Hello, everyone! Today I’m reviewing Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton, the latest installment in Star Wars: The High Republic. This enormous publishing initiative is one of my favorite pieces of recent Star Wars media. So, I always look forward to getting the next book.

The reunited Jedi prepare to strike back against the ruthless Nihil in this thrilling sequel to Star Wars: The High Republic: The Eye of Darkness.

For over a year, Jedi Masters Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann were kept apart by the Nihil’s Stormwall. After Avar makes a daring escape from inside the Occlusion Zone, the star-crossed Jedi are reunited. But while the physical distance between them has evaporated, their shared grief over their failure to protect the galaxy from the Nihil threat still remains.

To rally the Jedi Order, and the Republic, Avar and Elzar cling to their belief in serving Light and Life. Working together they lead a daring mission into Nihil space to liberate the planet of Naboo, and show those trapped behind the Stormwall that the Jedi will never abandon them. Now back within close orbit of one another, the two Jedi Masters can no longer deny the bond that has always drawn them back together and made them stronger. After finally embracing their true desires and imbued with renewed purpose, Avar and Elzar devise a plan to turn the tide of the conflict with the Nihil once and for all.

Accompanied by Jedi Knights Bell Zettifar, Burryaga, and Vernestra Rwoh, the Jedi begin their hunt for Marchion Ro. But to seek out the Nihil’s dangerous leader the Jedi will have to survive the Nameless terrors that they have thus far been powerless to stop.

Temptation of the Force was an excellent installment of the High Republic publishing initiative. The character arcs were compelling, and the plot moved the story forward in exciting new ways. I was surprised by how much more relevant this book made Defy the Storm. There were many connections between the two stories. I definitely recommend reading Defy the Storm before this book to get some important context.

The plot of Temptation of the Force was riveting and had quite a few callbacks to the first phase of The High Republic. I was surprised by the reappearance of a certain enemy. I was even more shocked that the story actually made me feel empathy for them when before I’ve always found them to be a laughably dumb villain. There was also plenty of exciting action in this book. I particularly loved how Gratton wrote the Jedi vector space battles. It was all so immersive and just felt like Star Wars.

The story in Temptation of the Force was a bit all over the place, though. It had a lot of subplots, and it didn’t always feel like there was a cohesive storyline binding them all together. The conflict between the Republic and the Nihil was obviously the focus. However, it was broken down into a lot of tiny bits that got bogged down at times. There was the threat of the Nameless, as well as the mystery of the planet-eating blight, the love story of Elzar and Avar, Porter Engle’s revenge quest, the attempts to destroy the Stormwall, and several other smaller threads. Individually, each plot thread was good, and they did come together in a satisfying way by the end. It was just a lot to track at once.

Gratton excelled at writing the characters and their dynamics in Temptation of the Force. Burryaga was a standout for me in this story. I’ve always enjoyed his character, but this was the first time I feel like I actually got to know him. This story explored his thoughts and emotions, as well as his unique empathic connection to the Force. Burryaga’s friendship with Bell was so well-written, and I just loved how deep their connection has become. Their grief and trauma have bonded them together in a way that felt really special.

Avar and Elzar. What can I say? Gratton brilliantly portrayed their struggle with their love for one another. They’ve always had a deep connection, but this is the first time I’ve really FELT it. They were both trying to overcome their failures at Starlight while also navigating the pull toward one another. It led to excellent commentary on healthy love in Temptation of the Force. Both Avar and Elzar had to figure out whether they could love each other in a way that didn’t lead to the possessiveness of the dark side. Their journey was a beautiful one, and the end left me wondering if they could be a dyad. I’d love to see that concept explored in a future book.

Overall, Temptation of the Force was a great addition to The High Republic. There was a lot going on, but the many plot threads felt balanced and came together in a satisfying way by the end. This book had some of my favorite character work in The High Republic to date. The commentary on love, friendship, and the power of empathy was especially poignant. I definitely recommend all High Republic fans read this one. If you aren’t a High Republic fan yet, go start with phase one and read it! There is so much great storytelling you are missing. All things considered, I rate Temptation of the Force 4.75 out of 5 stars!

There you have it! My thoughts on Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton. Have you read it or any of the other High Republic books? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments!