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lunarblazes's review
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
this book was great for the first third. once the crisis was over, it started dragging a lot. the writing style is very dense and often explores random tangents in the middle of the action, and the shifting povs make it hard to get invested in any specific thread of the plot. that said, it’s a very good setup for the rest of the plot of this era. the characters are likeable, i’m invested in their relationships with each other, and the stakes are flawlessly set up. it introduces new technology and a new setting for star wars very well, even if that means it’s dense at times. i liked it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Blood, Drug use, and Grief
ericadawson's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
It's been years since I've read a Star Wars book and enjoyed it, but Star Wars: Light of the Jed blew me away from start to finish.
The thread of hope that laced through the entire story never once felt overdone or cliche, and the steady goodness of the Jedi, even at their own expense, was such a breath of fresh air. There is death and destruction, but there is also the chance for peace. There is violence and pain, but there's love, as well.
While I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style (at times it felt a bit hand-holdy to me, other times the prose/format was just okay) I loved the cleverness of the plot and worldbuilding itself. I never would have thought that a plot surrounding hyperspace lanes could be so gripping and so layered. The political worldbuilding was clear cut, but it's also clear that the consequences far outpace was any of the heroes could ever think possible. This book deepened my love for both the Jedi and Star Wars, as well as deepening my understanding of the Force. It's an amazing contextualizer for the fall of the Jedi.
I remember seeing other High Republic fans always cheer about characters named Elzar Mann and Avar Kriss (the former more than the latter, although I myself would flip the attention) and they were right to. But my other faves are Loden Greatstorm and Bell Zettifar. Rarely do I ever root for two characters with romantic tension in a book (or anything else) but two characters in this series really grabbed me the moment they appeared on the page.
Highly recommend. A refreshing look at Star Wars for those who might be seeking something truly positive and unique that falls outside what we normally get from the franchise.
The thread of hope that laced through the entire story never once felt overdone or cliche, and the steady goodness of the Jedi, even at their own expense, was such a breath of fresh air. There is death and destruction, but there is also the chance for peace. There is violence and pain, but there's love, as well.
While I wasn't a huge fan of the writing style (at times it felt a bit hand-holdy to me, other times the prose/format was just okay) I loved the cleverness of the plot and worldbuilding itself. I never would have thought that a plot surrounding hyperspace lanes could be so gripping and so layered. The political worldbuilding was clear cut, but it's also clear that the consequences far outpace was any of the heroes could ever think possible. This book deepened my love for both the Jedi and Star Wars, as well as deepening my understanding of the Force. It's an amazing contextualizer for the fall of the Jedi.
I remember seeing other High Republic fans always cheer about characters named Elzar Mann and Avar Kriss (the former more than the latter, although I myself would flip the attention) and they were right to. But my other faves are Loden Greatstorm and Bell Zettifar. Rarely do I ever root for two characters with romantic tension in a book (or anything else) but two characters in this series really grabbed me the moment they appeared on the page.
Highly recommend. A refreshing look at Star Wars for those who might be seeking something truly positive and unique that falls outside what we normally get from the franchise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood
ohgull's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Death, Fire/Fire injury, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent, Torture, and Drug use
Minor: Cursing
cgracec's review
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Overall, I found Light of the Jedi to be a wonderful introduction to the world of the High Republic. However, it was very clearly an introduction, with a myriad of characters being introduced. I found the characters to be quite lovable, and was amazed by Soule’s ability to make me fall in love with characters who only appeared for a chapter or two. Yet, that very nature of the story made it feel rather incomplete (though I suppose this was quite intentional, to keep me wanting more!). Additionally, there was an inexplicable quality Soule’s prose that felt a bit abrupt, pulling me from the story from time to time. Because of this, it took me far longer to sit down and complete the book than usual. I personally believe that this “disconnect” I felt is due to many of Soule’s past works being comic/graphic novel works, in which the writing itself is primarily dialogue/thought driven, and art can be used to convey details relating to character appearance or setting. Regardless, I think Light of the Jedi is a quality book, and the characters and the world introduced here are just truly stunning! I’m left looking forward to experiencing more of the High Republic era.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Grief, Kidnapping, Violence, and War
Minor: Blood, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Trafficking, and Abandonment
punkisocks's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Physical abuse, War, Kidnapping, Blood, Death, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Torture, and Violence
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