After nearly five years of exploring the expansive narrative of Star Wars: The High Republic, we are on the cusp of a dramatic conclusion. This is a pivotal time in the Star Wars saga, filled with intriguing stories conveyed through novels, audio dramas, comics, and even a television series. As we approach the finale with Trials of the Jedi, the stakes are incredibly high—the Jedi and the Republic face their ultimate showdown against the Nihil, and we’re given an exclusive peek into a critical moment of this final chapter.
Charles Soule’s Trials of the Jedi thrusts us into an urgent scenario where Chancellor Lina Soh must confront a harrowing decision: should she submit to the demands of Marchion Ro, the formidable leader of the Nihil, or refuse, risking greater calamity as the terrifying Blight ravages the galaxy?
“As with many Star Wars tales, our heroes are in dire straits as Trials of the Jedi gets underway,” Soule shared with Movies & TV. “The Blight, a life-threatening affliction, is appearing on planets across the galaxy, and the only one who might be able to stop it is our High Republic antagonist, Marchion Ro. Here, we follow Chancellor Lina Soh as she grapples with the implications of accepting Marchion’s offer to save lives at a potentially immense cost.”
Soule was the visionary who launched the High Republic initiative with his novel Light of the Jedi back in early 2021. Although we can look forward to more tales set in this universe, Soule is tasked with wrapping up this particular saga, a responsibility that comes with both excitement and pressure.
“Beginning with Light of the Jedi was a remarkable opportunity, and now, concluding the overarching story with Trials of the Jedi presents an incredible challenge,” Soule reflected. “The characters and worlds crafted in this era have resonated deeply with fans. Completing this story in a satisfying manner is my top priority, and I am eager to hear their thoughts on how it all comes together.”
Before diving into our exclusive excerpt from Trials of the Jedi, remember that the audiobook is narrated by Marc Thompson, offering fans another way to experience this grand finale.
Audio excerpted courtesy of Penguin Random House Audio from Star Wars: Trials of the Jedi (The High Republic) by Charles Soule, read by Marc Thompson. © 2025 Charles Soule, ℗ 2025 Penguin Random House, LLC. All rights reserved.
“Madam Chancellor,” said Norel Quo, his tone brightening a bit, “the Jedi are here.”
Lina Soh stood, seeing another disk glide toward her from the Convocation Chamber’s wall, draped in black, signaling its affiliation with Hetzal. Once a beautiful agricultural planet, it had become the center of the Nihil conflict. The history made here, where billions were saved, now felt hollow as Hetzal became their stronghold.
The Nihil’s selection of Hetzal confirmed a tragic conclusion: all the sacrifice the Republic had made seemed meaningless in the face of their rise.
As the disk approached, a Jedi stood upon it, clad in formal robes. Droids buzzed around, feeding information to other platforms as Lina noted the lingering threat of the Nihil’s infiltration. The Jedi, bemused yet poised, leapt from the disk, landing gracefully beside her. “Elzar, where have you been?” she inquired, urgency lacing her voice. “The Republic is in crisis.”
“I know, Lina,” he replied, familiarity sparking between them. “We’re working to stop the Blight.”
He flicked his fingers, sending the recording droids away, wanting their conversation to remain private. “The Blight is now on Coruscant, beneath the Jedi Temple,” he warned, the weight of the situation settling over them.
Lina’s resolve wavered. She thought, How can we evacuate a trillion people? Chaos loomed in her mind as she pondered her options. Her thoughts spun: I must agree to Marchion’s terms. I must allow him to save us.
Uncertain, she asked, “When did the Jedi realize the Blight was beneath the Temple?”
“Days, not weeks,” Elzar said, his expression grave.
“What? Why wasn’t I informed immediately?” she demanded, disbelief and frustration boiling beneath her calm demeanor.
“We have it contained for now,” Elzar assured, but her anger simmered. An evacuation was impossible; announcing the Blight would incite terror. Who does he think he is? she thought, but the answer was clear: A Jedi.
“We have a plan to stop the Blight everywhere,” Elzar continued, trying to redirect the conversation toward hope.
“Will it defeat the Nihil?” she pressed, seeking clarity.
“No, that’s for the Republic,” he replied. “But we can capture a group of Nameless to use in our plans.”
“Why capture them instead of destroying them?” she questioned, seeking logic.
“For a different purpose,” he conceded, but then their moment was interrupted by Norel Quo announcing that it was time.
As the Senate chamber came alive with Marchion Ro’s hologram, Lina felt the pressure rise. Marchion’s calm demeanor belied the dangerous game they played. What will it mean to say yes to him? She weighed the psychological impact against the reality of the galactic crisis.
“I can eliminate the Blight,” Marchion offered, “at no cost other than credit.”
Lina’s mind raced. The first concession is the hardest; she reminded herself. What reason do I have to refuse?
In the end, she chose the Republic over the immediate allure of safety. “Marchion Ro, the answer is no. We are the Republic, and we will solve this together.”
Star Wars: The High Republic – Trials of the Jedi goes on sale June 17. Don’t miss out; you can pre-order it here.
Are you eager for more insights into the Star Wars universe? Curious about what comes next? Keep an eye on the latest from Moyens I/O.
What is Trials of the Jedi about in the context of the High Republic? It serves as the conclusion to the ongoing conflict between the Jedi and Nihil, showcasing a climactic decision by the Republic.
What are the challenges faced by Chancellor Lina Soh? She must navigate the complexities of leadership while contending with the rising Blight and the moral dilemmas posed by Marchion Ro.
How have fans reacted to the High Republic series? The series has garnered significant attention for its rich storytelling and character development, fostering a deep connection with its audience.
What can readers expect from Charles Soule’s writing style? Soule’s narrative blends urgency and depth, exploring complex choices within high-stakes scenarios.
Why is the character of Marchion Ro important in this climax? As the main antagonist, he symbolizes the ethical challenges the Republic faces, representing the thin line between desperation and compromise.