A test of courage

Gr 3--6--Before Skywalker, the clone wars, and the empire, Jedi Knights worked with the force to guard peace and justice. This new series is set in the High Republic, an optimistic and noble time before the fall of the Jedis. In this novel, readers meet four young characters: the inventive and rebellious daughter of a senator, a young padawan, an exemplary teen Jedi, and the son of an ambassador. Aboard a luxurious ship, the Steady Wing, the Ambassador of Dalnan and representatives from the Republic plan on traveling through hyperspace to discuss the Dalnans joining the Republic for safety and security. What begins as an exciting adventure to build the Republic turns into a catastrophe when the ship is sabotaged. For these four young space travelers, their trip is turned upside down. Landing on a moon where the near-constant rain burns everything it touches and there's a new enemy at every turn, they are challenged in more ways than they could have expected. Ireland writes a compelling story for young readers who want to explore a new chapter in the "Star Wars" saga. Readers will love the unique personalities of these fresh characters and will eagerly await the next title. VERDICT An engaging adventure for young "Star Wars" fans, and a great introduction for new visitors to the galaxy far, far away.--Julie Jesernik, Warrenville P.L., IL

After rogue bandits catastrophically sabotage a luxury liner on its passage across the stars, a group of young survivors finds refuge on a distant moon far from home. The hubbub at Port Haileap surrounds the opulent Steady Wing, a vessel with a course set for a commemoration of the launch of Starlight Beacon, the Republic's latest emissary for hope across the wild of the Outer Rim. Vernestra Rwoh--a green-skinned child prodigy and newly appointed Jedi Knight of 16--must accompany and protect senator's daughter Avon Starros, a precocious 12-year-old brown-skinned girl with a science-oriented mind. Joining Vern's mission is J-6, Avon's sassy bodyguard droid. Shortly after takeoff, explosions rock the Steady Wing, killing almost all the passengers. Vern, Avon, and J-6 manage to escape, joined by Honesty Weft, the distraught son of an ambassador who perishes, and Imri Cantaros, a 14-year-old Padawan who loses his master. With little recourse, the group lands on a far-off moon thick with peculiar jungles and deadly rain, eluding the grasp of dangers that shadow them. This tale ends with a promise of more dangerous times ahead, and Ireland's attention to conflict building feeds nicely into that guarantee. Rich internal third-person dialogue reveals dollops of inner turmoil for each character (sans droid) at key moments as well as providing some much-needed worldbuilding to make this a winning choice. A great read for Star Wars fans young and old. (Science fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.