Next wave of High Republic books pits Jedi against nightmarish Nihil, growing dark forces

The High Republic era has been a hit with Star Wars fans since the first books launched in January. Now, Star Wars is ready to share first looks and synopses of the next wave of books and comics set during the High Republic, centuries before the events the Skywalker saga.

The first wave of High Republic literature kicked off in January and February with Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule, A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland, The Great Jedi Rescue by Cavan Scott and Into the Dark by Claudia Gray. There are also two ongoing comic series — one from Marvel by Cavan Scott and another from IDW written by Daniel Jose Older.

With the High Republic era, fans are essentially getting an entirely new Star Wars saga not explicitly connected to the later Skywalker stories. There’s a whole new generation of Jedi Masters and Knights and their Padawans; though a certain legendary luminous green Jedi does have plenty of cameos.

And while these stories aren’t about Jedi vs. Sith, the High Republic books present two of the most fascinating villains in all of Star Wars: the Nihil and the Drengir. The former are essentially space pirates, but their ruthless tactics prove there’s much more at stake than Republic credits. And the Drengir is what you get if you cross the Ent from the Lord of the Rings with Audrey II from Little Shop of Horrors and steeped it in dark side tea.

The next wave of literature, kicking off in June, continues some of the epic stories seen in the already published books and comics along with new literature to further build the galaxy of the High Republic Jedi. That includes many familiar characters and creatures introduce over the last several months.

Add all of these upcoming titles to your Star Wars TBR list:

The High Republic #6

Release date: June 2

Star Wars Insider #203, Hidden Danger Part I

Release date: June 8, 2021

The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott

Release date: June 29

Synopsis:

"“In the wake of the Great Hyperspace Disaster and the heroism of the Jedi, the Republic continues to grow, bringing more worlds together under a single unified banner. Led by Chancellor Lina Soh, the spirit of unity extends throughout the galaxy, with the Jedi and newly established Starlight Beacon station at the vanguard.In celebration, the chancellor plans “The Republic Fair,” a showcase of the possibility and peace of the expanding Republic—a precept the Jedi hope to foster. Stellan Gios, Bell Zettifar, Elzar Mann, and others join the event as ambassadors of harmony. But as the eyes of the galaxy turn toward the Fair, so too does the fury of the Nihil. Their leader, Marchion Ro, is intent on destroying this spirit of unity. His storm descends on the pageantry and celebration, sowing chaos and exacting revenge.As the Jedi struggle to curb the carnage of the rampaging Nihil, they come face to face with the true fear their enemy plans to unleash across the galaxy. The kind of fear that even the Force cannot shield them from.”"

Race to Crashpoint Tower by Daniel Jose Older

Release date: June 29

Synopsis:

"The Republic Fair is coming! Visitors from all over the galaxy are traveling to the planet Valo for a massive, awe-inspiring festival celebrating the Republic. While his fellow Valons prepare for the fair, Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram is hiding out in his favorite place: a dingy garage filled with mechanical parts and tools. But when a security alarm goes off on the nearby hilltop nicknamed Crashpoint Peak, he ventures out with his trusty droid V-18 to investigate. There he discovers that someone has knocked out Valo’s communications tower—a frightening sign that Valo, and the Republic Fair, are in danger. Sure enough, as Ram races to warn the Jedi, the dreaded Nihil unleash a surprise attack! It’s up to Ram to face down the enemy at Crashpoint Tower and send a call for help to the Republic. Luckily, he’s about to get some assistance from unexpected new friends…"

The High Republic Adventures #6

Release date: July 7

Out of the Shadows by Justina Ireland

Release date: July 22

Synopsis:

"Sylvestri Yarrow is on a streak of bad luck with no end of sight. She’s been doing her best to keep the family cargo business going after her mom’s death, but between mounting debt and increasing attacks by the Nihil on unsuspecting ships, Syl is in danger of losing all she has left of her mother. She heads to the galactic capital of Coruscant for help, but gets sidetracked when  she’s drawn into a squabble between two of the Republic’s most powerful families over a patch of space on the frontier. Tangled up in familial politics is the last place Syl wants to be, but the promise of a big payoff is enough to keep her interested…Meanwhile, Jedi Knight Vernestra Rwoh has been summoned to Coruscant, but with no idea of why or by whom. She and her Padawan Imri Cantaros arrive at the capital along with Jedi Master Cohmac Vitus and his Padawan, Reath Silas—and are asked to assist with the property dispute on the frontier. But why? What is so important about an empty patch of space? The answer will lead Vernestra to a new understanding of her abilities, and take Syl back to the past…and to truths that will finally come out of the shadows."

Tempest Runner by Cavan Scott

Release date: August 31

Synopsis:

"As one of Marchion Ro’s most trusted allies (well, as far as Marchion trusts anyone) Lourna Dee has carved out a place for herself as a leader among the Nihil. But it’s lonely at the top, and a Tempest Runner like Lourna is always watching her back for threats—whether those threats are from the Jedi or her fellow Nihil."

The Edge of Balance by Justina Ireland and Shima Shinya

Release date: September 7

Synopsis:

"In the aftermath of the Great Hyperspace Disaster, young Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi is assigned to help displaced civilians relocate to Banchii, a planet in the Inugg system far in the Outer Rim. While balancing the arrival of incoming settlers and teaching the Padawans on their Temple outpost, Lily must also confront an attack by the insidious Drengir and, after the events of the Republic Fair, deal with the growing threat of the Nihil. But the dangers to Lily and her Padawans are much closer than she thinks…."

Showdown at the Fair

Release date: October 5

Synopsis:

"The Republic Fair has come to the planet Valo, and everyone is celebrating. Until the dreaded Nihil launch a surprise attack and Burryaga the Wookiee and the other Jedi of the High Republic must save the day!"

Which High Republic story are you most looking forward to reading? Let us know in the comments!