The High Republic: Convergence by Zoraida Córdova Review

Without a doubt, I can definitely say I really enjoyed this Audiobook, having listened to it three times since it’s release. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly never ending war between two neighbouring planets, Eiram and E’ronoh and full of mystery, suspense and politics, ‘Convergence’ piles on layers and layers of story, weaving characters

The High Republic: Path of Deceit by Justina Ireland and Tessa Grant Review

When Phase 2 of ‘The High Republic’ was announced and revealed to be set even further in the past, I had some concerns. Seeing how brilliant the first Phase had been, with nary a misplaced step (with the exception of ‘Midnight Horizon which I have struggled to even get halfway through), the creative team, headed

Shadow of the Sith by Adam Christopher Review

Since the Canon reset in 2014, I have always maintained that the books and comics should be used to further the ongoing story of the Galaxy Far, Far Away, and at times, help to enhance the films. Just look at ‘Catalyst’ by James Luceno, the story of Orsen Krennic and Galen Erso and their time

The New Jedi Order: Recovery by Troy Denning Review

As one of the few short stories published as part of ‘The New Jedi Order’, ‘Recovery’ fills in part of the story focused on Han and Leia during the events of ‘Edge of Victory 1: Conquest’. Starting in a hospital on Corellia, Han protects Leia and a vaguely familiar female Jedi from a group of

Darth Vader: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 5 Comic Review

After being sent to deal with the Hutts, Vader returns to The Executor empty handed whilst Ochi has brought Sly Moore aboard in chains. As Vader is given an army to eradicate Crimson Dawn, Ochi goes to enlist members of the Assassins League and reveals his true allegiance. As the Hutt fleet get hold of

Darth Vader: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 4 Comic Review

Bringing this arc back in line with the rest of the series, the focus rests on the dogfight between Luke and Vader and Droids and Ochi vs. Sly Moore is a confused mush-mash of events. Vader attempts to get Luke to land on Jekara but Luke toluene tail, luring Vader into the skies. Unfortunately for

Darth Vader: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 3 Comic Review

The third part of this run doesn’t follow on from last issue, instead we jump back in time again to the planet Arkanis and tell the story so far from Ochi’s point of view. Vader sends Ochi into a bar where the assassin obtains a Crimson Dawn invitation. The two then meet with Bokka and

Darth Vader: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 2 Review

The second part of the ‘Darth Vader’ run of ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ is quite possibly my favourite of the whole run so far. Set before and after Issue 13, the focus here is on Sly Moore rather than Vader himself. The former adviser to Palpating is cast aside after her failure to wipe

Darth Vader: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 1 Review

After successfully thwarting Booka’s attempt to kill him, Vader uses the Hutt to gain access to Hutt Space and a Droid Gang’s base to find the lost Carbonite clad Han Solo, only to come up against IG-88 and Bokka’s own weapons. A return to form for the ‘Darth Vader’ series. Vader kicks some serious Droid

The New Jedi Order: Edge of Victory 2 – Rebirth by Greg Keyes

Months after the Yuuzhan Vong attacked Yavin IV, Anakin is with Tahiri and the other Jedi students onboard the Errant Venture. Anakin is going stir-crazy onboard the ship and is asked by Corran Horn to join him on a quick supply run. Feeling left out, Tahiri manages to convince Anakin to let her tag along.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn Audiobook Review

Over the years I tried to read as many of the now ‘Legends’ novels as I could, but either due to time, availability, money or just a story not clicking with me I ended up giving up on reading the pre-Disney novels. Then, over the last few years, I occasionally would come across them, back

The New Jedi Order: Edge of Victory 1 – Conquest by Greg Keyes

The Jedi, led by Luke Skywalker are in peril. War Master Tsavong Lah’s declaration to the Galaxy that the Yuuzhan Vong invasion would stop if the Jedi would turn themselves over to the alien invaders is causing problems, with groups like The Peace Brigade taking Jedi hostage or just plain killing them. Kyp and his

Star Wars: Dangerous Lessons Comic Review

Luke still has much to learn when the Holocron version of Yoda teaches how using the Force to see the future is a dangerous path to take, essentially using the same lesson he taught Luke in ‘Empire Strikes Back’. After composing himself Luke uses the Holocron again, this time getting a new lesson that directs

Star Wars: Dangerous Turn Comic Review

With the Rebel Fleet getting stronger and the leadership reunited, survival is no longer the priority but Luke’s focus is drawn away towards his destiny and a need to train harder toward becoming a Jedi. As Mon Mothma and Admiral Ackbar make strategies for locating the missing Rebels and (finally) setting up a rescue mission

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 5 Review

The final part of the ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ arc in the main Star Wars run hits hard, ticks some boxes and gives a satisfying ending to the main heroes story. Taking place after the events of the ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ mini-series, Leia and Chewie are depressed at the loss of Han,

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 4 Review

As Luke battles Vader ship-to-ship, he manages to trick his father into crashing on the planet Jakara. Given the opportunity, Luke attempts to help his friends but Vader manages to get his TIE Advanced into somewhat usable order and resumes the air conflict. Meanwhile, Leia grows increasingly anxious that Han is soon to be in

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 3 Review

As Luke makes his way to Jekara, he replays his duel with Vader in his mind, trying to understand Vader’s fighting style and strategise a way to survive another encounter. His reflection soon ends when he arrives at the planet and comes face-to-face with The Executor which launches a squadron of TIE Fighters. Luke draws

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 2 Review

Charles Soule pulls double duty, penning the main ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ storyline as well as the concurrent issues in the main ‘Star Wars’ run. Detailing what happens when Luke is away from the group, he joins Starlight Squadron on a reconnaissance mission that soon becomes a rescue mission when Starlight locates the remnants

Star Wars: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 1

After getting the location of Han Solo, now in the possession of Crimson Dawn, Leia, Chewie, Lando, Lobot and C-3PO head to the meeting, with Lando taking the opportunity to do some dealings of his own. Soule kicks off the main titles ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ storyline and it’s already go intrigue, shady dealings,

The New Jedi Order: Balance Point by Kathy Tyers

Two months after the tragedy at Fondor, the New Republic have made a shaky alliance with the Duros, who have been forced to live in orbital cities after the Empire occupied it and turned it into an uninhabitable waste land, to allow refugees from the Yuuzhan Vong invasion to take up residence on the planet

The New Jedi Order: Agents of Chaos (Part 2) – Jedi Eclipse by James Luceno

Han continues to help Droma search for surviving Ryn. The search takes them to a refugee camp, but are too late after the Ryn forge documents that allows a group of Yuuzhan Vong allies to ship potential slaves off world. Leia visits the Hapes Consortium looking for new allies in the War, but Prince Isolder

Star Wars: The High Republic – Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland Audiobook Review (SPOILER FREE)

Set before the events of ‘The Fallen Star’, ‘Mission to Disaster’ puts us on a mission with Vernestra Rwoh and her Padawan Imri Cantaros as they desperately try to find their friend, Avon Starros who has been abducted by The Nihil after an attack on Port Haileap. Whilst some may find it confusing that this

The High Republic: Jedi’s End Part 3 Comic Review

O.K. So that happened… It’s a full on Jedi assault on the Nihil base of ‘No Space’ with Master Avar Kriss leading the charge. And she’s brought friends, Sskeer is back on as good a form as he can be, lightsaber in hand and Keeve, sent by Sskeer to keep an eye on Avar as

War of the Bounty Hunters Issue 5 by Charles Soule

WARNING!!! Spoilers for The Book of Boba Fett: Chapter 2 – The Tribes of Tatooine. O.K. Right. Deep breath. Let’s begin… After a literal tug-of-war for the Imperial Shuttle carrying Solo to The Empire Bokka sends The Hutts to war with The Executor at the request of Qi’Ra to serve as a distraction for Leia,

War of the Bounty Hunters Issue 4 by Charles Soule

So, at the beginning of the script for this issue, I can imagine a little hand written note at the top saying, “Hi, I’m Charles Soule and I’m about to teach you how to cram so much story into twenty-five pages and do it without ruining the issue.” With Vader about to bisect Han, Luke

War of the Bounty Hunters Issue 3 by Charles Soule

When Darth Vader crashes the party and claims Solo as his own, he not only angers the Hutt Cartel, but insults Sly Moore who is at the auction as a representative of The Empire. He also manages to kill a number of gangsters and battles Qi’Ra who is bested by the Sith Lord. As Luke

War of the Bounty Hunters Issue 2 by Charles Soule

Boba Fett finds his way into the Crimson Dawn party after encountering an old friend. Once disguised and inside, he tasks a new ally with a job and attempts to sabotage the party as the auction draws to an end, leading him into a chance encounter with Leia, Lando and Chewie as Darth Vader makes

War of the Bounty Hunters Issue 1 by Charles Soule

What the #%$¥ just happened? I got the first part of Charles Soule’s central story to the ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ crossover event, expecting something pretty cool, enjoyable and action packed like the Prelude. What I got was a complete and utter masterclass in Star Wars comics storytelling that will be hard to top

The High Republic: Jedi’s End Part 2 Comic Review

The second part of the arc slows the actions down and focus’ on the drama as the series starts to head towards is conclusion. Back on Starlight Beacon, Avar and Keeve are frustrated by the lack of action the Council wants to take against The Nihil. Kriss, who is taking the decision incredibly personally wants

The High Republic: Jedi’s End Part 1 Comic Review

Damn! What an issue! With Keeve, Terec and Ceret incapacitated by the effects of The Leveller, Avar Kriss and Sskeer leave The Ataraxia and head down to help the undercover Jedi. Sskeer is hell-bent on saving Keeve, despite Avar reminding him that connections are forbidden, as well as not to kill anyone whilst piloting his

Star Wars: The High Republic – The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott Book Review (SPOILER FREE)

To celebrate the release of ‘The Rising Storm’ in paperback, here is my rereleased review for the hardback release from the end of June 2021. There are very few books in the world (that I have read) that, when I finished them I closed the book and just sat for a moment wondering “What will

Star Wars: The High Republic – The Fallen Star by Claudia Gray Book Review (SPOILER FREE)

Not going to lie. Tears were shed during the reading of this book. And not just for the losses, but for those that survived as well. A lot has been said about Cavan Scott’s novel ‘The Rising Storm’ and how he liked to kill people off, but he truly took the golden sceptre of character

Vision of the Future by Timothy Zahn Audiobook Review

Note: This review of of the abridged version of the audiobook. Zahn brings the Bantam era of the Expanded Universe to a satisfying conclusion, giving us some a really great and enjoyable finale to his ‘Hand of Thrawn’ Duology. Following on from ‘Spectre of the Past’, The New Republic is in turmoil, with different systems

The High Republic: The Shadow of the Nihil Part 2 Comic Review

Things are heating up for Keeve and Terec as their cover is blown by the captive Hutt and the arrival of the supposedly dead Lourna Dee brings a whole new set of problems when she unleashed the weapon that killed Loden Greatstorm. Did anyone really think Keeve and Terec were going to get through this

The High Republic: The Shadow of the Nihil Part 1 Comic Review

We’re starting a new storyline hot off the heels of the defeat of The Drengir. This time, the Jedi of Starlight Beacon are taking the fight to The Nihil in the aftermath of The Republic Fair on Valo. Speculation was rife when the Marvel solicits revealed the cover, showing Keeve Trennis dress’s in Nihil armour.

Thrawn Ascendency Book 3: Lesser Evil Audiobook by Timothy Zahn Spoiler Free Review

I won’t lie folks, it’s very rare that a book affects me on a huge level. Not since ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’ and I read *THAT* scene and launched that time across a room because I was so emotional. Listening to ‘Lesser Evil’, I had some very vocal responses. Luckily I

Attack of the Clones Novelisation by R. A. Salvatore Review

As listeners of The Life Debt Podcast will know from last week, I recently finished reading the ‘Attack of the Clones’ Novelisation by R. A. Salvatore which was the culmination of my week long ‘Attack of the Clones’ binge where I watched the film, listened to the soundtrack a bunch and read the book, which

Dark Horsing Around

When it was announced in September that Disney/Lucasfilm had withdrawn the Star Wars licence from IDW it came as a bit of a shock. IDW had been publishing the popular “all ages” title ‘Star Wars Adventures’ which featured stories from across all eras of the saga and written by some pretty big names in Star

The Life Debt PodCARst 2.0 Episode 2: Attack of the Clones Deep-Dive

Listen to the episode on your Podcatcher of choice or on Anchor.fm. This week I talk about some recent news before deep-diving into a bunch of aspects of ‘Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones’. Keep up with the Blog over to http://www.mystarwarslifedebt.com Visit the Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/LifeDebtBlogPod/ Follow me on Twitter @LifeDebtJonny

The Edge of Balance Volume One by Shima Shinya and Justina Ireland

‘The High Republic’ branches out into an new genre for its first Manga, written by Justina Ireland and Shima Shinya that tells a new story with a cast of new characters and some familiar villains. Set on the planet Banchi and following the adventures of Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi in the aftermath of the events

Star Wars Visions: Ronin – A Visions Novel by Emma Mieko Candon Audiobook Spoiler Free Review

I’m just going to say it, ‘Ronin’ is a beautiful (audio)book. Set in an alternate timeline as part of the ‘Star Wars: Visions’ series, ‘Ronin’ adapts the first ‘Visions’ short, ‘The Duel’ and expands on the story, giving us a continuation of the Ronin’s adventure as well as backstory that really she’d light on the

The High Republic: Heart of the Drengir Part 3 Review

BOOM! The explosive final part of ‘Heart of the Drengir’ has landed (a couple of months ago) and boy did it not disappoint! The battle between the Jedi/Hutt Alliance and The Drengir reaches its peak just as Keeve and Orla arrive on Mulita. Avar Kriss has gone on alone to fight the lead Drengir and

The High Republic: Heart of the Drengir Part 2 Review

Keeve Trennis is stuck inside the shared consciousness of The Drengir’s Root-Mind, lost and having visions of those she has met previously she encounters a Sith Lord who attacks her in the presence of four statues (which I’m 100% sure are the ones from ‘Into the Dark’). She wakes up from her vision and tries

Tempest Runner by Cavan Scott Audio-Drama Review

Set between ‘The Rising Storm’ and ‘Out of the Shadows’, ‘Tempest Runner’ switches the main perspective from the Jedi and Republic to The Nihil, specifically the Tempest Runner, Lourna Dee. Much like ‘Dooku: Jedi Lost’, Cavan Scott’s previous Audio-Drama, the narrative flits between the current storyline, here, focusing on the capture of Dee, her time

Out of the Shadows by Justina Ireland Audiobook Review

Justina Ireland is busy. Just her recent Star Wars content alone is something to be in awe of, with ‘Out of the Shadows’, the YA entry to the second wave of ‘The High Republic: Phase One’ as well as ‘Edge of Balance’, the first Manga entry into ‘The High Republic’ and ‘War of the Bounty

Doctor Aphra: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 2

After getting into the grand Crimson Dawn party, Aphra and Sana work to keep a low profile but after getting recognised by a disguised Clone Soldier and a failed attempt at jewellery theft, Aphra is blindsided by the arrival of Darth Vader. The bar is raised in this slow paced but equally tense issue as

Doctor Aphra: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 1

Aphra and Sana’s search for Ebann Drake comes to an unexpected end when they find the crew and clientele of The Opal Empress dead. Their search leads them to a swarm of vicious bugs and the terrifying Bounty Hunter, Durge. The first issue in Aphra’s story within ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ doesn’t wow. In

The High Republic: Heart of the Drengir Part 1

Holy s&@£! After breaking our hearts with Issue 5 and then in ‘The Rising Storm’, Cavan Scott starts to heal one of those brutally inflicted wounds. Set in the time period around Scott’s recent novel ‘The Rising Storm’ following the oft mentioned battle against the monstrous Drengir led by Avar Kriss and Myarga the Hutt.

The High Republic – Where’s the Merch?

In 1996, Lucasfilm tried something that was pretty ballsy at the time, so ballsy in fact that it has left an impression on fans the world over. They released a movie… without the movie. ‘Shadows of the Empire’ was a phenomenon, a cross-media event that told the story between ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ and ‘Return

Race to Crashpoint Tower by Daniel José Older SPOILER FREE Audiobook Review

Jedi Padawan, Ram Jomaram is much more at home in the garage tinkering with machines than meditating and his craftiness with electronics is required when, in the run up to ‘The Republic Fair’ on his homeworld of Valo when a long range communications array at Crashpoint Tower is damage by Nihil raiders, leading Ram on

The High Republic Adventures Issue 5 Review

The junk Moon, Quantxi, becomes a battlefield between the few Jedi and the Nihil as Zeen and Krix finally come face-to-face for the first time since they separated on Trymant. Daniel José Older brings the first arc of his ‘High Republic Adventures’ to an exciting end as ‘The High Republic’ prepares to enter its second

Star Wars: The High Republic – The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott Book Review (SPOILER FREE)

There are very few books in the world (that I have read) that, when I finished them I closed the book and just sat for a moment wondering “What will I do now?” The last time it happened what back in early 2017 when I finished Stephen King’s ‘It’. That’s how rare it is for

Darth Vader: War of the Bounty Hunters Part 1 Review

After successfully thwarting Booka’s attempt to kill him, Vader uses the Hutt to gain access to Hutt Space and a Droid Gang’s base to find the lost Carbonite clad Han Solo, only to come up against IG-88 and Bokka’s own weapons. A return to form for the ‘Darth Vader’ series. Vader kicks some serious Droid

The High Republic Adventures Issue 4 Review

Jedi and Nihil forces clash as Marchion Ro uses Krix to contact Zeen, who takes a Jedi ship and goes to meet her friend, Lula, Farzala and Qort take one last Jedi Vector and follow their new companion. With another stellar issue of ‘High Republic Adventures’, Daniel José Older continues to bring us an amazing

Doctor Aphra: War of the Bounty Hunters – Prelude Review

Aphra and Sana do what they can to thwart Vukorah’s hostage plot and fulfil their promise to Domina Tagge whilst Lucky and Ariole discover a plot against The Sixth Kin. Doctor Aphra’s entry into the ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ is more of a fizzle than a bang in, much like the Darth Vader: War

Spectre of the Past by Timothy Zahn Audiobook Review

Note: This review of of the abridged version of the audiobook. After disturbing information about a planets destruction comes to light the peace within the New Republic becomes frayed thanks to a plot from within the Imperial Remnant whilst the Imperial leaders debate a surrender to the New Republic in a bid to end the

Darth Vader: War of the Bounty Hunters – Prelude

After learning of his Master’s plans on Exogol, Vader undergoes severe repairs and prepares to enter the War of the Bounty Hunters. Returning to the medical centre where Vader was originally put into the suit, Palpatine orders the workers to repair the damaged Vader who chooses to undergo the procedure without pain relief, allowing him

Star Wars Issue 13: War of the Bounty Hunters – Prelude Review

The ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ arrives is the flagship title as Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca and the Droids travel to Nar Shaddaa and meet a familiar face whilst trying to locate Boba Fett and Han Solo. With the ‘War of the Bounty Hunters’ crossover event ramping up, the ‘Prelude’ issues from the main titles are

Doctor Aphra: The Engine Job Part 4

After last issues ridiculous cliffhanger and a very misleading cover for this issue, this is probably my least favourite issue of this series. After their obvious survival, Aphra and Sana return to the bar to find everyone dead. They decide that their best course of action is to go to Midarr and get the hyperdrive

The High Republic: There is No Fear Part 5 Review

Just when I didn’t think last month’s issue could be topped, Cavan Scott and his team absolutely smash it it with this issue. With the Drengir attacking The Starlight Beacon and The Hutt Cartel attacking the Jedi on Sedri Minor, it all looks a bit hopeless for the Jedi. But when the Drengir attack the