The Star Wars: The High Republic publishing initiative explores the golden age of the Jedi, set roughly 200 years before The Phantom Menace. This era features a thriving Republic, peacekeeping Jedi at their height, and dangerous new threats. The books are released in phases, each building on the last.
From a Star Wars timeline perspective, The High Republic books and stories begin at 382 BBY and run through around 228 BBY.
Phase I: Light of the Jedi
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Light of the Jedi (Charles Soule) – The Republic launches Starlight Beacon, a Jedi outpost. A hyperspace disaster causes ships to break apart unpredictably, leading to mass casualties. The Jedi investigate and uncover the Nihil, a ruthless group of raiders led by Marchion Ro.
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A Test of Courage (Justina Ireland) – Vernestra Rwoh, a young Jedi Knight, guides a group of stranded survivors, including a senator’s son, after a Nihil attack. She learns to master a unique lightsaber whip.
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Into the Dark (Claudia Gray) – Jedi Padawan Reath Silas and his companions are stranded in an abandoned space station, where they uncover ancient dark side creatures, the Drengir, and fight to prevent their resurgence.
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The Rising Storm (Cavan Scott) – The Nihil disrupt the Republic Fair, slaughtering civilians and Jedi alike. Marchion Ro escalates his attacks, showcasing a terrifying new weapon that weakens Jedi connections to the Force.
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Race to Crashpoint Tower (Daniel José Older) – A side story to The Rising Storm, young Jedi Ram Jomaram defends the Republic Fair and its communications tower against Nihil sabotage.
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Out of the Shadows (Justina Ireland) – Vernestra Rwoh, Reath Silas, and Jedi Knight Imri Cantaros uncover Nihil manipulations of hyperspace routes while encountering Republic corruption.
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Tempest Runner (Cavan Scott, audio drama) – Follows Lourna Dee, a Nihil leader, as she is captured by the Republic and struggles between her past and her loyalty to the Nihil.
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The Fallen Star (Claudia Gray) – Marchion Ro enacts his deadliest plan, destroying Starlight Beacon and killing many Jedi. Survivors escape, but the Nihil prove they can strike anywhere.
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Mission to Disaster (Justina Ireland) – Vernestra Rwoh and Imri Cantaros track a Nihil kidnapping operation, stopping a major attack on Republic citizens.
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Midnight Horizon (Daniel José Older) – Jedi Masters and Padawans investigate Nihil activity on Corellia, leading to personal growth and heartbreak.
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Quest for the Hidden City (George Mann) – A Jedi team investigates a distress signal and uncovers a deadly mystery on a fog-covered planet.
Phase II: Quest of the Jedi (Prequel Era to Phase I, 150 Years Earlier)
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Path of Deceit (Tessa Gratton & Justina Ireland) – Introduces the Path of the Open Hand, a dangerous cult that believes the Force should never be used, leading to conflicts with the Jedi.
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Convergence (Zoraida Córdova) – Two warring planets, Eiram and E’ronoh, attempt peace, but external forces sabotage the effort. Jedi Knight Gella Nattai is caught in the conflict.
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The Battle of Jedha (George Mann, audio drama) – A fragile peace summit on Jedha crumbles into violence, with Jedi, cultists, and warring factions clashing.
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Path of Vengeance (Cavan Scott) – Marchion Ro’s ancestors sow chaos, setting the stage for the Nihil’s future rise.
Phase III: Trials of the Jedi (Sequel to Phase I, Ongoing)
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The Eye of Darkness (George Mann) – The Jedi fight back against the Nihil’s growing dominance, but Marchion Ro’s power remains strong.
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Tales of Light and Life (Various authors) – Short stories bridging the gap between all three phases.
The High Republic era presents a rich tapestry of heroism, sacrifice, and dark forces threatening the Jedi’s golden age. It lays the groundwork for the Republic’s eventual decline, making it a crucial part of Star Wars lore.