Reviews with content warning for Violence - A Test of Courage

This was my first venture into the High Reublic era, and I’m not disappointed. It was very well developed for a middle grade novel. There could have been more emphasis placed on the doubts and attraction to the dark side, but I understand why it was kept a tad more surface-level.

The characters were all interesting in their own way, and I’m glad to know some of them appear in other High Republic books. I desperately want more of Avon because that girl is super autistic-coded and I’m loving to see that kind of rep in Star Wars 🤩

The few illustrations are also beautiful and complement well the story. I do wish they had been placed between chapters instead of during, but I would also have taken more of them 😅

It stays a middle grade book, and people not used to it might find it a bit boring, but I highly suggest it to young and old fans alike.

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melsage1823's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I am absolutely amazing and delighted. This book absolutely exceeded my expectations. Since it was a children's book I thought the language was going to get toned down or that themes wouldn't get explored as deeply but somehow Ireland manages to do it.

If you thought the ending of Light Of The Jedi was heartbreaking wait till you read this book. It is action paced throughout especially with the tensions of the stranded group having to survive together. The themes of grief, justice, anger and love are felt throughout the entirety of the book and kept me engaged throughout.

Due to the book having less characters in than Light Of The Jedi instead of world building we get top notch character development showing different people's experiences living in the era of the High Republic. Vernestra was an absolute amazing character and you could see the struggles she had being in charge due to her age. Imris journey was absolutely amazing and heartbreaking at the same time. No spoilers but my empath instincts came out reading about his struggles. Avon was an absolutely fabulous co protagonist and her backstory as well as her pov chapters were very interesting and gave lots of insight into how future stuff in the star wars universe came to be. J-6 was a far more entertaining rebellious droid than the one in solo and I found her journey very interesting. You see the splinters discussing about droids and free will. I also loved Honesty and his journey into a more wise character who doesn't act irrational.

As good as the writing was the art work was also incredible to. It's so pretty that I'm tempted to scan them onto my computer.

This was highly engaging and I can't wait to read more of Irleands work.

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mandkips's review

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

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astropova's review

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adventurous emotional funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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e_flah's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was curious to see how A Test of Courage would fit into The High Republic's wave 1 release as the Great Disaster is pretty bleak. The story follows the newly-knighted Jedi Vernestra, a Padawan named Imri, budding scientist Avon, and hopeful field medic Honesty. A Test of Courage follows the group on their journey to the dedication of Starlight Beacon, which definitely doesn't go according to plan.

A Test of Courage grapples with big themes like grief and finding your purpose. While the book may be for younger readers, the challenges faced by the main characters are not minimized or easily solved. I loved seeing Vernestra grapple with her pride of becoming a Jedi Knight so early. Imri's

grief over losing his master and struggle to resist the dark side were portrayed really compellingly as well.

This was an entertaining read and I'm looking forward to seeing more of Vernestra in Out of the Shadows.

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monilib's review against another edition

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adventurous hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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