Max returns to the galaxy far, far away to review Justina Ireland’s Star Wars: The High Republic – A Valiant Vow. Is the book worth the credits?
Fresh off her recent adult novel, The Acolyte: Wayseeker, Justina Ireland rewinds again. She tackles a cute and well-written story in The High Republic era that she had previously left behind. Star Wars: The High Republic – A Valiant Vow is a fun little read. It continues the adventures of Imri Canatos, the former padawan of Vernestra Rwoh. Ireland has had tons of experience writing “Vern” and fleshing out her older, more bitter incarnation in her latest adult novel, The Acolyte: Wayseeker.
VERN RETURNS!
In A Valiant Vow, Vern is still a sweet (yet prodigious), teenage Jedi Knight. The book begins with her instilling a valuable lesson on her Padawan, Imri. Imri will later grow up to become a famous Jedi philosopher. Unfortunately, he will be outlived by his Master due to her extended natural lifespan. We see that Imri is still working with his hyper-heightened Force empathy abilities. This means he is a living emotion receiver. He can be in a crowd of beings and feel their emotions more acutely than any Jedi. This “gift” is as much of a curse as his Master’s chronic hyperspace visions.
Imri has grown complacent, trapped behind the Nihil Stormwall. He is teaching younglings on the planet Aricho with an older Jedi Knight named Yacek Sparkburn. Then news of the Stormwall lifting reached this tiny planet. Imri is almost upset that he has to leave behind his quiet, peaceful existence on Aricho. It is not the Jedi way to become attached to anything. Most Jedi need to relocate as quickly and as randomly as the seeds of a dandelion blowing in the wind. Yet, Imri is only human, and, understandably, he feels a close bond with his new home. I admire Justina’s ability to write this relatable feeling so naturally.
POLITICAL GREED
Anyway, the new President of Aricho has warned the displaced refugees that the planet’s rainy season is approaching. They need to decide whether to stay or not. Once the rainy season arrives, ships cannot leave the atmosphere. It’s too dangerous! President Sala is a true politician and belongs more in the arena of The Clone Wars-era Republic. Corrupt, deceitful, greedy, evasive. She is hiding things from her new constituents. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist Jedi to see that. There is a sense of realism in Sala’s behavior, and it hits very close to home (with this reviewer having grown up with a parent who worked in local politics).
Sala wants Imri and Yacek to investigate a new type of scav-droid attacking civilian ships trying to reach Aricho. Yet, she is covering up something far more sinister. That ties in nicely with the B plot of our good little friend (the only Hutt in the galaxy who isn’t evil), Churro.
CHURRO THE HUTT
The Hutt race appears to be universally rotten to the core. Yet Churro is a true anomaly amongst his species. He is kind, caring, open to friendships with beings of other species, and has a thirst for scientific knowledge. His sister gave him his ship and her blessing to leave the Hutt crime family that he is a part of. He is apprenticed to a Shani scientist named Professor Kip, who also has shady allegiances. Kip is trying to cultivate a special plant for Hutt benefactors.
To say “It’s a small galaxy” at this point in the mythos is an understatement. Characters separated by unfathomable distances are constantly “bumping” into each other. This happens by way of the Force or some strange cosmic luck. It’s fun to see someone break the fourth wall (slightly) and acknowledge this. “It’s a small galaxy!” Churro thinks. Yes, that is indeed true. I’m glad someone finally said it.
The true hero of this tale was Churo. He is such a likable character (AND HE’S A HUTT!). I’m delighted that the mold was broken to introduce this concept. I haven’t been this giddy since they introduced Ithorian bounty hunters and evil mad scientists. Like on Earth, you cannot judge a person by the whole of their cultural background. This is an important lesson for kids reading this book to understand.
CHARACTER DEPTH
It seems all paths lead to Aricho, including Zenny Greylark’s (a senator’s daughter), and her friend Tep-Tep, a transgender Alcedian padawan. I didn’t discuss these characters in much detail in this review. However, Tep Tep is an utter delight and such a good friend to everyone. Zenny is sassy and tough, having rescued her older sister in a previous book. She is now looking to find her lost father.
The C-plot (Zenny and Tep-Tep) isn’t as fun as Churro’s perspective, but it still hits you in the feels. Zenny’s grief and anticipation over whether her father is alive or dead are palpable. It’s extremely well-written. I won’t spoil the details here, but let’s just say this is a kids’ novel. Things aren’t as dark as the adult and YA novels in terms of the turn of events.
VERDICT
My only complaint is more on my end. I did not read The High Republic source that chronicled the folding of the Stormwall. As a result, I was a little confused and caught off guard when it was announced in the very beginning of the book. I may need to conduct some research to determine when this pivotal event occurred. Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, middle-grade novels are generally less dark than their YA and Adult counterparts. While I value realism over fluff, it’s nice to see happy endings every now and then, even if they are not as probable.
Good writing for Justina, as always, and well-rounded.
Star Wars: The High Republic – A Valiant Vow is available to buy now. Will you be checking out Justina Ireland’s latest volume? Drop a comment below.
Max Nocerino is a regular Staff Writer for The Future of the Force. He is a passionate Star Wars fan and loves the literature of the galaxy far, far away. Follow him on Twitter where he shares his love of the Force frequently!
