Vernestra is fifteen and one of the youngest to become a Jedi Knight. When the ship she's on is attacked by saboteurs, she must look after those even younger than herself - including a genius, a warrior-to-be and a Padawan. Their escape pod lands on a moon that is anything but safe.

I really enjoyed this middle grade adventure. It reminded me a little of Jude Watson's Jedi Apprentice series in the old canon (which I loved, btw). Vernestra is a great character - she's very relatable despite being a one-of-a-kind prodigy. A solid MG novel in its own right and a good addition in the High Republic. I would have liked a slightly more exciting adventure though!

Starlight Beacon is still the light of the Republic and one of its "great works". But the Nihil threat still lurks and The Eye will do everything in his power to see that light extinguished. His weapon of choice: three saboteurs, aided by a convenient disturbance in the Force. Stellan Gios is currently in charge of Starlight Beacon. Will he prove worth of this mantle?

I haven't liked any of the adult novels in this series thus far, but I knew Claudia Gray wouldn't let me down - she and Timothy Zahn remain the best Star Wars authors on Disney's payroll. Jedi have been dropping like flies in these books and I just stopped caring. Gray actually made me give a damn. She kept the pacing perfect from page one, all while tightening the tension. And Gray proves that chaos doesn't mean the book containing it has to be chaotic - looking at you, Cavan Scott and Charles Soule.

Sharda has had enough of her relations and their plans for her, so she needs little convincing to run off to the Highlands with a lovely lass. Finella manages Balintore Castle as much as she can, but it's becoming harder and harder when its owner does so little. A new owner is exactly what the castle needs. But Sharda has something - ahem, someone - else on her mind.

Gosh, this was cute. I had so much fun reading it, especially during the "there was only one bed!" scene. Sharda and Finella are so delightfully perfect for each other. I'd definitely opt to spend a Hogmanay at Balintore Castle, if they were in attendance. I do wish that some scenes were longer - it would have really ramped up my enjoyment of the tale - but ah, that's what you get with novellas.