On Monday, Star Wars announced a handful of new projects for the upcoming High Republic era. Among them, was some books aimed at younger readers, that all feature a similar team of new Jedi that are sure to play a key role in the brand new era of the franchise.
The Star Wars: The High Republic era is officially being launched this week with a brand new book Light of the Jedi from Charles Soule, and the young-adult book A Test of Courage, and a new comic from Marvel by Soule and Ario Anindito. Star Wars: The High Republic Era takes place before the prequel trilogy, in the golden age of the Jedi. The Jedi Knight will launch the Starlight Beacon, which will serve as a symbol of hope. However, the Jedi will face a brand new adversary that threatens their entire existence.
Disney-Lucasfilm Publishing already announced some material late last year, including Star Wars: A Test of Courage, a junior-reader novel from Justina Ireland that focuses on 16-year-old Vernestra “Vern” Rwoh, who just passed trials to become a full-fledged Knight. Co-starring in the book will be eleven-year-old inventor Avon Starros (of the Starros clan) as the head to the Starlight Beacon. It hasn’t been confirmed, but it appears new Padawan Reath Silas (who seems to be on the cover) will also join in those adventures. Ireland will also write the young-adult novel Star Wars: The High Republic: Out of The Shadows, which will star Rwoh, Silas, and Starros seemingly a bit older than their previous appearance. The characters will seemingly carry over in Star Wars: The High Republic: Into The Dark, which will star Silas.
It’s not surprising to see characters cross-pollinate in the upcoming High Republic Era. While a bunch of new characters will be introduced – keeping some of the younger heroes together is a smart way to introduce readers to a young group to admire and latch onto. With these characters, it’s clear they’re trying to appeal to a younger audience. Will one of them be the next breakout star in the Star Wars Universe, like Ahsoka Tano or Din Djarin? It will be exciting to find out.
A Test in Courage will be the first novel released, as it will hit book stores on January 5, 2021. Next up is the young adult adventure Into the Dark, which is set to be released on February 2, 2021. Meanwhile, Out of the Shadows will be released later in the year on August 3, 2021. It’s an exciting time to be a Star Wars fan, as the High Republic novels and media are coming from some of the most talented writers out there and will introduce a brand-new era for both new and old readers.
