Star Wars: Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland is the 3rd book in The High Republic middle grade series. All the stories in the High Republic ( 200 years before A New Hope) are weaved in to fit this world. So far in the High Republic Series I have read 2 of the adult novels, 2 two of the YA novels, 2 of the graphic novels and with this book 3 of the middle grade novels. I'm pretty invested in the story telling for this series and have been intrigued where the story has gone. Mission to Disaster follows Vernesta, Imri, and Avon all characters that were established in A Test of Courage the first middle grade book in the High Republic. I was happy to see these characters back. The book starts off with excitement making be really excited, but then the story fell a little flat. The Avon scenes really steal the show and as a reader I wanted more of her, having just watched Obi Wan she reminded me of a young sassy Leia. Vernestra and Imri scenes were just okay some interesting scenes but as a whole just okay. There's a small amount of action the Ice Gators fight was a stand out, but the other major battle scene the bad guys kind of run away. The ending offer hop but points to the next book more than anything. I will say one thing that I was impressed by is this book has repercussions for the main story in the High Republic, someone of major importance could be a spy for the Nihil. The events in this book happen right before the next adult novel in the High Republic called The Fallen Star. I reviewed this book thanks to Netgalley and Disney Publishing Worldwide, Disney Lucasfilm Press. Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland was published on March 1 2022.

The Plot Summary: Avon is working on Imri's broken cyber crystal when a Nihil invasion occurs and steals her and the other children in hops of indoctrinating them to join the Nihil. Avon tells them a different last name (since I guess Avon is not a uncommon name in the Star Wars universe) and they do not realize they have a Senator's daughter in their clutches. Vernestra has a force vision when Avon is taken and wants to find her, she brings her padawan Imri, but in their search for Avon they find that other children were taken. The Jedi Code has every life equal to the same so instead of find Avon they help others. Meanwhile Avon tries many attempts to escape which makes the Nihil take notice of her creativity and puts her on the weapons division, she likes science an experimenting but must be careful not to make a weapon that could hurt others, but it could mean death if she does not. Can the Jedi save her in time?

What I Liked: That this story wasn't just a one shot, it has repercussions in it's discoveries. Avon is the standout, her chapters where so good, I was light forget the Jedi I want to stay with the middle grade aged science prodigy, and her attempts to use science to escape. I like the final out come of what happen between Avon and Dr. Mkampa and how dark it got. This story was still for kids but did not shy away from hinted death.

What I Disliked: Was the shift in focus, for the Jedi are looking for Avon then they get stuck helping these other missing kids, it ends eventually tying up the two stories but it was a huge momentum killer. The finale is mainly the enemy instead of fighting even a little bit leave and let the Jedi clean up the mess.

Recommendation: The story is just okay on this one, there's only two reasons that I would recommend this book for the Avon chapters and this book will probably lead to bigger things in the High Republic to what is suspected at the end and who could be helping the Nihil. I rated Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland 3 out of 5 stars.

With "Mission to Disaster" Justina Ireland brings home another excellent junior novel, a smooth and balanced reading, where the various protagonists are always given the right space.

In addition to the clean narrative, there is an excellent growth of the characters or, at least, a tale or introspection concerning a growth that took place in the months (and in the works) preceding the story.

But perhaps the setting, the planet Dalna, is the best part of the novel. Rich and varied in biomes as well as in culture and history, we have a way of believing it will be crucial when we go into the past during Phase II of The High Republic project.

The antagonists convince by malice and threat, as they manage to be a physical obstacle to the young and brilliant scientist Avon Starros (here at her best appearance), but perhaps they lack a bit of incivisiveness.

The novel, while presenting these positive aspects, such as the excellent couple formed by Vernestra and Imri, and many new valid additions to the cast, however, lacks an important theme that had governed the simple story of A Test of Courage.
The work is permeated by reasoning on heroism, but the theme fails to blossom as it could, thus leaving only a little bit of a bitterness in the mouth.

Set 200 years before the Skywalker Saga, The High Republic takes the Star Wars universe to a time of expansion as the Republic and Jedi journey into the Outer Rim and come face to face with the villainous Nihil, a gang of marauders determined to plunder the galaxy and eradicate the Jedi Order.

Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland is the third middle-grade book in the line so far, and the final one in the first phase of the High Republic. Thanks to a paper shortage Mission to Disaster was unfortunately delayed from releasing alongside The Fallen Star to being the last book released in the wave. As a result, it’s easy to view this book as some sort of finale/epilogue to Fallen Star, especially considering the possible connections based on the events of the book, but Mission to Disaster is set prior to both Fallen Star and Midnight Horizon, and is largely unconnected to either. It’s very much a sequel to Wave 1’s A Test of Courage, also by Justina Ireland, and to a lesser degree Wave 2’s Out of the Shadows which both starred young Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh and her padawan Imri Cantaros. Also returning is Avon Starros, the daughter of a republic Senator who Vernestra bonded with when their ship crashed in A Test of Courage.

I think Mission to Disaster is a book hurt by factors outside of its control. As a standalone entry to the High Republic, it’s a fun time with some of my favorite characters in this era. But as a part of the final wave of this phase of the High Republic, especially considering the news that the next phase will be a prequel, there’s an expectation for this book to be a grand finale for Vernestra’s journey so far, and in this regard, it fails to deliver. It’s a fun Jedi vs Nihil story, but an ultimately inessential entry to the larger High Republic story. Out of the Shadows set Vernestra up for something big in the future, but don’t expect any pay-off to her mysterious Path just yet. However, if you enjoyed these characters in A Test of Courage then it’s a must-read as Vern and Imri continue to grow as young Jedi. It’s a character-driven story, as opposed to some large space-station destroying climax.

Mission to Disasters’ biggest issue is one I’ve found persistent in a lot of Justina Ireland’s writing, a lack of urgency for its story to progress. Centering around the kidnapping of Avon Staros by the Nihil as Vernestra goes to rescue her, it never feels like there’s any real rush for her to get there. And sure, this is a kids book and we don’t want the younger audience to think one of the leads is about to be murdered, but at the same time, I don’t see it being a book that can hold a child’s attention, because it certainly didn’t hold mine. Vernestras constant distractions and side quests until she stumbles onto leads just don’t make an overly compelling story. It’s a book I always enjoyed while reading, but I never felt a real urge to pick it back up again once I stopped.

Ireland’s greatest writing strength remains her characters. While Vernestra and Imri still get plenty of time to shine, the real star of Mission to Disaster is Avon. The “child genius” trope can often prove annoying, and that was something Avon slightly fell into in her last appearance, but Ireland shows how the events of a Test of Courage changed Avon into someone full of heart to balance it out. She’s also a great window into some delightful nonsense Star Wars science which is always fun to explore.

As we now build towards Phase 2 of The High Republic set a further 150 years in the past, you may have heard that Mission to Disaster has several teases of what’s to come in the line’s future/past. And while there are plenty of hints to a mysterious past on Dalna with the Jedi and its residents, these teases are far too vague to be anything more than frustrating. It feels like a JJ Abrams mystery box, creating a puzzle and deciding on its solution later.

I’m no stranger to integrated marketing in my Star Wars. It’s a franchise that persists mostly to sell toys, and as someone with A LOT of Star Wars toys, that’s really not an issue with me. But as Disney launches its big “Halcyon Legacy” interactive hotel, some of the cross-promotion here is a little rough and lacking in any sort of subtlety. The hotel isn’t even open yet and I’m already sick of characters telling me how incredible it is as it plays integral roles in several Star Wars moments (including Han and Leia’s wedding!). It’s a small section of the book, and less a complaint on Mission to Disaster itself than the overall approach to the Halcyon, but I found myself audibly groaning every time it appeared.

Overall, Mission to Disaster is a fun, if light, continuation of Vernestra Rwoh’s journey that fans of Justina Ireland’s previous High Republic work are sure to love, while those who haven’t read those will probably get little from it.

The High Republic: Mission to Disaster is a more middle grade offering in the High Republic series but dont let that fool you into thinking its less important to the story. The Nihil are seemingly defeated and on the run, however there is more to the story than meets the eye, This continues the story of Vernestra and her Padawan Imri who are both learning from each other and becoming stronger and more confident Jedi; and also features characters from previous books particularly Avon. It was action packed, thrilling and even scary with the addition of one particularly sinister new character. A cannot miss continuation of the High Republic story.

Justina Ireland's MISSION TO DISASTER wraps up the middle grade offerings of Phase 1 of The High Republic. Taking place before the events of THE FALLEN STAR, this story focuses on Vernestra and Imri as they work to rescue a (once again) kidnapped Avon Starros.

The return of Avon Starrros and Honesty West (characters originally introduced in A TEST OF COURAGE) is truly delightful, and they are both highlights of this story!

While I think this story suffers a bit from being so far from the main events of THE FALLEN STAR, it makes sense that this book wouldn't necessarily go there. That being said, his book is a fun adventure with our young Jedi and friends, both introducing us to new exciting Jedi on Dalna and seeing existing relationships grow. The room touches a bit on political themes as the Jedi interact with the Dalnans, and at the end leaves open questions for reads who will continue on to the other books in this phase. Overall, a good story with great characters, both hero and villain alike.

This is a spoiler free review.

Star Wars The High Republic: Mission to Disaster is another great addition to the High Republic series. Vernestra Rwoh and her Padawan Imri Cantaros are off on another adventure set on the planet Dalna. They are trying to find their friend Avon Starros and during their mission they find out things are amiss on Dalna.

Star Wars The High Republic: Mission to Disaster may be a young adult novel but this is a terrific story where we learn more about Vernestra, Imri, and Avon. I’ve read all three of the Star Wars The High Republic junior novels and have really started to care about these characters and hope to read more books and comics featuring them. Vernestra grows even more as a Jedi Knight during this epic tale. She trusts her Force abilities more and understands that her hyperspace visions happen for a reason. Vern is also learning to trust Imri more. Vernestra is confident in her young Padawan’s abilities and even sends him on a very important mission.

Imri Cantaros is another great character who has grown so much since becoming Vernestra’s Padawan. Imri is learning much more about how to control his Force empathy abilities where he can absorb the feelings of those around him. He’s slowly figuring out how to not let everyone's feeling around him, overwhelm and consume him so he doesn’t spiral out of control again. Imri has learned the hard way that absorbing too many feelings can lead to trouble and the Dark Side. During Star Wars The High Republic: Mission to Disaster Imri physically touches a few characters and helps calm them down. Touch has become an outlet for his Force empathy abilities where he can help people through difficult times and he can use his empathy abilities for good. I really liked how Imri’s physical touch can help people. Imri can touch your shoulder or your hand and it can make such a difference. That is something many of us can relate to needing at times. The power of touch is real and powerful even a long time ago in galaxy far far away.

Avon Starros and her droid J-6 are also back in Star Wars The High Republic: Mission to Disaster. They have both grown and changed since we last saw them. Avon is working in a lab with J-6 where she gets to use her vast intellect for good. Avon is in her comfort zone where she can learn about the galaxy and how things work. She’s currently focused on learning more about kyber crystals and how they harness power and function. Throughout this book we get to see her testing a kyber crystal and seeing what she can do with it. J-6 is as entertaining as ever. Avon has altered the droid’s programming again and given J-6 more independence and ability to speak it’s mind. But J-6 at her core still has a primary directive to protect and help Avon. Throughout Star Wars The High Republic: Mission to Disaster we see how much J-6 is willing to do to protect and help Avon.

Star Wars The High Republic: Mission to Disaster is the final novel of the first phase of the Star Wars The High Republic series of books and comics. This novel is awesome and sets up some ideas I hope get explored more in phase two which is set to start in October 2022. One of the points that gets hinted at in this story is the history of Dalna. An infamous event happened during Dalna’s past called, The Night of Sorrows. The Jedi were a part of this ominous event and now the people of Dalna are very wary of the Jedi being involved in anything on their planet. Phase two of Star Wars The High Republic books takes place 150 years in the past with Quest of the Jedi. I wonder if the Night of Sorrows has something to do with the quest the Jedi are on…

If you enjoy fun Star Wars adventures and mysteries then this great novel is worth reading. It’s a great story and really sets things up for the next phase of the Star Wars The High Republic books. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the High Republic era.

Trust in the Force.

Stay Awesome and keep reading.


Star Wars The High Republic: Mission to Disaster

Creative Team:

Written by Justina Ireland

This really did not feel like a children’s/middle grade book! It was very mature and excellently written. Justina Ireland writes ‘her’ characters of Vern and Avon absolutely impeccably.

Excerpts from my review posted on Dork Side of the Force:

This is another reminder to not sleep on the junior novels of The High Republic era. That’s especially true for the new high-stakes trilogy-ender that is Star Wars: Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland.

The first phase of The High Republic publishing initiative is all about trilogies — this is Star Wars, after all. So, there are three trilogies so far — a trio each of adult novels, YA and middle-grade/junior books. With Claudia Gray’s The Fallen Star and Daniel Jose Older’s Midnight Horizon concluding the adult and YA offerings, it was up to Ireland to close out the junior novel trilogy and Phase I overall.

The two key points of the junior novel are: raising the stakes again between the young Jedi of The High Republic and the era’s main villains, the Nihil; building some lore to tease to the next phase of The High Republic, Quest of the Jedi, which is set 150 years in the past.

The brightest spots in Mission to Disaster are the hints to the history of Dalna and the planet’s infamous “Night of Sorrow,” which happened 150 years prior. Because of this event, the people of Dalna do not trust the Jedi, and it’s likely we will learn why when Phase II of The High Republic ventures into the past.

The novel also reveals that the Nihil are trying to utilize Dalna’s volatile capabilities to destroy it — another thing we don’t really get a “why” for in Mission to Disaster, but likely will in Phase II.

Overall, The High Republic Phase I has done an excellent job building out what is essentially a brand new galaxy while also connecting that time period to the saga we’re all familiar with. The High Republic is just as much about expanding the Star Wars universe with new stories for fans of all ages to love, as it is about showcasing key events that led to the downfall of the Jedi Order and the Republic.

Mission to Disaster puts another puzzle piece on the board that’s building a picture of the inner and outer conflicts that dimmed and eventually snuffed out the light of the Jedi. At the end of Phase I, that light has gone dark. In the next phase, we’re looking to the past to find out more reasons why.

Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland is another great story following Vernestra and Imri on their adventures. While I was hoping for more exploration of Vernestra’s character following Out of the Shadows, I wasn’t too distracted by the unknowns to enjoy the story presented here. Now that the Phase 1 book releases are finally complete, I can’t wait to dive into Phase 2 this October.

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mission to Disaster by Justina Ireland. On sale March 1st. Review copy wonderfully provided by @disneybooks

Justina Ireland picks up the threads of her previous work, aswell as those left by the other High Republic authors to deliver both a satisfying sequel to her triumphant THR debut, A Test of Courage and a captivating prologue to Wave 3 centrepoint The Fallen Star.

The story picks back up on Port Haileap with fan-favourite and mischievous child genius Avon Starros as she finds herself unwillingly entangled with a group of Nihil that have less than honourable intentions. Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh and her Padawan Imri Kantos find themselves on the hunt for their friend when they uncover a plot and conspiracy that stretches to the highest levels.

It's great to be back with these characters and the development of Vern and Imri's relationship has been handled so well throughout Phase 1. Each author has built their own mini universe within the larger universe and you can tell that they feel ownership and affection towards their own characters. That is Ireland's strong point. Out of the Shadows was tour-de-force when it came to its characters and, whilst maybe not as deep, this is just as character driven with real emotional stakes to suck you in. The new Jedi didn't make a huge impression but it's hard to in a series this stacked with great characters. One character I'd just like to throw a little spotlight on is Deva Lompop. This is a character that made her debut in Ireland's issue of War of the Bounty Hunters and it was a genuine and pleasant surprise to her here. Fingers crossed for a Deva mini-series penned by Ireland where we see the character living through the different landmark events in the franchise.

One big recommendation, if it's not too late, is to read this BEFORE The Fallen Star. There was a few plot points in Grays books that seemed to come out of nowhere and it's because they're set up in this book. You will enjoy this wave so much more if you go Mission to Disaster > The Fallen Star > Midnight Horizon.

More Vern! More Imri! More Avon!

A new Sylvestri story wouldn't go amiss either Ms Ireland!

This is one volume of an on-going series, The High Republic, which takes place well before the events of the Star Wars movies, and focuses on an on-going issue with the Nihil, an outlaw group attempting to take control of a a section of the Republic. These novels, while related and sequential, are written by different authors, who use the same characters to build on the Star Wars canon.

As with the other books I've read in this series, one of the things I enjoyed most about this novel was seeing a greater range of Jedi skills and getting an insight into Jedi training; it's a side of the Jedi that didn't come up much in the original movies or the novels. People who have not read the previous novels may have difficulty following some of the interactions between the characters, as the author tried to walk the fine line between providing enough context for those who hadn't read the previous books, while not boring those who had.

This was a nice story, and a quick read - but it was noticeably shorter than the other volumes, and it felt more like an installment in a serial than a full novel. I enjoyed it, but it was clear about halfway through that a big part of this novel was that is setting up the next novel in the series. If you enjoy the series, I recommend it, but if you're reading it as a stand-alone novel, it may not appeal to you as much.

I am providing this review in return for being given a preview copy of the novel by NetGalley.

Let's be honest about something: Middle-grade books, especially in Star Wars, rarely get the credit they deserve. Perhaps it's the size of the books, or that they're marketed specifically toward younger readers. The reality is, the same themes and takeaways you get from young adult and adult novels can be found in books like MISSION TO DISASTER. On a slightly smaller scale, a little lighter in tone at times. But it's all still there.

MISSION TO DISASTER to me is just as meaningful as THE FALLEN STAR and MIDNIGHT HORIZON. And I don't think you should skip it simply because of your age.

Once again, Justina Ireland excels at building young characters everyone can relate to. Themes of fear, courage, uncertainty, and hope leap from this book's pages - even as Starlight Beacon falls. Even as the Nihil seem to overtake everything. Even as darkness closes in.

These characters will live on through other stories, sure. But also through the things readers learn through their trials and triumphs.

This book was an absolute delight to read, and I really hope you'll give it the chance it deserves. Don't judge a Star Wars book by its size, or its target audience. Explore what lies within. You might really enjoy what you find inside.

I loved this book! Never forget about the Middle Grade High Republic Books, they have some of the most charming characters and stories. I also enjoyed how it tied in with nods to the adult books as well. Avon is a fantastic protagonist and I look forward to more adventures with her in Phase 3 (I hope!)

Mission to Disaster is the third book in the young reader's line, set in The High Republic, written by Justina Ireland. This story was a quick read that’s full of excitement and adventure! In this book, Vernestra and her Padawan Imri receive words that Port Hailep has been attacked by Nihil and Avon has been taken, hostage. They have to race to discover the Nihil plan and save Avon before it’s too late. This book actually takes place entirely before The Fallen Star so if you are reading everything I would advise reading this one before The Fallen Star.

Right away this book feels like a true conclusion and culmination of everything so far. It seems to me that each wave three books is like this, they bring together elements from all the previous novels and build upon them to create a new story. And that has been done wonderfully here. Vernestra has come such a long way from that newly made Jedi knight she was back in A Test of Courage. We can see her growth over the course of The High Republic and here she really gets a chance to shine. She has easily been made one of my favorite characters through these young readers' books. With that being said this is kind of another case where if you didn’t read a certain book, in this case Out of the Shadows, you won’t be able to understand some references to that story. But this really doesn’t take away from the book at all. I did read Out of the Shadows but I feel there wasn’t a whole lot in this book depending on reading that, just a few references here and there. The story itself is quick-paced and always leaves you wanting to turn the page for more! I actually read this entire book in one sitting! Having read The Fallen Star first I could also see some haunting seeds being planted for that book that I think makes it even better.

This book might be aimed at younger ages but it is still a fantastic and enjoyable read for all ages. I highly recommend this one to all fans of The High Republic!

Three waves into The High Republic, and I am now convinced that the only thing distinguishing the middle grade novels from the young adult and adult ones is word count and vocabulary accessibility. Because if there’s one thing that Justina Ireland’s Mission to Disaster makes clear, anyone choosing to skip it on the basis of the target demographic is doing themselves a huge disservice.

Set shortly before - and leading directly into - the events of The Fallen Star, Mission to Disaster follows both whiz-kid Avon Starros as she is kidnapped by the Nihil, and master-padawan duo Vernestra and Imri as they try to find out what happened to her. Their search takes them to the nearby world of Dalna, a planet where the local population is both very insular and very distrusting of the Jedi.

Mission to Disaster has all the hallmarks of the middle grade High Republic novels. It is a well-paced and engaging adventure that never once sacrifices character for the sake of action. Indeed, the growth of characters like Vernestra, Imri and Avon is evident as the story progresses, though I expect the next time we catch back up with them, their lives will have gone in unexpected directions. Even so, the seeds have been so expertly planted here that whatever they become will be thrilling to watch.

Ireland has a wonderful talent for taking brand new characters and making them feel like old friends right away. While on their mission, Vernestra and Imri meet three new Jedi who blend in so seamlessly, it’s as if they’ve always been a part of the story. Old friends and faces from across Ireland’s other High Republic novels also make an appearance here, and in some cases escalate the intrigue surrounding our main characters.

The beauty of Mission to Disaster in particular is that unlike its two predecessors, it is not set during the key event of its wave of stories, but instead set just before. It is the calm before the storm, and with the lack of urgency and the need for immediate survival comes the chance to see what they look like when the stakes aren’t quite so life-and-death. That’s not to say the stakes aren’t high, or somehow less important than in earlier novels. Rather, they’re an interesting combination of immediate conflict to be resolved, and a sort of slow-burn, slow-motion car crash that will have ramifications going forward.

That is the one aspect of this book that I cannot stress enough is how instrumental a story I suspect it’s going to be in the future. While there is one key event that has gotten a few passing mentions throughout the first phase of The High Republic, this is the first book to examine it in any great detail. If my suspicions are correct, the second phase of books is going to engage with the event directly, making Mission to Disaster the best Phase Two primer we could have asked for.

Mission to Disaster is available digitally now, and in print on March 1, 2022. Special thanks to Disney Books for the advance copy for review purposes.

Enjoyable read. First foray into The High Republic series and will definitely read more. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

This was an enjoyable entry to the ongoing High Republic middle grade story. I always love Ireland's writing, and this book was no exception. The plot was simple, yet interesting, and I was happy to see several characters from Ireland's last middle grade book back again for this installment. This story was a pretty standard abduction and rescue plot set within the time frame just prior to the events of The Fallen Star. It had plenty of action, and I was pleasantly surprised to see quite a bit of information about kyber crystals weaved into the narrative, as well. I always love seeing lore integrated into the story in fun and/or interesting ways, and Ireland accomplished that here really well. The characters felt a bit flat in this story compared to the last installment, but it was mostly because they were utilizing the things learned in previous stories rather than experiencing a great deal of growth in this one. It was nice to see them all using their new skills effectively and consolidating what they learned, though, and I once again felt that Vern was believable in her role as the youngest person knighted in recent memory. Her relationship with Imri definitely deepened, and I enjoyed seeing the dynamic between them as master and padawan here more than in previous installments. Overall, this was a good Star Wars story that added context to the High Republic era but is ultimately not required reading if you aren't fans of these characters or the middle grade series of novels.

Mission to Disaster is Anything But a Disaster
Star Wars: The High Republic – Mission to Disaster
Written by Justina Ireland
January 2022

Review by Henry Wood

Up until now, Justina Ireland’s The High Republic: Out of the Shadows has been my favorite novel set in the era. So, it’s no surprise that Ireland’s third novel in The High Republic era builds nicely off of her previous work. It a sequel to her first work in the era, The High Republic: A Test of Courage, bringing back the principal characters Vernestra Rwoh, Imri Cantaros, Avon Starros and Honesty Weft. It also follows up on the events of A Test of Courage, giving readers answers to some unanswered questions, such as what Avon did with Imri’s kyber crystal.


The book starts with Avon back on Port Haileap, where she is abducted by Nihil Raiders. This event serves as the catalyst for the entire plot, as Vernestra and Imri go on a search to find their missing friend. The story is told from Avon’s, Vernestra’s and Imri’s perspective and gives readers a good look into the character’s heads. The three characters are quite different and have different trials and problems and Ireland does a great job balancing them.


Her arc is all about learning to deal with the consequences of her actions and how to navigate her life in a dangerous galaxy. It’s a well done arc that should be great for kid’s because it shows them that they have value and can do special things, but also that they need to take responsibility when their actions hurt somebody. Avon is a good role-model for kids.


Imri on the other hand, has a much more philosophical arc, where he begins to

contemplate the role of violence in the Jedi’s lifestyle, a theme that’s brought up in the prequel era. Imri has always been more in touch with his emotions and has always felt the emotions of others radiating off of them, something he struggled with in A Test of Courage, and the ethics of using his powers to soothe others. In this book, Imri is confronted with the reality that his ability is helpful but that the morality of it is not black and white.


Imri is coming into his own in this novel, and I would not be surprised, if when we catch up with him again, he’ll have gained the rank of Jedi Knight. While Avon’s arc is about learning to deal with the consequences of her actions, Imri’s arc is about growing up. Unlike the previous two books Imri stars in, he is given a lot more responsibility and authority by his master, Vernestra. Imri is finding that he is trusted and works to validate that trust in him. His arc is about responsibility, but it is a different kind. Imri is growing up.


Vernestra Rwoh is again, arguably, the main character of the book, but her arc is less about her and more about her changing view of the galaxy and the Nihil. Vernestra has fought the Nihil before, but this time is different. The Nihil are kidnapping children and resorting to more desperate and destructive strategies. Vernestra is very much a Jedi of her age, viewing violence as a last resort and not a viable opening strategy. But the reality of the Nihil’s bloodlust and depravity is forcing her to reassess her view of the galaxy.


Once they save the Dalnans, at the very end of the book, Vernestra is approached by Avar Kriss, who is planning to go and hunt and destroy the remaining Nihil, something that is very contrary to the ideology of the Jedi. Avar offers Vernestra a spot on the hunting party, and Vernestra accepts. This is something that Vernestra would not have done at the beginning of the novel, and it symbolizes how she changes over the course of the book. We’ll have to wait to for the end of The High Republic Marvel comic to see where Vernestra ends up, but it is a fork in the road for her.


Justina Ireland does a remarkable job of showing us these characters deal with the circumstances of the novel. All three characters are very different, and Ireland does a good job balancing their personalities to show how the events of the story change these characters. It is a story that is accessible for kids, while also presenting nuance to them. It does not talk down to kids and shows them that they have value. I highly recommend this book to children and adults alike.

Set right before The Fallen Star, this novel reunites the group from Ireland's first Middle-Grade High Republic Novel, A Test of Courage. Since then, Vernestra and Imri have been training together for over a year, and honesty has been working at his apprenticeship on Dalna. Honesty doesn't get as much page time here, but it's obvious his past experiences have changed him into a more confident young man. We continue to see Imri and Vernesra grow together as Master and Apprentice and grow in their abilities.

The point of view characters are Vernestra, Imri, and Avon. Avon was heralded as this great girl in STEM when The High Republic started, but I felt she didn't get to show that off in A Test of Courage. She also didn't learn a lesson the way the other three did.

The Nihil assigned her to work with Dr. Mkampa. Instead, she tries to undermine the Doc by duplicating a flawed version of the Kyber crystal still in her pocket. She knows the flawed crystal will make whatever the Doc is making malfunction. But she underestimates just how destructive Kyber can be. While it does make the Doc's device explode, it also makes it more powerful. It was still able to do what it was meant to do before it exploded.

The results are more destructive than Avon realized. Instead of just a small quake, a chain reaction is set off causing quakes and volcanic eruptions. Avon is wracked with guilt at the thought that she caused the destruction.  She had wanted to stop the Nihil, not help them. She learns a hard lesson on how science can be used for evil. Like Galen Erso after her, she just wanted to learn to use Kyber for a power source. But instead sees it used for destruction.

NEW CHARACTERS

We are introduced to three new Jedi stationed on Dalna. The wizened Nyla Quinn, the young Yacek Sparkburn, and the archivist Lyssa Voltz. Nyla is a weathered older Twi'lek who reminds me of a kindly grandma. Yacek is a cook like Porter Engle who immediately starts cooking meals for the refugees. I'd love to see the two do a chili cook-off. He also may or may not be related to Jordana Sparkburn. Lyssa is a librarian and archivist who uses her research skills to find reports on all Nihil activity in the area to help them and record the events in real-time on her datapad. Lyssa reluctantly fights but uses knowledge to help Imri make a plan to save the Dalnans.

VERDICT

Overall, I really enjoyed this one much more than I did A Test of Courage. It has a good balance of mystery, action, and using science and knowledge over brute force to save the day. Lyssa, Imri, and Avon all use brains to solve a problem or undermine the Nihil. I like this choice as it shows the smart kids reading that they have value too. This one is perfect for those who like light mystery novels with some action and adventure thrown in.

Star Wars: The High Republic Mission to Disaster

Star Wars: The High Republic Mission to Disaster is a young reader/junior reader book set just before the events of The Fallen Star. It was written by bestselling author, Justina Ireland. Thank you Disney-Lucasfilm Press for providing a copy for review.

Summary: The young Avon Starros is kidnapped from Port Haileap, on the mid rim world Kirima by the Nihil. Avon is shocked to learn that the Nihil have been kidnapping children around the galaxy and forcing them to be new recruits in the Nihil. Jedi Vernestra and her padawan Imri go on a mission in hopes to recover their friend, Avon. Chaos also irrupts on Dalna, as world damaging groundquakes break the world. The Jedi need to move quick if they are to successfully evacuate the planet with the help of Starlight Beacon.

Overall Thoughts:I really don’t like being negative… I really don’t, and as I’ve made clear on several other reviews, I want to enjoy the books I spend my time reading. Mission to Disaster is just way too dull. I had some fun with the previous young reader books from wave one and two, but Mission to Disaster was a chore. I’d pick the book up with intentions of reading several chapters, but I couldn't do it. I could only spend about 20 minutes per reading session.

Many bits of the story are not consistent with previous High Republic storytelling. Certain villain traits that have already been established and well known by the Jedi are completely forgotten and brought up like it's something new. The previous adult novel, The Rising Storm also suffered from this lack of consistency. If a special story group is not sifting through the books... one is needed. If there is a story group overseeing the books... new members are needed.

The Characters are not interesting, they're bland. This is supposed to be a children’s book, please stop putting in sexual content/references in these books. I really hate giving a negative review, but it had to happen. I open each book with high hopes and want to have fun. As of this review, two of the three books in the High Republic wave 3 have been extremely disappointing. I really hope this isn't a sign of more disappointment in the next phase.

Rating for Star Wars: The High Republic: Mission to Disaster: D-