Book Review // Star Wars: A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland
Damn, has this blog become a Star Wars fan page? No...but I am enjoying these titles and getting into the fandom much more. So when I stumbled across the set of three High Republic novels, I knew I had to read them. So, let us dive into the first one, turns out they also merge with the comic series.
Title: Star Wars: The High Republic - A Test of Courage
Type: Younger Reader Sci-fi
Author: Justina Ireland
Blurb: Long before the Clone Wars, the Empire, or the First Order, the Jedi lit the way for the galaxy in a golden age known as the High Republic!
Vernestra Rwoh is a brand-new Jedi Knight at age sixteen, but her first real assignment feels an awful lot like babysitting. She’s been charged with supervising twelve-year old aspiring inventor Avon Starros on a luxury liner headed to the dedication of a wondrous new space station called Starlight Beacon.
But early in their journey, bombs go off aboard the ship. After narrowly avoiding being sucked into the vacuum of space, Vernestra; Avon; Avon’s droid J-6; a Jedi Padawan; and an ambassador’s son make it to an shuttle, but communications are out and supplies are low. They decide to land on a nearby moon, which offers shelter but not much more. And unbeknownst to them, danger lurks in the jungle….
Format: 248 pages, Hardcover
Save the paper and go kindle (it is also cheaper) - Link to Amazon via my Affiliate link
Review
Okay, I need to change how I think about young adult books. I've said this too often that I should have learned by now, but these youth books are impressive. I was expecting a quick read (which it was), but in such a short space, a well-rounded and delved story was created.
Within the cover, we join Vernesta, a rising star within the Jedi Order. Vernesta is, in fact, the youngest Padawan ever to pass the Jedi trials. For her first real task, she babysits an Ambassador's daughter, Avon Starros, as they travel to Starlight Beacon, an all-new Space Station. It would also turn out that part of her role is to play host to a diplomatic party and some other Jedi, rounding out our little group. Following a devastating Nihil attack, the youngsters manage to escape the ship while their mentors/parents are killed in an explosion. Now trapped on a hostile jungle moon and alone, the four youths must learn to work together and survive. This is made more difficult by the arrival of Nihil, but what are they after?
What a great read! We see some amazing Jedi powers shown off while also learning more about the Padawans. We deal with death, grief, rage, anger, and justice. Then, thrown into the mix is an exciting world that wants everyone dead! I truly enjoyed the read, and it was so close to being a 5-star review. With more pages and maybe a longer read, the rough edges and timings would have been fixed for sure. I am excited for the next read.
