigate the Senate, and when you get to the prequels, the corruption inside the Senate continues to be ignored by the Jedi Council, but is so pervasive that it allows the Sith to rise. Pretty cool seeing how the Jedi’s downfall truly began…
-I want a prequel story about Master Orin Darhga!
