Escape from Valo

Star Wars: The High Republic

by Daniel José Older, Alyssa Wong, Pétur Antonsson (illustrator)

Star The High Republic, the New York Times best-selling series, continues. . . . For light and life!Journey to the embattled Occlusion Zone in this action-packed adventure set hundreds of years before the Skywalker saga! It’s a dark and dangerous time for the galaxy in which communication has been rendered nearly impossible in Nihil-controlled space as the nefarious pirates continue to threaten the Republic’s very existence. Join Jedi Padawan Ram Jomaram—and some Jedi younglings—as they plot their escape from enemy territory.Hopeful Jedi younglings will have to work together to overcome their fears in order to survive—and help save the galaxy.

Genres: Star Wars, Science Fiction, Fiction, Middle Grade, Audiobook, Fantasy, LGBT

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2024

About the author

Daniel José Older is the New York Times bestselling author of the Young Adult series the Shadowshaper Cypher (Scholastic), the Bone Street Rumba urban fantasy series (Penguin), and the upcoming Middle Grade sci-fi adventure Flood City (Scholastic). He won the International Latino Book Award and has been nominated for the Kirkus Prize, the Mythopoeic Award, the Locus Award, the Andre Norton Award, and yes, the World Fantasy Award. Shadowshaper was named one of Esquire’s 80 Books Every Person Should Read. You can find his thoughts on writing, read dispatches from his decade-long career as an NYC paramedic and hear his music at http://danieljoseolder.net/, on youtube and @djolder on twitter.

Reviews

[Zoraida · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these Younglings!

[Jim C · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is part of Phase III of the High Republic series. Although it is part of a series I believe this children's book does not have any real effect on the overall arc. In this one we visit Valo where a group of Jedi younglings are stuck on a planet ruled by the Nihil. They perform renegade acts to disrupt them. Basically this is this universe's version of Red Dawn.

I believe one's enjoyment will rely on how they are reading this book. If one takes it as a children's book (I believe children will love it) and the reader doesn't put much thought into this book it is enjoyable. But it seems with children's books there are plot holes as we jump from one scene to another just to get there. That is what happens in this book as some decisions and conclusions happen that does not make sense. It is a shame because there is a story here. I like the idea of being stuck on a planet overrun by the enemy and how do you fight back. Granted it would have made more sense if they were older but then we would not have it be a children's book. There were also some hints at sub plots I would have liked to explore like a padawan suddenly thrust into being in charge and taking care of others. Instead we get much exploration of a character mooning over another character in a case of supposedly unrequited love. I guess it would not be a High Republic offering if we did not have this. As for the characters I enjoyed most of them even though at times they could be a little goofy. Once again a children's book so that was to be expected. One character I hated and it did take me out of this book.

Like I said I think one's enjoyment really depends how they go into this book. Even though I knew it was a children's book I think it should have guide lines. At times I did not think it did and this affected my enjoyment. But this book is not meant for me. I do believe children will really enjoy this.

[Jonathan Koan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an entertaining, yet frustrating book. The book is cohesive and well produced, but I disagree with a lot of the creative choices made in the book. But it was an entertaining experience.

On the positive side, I do like the basic premise of the book. Some Jedi children are left on Valo when all of the adult Jedi are killed by the Nihil, and the Jedi Padawans have to try to not only survive, but find some way to fight back against the Nihil oppressors. This premise was really engaging and made me think about so many possibilities.

I also really liked this book's scope. Its by far the longest Middle Grade story in the Canon so far (by a longshot!), and I appreciated that it tried to tell such a large and grandiose story for kids. My criticism about the books being too short previously has been addressed here.

I also really liked the general plot, and was interested to see how the kids would get out of each of the situations they were in.

However, I do have a few problems with the book.

First of all, Kildo isn't really developed in the book, and I really believe the book would have had a better feel to it if Gavi was interested in Driggit instead. I think it would have made the story that much more tragic and interesting (although we have seen that kind of thing in the High Republic before).

I also thought that Zyle was an element of the book that was largely unnecessary. The book would have worked better if the Jedi children had teamed up with a Non-Jedi native of Valo who was fed up with the Nihil instead. That would have grounded the book more, and instead Zyle's presence feels a little like older and Wong were trying to make the story have bigger scale than it needed (Ironic since I criticized Older's other middle grade "Race to Crashpoint Tower" of having too small a scope).

Overall, it is an entertaining book, and is a quite easy read. I read it in a matter of hours in basically 1 sitting. However, I do think that Older and Wong made some errors in the decisions behind the book. I'll give it a 6.5 out of 10.

[emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

me when the jedi realize that having the courage to love actually makes them stronger

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is really long for a middle grade book, and the plot *should* have felt exciting, but somehow just…didn’t. I was bored for most of the book and just wanted to finish it. I wasn’t attached to a single one of the characters, other than Ram who I already liked from previous books. The ending of the book felt really unlikely to me, because it didn’t seem like something that a group of younglings could do if full-grown Jedi hadn’t before.

Also, I am getting really tired (so so tired) of EVERY single High Republic book having lots of crushes and things in it. In that respect, this book felt more YA than middle grade. If I wanted love stories I would read romance or YA, but I rarely/never read those because I don’t enjoy that kind of story. So it’s been very frustrating for me that all these new books in my favorite fictional galaxy cannot be written without all these romances shoehorned in like the authors are following a checklist. Doesn’t matter whether the plot needs it; they put it in anyways. In addition, the book tried to deal with the whole concept of attachments but ended up sounding like nonsense. If you’re going to create crushes between two future Jedi you need to be way better prepared to deal with that concept, and this wasn’t it.

[Lev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of heart and honesty. A delightfully queer exploration of coming to age under traumatic circumstances. And finding the bits of joy where you can.

[Jan Santanius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Escape from Valo 4.5/5

"Star Wars: The High Republic: Escape From Valo" is the first middle-grade book in the third phase of the High Republic publishing initiative. It was published in January 2024 and written by Alyssa Wong and
Daniel José Older.


The story is set one year after the events of Phase One and the fall of the Starlight Beacon, and takes place on the planet Valo, which is hosting the Republic Fair, as seen in the second adult novel of Phase One, "The Rising Storm" (Cavan Scott) and "Race to Crashpoint Tower" (Daniel José Older), and is now occupied by the Nihil. Ram Jomaram, in the persona of "Scarlet Skull" from "Midnight Horizon" (Daniel José Older), attempts to sabotage these invaders. He meets a group of Younglings left on the planet, as well as a young pirate, and has to learn what it means to take responsibility for younger beings. Together, the group tries to stop the Nihil from their mission on Valo and get them to leave the planet.

The two authors have created an action-packed and exciting story. The focus is clearly on the characters and they are all well developed. As you would expect from the two authors, Escape from Valo is full of queer representation, but friendship, responsibility and trust are also big parts of this story and provide good values and lessons for the target audience (young readers). I think many queer people at this age would have needed and loved a book like this.


The Writing:
Even though this is a book for a younger audience, it has very engaging writing that feels more like a young adult book than Middle Grade. This is something refreshing for the Middle Grade books in the High Republic, we had some of this in Phase One, but in Phase Two the Middle Grade books had a too simple writing style for me personally, this is completely different in "Escape from Valo" and I love it very much.


The Characters:
As I said, the characters are the main focus of the book. Even though we have quite a lot of characters, they all get enough personality and development. Some more than others, but no one feels left out and they are all so lovable!

Ram Jomaram is as adorable as ever. Still a child himself, he has to act as an adult and take care of his little family. Even though he has to deal with the loss of his friends who presumably died on Starlight, he still has a big heart and tries to stay positive.

Of the group of Younglings, Gavi is definitely the main protagonist. We have a lot of PoV chapters from his perspective and he makes most of the story relevant decisions. Like Ram, he takes responsibility for his friends Tep Tep and Kildo, with whom he is secretly in love, but does not know if he should tell him because it is against the Jedi dogma of no attachments. Unlike Ram, he is not really ready for this huge task. He is overwhelmed and haunted by trauma. He has experienced the Nameless first hand and feels guilty for leaving his best friend Driggit behind without saying goodbye. So he tries to escape from Valo without telling his friends. But Zyle Keem, the third protagonist of this book, convinces him to stay and help his friends. As you can see, he is like an anchor point for all the main characters and is developed the most.

Zyle Keem, grandchild of Saya Keem from the High Republic Adventures comic of Phase 2, is also a highlight of this book, they are another brilliant representation of non-binary people in Star Wars. They are also full of energy and try to seek emancipation from their mother, even though she only wants the best for them. They are really smart and behind their tough persona they are very observant and help Gavi to overcome his fears. I want to see more of them!

I mentioned before that some characters do not get as much focus as others. Unfortunately, Kildo gets the least attention. He has the same feelings for Gavi as Gavi has for him. This is adorable and I love this character very much. But he doesn't get much to set him apart from the other protagonists. Tep Tep, on the other hand, is given a lot of personality. She is confirmed Transgender HUGE W!!! Her connection to animals is her most prominent character trait and is relevant to the plot in many ways. She is adorable, but where is the Nexu plush from the cover? Have I missed something?

But every story needs antagonists. Driggit Parse, Gavi's best friend, has joined the Nihil. Her reasons may seem noble - she wants the best for her homeworld - but the Nihil slowly corrupts her. She helps the Jedi, but in the end she tragically joins them for good and betrays her friends. I look forward to seeing more of her in future stories.

Other important characters are the overconfident Niv Drendow and his little Nameless Pup, as well as Jedi Master Kunpar, who had a small role in Crashpoint Tower, but is more important here. Both are fine and cool, but this is not really their Story. They are Important figures for the main Characters tho and so deserve a mention.


The Plot:
The plot itself has a rather simple structure. This is perfectly fine for the Gnere this book is written in and I have no problem with it at all. I love that older stories are incorporated into this story, these connections and references strengthen the continuity and is my favourite thing about Star Wars novels in general. Most importantly, of course, is the plot of Rising Storm, which takes place on Valo and introduces the Innovater, whose wreckage is important for Escape from Valo. The bacta shortage caused by the occupation of Hetzal is brilliant, and it is interesting that bacta is already so important, even though it is a fairly new thing to the galaxy. It reminded me a lot of the "X-Wing" novels by Michael Stackpole or "The Stark Hyperspace War" from the Republic comics. Sure, you can say that it is very convenient that the Innovator has a huge stock of Bacta on board and that it is still intact, but that is fine for me. And yes, it is odd that the Nihil need special equipment to dive down there, even though they have a Mon Calamari with them on Valo. But these are nitpicks, and in an adult novel I would be far more critical, but for a middle-grade book with the characters in focus, this is perfectly fine. And yes, the book has a lot of fanservice, especially to the Phase 2 adventures. But I am the fan being served here, so I am biased. The fanservice was not a problem for me and worked well.


Conclusion & Thoughts:
To sum up, I can only say that I am thrilled. I had a lot of fun with this book and wasn't bored for a second. Yes, of course some of the characters were not developed en as much as others, of course the plot is very simple, but I can overlook that because I had so much fun. The artwork inside is also beautiful again, and gives a visual for the characters. It's a big win for queer representation in Star Wars and I want more of these characters.

Also, not only is there a Muun in this book, but Muunilinst is mentioned. How could I not love that book?

Another interesting thing: The Sith are suspiciously mentioned a lot. What does that mean? Am I just delusional? I don't know.

All in all just a super entertaining book. Thanks Alyssa and Daniel! I highly recommend it! Especially for fans of the High Republic adventure comics and Midnight Horizon.

[Bryce · Rating 5 out of 5]

11/10. SO GOOD. One of the best books in the middle grade High Republic novels. I loved absolutely everything about this book ~ the writing, the storytelling, the humor, the plot, the characters, the ABSOLUTELY AMAZING QUEER CHARACTERS THAT ONLY MADE THE BOOK SO MUCH BETTER. I didn't want this book to end, I just wanted to keep reading and live in this world forever. I love Daniel José Older and especially Alyssa Wong (go read their Doctor Aphra comic series, it's the best) and I am so happy that they wrote this book together!

Gavi, my sweet sweet Gavi, I just want to hug you so much. I love love loved how dedicated he was to his friends and to Driggit, and his crush on Kildo was the cutest thing ever! I also loved Kildo's rebellious attitude and I would do anything for Tep Tep if I didn't think she and her huge carnivorous friends had it covered. Zyle was also an amazing character in this book, and I really hope we get to see more of them. Scratch that - I need ALL of them to appear again in more books because I can't get enough out of these precious Scarlet Skulls. I really enjoyed Zyle's swashbuckling vibe and I think I want a coat just like theirs now. Can I also just say how happy I am that we have another nonbinary kid as a main character in a High Republic book??! Also Ram's character development in this book was amazing, he's come so far since Race to Crashpoint Tower.

I just love this book so much, it's one of my favorite High Republic books. For light and life!

[jaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The High Republic once again astounds in its complexity and relatability! Escape from Valo touches on complicated feelings of all sorts, ranging from how to deal with grief to what to do when you like someone. And of course, the queer representation in this story is top tier - not overbearing to the plot of the book, but visible and obviously stated so kids and adults alike can see themselves.
I had a fantastic time reading this book and yes I did cry but in the best way possible. Even if you've never read anything High Republic, or even Star Wars as a whole, EFV is a great introduction as it gives you enough backstory so you're not lost. It's worth every single shred of hype! I'm still not over how much I related to Gavi in particular, and how every single character had depth. And for Phase 2 fans, you will be fed here!!
In summary - do NOT listen to any haters and go read Escape from Valo, whether you're in its target age group or a full-grown adult.

[eclipse · Rating 5 out of 5]

marda 🤝 driggit
getting Worse 🖤

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

There could have been more Ram, but I guess I liked this story as well as the other characters. I am excited to see what they get up to in the rest of Phase III!

[Chad Vis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Other than the “they” pronoun dude. The dude who became a girl. And the two dudes that have crushes on each other, this story would be pretty good. It feels forced and unnatural to the story to have the relationship issues be such a loud part of it.

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

this kind of changed my life for the better

[Bel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tep Tep my unhinged feral baby girl, you and Elzar would get along so well

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book has some decent ideas, particularly about what the "no attachments" rule truly means for the Jedi. But all the potential is then obscured by the typical High Republic problems. In this case, it's the bizarre requirement that all children in the High Republic have to be constantly swooning over each other and acting like their lives will end if their crush doesn't love them with the same fiery passion. Like, you're eight years old, kid. You'll be fine. I don't understand at all why the "young readers" books are so full of sultry kids yearning for each other.

The plot is hindered by ridiculousness, such as that in the two years since the Innovator was sunk on Valo, no one has thought to retrieve it, even though it's full of useful medical supplies—and, as we find out at the end of the novel, it's somehow perfectly capable of being flown out of the lake and back into space. (So why did it sink in the first place?)

At this point, so near the end of the High Republic publishing era, I have even less patience than usual for random side quests with little kids. I just want the main plot, but the series of course demands that I read everything if I want to understand even just the main plot.

[Billy Jepma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute, almost unbearably so, for better and otherwise (mostly better, though). If the third act had more time to breathe, this might have ranked as one of the best MG books in the series. The rush to the end really seemed to skip over or through some of the character work I was looking for, though, which left the book and its cast of lovable kiddos feeling slighter than they deserved. Still very fun—even me and my many jaded ways can’t resist a story this wholesome.

[Oleg X · Rating 4 out of 5]

I kinda like kids' The High Republic books the most, especially Daniel José Older's. Just these cute muppets having adventures in the middle of galactic crises and I don't have to worry if I buy the emotional arcs*, space politics or time scales.

*I still don't buy one emotional arc in this book.

[Daniel Kukwa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This strange little addendum range to The High Republic series doesn't quite know what to do with itself. It swings from clearly-for-the-under-12s to strangely transcendent for adults and kids of all ages. That said, this particular volume I found very kid friendly...the results of which just bored me. It will find an audience, no doubt...I simply won't be a part of it.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ram is such a delightful character.

Zyle’s involvement felt unnecessary but I enjoyed the other characters.

The high republic series is growing on me

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good book to get back into the High Republic since I hadn't read any of those books recently. It was nice seeing Ram be more mature and older and be a leader for the younglings. When Driggit stabbed Gavi I was so surprised I really didn't think that was going to happen and she left I have a feeling we'll see her again soon. And when Gavi decided to stay on Valo even when he was the one who was considering leaving the whole book.

[Ronja · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Escape from Valo released, writer Alyssa Wong wrote on Twitter (X): “I hope this book finds you where you are, when you need it.” I think about this often.
Escape from Valo talks about grief. It is a book about grieving friendship, grieving someone who’s died, grieving a version of yourself that you can not return to. And it found me when I needed it.

Daniel José Older and Alyssa Wong team up to write the first Young Readers novel of Phase 3 of The High Republic. It is the second book released in Phase 3, after George Mann’s Eye of Darkness. This is the first time the duo has written a novel together and the first ever full length novel for Alyssa Wong - can you believe that? It is the longest Young Readers novel of the High Republic to date and arguably the most emotional. If you have read a few of my reviews you know that I do this thing where I say “I don’t like to pick favorites, but if I had to it would be this” and if I had to pick a favorite Young Readers novel it would be Escape from Valo.

So what is this book about? After getting stuck behind the Stormwall, Ram Jomaram tries to do what Jedi do best - help people! And what better place for that than his home planet Valo? Forever changed by the tragic attack on the Republic Fair the planet is now suffering under Nihil occupation. When Ram meets Jedi Younglings Gavi, Kildo and Tep Tep, his first instinct is to hide them away and keep them safe. But with the Lonisa City in ruins that is not an option and Ram has to step into a role he is definitely not ready for yet: A leader. With the help of legendary-pirate-to-be Zyle, they try to free the city, while facing not only foes, like junior Nihil scientist Niv Drendow Apruk, but former friends.

At the first glance Escape from Valo is a sweet, wholesome, funny story about a bunch of kids who face all the obstacles thrown in their way of following the light. Don’t get me wrong, it has plenty of lighthearted moments and made me laugh. But when you read the book you will soon start to see how much deeper the story goes and it might make you cry just as much as it made you laugh. These kids have to make impossible choices that no child should ever be forced to make. They deal with grief and trauma, trying to survive in a hostile environment, facing enemies who don’t care about them being children. Alyssa and Daniel tell a beautiful story about learning to accept an ever changing cruel reality. They talk about accepting your feelings, your identity and your grief - in whatever form that might be. Alyssa Wong dedicates this book to “every kid who faced the impossible and fought anyway.”

Escape from Valo came to me when I needed it. In the beginning of the year I worked through some trauma-related things. That included grieving the girl I used to be before years and years of bullying. I was hurt and sad and so, so angry because I would never be that person again. I will never get the innocence and girlhood back that I had before the age of 13 - just like Gavi will never be the boy he was before the Nihil came to Valo and slaughtered the Jedi.
I was also caring for a sick pet, which turned into end of life care and ended with her passing away at the beginning of this week. It was the hardest time. I remember feeling so helpless because you can’t really explain to your pet that you are doing everything you can to make them feel better and that they need to eat because they need their strength. When this helplessness hit its peak I turned to Escape from Valo, sat down next to my pets and started reading to them. It helped so much. It didn’t save my Mipha, but it helped ease the helplessness and distracted me from the pain and worry I was feeling. I had a few great hours reading to my pets and making silly voices. It kept me from sitting in misery. Escape from Valo found me, right when I needed it most. And I want to thank Daniel and Alyssa for the gift they gave us.

I give Escape from Valo by Daniel José Older and Alyssa Wong 4/5 stars.

[ina m · Rating 5 out of 5]

definitely the best middle grade novel by far

[Tabitha Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I know I haven't been the biggest fan of Ram Jomaram, but this book changed my mind! It was nice to see him face the harsh reality of living behind the storm wall, and how he showed defiance! I liked the younglings (tep tep especially!), however I wasn't the biggest fan of Zyle.

This is definitely the longest middle grade book, but like the others, flew by! I enjoy that the middle grade books tend to really focus on character work, and this one is no exception. It's a great addition to the wonderful and iconic high republic era, and I can't wait to read more!

[Alex Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wish i had this book when i was little :,). such a fun, genuinely heartwarming story with BEAUTIFUL well-written queer representation. and by beautiful i mean BEAUTIFUL. ohmygoddddd i love this book so much. i never even review things so idk what im doing but please, please consider reading this. hashtag not sponsored. just do it. you will not regret it. i promise. I PROMISE

[Apriel · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.

Seems like every one of the middle grade and YA books in the High Republic series has to throw in a romantic side story. Why? Can we just focus on taking down the Nihil and doing something about the Nameless please?!!? If I want to read about feelings I’ll go grab a Nicholas Sparks book or, if I’m feeling frisky, a Harlequin.

[Kristin Jaques · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 / 5

[Tyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

when a character starts to become the very thing they’ve been fighting 😨😨😨

[alec james · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh to be a little jedi in an abandoned zoo. i made this book last as long as it could.

[rou · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book made my heart so warm and full of joy. thank you, alyssa and daniel, for always giving us queer (trans, specifically) representation :)

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

This is one of those times where I wish we could add half-star ratings because 3 stars doesn't do it justice but 4 stars would overstate my feelings on this novel a little. Escape from Valo is a middle grade novel that introduces a cast of new characters while simultaneously centering around known character Ram Jomaram during the Nihil Occupation on Valo. All in all, this one left me with mixed feelings, because there were many things it did right, but also a couple that missed the mark for me.

First of all, I would love to highlight the representation in this novel. It felt genuine and heartwarming, and it always makes my heart sing to see marginalised groups such as the queer community - especially trans and non-binary folks - get the depiction they deserve.
Secondly, this book was a lot of fun. Daniel José Older and Alyssa Wong know how to write humor, and while this juvenile sort of fun has not always klicked with me in the past, it fit the story here perfectly.
The novel also introduces a plethora of important topics that occasionally manage to stab you with emotions. There's Ram, struggling with loneliness, maturing and the "adoption" of kids, Zyle, looking for independence though maybe not being ready for grand adventures on their own, as well as the Younglings who have been through way too much at a way too young age. Personally, the topics of parenthood and survival in a war-ravaged world really spoke to me. I also really enjoyed the specks of Nameless hints we got - Niv Drendow is a really intriguing character.

So where did this book fall off for me? I think a lot of it is due to me not fully connecting to the writing. Sometimes, sentences didn't feel smooth, to the point where I noticed small errors in what was being said. At times, the timeline of past events feeling confusing and there were instances where it felt like further explanation had been edited out. While this may easily be ignored, as a non-native, it unfortunately took me out of the story a couple times.
Additionally, even though this is the longest High Republic MG novel, it didn't feel complete to me. Certain characters and their struggles were not fleshed out enough, which led to the novel opening a bunch of emotional issues but staying surface-level on a lot of them. However, I think from the perspective of a young reader, that probably won't be as noticeable.

All in all, Escape from Valo is a good read that makes for an absolutely enjoyable reading experience with the right mix of fun and emotional beats. While it is not a perfect story, it is certainly a wonderful adventure for young readers on the path to maturing as well as older readers looking to revive some of the child within themselves.