I loved all these stories! This is a wonderful collection of authors who have created short snapshots of the Star Wars High Republic Universe. Highly recommend for all Star Wars lovers. Plus the audiobook feels like a movie in your ears!

Taking place 350 to 500 years before Phantom Menace, this anthology of short stories fills in some of the gaps left unfilled in the High Republic novels. Containing stories about Axel Graylark, Marda Ro, and other jedis and padawans, readers learn more about the Path of the Open Hand, phase 1 and 2, and hints of what happens in phase 3.

Narrator, Todd Haberkorn and Erin Yvette’s unique narration and intonation bring to life the world of Star Wars. Some characters’ portrayals were inconsistent with previous novels in series. Overall, however, characters are likable, reminiscent of those found in the series, and help bring the world of Star Wars to life. Music and added sound elements added depth to the narration and helped add cinematic quality to the audiobook. Stories are well-written and add a lot of historical context to the High Republic novels. Fans of Star Wars and science fiction will want to pick this one. Recommended for library collections where Star Wars anthologies are popular.

Please Note: A copy of this audiobook was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are our own. No other compensation was received.

The audiobook did a good job switching between the stories and characters. I was worried I would get lost, but they did a good job there. My son really enjoyed this!

Another fantastic instalment of the High Republic! What a treat for the authors and the audience to return to characters we love. The chronological organization of the short stories brings closure to phase two, returns us to the phase one characters, and introduces us to some ones I'm sure we'll see again soon! Some stories carry huge implications for the series, some are just comfy moments with our favorite characters. You can feel the love the authors have for the series in the way they have crafted these moments. I think this is an amazing addition to any High Republic fan's collection (including myself), and it could be a great introduction to the era for new readers.

I wish the audio had included Michael Siglain's forward, as I found it very touching when I read it in print. I am saddened that Alyssa Wong's story won't be in the audio or available to international readers because of its exclusivity to the Barns & Noble edition. I love Alyssa's work on other Star Wars projects, so I'm disappointed her first appearance in my favorite series isn't widely available.

Tales of Light and Life (Star Wars: The High Republic)
by Zoraida Córdova


"The Queen's Bloom" Zoraida Córdova During or before c. 382 BBY

A story of youth and miss adventure. How does love and desire cause even the greatest students to fall for dark adventures?

"A Closed Fist Has No Claws" Tessa Gratton During or after c. 382 BBY

Dark story of family and history. The idea of persuasions and violence.

"Shield of the Jedi" George Mann After c. 382 BBY[6]

The final trial of a Padawan shows the true nature of jedi and their marked heritage as finding the truth and protecting all life.

"The Lonely Traveler is Home" Daniel José Older c. 231 BBY–230 BBY

Very brief story of kindness that showed that we are in this together.


"After the Fall" Claudia Gray c. 230 BBY[9]

The struggle of the aftermath of catastrophe. The ships find purpose in helping people recover.

"The Force Provides" Justina Ireland During c. 230 BBY

A survivor of the aftermath with guilt on her conscience, a jedi needs to find peace.

"All Jedi Walk Their Own Path" Charles Soule During c. 229 BBY

A young padawan has learned the lessons of his master. These lessons allow him to complete the impossible task of finding his friend after the catastrophe.

"Light in the Darkness" Cavan Scott During c. 229 BBY
That's how we do it. Each of us standing where we are and making things better. We bring the light.

"The Call of Coruscant" Lydia Kang During or after 230 BBY
The call goes out about the catastrophe to come,as the miners attempt to exploit the countryside of a poor world.
Not in audible story
"Rogue Element" Alyssa Wong During c. 230 BBY

The narrators for this audiobook were fantastic. If the listener is familiar with The High Republic, they will not be surprised by the quality. Todd Haberkorn, who narrated Race to Crashpoint Tower, and Erin Yvette, who narrated Path of Deceit, were enjoyable, and they portrayed the characters and plotlines well.

Review for the book:
This is a fantastic collection of short stories set during The High Republic. Each provides further perspective on characters that the readers of the High Republic have grown to love. The stories are well-written; some were light-hearted while others dealt with deep dark emotions. This is a must-read for any THR fan.