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Star Wars: The High Republic
Path of Deceit
Set in the world of the High Republic, 150 years before the storytelling of Phase I, an era of change brings new hopes and possibilities . . . but also new dangers.
The Outer Rim planet Dalna has become the focus of a Jedi investigation into a stolen Force artifact, and Zallah Macri and her Padawan, Kevmo Zink, arrive on the pastoral world to follow up on a possible connection to a Dalnan missionary group called the Path of the Open Hand. Members of the Path believe that the Force must be free and should not be used by anyone, not even the Jedi. One such believer is Marda Ro, a young woman who dreams of leaving Dalna to spread word of the Path throughout the galaxy.
When Marda and Kevmo meet, their connection is instantaneous and electric—until Marda discovers Kevmo is a Jedi. But Kevmo is so kind and eager to learn more about the Path, that she hopes she can convince him of the rightness of her beliefs. What Marda doesn’t realize is that the leader of the Path, a charismatic woman known only as the Mother, has an agenda of her own, and it is one that can never coexist peacefully with the Jedi.
In order to follow her faith, Marda may have to choose to become her new friend’s worst enemy. . . .
The Outer Rim planet Dalna has become the focus of a Jedi investigation into a stolen Force artifact, and Zallah Macri and her Padawan, Kevmo Zink, arrive on the pastoral world to follow up on a possible connection to a Dalnan missionary group called the Path of the Open Hand. Members of the Path believe that the Force must be free and should not be used by anyone, not even the Jedi. One such believer is Marda Ro, a young woman who dreams of leaving Dalna to spread word of the Path throughout the galaxy.
When Marda and Kevmo meet, their connection is instantaneous and electric—until Marda discovers Kevmo is a Jedi. But Kevmo is so kind and eager to learn more about the Path, that she hopes she can convince him of the rightness of her beliefs. What Marda doesn’t realize is that the leader of the Path, a charismatic woman known only as the Mother, has an agenda of her own, and it is one that can never coexist peacefully with the Jedi.
In order to follow her faith, Marda may have to choose to become her new friend’s worst enemy. . . .
345 pages, Hardcover
First published October 4, 2022
243 people are currently reading
3,705 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Gratton
74books1,932followersTessa Gratton is the author of adult and YA SFF novels and short stories that have been translated into twenty-two languages, nominated twice for the Otherwise Award, and several have been Junior Library Guild Selections. Her most recent novels are the dark queer fairy tales Strange Grace and Night Shine, and queer the Shakespeare retelling Lady Hotspur. Her upcoming work includes the YA fantasy Chaos and Flame (2023), and novels of Star Wars: The High Republic. Though she has lived all over the world, she currently resides at the edge of the Kansas prairie with her wife. Queer, nonbinary, she/any.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 597 reviews
October 4, 2022
Like with Phase I, I went into Phase II of The High Republic with pretty much a blank slate of expectations. I had no idea what to expect, other than some tethers to the events that occur 150 years later. Naturally, I expected some easter eggs, some planet names, or elder Jedi name to pop up somewhere. Other than that, however, nothing really. No predictions, or theories, or expectations.
That being said, all of that has very little to do with me being gobsmacked by Path of Deceit, which kicks off Phase II of The High Republic. The choice to go back 150 years made most apprehensive, I think, to say the least. After getting to know characters like Bell Zettifar and Avar Kriss for a year, we were saying a temporary au revoir to go back in time.
Luckily, it hasn’t removed any of the richness from the story. If anything, the more isolated tale is a welcome reprieve. I admire that each YA novel we have gotten is distinctly different. Into the Dark was semi-isolated, jumping back and forth from Amaxine Station and Coruscant with flashbacks thrown in. Out of The Shadows was a more planet-spanning epic, while also getting gritty on Coruscant. Midnight Horizon spanned characters on different tracks while all basically on the same planet, while exploring the core of feelings and how they affect Jedi.
Path of Deceit is something that fully embraces what Phase II brings, isolation. This is the time of the hyperspace prospectors, where hyperspace routes are still being mapped out, pathfinder teams abundant. It is something that I truly appreciated. It was nice to intimately know this little community on Dalna. The story doesn’t treck around the planet, but mostly takes place in two towns. It is two places we get to know very well, thanks to Gratton’s and Ireland’s rich descriptions of the locals.
This in turn brings us to the characters. This book introduces a dozen “main� characters and is able to flesh out each one well enough. The ones who didn’t get fleshing out, still pique our interest thanks to their inherent mystique. If I had to pick a standout character amongst them all, it would be Yana Ro, Marda Ro’s cousin whom we knew not of before. Her journey of love, self-reflection, was fascinating to watch unfold. Both of the Ro’s were utterly fascinating in this story. You can see the seeds planted at the end of this story. How they will grow and get to the point in 150 years, we do not know, but I am eager to find out.
The Jedi meanwhile were quite fascinating. We have two main Jedi characters, a padawan and a master, who are kind of total opposites of the other. Without giving too much away, one is very much like Elzar Mann, and the other is much like Orla. That is to put it in a Phase I context. I enjoyed their relationship. The push and pull of it. While I don’t think their partnership is particular standout within The High Republic (come on, nothing is ever going to stand up to Loden and Bell, Sskeer and Keeve, Vernestra and Imri), it was nice to read about. Actually, typing all of that, I do wish there was something more special to it. It felt…I guess quite boring compared to other partnerships we have gotten. It didn’t and doesn’t bother me too much. Dare I say, the Jedi are just along for the ride. This is not really their story, but more so the Path’s, and the Ro’s.
Something that I feel the need to mention and give multiple rounds of applause for is the representation within this book. Multiple queer couples, non-binary characters, and maybe even one aro/ace character (not entirely sure). It seems that with each new book, it sets a new standard for characters that bring more and more representation. The High Republic is for everyone, and I’m grateful that with each story, it puts the meaning behind those words.
Overall, I’m giving this a 4.5/5 star rating, rounding up to 5 for ŷ. Now, my watch begins for the six-month wait for the next book…actually seven months cause Path of Deception doesn’t come out till May. That wait is going to be…painful. For Light and Life everyone!
That being said, all of that has very little to do with me being gobsmacked by Path of Deceit, which kicks off Phase II of The High Republic. The choice to go back 150 years made most apprehensive, I think, to say the least. After getting to know characters like Bell Zettifar and Avar Kriss for a year, we were saying a temporary au revoir to go back in time.
Luckily, it hasn’t removed any of the richness from the story. If anything, the more isolated tale is a welcome reprieve. I admire that each YA novel we have gotten is distinctly different. Into the Dark was semi-isolated, jumping back and forth from Amaxine Station and Coruscant with flashbacks thrown in. Out of The Shadows was a more planet-spanning epic, while also getting gritty on Coruscant. Midnight Horizon spanned characters on different tracks while all basically on the same planet, while exploring the core of feelings and how they affect Jedi.
Path of Deceit is something that fully embraces what Phase II brings, isolation. This is the time of the hyperspace prospectors, where hyperspace routes are still being mapped out, pathfinder teams abundant. It is something that I truly appreciated. It was nice to intimately know this little community on Dalna. The story doesn’t treck around the planet, but mostly takes place in two towns. It is two places we get to know very well, thanks to Gratton’s and Ireland’s rich descriptions of the locals.
This in turn brings us to the characters. This book introduces a dozen “main� characters and is able to flesh out each one well enough. The ones who didn’t get fleshing out, still pique our interest thanks to their inherent mystique. If I had to pick a standout character amongst them all, it would be Yana Ro, Marda Ro’s cousin whom we knew not of before. Her journey of love, self-reflection, was fascinating to watch unfold. Both of the Ro’s were utterly fascinating in this story. You can see the seeds planted at the end of this story. How they will grow and get to the point in 150 years, we do not know, but I am eager to find out.
The Jedi meanwhile were quite fascinating. We have two main Jedi characters, a padawan and a master, who are kind of total opposites of the other. Without giving too much away, one is very much like Elzar Mann, and the other is much like Orla. That is to put it in a Phase I context. I enjoyed their relationship. The push and pull of it. While I don’t think their partnership is particular standout within The High Republic (come on, nothing is ever going to stand up to Loden and Bell, Sskeer and Keeve, Vernestra and Imri), it was nice to read about. Actually, typing all of that, I do wish there was something more special to it. It felt…I guess quite boring compared to other partnerships we have gotten. It didn’t and doesn’t bother me too much. Dare I say, the Jedi are just along for the ride. This is not really their story, but more so the Path’s, and the Ro’s.
Something that I feel the need to mention and give multiple rounds of applause for is the representation within this book. Multiple queer couples, non-binary characters, and maybe even one aro/ace character (not entirely sure). It seems that with each new book, it sets a new standard for characters that bring more and more representation. The High Republic is for everyone, and I’m grateful that with each story, it puts the meaning behind those words.
Overall, I’m giving this a 4.5/5 star rating, rounding up to 5 for ŷ. Now, my watch begins for the six-month wait for the next book…actually seven months cause Path of Deception doesn’t come out till May. That wait is going to be…painful. For Light and Life everyone!
September 9, 2023
This book continues the event of the High Republic as this is the start of the second phase. In this one we see the originations of the Nihil which were the antagonist in the first phase. They are known as the Path of the Open Hand and they steal items that are imbued with the force. A Jedi and her padawan investigate the theft of these items.
Okay. It must be me. I just don't get why readers are loving the first phase of this event or this opening book of the second phase. I was hoping the beginning of a new era would change my feelings. Sadly, it has not. This is a YA novel and maybe that contributed to my lack of enjoyment. For the vast majority of this book it was about two characters making googly eyes at each other even though they just met. Yawn. I know this universe has love affairs. Han and Leia. Padme and Anakin. But they had a story that was a driving force at the forefront. The rebels against the Empire or the downfall of Anakin Skywalker. This novel has the affections at the forefront and I am not completely sold on the story of stealing saturated force artifacts. Where is the swashbuckling adventure or the compelling characters I fell in love with as a kid? I am still waiting for that from any offering in this event. I will say the last act was really good and saved this book from a one star rating.
I remember there was a time when I looked forward to offerings from this universe. That seems so long ago. This book and recent offerings just do not give me the vibe that I once knew from this universe. I don't mind a love story but have something behind it so I can be thrilled and enthralled. This book did not and I never really enjoyed it. I will say that there is potential here and maybe this book suffered from the opening book. I am crossing my fingers that the thrill will be back in the following offerings about this event.
Okay. It must be me. I just don't get why readers are loving the first phase of this event or this opening book of the second phase. I was hoping the beginning of a new era would change my feelings. Sadly, it has not. This is a YA novel and maybe that contributed to my lack of enjoyment. For the vast majority of this book it was about two characters making googly eyes at each other even though they just met. Yawn. I know this universe has love affairs. Han and Leia. Padme and Anakin. But they had a story that was a driving force at the forefront. The rebels against the Empire or the downfall of Anakin Skywalker. This novel has the affections at the forefront and I am not completely sold on the story of stealing saturated force artifacts. Where is the swashbuckling adventure or the compelling characters I fell in love with as a kid? I am still waiting for that from any offering in this event. I will say the last act was really good and saved this book from a one star rating.
I remember there was a time when I looked forward to offerings from this universe. That seems so long ago. This book and recent offerings just do not give me the vibe that I once knew from this universe. I don't mind a love story but have something behind it so I can be thrilled and enthralled. This book did not and I never really enjoyed it. I will say that there is potential here and maybe this book suffered from the opening book. I am crossing my fingers that the thrill will be back in the following offerings about this event.
October 5, 2022
Phase 2 of STAR WARS: THE HIGH REPUBLIC is finally here! Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland kick off this era with PATH OF DECEIT and it is truly phenomenal. In this first YA installment of Phase 2, we go back further than ever before (in the canon timeline) and explore a cult based on setting the force free. When I finished Phase 1 of THE HIGH REPUBLIC, I thought I’d go insane having to wait and see what happened next, but upon reading the start of Phase 2, I think it was incredibly smart to go back in time for this installment of the series.
Overall, STAR WARS is an incredibly expansive series, covering tons of locations across the galaxy. One thing that set PATH OF DECEIT apart was the closeness of the setting. Everything in this book feels very contained in terms of location which really lets the reader get a feel for the Path of the Open Hand’s influence. They have a strong presence on Dalna and their compound mirrors that of a real-life cult.
In terms of characters, Marda and Yana Ro’s dynamic was fantastic in this story. Each of the Ros has a different view on The Path and a crucial role to play in its future. Even though they might have disagreements, Marda and Yana love each other a lot. Their bond is one that I predict will carry throughout the rest of this phase.
All of the twists and turns in this book have made me all the more excited to dig into this new era. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. The High Republic is back in business!
Overall, STAR WARS is an incredibly expansive series, covering tons of locations across the galaxy. One thing that set PATH OF DECEIT apart was the closeness of the setting. Everything in this book feels very contained in terms of location which really lets the reader get a feel for the Path of the Open Hand’s influence. They have a strong presence on Dalna and their compound mirrors that of a real-life cult.
In terms of characters, Marda and Yana Ro’s dynamic was fantastic in this story. Each of the Ros has a different view on The Path and a crucial role to play in its future. Even though they might have disagreements, Marda and Yana love each other a lot. Their bond is one that I predict will carry throughout the rest of this phase.
All of the twists and turns in this book have made me all the more excited to dig into this new era. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store. The High Republic is back in business!
November 30, 2022
“We can’t trust anybody. If you retain nothing else, let it be that. We can’t trust anybody.�
Path of Deceit is the first book in The High Republic Phase II, which introduces us to a jump back in time from Light of the Jedi.
I was not certain what to expect from it thanks to its timeline placement, or how it was all going to connect and make sense with the way things were going in phase I so it was quite refreshing and delightful to find all its newness and connections to the previous books.
Set in the remote planet of Dalna, a place we had last seen in Mission to Disaster towards the end of phase I, we follow Jedi master Zhalla and her padawan Kevmo while they investigate a lead on stolen force objects, and the presumed thieves, a Force-worshipping cult called The Path of the Open Hand, which will lead to them making contact with one of the cult's members, Marda Ro.
“With Dalna’s spirit we live with the Force, in clarity, harmony, and freedom.�
From beginning to end this book surprised me in all the right ways.
It might be short, but it certainly packed a few good mysteries, elevated all the more by the fact that the pay-out of said mysteries will extend from only this series.
Of course, it wasn't a book written only as an easter egg but a fun, fast, emotional ride that chilled me to the bone and intrigued me for what is to come, and that is quite a mix to have all together. Really, it made me go through a wide range of emotions in a very short amount of time.
Even when I thought I could parse what was going to happen next, especially thanks to a familiarity with the time period - or what felt like a familiarity with the time period - Gratton would do something completely unexpected but that fit so wonderfully on the grand scheme of things that I would relish and thoroughly enjoy.
“It’s the sun inside you, and it is the Force that lights you up. The Force that lights her up, too. If your association allows both of you to grow brighter, that is all for the good. But do not confuse your shared brightness in the Force for something more powerful than the Force.�
The characters have been consistently delightful and easy to connect with through this series and these new ones do not disappoint. Each and every single one of them is complex and has different allures making for a rich cast; while at the same time, we have the more hidden side of some of them that are all the more eye-catching for how little we can decipher them.
For once, I think that the characters I liked the most were not Jedi but the elusive Elicia, who I can hardly read but her presence alone was chilling and unnerving. And Marda, who has a connection with a prominent character from phase I though we don't know what and, with all her innocence and earnestness spells nothing but doom for me.
Not to say that I didn't like all the other characters, because I did. Kevmo was so sweet and energetic that it was contagious, while at the same time his story arc left me intrigued to see where it went. Yana and her very complicated relationship with, well, everyone was a great insight onto other sides of the story and the Evereni view of things. Zhalla, didn't expend a lot of time on-page so I really didn't get a great sense of her but, from what little I could see, she was very reliable and calm, though her slight coldness, as a Jedi, was equally interesting.
Really, more than a book centered too heavily on a plot, I believe this one focuses more on the characters, and they certainly gave life to an engaging story. The different dynamics and groups, and all the intricacies within all of them, made for great food for thought and some of the sweetest, and sorest, moments.
Yana and Marda as cousins that are so completely different from each other was one of my favorite dynamics and I hope we can get a lot more of them as they develop as people.
“I suppose the ideas of the Sith also seem good in the abstract.�
As is wont to do with Star Wars, we get to explore more of the Force, which is always fun.
However, the way that we are exposed to this completely new group of people that worship and believe in the Force but see it so differently from how the Jedi do was nothing short of fascinating.
It's not surprising to see that there would be different takes over such a primordial and great, well, force in the galaxy aside from that of the Jedi as it is common to see in our own world. So, getting to explore it some through this book was a real treat. There is so much to explore there and expand upon that I'm sure it will become incredibly rich.
“Evereni never gave up until they had what was theirs.�
In the end, I had a great time with this book and enjoyed it thoroughly. Being back in this world is comforting and the new setting prevents it from getting stale, which is great.
The little connections made to other books in this series is always really fun to see and one of my favorite thing about the composition of the whole High Republic era. It made for a great cliffhanger for this particular installment, as well.
Gratton's easy and seamless writing only heightened the experience as a whole.
“Whatever it was, the idea of it filled him with a nameless dread. Thick and awful. It pressed in from every edge of the stone chamber, but even with his eyes wide open, Azlin saw nothing � and he knew, he felt that this razor-sharp sensation came from inside himself. Suddenly, he had a name for it. Fear.�
______________
Well, this was very fun!
A very fitting return to the High Republic era, if a completely new look at it.
Even when I thought I knew what was gonna happen I go kept being surprised, something I quite enjoyed.
RTC.
_____________
Oh, I'm so excited!
It's been months since I last read anything in The High Republic era and though this is before the previous installments I am sure it'll be just as fun.
So, yeah, I am ready to embark on a new Star Wars story.
April 4, 2023
this book being about a small religious cult in the caves is so funny to me 😭😭😭
October 11, 2022
i can’t believe the nihil started out as a small religious cult living in caves
October 14, 2022
Where the previous Phase and Waves were all started with an Adult Novel, Lucasfilm decided to begin Phase 2 with a YA novel. This is a controversial move, as the Adult novels are typcially bigger in scope and scale, while the YA novels are smaller and more character based. That is certainly true here, but I think that it is a bold choice that I think pays off.
And this is without a doubt the best YA novel that we've had in the High Republic thus far!...but it's not up to the snuff of the Adult books.
This story has three main protagonists, Kevmo Zink, Marda Ro, and Yana Ro. Obviously, Kevmo was my favorite character, being the male Jedi. That being said, I really really enjoyed reading about Marda and Yana. I think the authors Gratton and Ireland did a good job of balancing their storylines and giving them enough to do. It's hard to have 3 point of view characters and keep them all interesting.
This book centers around a cult, something pretty unique in Star Wars. The Path of the Open Hand is definitely setting up stuff for not only Phase 1 (which occurs 200 years later), but also is setting up stuff for phase 3. I loved the way that little hints were able to clue the reader in on why they chose this setting for Phase 2. At first, I was aprehensive about jumping back this far, fearing that it would be lackluster and unecessary. This book proved all of that wrong.
This book has several other tie-ins not only to Star Wars, but to Phase 1 of the High Republic. It's handled in just such a way that you are rewarded if you've been keeping up with it, but you're also able to jump in as a new reader and enjoy it.
This book also takes the idea of following a Master and Apprentice on a simple mission, a concept that I wish many more Star Wars books could use. I wish this was entirely focused on them, but its still nice that they were really the only Jedi present. It made it much more character based.
Making the villain a calculated leader like "The Mother" was great, and I love Machiavellian characters who are playing the chess board for their own political gain, and "The Mother" has a lot of interest not only in this book, but in the phase as a whole.
I think that this book is very dense thematically, and it is bold for covering a topic so serious as a cult in a YA book. It handles it well without being too heavy for young adults. I loved seeing the inner workings of the Path of the Open Hand, finding out how they recruited members, what they all did, and how they made money/stole artifacts.
There are obviously worldview elements that Ireland and Gratton use and promote that I am not a fan of, but its become standard practice in Star Wars now. It almost feels required by most authors.
This is the shortest YA book thus far, and yet it really didn't need to be longer. The authors were very compact with their writing and were able to tell an entertaining story.
The ending of the book will certainly be controversial, and yet I think that's ok, because it shows the authors and editors are not afraid to take big risks in their stories (this ending feels a little like "Vector Prime") in the way that it also took a big risk.
Overall, I actually had a really fun time with this book. I read it in 1 day (4-(1) hour sessions). Whereas the other YA books felt like a chore (Into the Dark, Out of the Shadows, Midnight Horizon), this book feels fresh and fun and delightful. 8.0 out of 10! Well done Gratton and Ireland.
And this is without a doubt the best YA novel that we've had in the High Republic thus far!...but it's not up to the snuff of the Adult books.
This story has three main protagonists, Kevmo Zink, Marda Ro, and Yana Ro. Obviously, Kevmo was my favorite character, being the male Jedi. That being said, I really really enjoyed reading about Marda and Yana. I think the authors Gratton and Ireland did a good job of balancing their storylines and giving them enough to do. It's hard to have 3 point of view characters and keep them all interesting.
This book centers around a cult, something pretty unique in Star Wars. The Path of the Open Hand is definitely setting up stuff for not only Phase 1 (which occurs 200 years later), but also is setting up stuff for phase 3. I loved the way that little hints were able to clue the reader in on why they chose this setting for Phase 2. At first, I was aprehensive about jumping back this far, fearing that it would be lackluster and unecessary. This book proved all of that wrong.
This book has several other tie-ins not only to Star Wars, but to Phase 1 of the High Republic. It's handled in just such a way that you are rewarded if you've been keeping up with it, but you're also able to jump in as a new reader and enjoy it.
This book also takes the idea of following a Master and Apprentice on a simple mission, a concept that I wish many more Star Wars books could use. I wish this was entirely focused on them, but its still nice that they were really the only Jedi present. It made it much more character based.
Making the villain a calculated leader like "The Mother" was great, and I love Machiavellian characters who are playing the chess board for their own political gain, and "The Mother" has a lot of interest not only in this book, but in the phase as a whole.
I think that this book is very dense thematically, and it is bold for covering a topic so serious as a cult in a YA book. It handles it well without being too heavy for young adults. I loved seeing the inner workings of the Path of the Open Hand, finding out how they recruited members, what they all did, and how they made money/stole artifacts.
There are obviously worldview elements that Ireland and Gratton use and promote that I am not a fan of, but its become standard practice in Star Wars now. It almost feels required by most authors.
This is the shortest YA book thus far, and yet it really didn't need to be longer. The authors were very compact with their writing and were able to tell an entertaining story.
The ending of the book will certainly be controversial, and yet I think that's ok, because it shows the authors and editors are not afraid to take big risks in their stories (this ending feels a little like "Vector Prime") in the way that it also took a big risk.
Overall, I actually had a really fun time with this book. I read it in 1 day (4-(1) hour sessions). Whereas the other YA books felt like a chore (Into the Dark, Out of the Shadows, Midnight Horizon), this book feels fresh and fun and delightful. 8.0 out of 10! Well done Gratton and Ireland.
May 10, 2023
This was such a fun and fast pace read! Loved meeting new characters and how we have a f/f relationship in a star wars story too! If u haven't picked this book up yet what are u doing?! It's so good espcially if u get it via audiobook! The audiobook had sound effects & music and everything! It was a like a movie in my head!(:
4/5 stars! I read this for readathin and it went for the prompt of TBR Repeater. It has been on my tbr since October of last year and now I can contiune my journey of reading phase 2 of the high republic series...
4/5 stars! I read this for readathin and it went for the prompt of TBR Repeater. It has been on my tbr since October of last year and now I can contiune my journey of reading phase 2 of the high republic series...
October 4, 2022
Path Of Deceit by authors Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland is out today, and it was a pure joy to pick it up after the seemingly interminable wait since the end of Phase I of THR. The High Republic is an epic, trans-media adventure that has been a wild ride so far, and as good as it is, I understand it can seem a little bit daunting if you’ve not been there since the beginning. If you haven’t been following every THR content that’s been published so far, fear not! You might not get every tiny detail and hint but it doesn’t prevent you from enjoying the plot and understanding its stakes.
Path Of Deceit has the hard job of picking up after the incredible emotional rollercoaster that was Phase I —a challenge that has been met brilliantly! Set 150 years before the events of Phase I, this novel is a jump back in time to the very roots of everything we’ve dealt with so far and does a masterful job at planting the seeds that made the context of Phase I so interestingly thought out. The reader is able to pick up a lot of details and background information about the era, and it is weaved into the story in such a way that it really immerses the reader without doing any info-dumping that could have felt forced.
There was not a single page of this book that felt boring. If it is not densely packed with action at the beginning, the quick pace and intertwined plot lines make for an efficient and thrilling story that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the very last word. If you’re in halfway through the book and you think you’ve seen everything? Well think again, my friend! Plot twists and surprises await around every chapter. You’re in for a treat!
The characters you will meet in this novel are, for a whole lot of them, pretty essential to understand the whole scale of the story you have previously been told in Phase I. Keep an eye for their names or their roots, you might have heard about some of them before! As for the main characters —Marda and Kevmo�, their dynamic is particularly interesting given the underlying ideas of this story.
This novel deals with themes that are not only enthralling but also intricately tied to real-world issues and events. The highlight of the relationship between Marda and Kevmo, and by extension between the Path of the Open Hand and the Jedi, is that it puts both opposing branches of a faith against each other, and while we might be tempted to side with the Jedi because they’ve always been the heroes, I find it interesting to weight out both (or more) options when it comes to one’s relationship with the Force. Do we really know how it works? What gives one branch more right to deal with Force artefacts than the other? It is also a time of exploration for the Jedi, both in terms of getting to know the galaxy and getting to know your place in this galaxy, and that’s what makes YA novels so great!
On another note, I love the use of the blue spine and logo that mirrors a lot of the iterations of the colour in the story. It is always really appreciated when the work is put into the physical design of the book to be reminiscent of what is told inside of it. Blue is a recurring symbol throughout the story, and on a grander scale through the whole saga.
All in all, this is a very good way to kick off Phase II and I’m super thrilled for what’s next! You might be tempted to say “bah, it’s just a YA novel, I’ll skip it�.. If so, I’ll urge you to reconsider because it’s a relatively quick read that puts the foundations for a lot of what makes THR so good! And if it’s your first time diving into this saga, then you have a lot to look forward to!
What to read if you want more:
The High Republic Adventures (2021) (comic series) by DJ Older
Trail of Shadows (comic miniseries) by DJ Older
UPCOMING:
Convergence (adult novel) by Zoraida Córdova
The High Republic (2022) (comic series) by Cavan Scott
The High Republic Adventures (2022) (comic series) by DJ Older
Path Of Deceit has the hard job of picking up after the incredible emotional rollercoaster that was Phase I —a challenge that has been met brilliantly! Set 150 years before the events of Phase I, this novel is a jump back in time to the very roots of everything we’ve dealt with so far and does a masterful job at planting the seeds that made the context of Phase I so interestingly thought out. The reader is able to pick up a lot of details and background information about the era, and it is weaved into the story in such a way that it really immerses the reader without doing any info-dumping that could have felt forced.
There was not a single page of this book that felt boring. If it is not densely packed with action at the beginning, the quick pace and intertwined plot lines make for an efficient and thrilling story that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat until the very last word. If you’re in halfway through the book and you think you’ve seen everything? Well think again, my friend! Plot twists and surprises await around every chapter. You’re in for a treat!
The characters you will meet in this novel are, for a whole lot of them, pretty essential to understand the whole scale of the story you have previously been told in Phase I. Keep an eye for their names or their roots, you might have heard about some of them before! As for the main characters —Marda and Kevmo�, their dynamic is particularly interesting given the underlying ideas of this story.
This novel deals with themes that are not only enthralling but also intricately tied to real-world issues and events. The highlight of the relationship between Marda and Kevmo, and by extension between the Path of the Open Hand and the Jedi, is that it puts both opposing branches of a faith against each other, and while we might be tempted to side with the Jedi because they’ve always been the heroes, I find it interesting to weight out both (or more) options when it comes to one’s relationship with the Force. Do we really know how it works? What gives one branch more right to deal with Force artefacts than the other? It is also a time of exploration for the Jedi, both in terms of getting to know the galaxy and getting to know your place in this galaxy, and that’s what makes YA novels so great!
On another note, I love the use of the blue spine and logo that mirrors a lot of the iterations of the colour in the story. It is always really appreciated when the work is put into the physical design of the book to be reminiscent of what is told inside of it. Blue is a recurring symbol throughout the story, and on a grander scale through the whole saga.
All in all, this is a very good way to kick off Phase II and I’m super thrilled for what’s next! You might be tempted to say “bah, it’s just a YA novel, I’ll skip it�.. If so, I’ll urge you to reconsider because it’s a relatively quick read that puts the foundations for a lot of what makes THR so good! And if it’s your first time diving into this saga, then you have a lot to look forward to!
What to read if you want more:
The High Republic Adventures (2021) (comic series) by DJ Older
Trail of Shadows (comic miniseries) by DJ Older
UPCOMING:
Convergence (adult novel) by Zoraida Córdova
The High Republic (2022) (comic series) by Cavan Scott
The High Republic Adventures (2022) (comic series) by DJ Older
December 22, 2022
“Star Wars: The High Republic: Path of Deceit� is the “kickoff� book to Phase 2 of the “High Republic� publishing initiative. Set 200 years before the events of Phase 1, “Path of Deceit� is tasked with doing a lot in its (relatively short) 291 pages: it has to adequately lay the groundwork for this new era of the “Star Wars� universe; it has to clearly convey who these new characters are and what the stakes are, for both this novel AND the broader Phase 2 initiative; and, on top of all of that, it ALSO has to tell a compelling story in its own right.
The fact that Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland are able to accomplish all three not just decently, but EXTREMELY compellingly, is a testament to their skills as storytellers � never once does “Path of Deceit� drag, falter, or seem confused about where it’s going or what it’s trying to do. As a standalone “Star Wars� tale, it’s a rich, well-structured tale; as a kickoff to what will soon be a line of books, comics, and even audio dramas, it’s nothing short of astounding.
The fact that Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland are able to accomplish all three not just decently, but EXTREMELY compellingly, is a testament to their skills as storytellers � never once does “Path of Deceit� drag, falter, or seem confused about where it’s going or what it’s trying to do. As a standalone “Star Wars� tale, it’s a rich, well-structured tale; as a kickoff to what will soon be a line of books, comics, and even audio dramas, it’s nothing short of astounding.
January 30, 2023
This book was fine, it shed light on the origins of the dreaded Leveler and also on (some of) the inner workings of the Force Cult the Ro family got involved with generations before the Phase 1 High Republic timeline but generally speaking it took too long to get to where it was going and may have benefited from having one fewer POV character- Kevmo plus either Marda or Yana could have worked with a little restructuring and imagination, but three's a crowd as the saying goes.
October 16, 2022
The High Republic is back! I thoroughly enjoyed Phase One, and I’m happy to say Phase Two is off to a solid start. While I wouldn’t say Path of Deceit reaches the highest heights of its predecessors, it’s still a very solid novel.
First of all, I think this continues the trend of the characters being the real strength of YA High Republic books. I really liked all the main characters here, my favorites being Kevmo, Marda, and the mysterious Mother. However, I did enjoy many of the other characters besides these three. I really enjoyed the different perspectives these characters have, especially in regards to the Force—something I’ll touch on later.
The plot of the book is pretty solid as well. Two Jedi, Kevmo and Zallah, go to a planet to check out the Path of the Open Hand. The Path is something like a Force cult, not Jedi or Sith but something else entirely. The Path has some very obvious ties to the Nihil of Phase One, and it was very interesting to see those connections and how certain elements of Phase One originated.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the aforementioned theme of the Force and different interpretations of it. The Jedi and the Path both see themselves as connected to and in some way serving the Force, but in two entirely different ways. This was a really interesting and nuanced theme, and one I hope will continue throughout Phase Two.
I also have to say the ending of this book was fantastic. While I enjoyed it throughout, the last handful of chapters were on a whole other level. It makes some super interesting connections to established parts of The High Republic and really amps up the drama and stakes. Good stuff.
Overall this was a really good read. I’d even say this is probably the best YA book in the series so far. It’s quite short which I was initially disappointed by, but the book makes the most of its short length and packs it with interesting discussions, great characters, and thrilling plot developments towards the end. Definitely a solid new entry into this wonderful series.
Rating: 8/10
First of all, I think this continues the trend of the characters being the real strength of YA High Republic books. I really liked all the main characters here, my favorites being Kevmo, Marda, and the mysterious Mother. However, I did enjoy many of the other characters besides these three. I really enjoyed the different perspectives these characters have, especially in regards to the Force—something I’ll touch on later.
The plot of the book is pretty solid as well. Two Jedi, Kevmo and Zallah, go to a planet to check out the Path of the Open Hand. The Path is something like a Force cult, not Jedi or Sith but something else entirely. The Path has some very obvious ties to the Nihil of Phase One, and it was very interesting to see those connections and how certain elements of Phase One originated.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the aforementioned theme of the Force and different interpretations of it. The Jedi and the Path both see themselves as connected to and in some way serving the Force, but in two entirely different ways. This was a really interesting and nuanced theme, and one I hope will continue throughout Phase Two.
I also have to say the ending of this book was fantastic. While I enjoyed it throughout, the last handful of chapters were on a whole other level. It makes some super interesting connections to established parts of The High Republic and really amps up the drama and stakes. Good stuff.
Overall this was a really good read. I’d even say this is probably the best YA book in the series so far. It’s quite short which I was initially disappointed by, but the book makes the most of its short length and packs it with interesting discussions, great characters, and thrilling plot developments towards the end. Definitely a solid new entry into this wonderful series.
Rating: 8/10
November 21, 2022
Last month, the first co-written novel of The High Republic released. Sure, this entire project lives off collaboration, but an entire Young Adult story written by two authors? That seems like both a daring and a refreshing choice.
In Path of Deceit, High Republic-creator Justina Ireland and newbie Tessa Gratton take us back to the past to tell the story of a young Padawan, Kevmo Zink, and a true believer of a questionable Force cult, Marda Ro, whose attraction to each other grows as their views clash when the Jedi go to investigate the theft of a Force artifact. And as you might have guessed, chaos unfolds �
Out with the new, in with the old?
Phase 2 of The High Republic turns things upside down. First, we got to know that we are jumping back in time, and not just a few years, but a whopping 150! Secondly, this time around, a YA novel is kicking off the story instead of releasing a month later than the adult book. That makes for a few different challenges: creating a world that feels familiar yet different, getting us to overcome our attachments to Phase 1 characters and fall in love with new ones, and telling a story that is big enough to get the ball rolling while staying true to the YA age group. None of this is easy to pull off, and still, Ireland and Gratton have managed to succeed in writing a novel that accomplishes all of it.
Your focus determines your reality
Path of Deceit is a novel that is extremely focused, which is a welcome change from the ensemble-style stories from the adult books. The cast isn’t small, but us readers get to experience the story through three main characters. All of these characters differ vastly, creating a unique tone for each of their POVs � and offering the reader a lot to think about, as none of the protagonists are inherently right or wrong. Each of them believes in something different: Marda follows the beliefs of the Path, Kevmo stays true to the teachings of the Jedi and Yana simply doesn’t care at all. This doesn’t just make for a lot of conflict between the protagonists, it also challenges the reader to question their own views. What effects can the use of the Force have? Can you leave family behind to escape a toxic environment? The incredible thing about this is that somehow, you root for all of these three characters at the same time. Speaking of characters, it should not go without mention that this novel once again features great queer representation through Yana and Kor (a sapphic couple), a non-binary side character as well as the gender-defying species of the Kessarines.
Tell me lies
One of my favorite aspects about Path of Deceit is how true to the story the title is. Not only are we being introduced to a Force cult befittingly called the “Path�, but Ireland and Gratton also mastered the art of deception within this story. The way the Path of the Open Hand operates is scarily true to real-life cults. It was, in fact, so accurate that I had to wonder if the authors have had their own experiences with groups like these. Regardless of whether that is the case or if they just really did their research, the depiction of being caught in a religious institution � whether you are aware of its extremism or not � was spot on.
Still, the deception and lies taking place in this book go beyond just confusing the characters. While seemingly every member of the Path is being deceived by the Mother, it is especially Marda who gets lulled further and further into the group’s clutches. It is frustrating to read, but isn’t that also exactly what makes a story great? To feel with and for the main character, to want to shake them, to root for them, to be overrun with emotions as you continue reading. Path of Deceit manages to do just that � and in the process, it also deceives the reader into feeling a false sense of security and into believing that it is heroes we are following. This book makes us forget we are reading about the ancestors of Marchion Ro, ruthless Evereni, murderous creatures � until it doesn’t. The ending of this novel left me shaking and wanting more, in the best way possible.
The value of rereading
I am usually not a re-reader of stories, so the question of whether I would read a book again always helps me tell a great one from a truly amazing one. Path of Deceit is the latter � it is a story that is fantastic the first time around, but also one that will reward you when you go back to it. Not only does it foreshadow events of Phase 1 (which takes place later in time but was released before, which ultimately makes this � aftershadowing?), it also uses a great deal of foreshadowing within the novel itself. It was only upon my second read that certain passages made much more sense to me and revealed hints I’d not noticed before.
Not perfect, but close enough
But no book is perfect, and even Path of Deceit has its flaws. Although I loved the focus of the story, both when it came to protagonists and places, certain side characters fell a bit flat for me. I had a hard time grasping Zallah Macri, Kevmo’s master, for example, and initially, I struggled connecting with the characters. However, I don’t think this is the writers� fault, I think it is my own for being overly careful getting attached to new characters I know will likely not make it out of this Phase alive. And to be fair, some choices on who lives or dies made me downright angry, which in turn is a testament to the authors� writing � somehow getting me to root for these characters within just a few chapters after all.
All in all, Path of Deceit is a wonderfully written story with multifaceted characters and important topics that challenge the reader to explore the grey scales of ethics and philosophy. Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton have succeeded in opening a new Phase of The High Republic, delivering a story that is just as relevant as any adult book may be. The focused storytelling, which is cohesive throughout the entire book, making it impossible to tell this story was written by two authors instead of just one, helps the reader build a true connection to the characters while deceiving you along with them. And even though I was left with the urge to scream into a pillow as I closed the book, I would read it all over again.
In Path of Deceit, High Republic-creator Justina Ireland and newbie Tessa Gratton take us back to the past to tell the story of a young Padawan, Kevmo Zink, and a true believer of a questionable Force cult, Marda Ro, whose attraction to each other grows as their views clash when the Jedi go to investigate the theft of a Force artifact. And as you might have guessed, chaos unfolds �
Out with the new, in with the old?
Phase 2 of The High Republic turns things upside down. First, we got to know that we are jumping back in time, and not just a few years, but a whopping 150! Secondly, this time around, a YA novel is kicking off the story instead of releasing a month later than the adult book. That makes for a few different challenges: creating a world that feels familiar yet different, getting us to overcome our attachments to Phase 1 characters and fall in love with new ones, and telling a story that is big enough to get the ball rolling while staying true to the YA age group. None of this is easy to pull off, and still, Ireland and Gratton have managed to succeed in writing a novel that accomplishes all of it.
Your focus determines your reality
Path of Deceit is a novel that is extremely focused, which is a welcome change from the ensemble-style stories from the adult books. The cast isn’t small, but us readers get to experience the story through three main characters. All of these characters differ vastly, creating a unique tone for each of their POVs � and offering the reader a lot to think about, as none of the protagonists are inherently right or wrong. Each of them believes in something different: Marda follows the beliefs of the Path, Kevmo stays true to the teachings of the Jedi and Yana simply doesn’t care at all. This doesn’t just make for a lot of conflict between the protagonists, it also challenges the reader to question their own views. What effects can the use of the Force have? Can you leave family behind to escape a toxic environment? The incredible thing about this is that somehow, you root for all of these three characters at the same time. Speaking of characters, it should not go without mention that this novel once again features great queer representation through Yana and Kor (a sapphic couple), a non-binary side character as well as the gender-defying species of the Kessarines.
Tell me lies
One of my favorite aspects about Path of Deceit is how true to the story the title is. Not only are we being introduced to a Force cult befittingly called the “Path�, but Ireland and Gratton also mastered the art of deception within this story. The way the Path of the Open Hand operates is scarily true to real-life cults. It was, in fact, so accurate that I had to wonder if the authors have had their own experiences with groups like these. Regardless of whether that is the case or if they just really did their research, the depiction of being caught in a religious institution � whether you are aware of its extremism or not � was spot on.
Still, the deception and lies taking place in this book go beyond just confusing the characters. While seemingly every member of the Path is being deceived by the Mother, it is especially Marda who gets lulled further and further into the group’s clutches. It is frustrating to read, but isn’t that also exactly what makes a story great? To feel with and for the main character, to want to shake them, to root for them, to be overrun with emotions as you continue reading. Path of Deceit manages to do just that � and in the process, it also deceives the reader into feeling a false sense of security and into believing that it is heroes we are following. This book makes us forget we are reading about the ancestors of Marchion Ro, ruthless Evereni, murderous creatures � until it doesn’t. The ending of this novel left me shaking and wanting more, in the best way possible.
The value of rereading
I am usually not a re-reader of stories, so the question of whether I would read a book again always helps me tell a great one from a truly amazing one. Path of Deceit is the latter � it is a story that is fantastic the first time around, but also one that will reward you when you go back to it. Not only does it foreshadow events of Phase 1 (which takes place later in time but was released before, which ultimately makes this � aftershadowing?), it also uses a great deal of foreshadowing within the novel itself. It was only upon my second read that certain passages made much more sense to me and revealed hints I’d not noticed before.
Not perfect, but close enough
But no book is perfect, and even Path of Deceit has its flaws. Although I loved the focus of the story, both when it came to protagonists and places, certain side characters fell a bit flat for me. I had a hard time grasping Zallah Macri, Kevmo’s master, for example, and initially, I struggled connecting with the characters. However, I don’t think this is the writers� fault, I think it is my own for being overly careful getting attached to new characters I know will likely not make it out of this Phase alive. And to be fair, some choices on who lives or dies made me downright angry, which in turn is a testament to the authors� writing � somehow getting me to root for these characters within just a few chapters after all.
All in all, Path of Deceit is a wonderfully written story with multifaceted characters and important topics that challenge the reader to explore the grey scales of ethics and philosophy. Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton have succeeded in opening a new Phase of The High Republic, delivering a story that is just as relevant as any adult book may be. The focused storytelling, which is cohesive throughout the entire book, making it impossible to tell this story was written by two authors instead of just one, helps the reader build a true connection to the characters while deceiving you along with them. And even though I was left with the urge to scream into a pillow as I closed the book, I would read it all over again.
December 11, 2022
I am shook. I’m still processing everything in this book 👀
April 8, 2024
� 5 stars
Oh boy was this book hella stressful! But I did enjoy it very much � the only problem I had with the book was the way Marda acted! Hopefully she sees through the cult’s ideas and forms her own that will be for the better of not only herself but everyone around her. The plot and all the characters kept me engaged because I deeply wanted to know what was gonna happen next.
“The Force balances and guides all.�
Oh boy was this book hella stressful! But I did enjoy it very much � the only problem I had with the book was the way Marda acted! Hopefully she sees through the cult’s ideas and forms her own that will be for the better of not only herself but everyone around her. The plot and all the characters kept me engaged because I deeply wanted to know what was gonna happen next.
“I like to think of the Force that way–free, clear, and harmonious like a song. And there are many, many ways to make a harmony, and none inherently better than others–except made so by circumstance.�
October 6, 2022
This book made me so insane. Path of Deceit, written by Tessa Gratton and Justina Ireland, is the first book in Phase II of the High Republic, which is set 150 years before Phase I. It introduces a force cult called the Path of the Open Hand, that believes no-one should use the force. But what happens when one of its members falls in love with a Jedi?
Path of Deceit works really well as a prequel. Where some prequels lose tension since the fate of the characters are known, since this is 150 years before Phase I, we don’t know anything about these characters, meaning anything could happen to them. But it is connected to Phase I in major ways that only start to be revealed at the end, answering mysteries from Phase I and heightening the emotions felt at certain points. In Star Wars terms, it is like The Clone Wars when it focuses on characters like Ahsoka and Rex. However, it also stands alone well since basically nothing in it has been covered by anything else, and it does introduce everything well.
Path of Deceit continues the Star Wars tradition of creating minor characters I would die for. It does spend a decent amount of time on exposition about the characters and the world they live in, but it’s necessary and I was very engaged with these new characters and new environments. I loved exploring the religious aspect of the Path and found it fascinating how most of the Path’s members are not force-sensitive yet have such a deep connection to the force.
I also loved the queer, polyamorous, and disabled representation. It feels amazing having *multiple* non-binary characters, and a character being strongly ADHD-coded in such a relatable way. It’s really nice to see them treated as normal and completely natural, yet the Path’s insistence that using the force is ‘unnatural� and force-sensitives should just deny that fundamental part of themselves resonates a lot when you have characters also being queer.
I really enjoyed Path of Deceit. It was a quick read, even factoring having to take breaks to scream into a pillow. I would recommend it to all High Republic fans, as even though it doesn’t have any character we got attached to previously, it still is great and answers a lot of questions raised in Phase I. You don’t have to have read any other books to read this one. I would recommend it to fans of The Clone Wars and the Prequel Trilogy, especially people who like Obi-Wan and Satine’s relationship. If you like seeing different perspectives on the Force and the Jedi, you’ll like this book.
Path of Deceit works really well as a prequel. Where some prequels lose tension since the fate of the characters are known, since this is 150 years before Phase I, we don’t know anything about these characters, meaning anything could happen to them. But it is connected to Phase I in major ways that only start to be revealed at the end, answering mysteries from Phase I and heightening the emotions felt at certain points. In Star Wars terms, it is like The Clone Wars when it focuses on characters like Ahsoka and Rex. However, it also stands alone well since basically nothing in it has been covered by anything else, and it does introduce everything well.
Path of Deceit continues the Star Wars tradition of creating minor characters I would die for. It does spend a decent amount of time on exposition about the characters and the world they live in, but it’s necessary and I was very engaged with these new characters and new environments. I loved exploring the religious aspect of the Path and found it fascinating how most of the Path’s members are not force-sensitive yet have such a deep connection to the force.
I also loved the queer, polyamorous, and disabled representation. It feels amazing having *multiple* non-binary characters, and a character being strongly ADHD-coded in such a relatable way. It’s really nice to see them treated as normal and completely natural, yet the Path’s insistence that using the force is ‘unnatural� and force-sensitives should just deny that fundamental part of themselves resonates a lot when you have characters also being queer.
I really enjoyed Path of Deceit. It was a quick read, even factoring having to take breaks to scream into a pillow. I would recommend it to all High Republic fans, as even though it doesn’t have any character we got attached to previously, it still is great and answers a lot of questions raised in Phase I. You don’t have to have read any other books to read this one. I would recommend it to fans of The Clone Wars and the Prequel Trilogy, especially people who like Obi-Wan and Satine’s relationship. If you like seeing different perspectives on the Force and the Jedi, you’ll like this book.
March 26, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect introduction to a new phase. I felt as if we had much more time to know the characters presented to us in the book, although we didn’t spend A LOT of time with them, if that makes sense. An example being we didn’t stray so far from the intimate story with the Path of the Open Hand and our two Jedi.
Reading Phase 1 first had me excited to read the introductory stories to certain things such as The Leveler and The Gaze Electric in this first book of P2. I felt it was the best way to show us their origins. I’m eager to read PoV, as I’m writing this review after reading “The Battle of Jedha� & “Convergence�.
Reading Phase 1 first had me excited to read the introductory stories to certain things such as The Leveler and The Gaze Electric in this first book of P2. I felt it was the best way to show us their origins. I’m eager to read PoV, as I’m writing this review after reading “The Battle of Jedha� & “Convergence�.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2023
Not bad a bit slower than expected but builds up gradually
October 4, 2023
I’d give this a 3/5 stars, it’s a slightly above “just okay� addition to the High Republic saga.
Stealing from the Skywalker Saga, Path of Deceit kicks off a new series within the High Republic acting as a prequel to Phase 1. You learn a little more background around a lot of items that pop up in the Phase 1 series:
- The Ro Family
- The (assumed) precursor to the Nihil
- The Gaze Electric
- The San Tekka family
- The Leveler beast
- The Conflict between E’ronoh and Eiram
- Life on the frontier before Starlight Beacon (and why it was needed)
The first half of the book reads very YA. This isn’t always a problem, some of the best books in canon are YA, however the start of this reads very much like a telenovela. Flirtation between a cultist and a padawan in a will they/won’t they tryst of a relationship. We also have the often overdone plot of a secret mystical cult leader, who likely is not telling the cult her whole truth and leading them down a dark path. The first half or two thirds really sullied the whole book for me.
The last half or third, however, takes a very mature and dark turn as cogs keep turning into place to set up more of the adventures of Phase 2. Double crosses, murder, and fear set up a very dramatic and climatic ending that honestly saved the whole book for me. I am excited to see what comes next in this series.
Stealing from the Skywalker Saga, Path of Deceit kicks off a new series within the High Republic acting as a prequel to Phase 1. You learn a little more background around a lot of items that pop up in the Phase 1 series:
- The Ro Family
- The (assumed) precursor to the Nihil
- The Gaze Electric
- The San Tekka family
- The Leveler beast
- The Conflict between E’ronoh and Eiram
- Life on the frontier before Starlight Beacon (and why it was needed)
The first half of the book reads very YA. This isn’t always a problem, some of the best books in canon are YA, however the start of this reads very much like a telenovela. Flirtation between a cultist and a padawan in a will they/won’t they tryst of a relationship. We also have the often overdone plot of a secret mystical cult leader, who likely is not telling the cult her whole truth and leading them down a dark path. The first half or two thirds really sullied the whole book for me.
The last half or third, however, takes a very mature and dark turn as cogs keep turning into place to set up more of the adventures of Phase 2. Double crosses, murder, and fear set up a very dramatic and climatic ending that honestly saved the whole book for me. I am excited to see what comes next in this series.
October 30, 2022
Phase 2 of the High Republic started out with a bang. Path of Deceit was absolutely everything I could want from a Star Wars novel. It had new takes on the Force, the most lovable yet complex characters, and a fast-paced plot. I'm truly blown away by how much was fit into such a short book.
Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton did an incredible job of writing Path of Deceit in a way where you could enjoy it not having read any of the previous High Republic releases. As someone who read all of phase 1, I loved seeing easter eggs from earlier books in a way that let me speculate on how what we begin to see in Path of Deceit becomes the state of the world in phase 1.
Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton did an incredible job of writing Path of Deceit in a way where you could enjoy it not having read any of the previous High Republic releases. As someone who read all of phase 1, I loved seeing easter eggs from earlier books in a way that let me speculate on how what we begin to see in Path of Deceit becomes the state of the world in phase 1.
June 4, 2023
Seen a lot of 5 star reviews of this book and was looking forward to getting into it, but it ended up feeling like a battle just to get to the end. I probably wouldn’t have even finished it if I wasn’t listening to the audiobook while driving to work and back. The final stretch had a few interesting things finally happen, but other than making some clear connections to familiar things from Phase 1 high republic books, the first 80% of this book was mostly a bad Jedi romance between characters I didn’t especially care about.
December 17, 2022
the high republic is out here high republic'n and i for one am grateful, despite the pain
March 5, 2025
What an improvement for Justina Ireland. Her and Tessa Gratton work so well together.
Ireland's taste for romance, and especially a gay romance, works to her advantage as alongside Gratton, they craft two pivotal romances in the novel, and both were phenomenal.
The characters of this book were rich, and the story was really entertaining. It was an easy read, and while I took my time with it, it's no reflection on the quality of the story. Which was fantastic.
My only, very small complaint is that I'm sorely missing Elzar, Avar, and the phase one characters right now.
Ireland's taste for romance, and especially a gay romance, works to her advantage as alongside Gratton, they craft two pivotal romances in the novel, and both were phenomenal.
The characters of this book were rich, and the story was really entertaining. It was an easy read, and while I took my time with it, it's no reflection on the quality of the story. Which was fantastic.
My only, very small complaint is that I'm sorely missing Elzar, Avar, and the phase one characters right now.
October 16, 2022
A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.
Many people raised their eyebrows when it was announced that Phase 2 would kick off with a YA novel, and not an adult one. Especially when the Phase 1 YA novels were underwhelming to say the least.
But this was actually very good. Highly enjoyable. I’ve far from read all Star Wars YA novels but this has to be one of the better ones.
I enjoyed reading about the clash of ideologies between Jedi and the Path, characters I actually cared about, and a story that was fun, interesting and didn’t feel like a chore to read, like some of the Phase 1 novels. I also think the book did a very good job setting up the new timeline/era, even with its somewhat limited scope.
This was a great start to Phase 2 and I am very excited for it to continue. For Light and Life.
Many people raised their eyebrows when it was announced that Phase 2 would kick off with a YA novel, and not an adult one. Especially when the Phase 1 YA novels were underwhelming to say the least.
But this was actually very good. Highly enjoyable. I’ve far from read all Star Wars YA novels but this has to be one of the better ones.
I enjoyed reading about the clash of ideologies between Jedi and the Path, characters I actually cared about, and a story that was fun, interesting and didn’t feel like a chore to read, like some of the Phase 1 novels. I also think the book did a very good job setting up the new timeline/era, even with its somewhat limited scope.
This was a great start to Phase 2 and I am very excited for it to continue. For Light and Life.
October 9, 2022
*3.5 This was a sloooooooow burn, but the end was definitely action packed. I liked that the book only focused on 3-4 characters unlike some of the other high republic books. The book really dragged at times and the cult at the center of the it was uncomfortable and creepy (much of which was intentional) but was a bit much for me.
October 11, 2022
Now this is The High Republic novel I’ve been waiting for. Weird Force cults! Romance! And the beginning of a much different tone than we’ve seen in The High Republic. This is easily my new favorite of the series. Justina Ireland and Tessa Gratton have set the standard for this phase right at the beginning. This is my kind of Star Wars.
February 1, 2025
Rycerze Jedi vs kosmiczne lesbijki i zaimki onu jenu , inaczej nie da się tego podsumować. Mimo naprawdę wciągającej przygody dziejącej się na rubieżach galaktyki, ilość lewicowych poglądów zaczynając od facetów rodzących dzieci po możliwości wyboru własnej płci jest niestety przytłaczająca. Jestem zdania że książki powinny być fascynującą przygodą, a nie narzędziem do propagowania tęczowych idiotyzmów.
January 19, 2023
Happy to be into Phase II! For light and life!_
June 19, 2024
They try to tell me Star Wars is lame, that it’s not as good as it used to be. And every. single. time. They’re wrong !!!
I genuinely think this book may have introduced us to some of the more interesting characters in Star Wars that I’ve met. Kevmo is charming, conflicted, and overall a great time. Marda has so much going on and trying to find herself through her own faith in the Force? inject it into my veins
I genuinely think this book may have introduced us to some of the more interesting characters in Star Wars that I’ve met. Kevmo is charming, conflicted, and overall a great time. Marda has so much going on and trying to find herself through her own faith in the Force? inject it into my veins
February 13, 2025
Being emotionally destroyed by a book before 9am was not on my February bingo card but i guess the Force acts in unexpected ways bc WHAT WAS THIS BOOK?
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