"Words crackled into the air, one of the technician’s comms droids broadcasting the message out into Minister Ecka’s office. A woman’s voice. Just a few words, but they brought with them, yes…the one thing most needed at the moment. 'This is Jedi Master Avar Kriss. Help is on the way.' That one thing. Hope."
s the face of Wave I of The High Republic publishing initiative, Avar Kriss was quickly adopted as the hero of the new age in Star Wars. The Jedi Master stormed onto the scene as a focused, determined, and compassionate warrior who deeply understood those around her.
Her empathy is, in large part, thanks to how Avar experiences the Force. Seeing it as a symphony, she hears every living being’s song and contribution to the Living Force.
As marshall of Starlight Beacon, Avar’s appearances span across mediums, starting with the first adult novel of the initiative and moving into multiple High Republic comics, young adult novels, junior novels, and even audio dramas and short stories.
Avar goes from being the Hero of Hetzal to leading the fight against the Drengir. She takes her role as Jedi Master to mean being a true peacekeeper for the Republic. By the end of Wave I, no one is more determined than her to hunt down the leader of the Nihil, who continues to wreak havoc across the galaxy.
Her friendship with Elzar Mann and Stellan Gios is a common thread throughout Phase I of the initiative. The relationships between the trio create much of the emotional drama found throughout the Phase, and truly give great insight into the humanity of Avar Kriss.
As readers get to know Avar better, it becomes more clear that her altruism is not her only character trait. She grows to be more complex, showing anger and frustration, and sometimes even outright disdain. Her measured actions give way to occasional impulsiveness as she tries to keep up with the amount of increased threats the Jedi Order faces.
To follow Avar’s journey, we recommend the following reads that have her as a central and pivotal character, who quickly became beloved by fans of The High Republic.
Coming Soon
Our team is hard at work building out this collection. Stay tuned!
Books in this Collection
The High Republic: Light of the Jedi
The High Republic: Light of the Jedi is a canon novel. It is the first volume and part of the first wave in Phase 1 of the multimedia project Star Wars: The High Republic.
The events of the novel are set 200 years before the events of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.
Long before the First Order, before the Empire, before even The Phantom Menace. . . Jedi lit the way for the galaxy in The High Republic
It is a golden age. Intrepid hyperspace scouts expand the reach of the Republic to the furthest stars, worlds flourish under the benevolent leadership of the Senate, and peace reigns, enforced by the wisdom and strength of the renowned order of Force users known as the Jedi. With the Jedi at the height of their power, the free citizens of the galaxy are confident in their ability to weather any storm. But even the brightest light can cast a shadow, and some storms defy any preparation.
When a shocking catastrophe in hyperspace tears a ship to pieces, the flurry of shrapnel emerging from the disaster threatens an entire system. No sooner does the call for help go out than the Jedi race to the scene. The scope of the emergence, however, is enough to push even Jedi to their limit. As the sky breaks open and destruction rains down upon the peaceful alliance they helped to build, the Jedi must trust in the Force to see them through a day in which a single mistake could cost billions of lives.
Even as the Jedi battle valiantly against calamity, something truly deadly grows beyond the boundary of the Republic. The hyperspace disaster is far more sinister than the Jedi could ever suspect. A threat hides in the darkness, far from the light of the age, and harbors a secret that could strike fear into even a Jedi's heart.
The High Republic (2021) Vol. 1: There is No Fear (Trade Paperback)
The High Republic Vol. 1 There is No Fear
A canon trade paperback that collects issues 1-5 of the Marvel comic-book series Star Wars: The High Republic
A new era of Star Wars storytelling begins! Journey back to the High Republic — the golden age of the Jedi! Centuries before the Empire and the Skywalker saga, the Jedi are at their height, protecting the galaxy as Republic pioneers push out into new territories. But as the frontier prepares for the dedication of the majestic Starlight Beacon, Padawan Keeve Trennis faces the ultimate choice — will she complete her Jedi trials, or rescue the innocent from disaster? And can she trust her closest ally? Enter a rich and vast world of new Jedi! New worlds! New ships! And new evils to fight — including the terrifying Nihil!
COLLECTING: Star Wars: The High Republic (2021) #1-5
The High Republic (2021) Vol 2: The Heart of the Drengir (Trade Paperback)
The High Republic Vol. 2: The Heart of the Drengir
The second trade paperback in the Marvel comic book series The High Republic issues.
As the galaxy prepares to celebrate the Republic Fair on Valo, a fierce battle rages in the depths of Wild Space — and the Jedi of Starlight Beacon must join forces with their most feared enemy to face the terror of the unstoppable Drengir horde! And as Avar Kriss and her new allies fight nightmarish creatures on a harsh lava world, young Jedi Keeve Trennis puts everything on the line to save her former master from the darkness — but the scars run deep... Meanwhile, who — or what — is the Great Progenitor? And will the Jedi find that other forces are at work on the Drengir's deathworld? Guest-starring Cohmac Vitus, Reath Silas and Orla Jareni, Jedi Wayseeker, from the blockbuster novel Star Wars: The High Republic — Into the Dark!
COLLECTING: Star Wars: High Republic #6-10
The High Republic (2021) Vol. 3: Jedi's End (Trade Paperback)
Star Wars: The High Republic Vol. 3: Jedi's End
Is the third trade paperback of the Marvel canon comic book series Star Wars: The High Republic.
The history-making saga of the High Republic era continues! With the stakes higher than ever before and time running out quickly, the Jedi must mount a daring rescue! The Nihil base is square in their sights — and Sskeer insists on going with them, no matter his condition. But a floating fortress at the heart of No Space [sic] will not be an easy target — will the best plan be a full-on attack, or an undercover infiltration? The way of the Jedi allows only one answer. Let battle commence...and may the Force be with our heroes!
COLLECTING:
- Star Wars: The High Republic (2021) #11-15
- Eye of the Storm #1-2
The High Republic: Tempest Runner
The High Republic: Tempest Runner is a canon audio drama written by Cavan Scott set in the High Republic Era starring the Nihil Tempest Runner Lourna Dee..
In this Star Wars audio original, delve into the cutthroat world of one of the High Republic's greatest foes, the merciless Lourna Dee.
The Nihil storm has raged through the galaxy, leaving chaos and grief in its wake. Few of its raiders are as vicious as the Tempest Runner Lourna Dee. She stays one step ahead of the Jedi Order at the helm of a vessel named after one of the deadliest monsters in the galaxy: the Lourna Dee. But no one can outrun the defenders of the High Republic forever.
After the defeat of her crew, Lourna falls into the hands of the Jedi–but not before she hides her identity, becoming just another Nihil convict. Her captors fail to understand the beast they have cornered. Just like every fool she’s ever buried, their first mistake was keeping her alive.
Lourna is determined to make underestimating her their last.
Locked onto a Republic correctional ship, she's dragged across the galaxy to repair the very damage she and her fellow Tempest Runners inflicted on it. But as Lourna plans her glorious escape, she makes alliances that grow dangerously close to friendships. Outside the Nihil—separated from her infamous ship, her terrifying arsenal, and her feared name—Lourna must carve her own path. But will it lead to redemption? Or will she emerge as a deadlier threat than ever before?
The High Republic: The Fallen Star
The High Republic: The Fallen Star is a canon novel and part of the third wave in Phase 1 of the multimedia project Star Wars: The High Republic.
In this gripping sequel to Star Wars: The Rising Storm, the light of the Jedi faces its darkest hour.
Time and again, the vicious raiders known as the Nihil have sought to bring the golden age of the High Republic to a fiery end. Time and again, the High Republic has emerged battered and weary, but victorious thank to its Jedi protectors—and there is no monument to their cause grander than the Starlight Beacon.
Hanging like a jewel in the Outer Rim, the Beacon embodies the High Republic at the apex of its aspirations: a hub of culture and knowledge, a bright torch against the darkness of the unknown, and an extended hand of welcome to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. As survivors and refugees flee the Nihil's attacks, the Beacon and its crew stand ready to shelter and heal.
The grateful Knights and Padawans of the Jedi Order stationed there finally have a chance to recover—from the pain of their injuries and the grief of their losses. But the storm they thought had passed still rages; they are simply caught in its eye. Marchion Ro, the true mastermind of the Nihil, is preparing his most daring attack yet—one designed to snuff out the light of the Jedi.