Review: Tears of the Nameless is one of The High Republic’s most rewarding books

Review: Tears of the Nameless is one of The High Republic's most rewarding books

As a devoted fan who’s been on this thrilling Star Wars: The High Republic journey since its inception, I must say that George Mann’s masterpiece, Tears of the Nameless, has truly outdone itself! It’s like reuniting with an old friend you haven’t seen for ages but pick up right where you left off, only to find they’ve grown even more fascinating.


The High Republic: Tears of the Nameless” by George Mann offers a heartwarming and exciting narrative. The story unfolds after the events of “Temptation of the Force” by Tessa Gratton, following Jedi Knight Reath Silas as he pursues his investigations about the Nameless and the plague.

Reath has been one of my favorite characters in The High Republic since his introduction in Into the Dark by Claudia Gray. I enjoyed having him as a main point of view character again for the first time since Midnight Horizon by Daniel José Older was released in February 2022. Reath is a remarkably insightful, innovative, and dedicated Jedi, but he is also a young man struggling with the enormous pressure that has been thrust upon him, along with his ongoing struggle of trying to understand why his Jedi Master Cohmac Vitus left him and the Jedi Order behind.

Tears of the Nameless” delves into the consequences of Cohmac’s choice by shifting him to a primary perspective, marking the first reunion with Reath since his departure from the Jedi Order. This captivating narrative offers an insightful glimpse into the life of a man who voluntarily leaves the Jedi, yet remains devoted to the light and holds deep affection for his former Jedi apprentice, Reath.

In the narrative of “Tears of the Nameless“, the bond between Reath and Cohmac plays a pivotal role, while Reath also forms a significant friendship with Padawan Amadeo Azzazzo. Interestingly, Amaedo and Jedi Master Mirro Lox, who significantly contribute to “Tears of the Nameless“, were initially introduced in the short story collection called “Tales of Light and Life“. However, this novel marks their first prominent role in the plot. Amadeo aids Reath in crucial advancements in his research, and moreover, helps ease Reath’s feelings of loneliness and the weight of the pressure he bears.

In “Tears of the Nameless”, the narrative primarily revolves around Reath, Cohmac, and Amadeo, making it a character-centric tale. At the same time, it delves into long-standing enigmas concerning the Nameless, the Blight, and the Children of the Storm. The storyline weaves together threads from each phase of “The High Republic”, offering the Jedi and the Republic their strongest opportunity yet to vanquish the Nihil and bring an end to their destructive rule.

In this rephrased version, the text conveys that Mann skillfully handles the emotional journeys of Reath, Cohmac, and Amadeo in harmony with significant plot advancements. Their narratives are intimately relatable despite involving high-stakes scenarios that evoke genuine fear and endanger the entire galaxy. Fans of Star Wars who also appreciate the archaeological and historical aspects of Indiana Jones will find delight in the exploration of the Tolemites’ ancient civilization, which harbors crucial insights about the Nameless and the Blight from millennia past.

Azlin Rell plays a crucial role in the narrative, serving as both an essential asset and an uncertain danger. His extensive understanding of the Nameless makes him indispensable for Reath’s research, but his dark side poses a threat. This dichotomy forces Reath to navigate carefully whenever he visits Azlin, who is held captive. The complexity of this situation is further compounded by Reath’s internal struggles.

Another standout character is Vernestra Rwoh, who plays more of a supporting role in this story, but she does get several point of view chapters. She and Reath are very different from each other, yet they still share a beautiful friendship, and are able to fully trust and believe in each other. It was bittersweet to read Vernestra’s chapters given the cancelation of The Acolyte, as I still want to see what is next for her in a Season 2 of the Disney+ series, although I am grateful that we are still getting more of her story in these books.

Review: Tears of the Nameless is one of The High Republic's most rewarding books

In the novel “Tears of the Nameless“, I found one aspect slightly lacking: the main antagonist, Sicarus, who is a Child of the Storm. Given the deep connections between the Children of the Storm and the Nameless, he seemed a suitable adversary for this narrative. Nevertheless, Sicarus appeared to be underdeveloped due to his extensive brainwashing by Baron Boolan. This resulted in most of his chapters focusing on his obsession with hunting Jedi and his desire to please Boolan, rather than showcasing a more complex character.

Almost every time a Sicarus chapter concluded, I found myself looking forward to reading a chapter featuring Reath, Cohmac, Amadeo, Vernestra, or Affie Hollow. The presence of Affie, Leox Gyasi, and Geode throughout the narrative offered a unique perspective that was refreshingly outside the realm of both the Jedi and the Nihil. This trio is delightful, and their reunion with Reath and Cohmac brought me back to the world of Into the Dark, completing a circle.

In “Tears of the Nameless,” numerous character journeys and plotlines, which have been developing for close to four years, are satisfyingly resolved. It offers a gratifying conclusion that sets the stage for the concluding phase of books within the The High Republic publishing project.

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2024-10-28 18:52

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