Star Wars High Republic: Into the Dark, a Tantalizing Read
Into the Dark is a novel by Claudia Gray that takes place during the High Republic era. The story follows Reath Silas, a Padawan of the Jedi Order, as he investigates a mysterious Space Station after a major hyper-space disaster takes place. This book was released on February 2nd, 2021 and we are excited to share our thoughts on it!
The High Republic’s Great Hyperspace Disaster
Star Wars the High Republic should be celebrated and praised by fans. It’s been a real treat, seeing both the Republic and the Jedi Order at the height of their power. I was a sucker for the Dark Horse Comics: Old Republic run. So naturally, I am eating this High Republic storyline up, like mashed potatoes on Thanksgiving Day, give me more!
Q: What do the best disaster films have in common?
A: Showcasing the doom to come.
The entire High Republic Era of books and comics kicks off with the Great Disaster. Without getting into major spoiler territory, a large but old star-ship named the Legacy Run, was carrying 9k plus citizens to the frontier when it crash’s in a hyperspace lane, attempting to avoid an unidentified object coming towards them in the opposite direction.
The captain in a last ditch effort to save her passengers, locks down the ship into compartments hoping that parts of the ship may survive the crash.
Sounds like a normal accident right? Nope, not at all. Now thousands of pieces of the Legacy Run are being flung at light-speed towards the unsuspecting Hetzal system. Billions of lives are at risk due to this catastrophe. Oh, and some of those pieces are carrying sentient beings with no ability to stop.
The Great Hyperspace Disaster reminded me of the the Angola Horror train wreck that occurred on December 18, 1867.
Amaxine Space Station
The main setting of Star Wars High Republic: Into the Dark is the Amaxine Station.
An ancient, abandoned, space station that orbits a dying star. Built by the long-forgotten Amaxine warriors, who date back to the dawn of the Old Republic.
A strange dark presence has been contained on the Amaxine Station, that is now overrun with plant-growth. At the center of this dark-mystery are ancient statues left behind from ages past. Raising the question of who left the statues, and what are their purpose?
Into the Dark was not the only time we’ve visited the Amaxine Station.
During the time of the New Republic, the station was later acquired by Snoke, the Supreme Leader of the First Order, who resided in the space station. Ben Solo, who had destroyed the Jedi Temple of Luke Skywalker after believing he had killed Luke Skywalker, visited the station to meet with Snoke.
Wookieepedia
Into the Dark’s Cast of Characters
I am excited that there is a new era of Star Wars to explore and with that comes new stories and characters to fall in love with.
In Star Wars High Republic: Into the Dark, it’s filled with a wonderful cast of characters:
Dez Rydan
Young, male and human. Jedi Knight Dez Rydan has a tenacity for adventure and exploration.
Orla Jareni
A Umbaran female Jedi Master. Orla Jareni is a Wayseeker of the force, she is doing her best to find her own way outside of the Jedi Order.
Cohmac Vitus
A human scholar and mystic of the force. Jedi Master Cohmac Vitus raises many questions against his own order and their decision making.
Captain Leox Gyasi
A compassionate Byne guild pilot and captain of the starship named the Vessel.
Scover Byne
Leader of the Byne Guild and Step-Mother to Affie Hollow.
Affie Hollow
Step-Daughter to Scover Byne and Co-Pilot of the Vessel starship.
Geode
Geode is a male Vintinian and navigator of the Vessel starship.
Reath Silas
A human Jedi Padawan, Reath Silas would rather be doing research in the Jedi Archives as opposed to off on some adventure.
Nan
A young, mysterious woman who shows interest in the Jedi and their affairs.
Author Claudia Gray
It’s impossible to put into words how vital Claudia Gray is to Star Wars. She has given us Lost Stars (arguably my favorite Star Wars story of all-time), Bloodline, Leia Princess of Alderaan, Master and Apprentice, and so much more.
Now she has given us Into the Dark and truly put her stamp on the High Republic Era.
I’m sure this is no easy task, being apart of a large story group and having to work within a framework to usher in a new era of Star Wars. But Claudia Gray makes it look easy and Into the Dark is another huge win in my book.
Conclusion: Overall Thoughts
Star Wars High Republic: Into the Dark is a wonderful introduction into the High Republic Era. The characters are relatable and the stakes are high while keeping the story well-contained. There’s enough mystery and intrigue in this book to qualify it as a page-turner that you’ll end up burning through in short order.
Have you read Star Wars High Republic: Into the Dark? If so what did you think? Drop a comment below. Let us know if this preview was helpful for you, if you’re deciding on reading Claudia Grays latest entry into the Star Wars universe.
