It’s only been a few weeks but we’ve already got another excellent entry into the High Republic timeline. Out today, Out of the Shadows by Justina Ireland picks up in the wake of the disastrous Republic Fair. Several teenage Jedi Knights and Padawans and one very determined cargo pilot find themselves pulled into a tangled web with both the Nihil and some very well-connected rich people who might not have the best motives at heart. (And really… that last one probably shouldn’t come as a surprise.)

I think we can all agree one of the strengths of The High Republic has been that there is no weak spot amongst the creative line up. All of them are great at what they do. However……. I’m going to pick a favorite. Justina Ireland is now two-for-two with standout books in each High Republic wave so far. Out of the Shadows has the distinction of being one of the few books I have made myself stop reading so I’d be able to continue the next day in order to prolong the reading experience. So many of the things that made A Test of Courage in Wave 1 such a treat to read are present here as well.

The thing that really makes Ireland’s books stand out are how the characters deal with the very (for lack of a better word) human ramifications of these galaxy shattering events. Sylvestri Yarrow is dealing with the loss of her mother and having the full responsibilities of an adult ship owner thrust upon her unexpectedly. Vernestra Rwoh not only has to continue to grapple with being made a full Jedi Knight so early and feeling uncertain of her place but also with the responsibility of a padawan who’s only a few years her junior. The tragedy on Valo (yes, the one depicted in The Rising Storm) has left its scars on more than a few people and it’s nice to see those ramifications dealt with so carefully and with such a deft hand.

But at the same time, this book has its share of humor. There’s a running joke regarding people mistaking an enormous fluffy creature for being a seat (said creature does it on purpose) and while I wish people would stop calling Vernestra by a nickname she doesn’t like, she does have a bad track record when it comes to accidentally destroying ships. The teasing there feels good natured and natural; like you’re hearing teasing amongst friends. The High Republic seems to be getting a darker and darker tone as it continues on but humor adds a ray of light I think we could all use.

This book might also be one of the most unapologetically queer books Star Wars has ever published. While the galaxy may be lagging behind in terms of representation on the screen, the publishing side continues to lead the way. A key part of the plot revolves around Syl and her well-connected ex-girlfriend. Characters are not shy about quiet observations regarding members of the same gender being attractive. It’s done so casually and naturally yet also stands out because, well, it’s really only recently that Star Wars has had LGBTQ+ characters. We could use more books like Out of the Shadows.

One of the potential downsides of the book isn’t even really a downside of the book but one for the publishing program as a whole. Between both of Ireland’s books and Into the Dark, we’ve gotten such fantastic characters who aren’t Jedi who many readers have come to adore by the time they reach the final page. It’s not nearly as certain as to whether we’ll get to see them again. I really, really hope we do get to see more of characters like Sylvestri and Jordanna as they’re part of what helps the book really sing. Part of the appeal of Star Wars has always been its characters who don’t have the Force in addition to those who do. (As I’m writing this review, I’m seeing chatter go by about Leox Gyasi and the rest of the crew of Vessel are in the latest issue of Star Wars Adventures which is lovely to hear and also gives me some more hope than I had before I started writing this paragraph.)

Justina Ireland’s work continues to be a shining star in The High Republic constellation. Out of the Shadows just might be my favorite Star Wars book I’ve read so far this year. Pick it up. You won’t be disappointed.

Thank you to Disney Lucasfilm Press for providing an advance copy of the book for review purposes.