Zoraida Córdova talks High Republic, worldbuilding, and Axel Greylark

Phase II of The High Republic kicked off earlier this fall with a brand-new wave of books, including Convergence by Zoraida Córdova. Its worlds and characters have captivated many readers in the month it has been available to the public, and will likely continue to do so as more Star Wars fans discover its magic.

Speaking with CNET, Córdova discussed writing in the High Republic era (she has written in the Star Wars universe before, but this is her first High Republic novel) and creating what will no doubt become iconic characters in a galaxy far, far away.

She was specifically asked about Axel Greylark — a character inspired by Han Solo who grew up with a very different life and set of privileges compared to the original scoundrel. While Solo was raised fighting for his right to survive, Axel — the Chancellor’s son — at least has his mother’s wealth to fall back on. Sort of.

“I had this idea of looking at Star Wars archetypes, and arrived at ‘What if Han Solo had been raised wealthy?’ That changes the kind of person that he becomes,” the author said. “Here’s like a person who has everything, and yet they make choices that hurt people. And so can you be a good person and hurt somebody? How can you be influenced by somebody like a cult leader?”

Axel Greylark has only appeared in one High Republic story so far, but that doesn’t mean he — and the consequences of his actions (no spoilers) — won’t return with a vengeance in future installments of the publishing initiative.

With George Mann’s The Battle of Jedha only weeks away now, it’s already time for fans of The High Republic to prepare for more chaos … and more pain. It wouldn’t be Star Wars if it didn’t hurt us, after all.

Star Wars The High Republic: Convergence is available now wherever you get your Star Wars books.

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