Book Review // Star Wars Race to Crashpoint Tower
It feels like I am having a Star Wars week at the moment. Something about this series is that it is so enjoyable, though annoying at times. But it keeps bringing me back, and as they are so far all young reader-level books, they are proving to be quick, refreshing reads.
Title: Star Wars: The High Republic - Race to Crashpoint Tower
Author: Daniel José Older
Illustrator: Pétur Antonsson
Blurb: Another exciting story in the #1 New York Times best-selling series!
The Republic Fair is coming! Visitors from all over the galaxy are traveling to the planet Valo for a massive, awe-inspiring festival celebrating the Republic. While his fellow Valons prepare for the fair, Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram is hiding out in his favorite place: a dingy garage filled with mechanical parts and tools. But when a security alarm goes off on the nearby hilltop nicknamed Crashpoint Peak, he ventures out with his trusty droid V-18 to investigate. There he discovers that someone has knocked out Valo’s communications tower―a frightening sign that Valo, and the Republic Fair, are in danger. Sure enough, as Ram races to warn the Jedi, the dreaded Nihil unleash a surprise attack! It’s up to Ram to face down the enemy at Crashpoint Tower and send a call for help to the Republic. Luckily, he’s about to get some assistance from unexpected new friends…
Don't miss all of the Star Wars : The High Republic adventures!
Format: 199 pages, Hardcover
Review
We have already had a sneak peek into this story via the comic The High Republic Vol.1. This novel follows up on that comic nicely as it continues with the fallout of the Great Disaster that has damaged the hyperlanes. It is set on the planet Valo, which is about to host the Republic Fair. Here, Jedi Padawan Ram Jamoram is working diligently in his garage when a security alarm sounds from the communication center known as Crashpoint Tower. Reacting to the alarm, Ram sets out with his trusty droid, V-18, to investigate, discovering that the tower has been purposefully tampered with, blocking all communications on the planet. But who would do this? The Nihil, of course. Luckily for Ram, he isn’t alone for long. Another young Padawan, Lula, arrives. Together, they repair the tower and inform the Republic about the attack.
This story was a great bounce-back from the last comic (Vol.2). It is nice to see an actual connection to other titles in this new series. I really hope they continue on this route. Of course, as a young reader novel, it was easy to follow, fast-paced, and funny. It even started to showcase the Jedi belief system, which I found interesting. I highly recommend giving the title a chance.
