Star Wars audio books have been some of the best produced in the business for years, with music and sound effects bringing the stories to life. In 2019, Random House Audio took it one step further with their original audio drama, Dooku: Jedi Lost. This audio drama mirrored the greats in the genre, with a full cast, music and sound effects to immerse you in the story. After Jedi Lost, they released one about Doctor Aphra and their third is in The High Republic era. It is titled Tempest Runner and is by Cavan Scott.
Like the previous audio dramas, Tempest Runner is character focused. Something I have wanted since The High Republic series started, is more character focus stories and Cavan Scott delivers. Lourna’s capture by the Jedi is the impetus needed to finally give readers a fuller understanding of who the Nihil are and what makes people in the galaxy join them. Scott gives readers a character to root for in this new group, now that they feel like a “real” person and not just a plot point. Additionally the story is rich with the themes of past mistakes, secrets and possible redemption, rooting it in classic Star Wars storytelling.
As with the previous audio dramas, the production is phenomenal. I’m so glad we are finally getting these types of stories in The High Republic era. Not only does this story further the Nihil plot, it gives listeners a character to be invested in, in further stories. I could talk about the story in more detail but it’s better listened too unspoiled! Tempest Runner is rated 4 out of 5 stars.
This review was completed with a review copy of Tempest Runner from Random House Audio.
Author: Matt Rushing
Matthew Rushing is the host of Trek.fm‘s The 602 Club and co-host of TheNerdParty.com‘s AggressiveNegotiations: A Star Wars Podcast. He can be found on Twitter @mattrushing02.