Almost, but not quite

The High Republic has books which hit hard, and some ‘bridging’ novels. Tears of the Nameless is a bridging novel in terms of plot, more ‘journey’ than ‘destination’. If you are familiar with the Phase 2 novels, particularly Path of Vengeance, I think there is very little to surprise a reader in terms of the overall narrative.

Reath Silas makes a very welcome return, as does the crew of The Vessel, characters I am very pleased to see. In a yet greater surprise, Cohmac Vitus is back with Jedi Padawan Amadeo Azzazzo and his master Miro Lox. Amadeo’s short story in Tales of Light and Life was delightful, and I think I may have enjoyed his chapters most of all in this book, followed by Cohmac.

Tears of the Nameless delivers on character beats. Reath’s struggle with self-confidence is a slow burn throughout the book, with Cohmac
Vitus’ parallel struggle and the ever optimistic Amadeo’s exposure to the true horror of the Nihil conflict add meat to the story. We meet some new Jedi (including an offhand reference to a Noghiri Jedi which just tickles the part of my brain with fondness for The Thrawn Trilogy), as well as a charming crew of mercs and RDC soldiers who round out the non-Force wielding cast. Ashton, Sevens and Dorian are perfect, I love them, I have no notes. They are fabulous comic relief, as well as clearly bearing their own thematic weight.

While I loved the characters and character work, the story itself was a tad lean. The problem I believe lies with the title. The title promises intrigue, even answers for the titular monsters skulking the era. The revelations I feel are lacking, only spelling out what Phase 2 all but says outright about the Nameless and what a savvy reader can infer from Phase 3 regarding the Blight. Azzlin Rell also makes an appearance here, and I yet feel that I didn’t learn quite enough about his schemes. He’s a great character to play off, almost a Dark Jedi Hannibal Lecter, but I wanted more. He facilitates Reath’s growth for the most part.

I also fear I am growing weary of the Nameless as enemies in this series. From their shocking introduction, the impact of their fear and husking powers has long worn off for me. Alien is an excellent horror film, Aliens is an excellent action film - the Xenomorph is a versatile creature throughout its gruesome stages of evolution which adds new threat. The Nameless lack this variety. Some attempt to innovate is made with new character Sicarus and the Children of the Storm, but they are tied up with villain Baron Boolan who has the least to do with the novels and audio dramas, and who does not overly impress. For all that Phase 2 got chilling and correct about its fanatics, I think Sicarus doesn’t quite stick the landing.

With two of the three Adult novels out now, I am ready to draw the Nihil conflict to a close. I do not expect a YA novel to conclude the story, but I hoped that Tears of the Nameless might deliver on some of the side cast. I hope Reath and Azzlin play good roles in the final novel - I felt that I have not quite had enough from them in this book.

Amber Lee Connors is a super narrator. She is clear and well paced (with some speed but no loss of clarity) in her diction, and her deliberate emphasis captures derangement, uncertainty, solidity, and where the story allows, pure fun. I miss the generous use of SFX and music which in other Star Wars audiobooks add such immersion - but not that much. Amber is engaging and easy to listen to and draws you in perfectly by herself.

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Interesting plot ruined by meaningless platitudes

Huge fan of the series and this has an interesting plot that is crucial to the storyline of The Old Republic but I found the writing excruciatingly laborious. I came here for the interesting action sequences and insights on various important events and people, and instead I find I’m skipping endless long conversations with people expressing regret, talking about what could’ve been, and wondering whether they should open up. Perhaps this all is meant to be character development, but there is so much pondering and dilemmas that actually you kind of wish the characters would do something. Hope the next one has more action and less filler. Great performance though, the reader is versatile and precise.

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