I'm a long time fan of Star Wars movies and novels, and I've read and enjoyed several of the High Republic series of Star Wars books marketed to adults, so I was excited to be granted a review copy of the audiobook edition of Tears of the Nameless. Despite falling late in the series, this was the first of the Young Adult books in this series that I've read. I wasn't quite sure what to expect going into the reading, but I enjoyed it, and found it made me curious to go back and read or listen to some of the earlier YA releases in this series as well. While I felt like I was given all the background I needed to enjoy this story, I have a hunch that starting with the earlier books would allow the reader to get to know the characters even better going into this one and derive even more enjoyment.

Overall, I found this to be an engaging story with quick pacing, relatable characters, and interesting challenges. The focus tended to be on some of the younger characters, a good choice for YA fiction. The storyline and conflicts did not feel in any way diminished from what I expect from a good Star Wars story in general.

For parents who like to exercise caution regarding their younglings' and padawans' exposure to discussions about sexuality and sexual identity, you may wish to preview Chapters 30 and 44 in order to determine whether you feel this book is a good fit for your family's values and your young readers' ages.

The audio edition is pleasant to listen to, and the narrator does a good job of differentiating voices and keeping the reading engaging. I was very glad to be able to listen to the audio edition. I have to confess though, I was a little disappointed that this one didn't have as many bells and whistles added to the production as some of the adult Star Wars audiobooks I've listened to in the past have had. I've definitely been spoiled by theme music, lightsaber sounds, and other sound effects interspersed throughout past listening experiences in the Star Wars universe, and I would've loved to have seen some of that included in this one beyond the opening and closing music. But I have to imagine that can get expensive to produce, and I'll try to be content with what I can get! Overall, a good listen.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an Advance Reader Copy through NetGalley for review purposes.

Now this was the book the last phase of The High Republic project needed. I've ultimately enjoyed all of the THR books, but have felt that phase 3 has had a lot of books with okay action adventure stories that end with big revelations that leave you on a high. This book centralizes the revelations, making them crucial to the plot. There is a Silence of the Lambs inspired subplot that I found completely riveting, and my favorite two characters of the project (Reath and Vernestra) are featured heavily. Great book!

Tears of the Nameless (Star Wars: The High Republic)
by George Mann
Finding the nature of the threat to the jedi an the people with the High Republic and the Nyle. The nameless and their subjugation that exploited the links to the force. The book shows the nature of the people that attempt to use blight and force eaters to destroy the universe.
Very dynamic, and showing the resilience of the people.