The High Republic: Defy the Storm Review

spoilers ahead!!

"Nowhere is safe within the eye of the storm…"

Defy the Storm by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland is the first YA novel for the high republic phase III and it did an good job of getting me re-invested in the characters, as well as getting me adequately hyped for the coming high republic stories. The book follows Avon Starros, Jordanna Sparkburn, Sylvestri Yarrow, Xylan Graf, Vernestra Rwoh, and a whole host of other characters on their journey into the Nihil Occlusion Zone in order to save Vernestra's padawan, Imri. I didn't really know what to expect coming into this novel, and it was also my first time reading a story with Avon (I haven't gotten around to the phase I middle-grade books) so I wasn't initially too invested in her journey. I'm finding it difficult to repeat recall the plot beat-for-beat, which is one of my main issues with the story, and something that I can't really overlook. The plot felt disconnected, and though I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters, it just wasn't my favorite group.

What I did really enjoy about this book was Vernestra (krikking) Rwoh! Having read the short story based around her in Tales of Light and Life, I knew the basics of how she was dealing with losing her former master and padawan, but this book gave great insight into her perspective on the Nihil occupation. Her finally meeting up with Imri and seeing how much he's changed was my favorite part of the novel. Imri being able to take charge and find his confidence in a situation where he needed to save human life was such a jedi moment. And the scene where Vernestra knights Imri nearly made me tear up.

Another thing I liked about the book was Jordanna and Sylvestri's relationship. We last saw them together in Out of the Shadows, and I really liked seeing them be gay together (yayy for space lesbians!!). Xylan Graf and Cair San Tekka's hidden marriage/forbidden romance was also really sick, and I'd love to see more of them.

Overall this book did a great job of getting me excited for what's to come, even if it wasn't my favorite story. I think the final chapter where Reath Silas is studying Cair's husked hand was great, and Azlin Rell's appearance certainly sent a shiver down my spine. Defy the Storm was fun the read, and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes Vernestra, space gays, or creepy Nihil shenanigans. 7/10!