Review: Starlight Stories recaptures the magic of The High Republic Phase I

Star Wars Insider: The High Republic: Starlight Stories is a collection of five short stories that take place during Phase I of The High Republic publishing initiative. The stories were originally published in past issues of Star Wars Insider magazine and will soon be available in a Digest Edition that also features an interview with the initiative's five original authors – Charles Soule, Cavan Scott, Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, and Daniel José Older. The Digest Edition is out on November 12.

As someone who missed out on Starlight Stories when each story was first released, the new edition is an accessible way to read all the respective stories written by Soule, Scott, and Ireland. Each story is a compelling read that can be enjoyed and understood on its own. At the same time, for those who have read other High Republic stories, there are plenty of rewarding connections, along with a number of familiar faces that appear, including the Trandoshan Jedi Sskeer and Senator Ghirra Starros.

While Starlight Stories focuses on the individual experiences of Joss and Pikka Adren, Velko Jahen, and Ghal Tarpfen, each installment also provides a snapshot of life aboard the Starlight Beacon space station, along with how the state of the galaxy gradually shifted throughout Phase I. It is comforting to spend time aboard Starlight Beacon again, but the stories are also made more tragic when knowing the eventual fate of Starlight and many of the characters who frequent it.

With many of The High Republic books being primarily told from a Jedi point of view, it is an effective change of pace to have Starlight Stories be told from the perspective of more everyday individuals who, despite not being Jedi, still make invaluable contributions to Starlight Beacon, to the Republic, and in the fight against the Nihil. These more everyday point of views continued into Phase II with George Mann's Tales of Enlightenment and in Phase III's ongoing Tales from the Occlusion Zone.

While all the Starlight Stories are enjoyable, my favorites are Scott's "Past Mistakes" and Ireland's "Shadows Remain." A notable figure from Velko's past, Vane Sarpo, comes to Starlight in "Past Mistakes" and keeps the reader guessing about his true loyalties and intentions. Meanwhile, "Shadows Remain" has a tragic twist that makes a significant betrayal and the later destruction of Starlight Beacon more devastating.

The interview at the end with The High Republic's five original authors is the cherry on top of this delicious sundae. Scott's question of "What scares the Jedi?" is discussed as one of the starting points that led to the creation of The High Republic. This question and some of the other teases in the interview have new meaning, given everything we now know about the Nameless and other elements that have been prominent throughout The High Republic.

As Phase III continues to move forward, and The High Republic's narrative nears its end with Soule's Trials of the Jedi releasing in 2025, Starlight Stories is a fantastic retrospective for Phase I. As wonderful as Phase II and III have been, nothing can rival that initial feel of Phase I, a feeling that is recaptured in Starlight Stories.

Star Wars Insider: The High Republic: Starlight Stories is available on November 12.