I have not read all the YA High Republic books, but I think I may change that. I really enjoy Vernestra Rwoh, as well as the other characters like Xylan, Jordanna, and Sylvestri. This also was the first book in a while where it felt like the Nihil were not invincible. Also, we got to see a little deeper into Xylan Graf, which is always a positive.
Okay, so a few really cool things that I hope to get further exploration:
-Deva Lompop–yes I know she has been in the comics and books, but she is extremely long-lived, and she mentioned something to Vern that was interesting: she remembers the beginning of the Jedi, and says she could tell stories about the Jedi that would cause Rwoh to leave the Order.
-I thought the bio-weapon that was used on Jordanna’s brother’s planet was something similar to the weapon from Phase 2 that Queen Adrialla was going to give to the Mother. But it was made from the Nameless. The poison from that story has to come into play somehow, right?
-Vernestra comes close to a Nameless and the effects mess her up fast. Her immediate thought is “how come this feeling is not in any of the reports??? Every Jedi needs to know about this!” The Jedi Council should make her the youngest master as well, she is the only one who is not a complete idiot about everything.
-I liked how the book ended with Vernestra confronting Elzar Mann about his role in Chancey Yarrow’s death. Also, I like how they are not close. Vern was Stellan’s padawan, but Vern thinks her old master’s friend is a bit self-centered, and never takes responsibility for his actions.
-Okay, the book actually ends with Reath meeting with Azlin Rell, and learning something about the nature of the Nameless. It sounds like Reath and the Jedi will need to face their fears, and head to the planet where the Levelers originate (those are the coordinates that Vern received from Mari San Tekka, right?).
