Book 2 of "The High Republic" Middle Reader Books - See bottom of review for suggested High Republic Reading Timeline

Review for NetGalley ARC

"Race to Crashpoint Tower" written by Daniel José Older was written for middle readers, ages 8-12, and it is set in the High Republic Era of the Star Wars Universe following the events of "The Great Disaster" around 200 years before the "The Phantom Menace". This book is preceeded by Justina Ireland's "A Test of Courage" and IDW's "The High Republic Adventures" 1-5. If the readers are avid Star Wars fans who must read everything in an order, it should follow Cavan Scott's "The Rising Storm" (See suggested reading order below).

This book in the series follows Padawan Ram Jomaram and his droid V-18 on the planet Valo as the Valons prepare for the arrival of visitors for the Republic Fair. It has many cameo appearances from the other High Republic publications, and as with all THR stories, there is an attack by the Nihil and even Drengir. Ram seems to be the only one who recognizes the threat, and it becomes his responsibility to notify the Starlight Beacon and call for reinforcements before all chaos ensues.

For middle readers, this is a fantastic story. It is fast-paced and straightforward, the characters are well developed, and the villains are to be feared without causing pre-teen nightmares. For those who have read the other THR stories, they will be pleased by Older's use of known characters and the way he overlaps them into the meta-narrative.

The High Republic Suggested Reading Timeline:
- Starlight: Go Together, Part 1 by Charles Soule (SW Insider 199 Short Story)
- Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule
- The High Republic (Marvel) 1
- Starlight: Go Together, Part 2 by Charles Soule (SW Insider 200 Short Story)
- A Test of Courage by Justina Ireland
- Into the Dark by Claudia Gray
- The High Republic (Marvel) 2-6
- The High Republic Adventures (IDW) 1-5
- Starlight: First Duty, Parts 1 and 2 by Cavan Scott (SW Insider 201-202 Short Story)
- Starlight: Hidden Danger by Justina Ireland (SW Insider 203 Short Story)
- The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott
- Race to Crashpoint Tower by Daniel José Older

Thanks to NetGalley & Disney Publishing Worldwide for the early copy in exchange for a full review. Actual rating is 3.5/5 stars.

Full review coming soon!