Star Wars: The High Republic: Path of Vengeance

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As a sequel to Path of Deceit, this story basically spoils that Kevmo (the Jedi lead of that book) was killed at the end. The same goes for Yana's girlfriend and the Herald's daughter, Kor Plouth. I still quite like The Mother and the Path in general but I really wish more focus was given to Jedi this phase as there were some that were good but just came out underdeveloped Onto production, Emily O’Brien’s narration is on point. While not perhaps as bombastic as regular narrator Marc Thompson, Emily’s delivery is measured, clear, and she effortlessly captures the cast. Particularly I enjoy her performance of the ardent and naive Marda, the sinister Mother, and the chatty and idealistic Jedi Padawan Matthea Cathley.

The High Republic phase 2 is a journey, and Path of Vengeance is a fitting end. Throughout Cataclysm and the Battle of Jedha I often found myself asking - So what is Marda doing? Well, this book is the answer. The Jedi perspectives in the novel are good and fresh, and I enjoyed the characters as presented. The most consistently compelling viewpoints were Marda and Yana. It all did come together quite well in the end, and we end up with quite the adventurous and distorted story to set the mood for the next, and last, Phase of this series. The writing style, while not a significant concern, did manage to catch me off guard. The inclusion of terms like 'baddie' and contemporary 2023 slang within the context of The High Republic's setting seemed discordant and disruptive. While integrating modern language into a futuristic world can enhance the narrative, it should seamlessly uphold the immersion without detracting from the story. Regrettably, in this instance, it came across as a rather awkward endeavor to resonate with younger readers, but the execution ultimately fell short of the intended impact. The Mother is a dud of a villain. She never inspired any sense of fear or interest for me. The Herald is a much better character because he actually believes what he preaches. The Mother's storyline could only ever have gone one way, and so it does: she is exposed as a Force-using fraud and devoured by her own pet beast. Her motivations are also cookie-cutter: she is jealous of her sister who got to become a Jedi when she didn't. I think things would've been more interesting if the Mother's use of the Force was unconscious, or really just if there had been any nuance whatsoever to her character. As it is, her defeat is predictable and obvious.I think this was my favorite and most moving depiction of the battle of Dalna in all the Phase II materials we have gotten so far. Zoraida Córdova: The Force of Fantasy" · " Lydia Kang: The Magic of Mythmaking" · " The High Republic: Phase II Companion" This changes in Path of Vengeance. Marda finds a new purpose and with it, a courage that she has never experienced before. The new Marda has a clear vision of what she must do to spread the word of the Path of the Open Hand and no one will stand in her way. Not the Jedi, not her cousin Yana, not The Herald, and certainly not The Mother. Listening to the Audiobook

Oliviah is a stoic and stern Jedi. She doesn’t open up to just anyone, and she doesn’t offer praise lightly. Though she and Matty have spent a considerable amount of time together on Jedha, you wouldn’t mistake them for friends. The two are forced to learn to both rely on and trust each other along the way. The book is divided into three parts, with the first section delving into extensions of previously unexplored scenes from earlier material. While a few new elements are introduced, the tone feels predominantly expository. Given that this book serves as our conclusion, this approach comes across as redundant. This has been a recurring concern for me throughout phase 2. Although I usually hold a deep appreciation for Cavan's narratives, this pattern further underscores the muddled nature of this phase.It’s the beginning of the end for the Path of the Open Hand, despite dealing significant and often secret blows to the Jedi and sowing chaos on Jedha and warring planets Eiram and E’ronoh. The Force cult has splintered in the aftermath of the Battle of Jedha, with the Mother on one side and the Herald on the other. True motives are finally revealed, and Marda, Yana, and Matty are caught in the middle and forced to choose between right, wrong, and themselves. I do enjoy the continued expansion of the culture and various Force religions on Jedha. We get a lot of interesting lore like the hidden Archives under the statue of the Jedi that was destroyed in the Battle of Jedha. This humble newsletter has grown exponentially over the last 12 months, and it has led to some really exciting opportunities as well as more connections with fellow Star Wars fans around the world. The novel more than delivers on its promises of despair and darkness but with just enough touches of hope and light. Path of Vengeance is an incredible book, and together with Path of Deceit , represents a masterpiece in Star Wars storytelling.”