Star Wars: The High Republic: Midnight Horizon

Centuries before the events of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, in the era of the glorious High Republic, the Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy! After a series of staggering losses, the Republic seems to finally have the villainous Nihil marauders on the run, and it looks like there's light at the end of the tunnel. Until word comes of a suspected Nihil attack on the industrial cosmopolitan world of Corellia, right in the Galactic Core. Sent to investigate are Jedi Masters Cohmac Vitus and Kantam Sy, along with Padawans Reath Silas and Ram Jomaram, all fighting their own private battles after months of unrelenting danger. On Corellia, Reath and Ram encounter a brazen young security specialist named Crash, whose friend was one of the victims of the Nihil attack, and they team up with her to infiltrate Corellia's elite while the Masters pursue more diplomatic avenues. But going undercover with Crash is more dangerous than anyone expected, even as Ram pulls in his friend Zeen to help with an elaborate ruse involving a galactic pop star. But what they uncover on Corellia turns out to be just one part of a greater plan, one that could lead the Jedi to their most stunning defeat yet…. The New York Times best-selling series continues.... For light and life!

Unfocused storytelling and pacing issues

While the concept of the story had potential, the execution made it difficult to stay engaged. The plot often feels scattered—jumping between ideas in a way that’s disorienting, as if the narrative is being told without a clear through-line. The chapters are extremely short, sometimes only a paragraph long, which doesn’t give events or characters room to breathe or develop naturally.

There’s also a tendency to over-describe irrelevant details—such as repeatedly mentioning street names—which slows the pacing without adding to the plot. Character names are creative but at times overly complex, making them hard to keep track of alongside an already complicated storyline. The central premise—a security agency investigating a missing operative—could have been compelling, but the story’s structure and delivery make it hard to follow and connect with.

Additionally, some modern social themes are present—such as characters written with they/them pronouns—which, while fitting for some audiences, may not appeal to every reader and felt out of place in the tone I expected from the book.

Overall, while there are glimpses of solid character development, the writing style and pacing would benefit from more focus, longer and more substantial chapters, and a clearer sense of direction in the plot.

Inferior product

Poor narrator, story line, and even worse Amazon refuses to refund. Amazons bot chat is ineffective to resolve any issues.

A waste of time

I really enjoyed the first two young adult novels from phase 1 of The High Republic (Into the Dark & Out of the Shadows), but this the "third" book is a total waste of time. The story is just not there and the writing is just ok. If you really want to know what happens in this book (which isn't a lot) read a summary. The audiobook is nicely done, but doesn't "save" this book. Not recommended!

They/them

No more woke Star Wars please. Marc Thompson should narrate all books. He is the best