Star Wars: The High Republic: A Valiant Vow by Justina Ireland is the final middle grade novel in The High Republic publishing initiative. The story sees the paths of Jedi Knight Imri Cantaros, budding scientist Churo the Hutt, Jedi youngling Tep Tep, their friend Zenny Greylark, and other characters from the middle grade novels converging on the planet Aricho.
Since the Nihil's Stormwall is finally down, refugees on Aricho are planning to leave and return home. However, the end of one problem has now created another challenge, as the Nihil's scav droids are tearing apart any ship that comes close to Aricho. To make matters worse, Aricho is infected with the blight, and the planet's treacherous storm season is fast approaching.
One of the most rewarding parts of A Valiant Vow is the culmination of Imri’s story. During his first major appearance in Ireland’s A Test of Courage, Imri was kind and empathetic, but he was also struggling with anger after the sudden death of his Jedi Master, and even briefly used the dark side of the Force. Throughout the numerous stories he has appeared in since A Test of Courage’s release in 2021, Imri continues to be kind and empathetic, but he has also grown into a composed and wise Jedi Knight who others rightfully look to for guidance and leadership.
While the primary focus is on Imri and the other main characters, I am glad that A Valiant Vow finds a way to provide closure to Imri’s relationship with Vernestra Rwoh. After the loss of Jedi Master Douglas Sunvale, Vernestra is the one who trained Imri, and she has been integral to his development. In addition to this relationship, Imri’s story ends in a beautiful way that comes full-circle with A Test of Courage.
As for the other characters, Churo the Hutt stole the show in Beware the Nameless by George Mann and is unsurprisingly one of the best parts of A Valiant Vow as well. The peaceful, vegetarian, compassionate, and science-loving character continues to be delightful and a stark contrast from other Hutts. It is wonderful to see him becoming more confident and showing everyone that problems can be solved without violence.
Even though the book is targeted toward a middle grade audience, the themes are relevant for readers of all ages. There are characters in positions of power who make selfish, harmful, and deceitful decisions, but more importantly, there are characters who find a way to work together despite their differences as they help others. The story does not shy away from the fear and anxieties that many of the characters experience while emphasizing that there is always hope.
My only issues with the story have less to do with this novel and are more so about overarching decisions in the publishing initiative. The Stormwall suddenly being down without explanation was jarring and I initially assumed this was something that happened in the comics (I read all The High Republic novels but have not read the comics in a while). Alex Damon's Star Wars Explained review for A Valiant Vow clarifies that the Stormwall has also fallen in the comics without explanation. I assume we will see the Stormwall's fall in Trials of the Jedi by Charles Soule, but for now, it is a bit odd to have one of The High Republic's biggest obstacles resolved "offscreen."
I also wish that we could spend more time with Churo, especially since he wasn't introduced until The High Republic's second-to-last middle grade novel. The same could be said for Zenny, who was introduced in Beware the Nameless as well, and who I felt like I was just starting to get invested in.
While the story of The High Republic publishing initiative is ending with Trials of the Jedi, I hope there will still be stories told in this era so readers can spend more time with characters like Imri, Churo, Zenny, and the animal-loving Tep Tep. For now, A Valiant Vow is a satisfying way to end The High Republic’s middle grade novels.