What do you think?
Rate this book
Star Wars: The High Republic
Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance―Premonition
A massive, interconnected cross-publisher initiative focused on an all-new era of Star Wars storytelling.
The galaxy has been plunged into darkness as the fearsome Nihil continue their destructive advance from the Outer Rim!
As brave Jedi Knights fight to protect the Jedi Temple on Banchii in the battle against the Nihil, Jedi Master Yoda must find a way to protect the younglings who call the planet home. But the fearsome Marchion Ro, the Eye of the Nihil, has other plans for the Jedi Master, as he unleashes his most terrifying weapon against the champions of justice yet…
The galaxy has been plunged into darkness as the fearsome Nihil continue their destructive advance from the Outer Rim!
As brave Jedi Knights fight to protect the Jedi Temple on Banchii in the battle against the Nihil, Jedi Master Yoda must find a way to protect the younglings who call the planet home. But the fearsome Marchion Ro, the Eye of the Nihil, has other plans for the Jedi Master, as he unleashes his most terrifying weapon against the champions of justice yet…
144 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2025
3 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Daniel José Older
178 books1,965 followersDaniel 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 15, 2025
Fear can also be a great teacher, if we allow it to be. If we face it. And if the right questions we ask."
August 7, 2025
Book #20 of my #30BookSummer Challenge! Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance―Premonition by Daniel José Older. Great to see Yoda in action in this fast paced story!
July 26, 2025
Este manga nos habla de la aventura que tiene Yoda en el planeta Banchii. La acción está situada luego que Avar vuelve de la zona de Oclusión y va con Elzar a pelear contra los Nihil.
Yoda, en general en esta era anda bastante "perdido". Ahora se encuentra con los jóvenes padawan Nima y Viv'nia. Pero cuando unos niños twilek son atacados Yoda irá a rescatarlos y luego tratará de traer también a su madre. Al inicio aparece Drendow con sus Sin nombre, pero luego Marchion Ro encarga al malvado Brezark la caza de Yoda y le manda un Sin nombre de apoyo. El enfrentamiento final es el clímax del manga. Yoda y Marchion Ro tienen otra conversación interesante. En esta algo curioso es que Yoda ve a Kevmo como una visión. En la batalla final Yoda usa la guía de Burryaga para enfrentar al Sin Nombre.
Me gustó el arte del manga, tiene buenos gráficos y cuando se ve recuerdos de grandes grupos de Jedi se ve más épico. Además puedes descubrir otros personajes no tan dibujados anteriormente como Thaya Ferr. La historia es más bien bastante simple.
Yoda, en general en esta era anda bastante "perdido". Ahora se encuentra con los jóvenes padawan Nima y Viv'nia. Pero cuando unos niños twilek son atacados Yoda irá a rescatarlos y luego tratará de traer también a su madre. Al inicio aparece Drendow con sus Sin nombre, pero luego Marchion Ro encarga al malvado Brezark la caza de Yoda y le manda un Sin nombre de apoyo. El enfrentamiento final es el clímax del manga. Yoda y Marchion Ro tienen otra conversación interesante. En esta algo curioso es que Yoda ve a Kevmo como una visión. En la batalla final Yoda usa la guía de Burryaga para enfrentar al Sin Nombre.
Me gustó el arte del manga, tiene buenos gráficos y cuando se ve recuerdos de grandes grupos de Jedi se ve más épico. Además puedes descubrir otros personajes no tan dibujados anteriormente como Thaya Ferr. La historia es más bien bastante simple.
Read
July 19, 2025the end card of "to be concluded".....
have crueler words ever been spoken?!
have crueler words ever been spoken?!
May 31, 2025
I've never been so excited for an email in my life.
Thank you, Edelweiss, for the ARC of this and volume 4.
Full disclaimer, I was going to buy this anyway regardless, likely in both digital and physical, I love this series so much. But the fact that I got a chance to read it early!!!! Ahhhh!!!
And then I opened the book and excitement turned to fear almost immediately. I am not ready for this series to end. Both the manga and the high republic in general!!
This was such a great volume! I loved it so much! I don't really want to get into spoilers, but this is the most Yoda focus we've really gotten in THR, a Yoda centred adventure as he encounters the nameless threat and the Nihil up close and personal.
We know the fate of Yoda, but DJ Older does a great job of creating stakes, making the story emotional, bringing together every corner of the high republic storytelling and pushing the manga closer to it's end!!!
Great art! Excellent story! Peak Star Wars Manga!
edit: physical copy reread. This is my favourite volume of the series. Yoda vs The Leveler.
Thank you, Edelweiss, for the ARC of this and volume 4.
Full disclaimer, I was going to buy this anyway regardless, likely in both digital and physical, I love this series so much. But the fact that I got a chance to read it early!!!! Ahhhh!!!
And then I opened the book and excitement turned to fear almost immediately. I am not ready for this series to end. Both the manga and the high republic in general!!
This was such a great volume! I loved it so much! I don't really want to get into spoilers, but this is the most Yoda focus we've really gotten in THR, a Yoda centred adventure as he encounters the nameless threat and the Nihil up close and personal.
We know the fate of Yoda, but DJ Older does a great job of creating stakes, making the story emotional, bringing together every corner of the high republic storytelling and pushing the manga closer to it's end!!!
Great art! Excellent story! Peak Star Wars Manga!
edit: physical copy reread. This is my favourite volume of the series. Yoda vs The Leveler.
May 2, 2025
I’ve enjoyed the manga produced in recent years tied to the High Republic. The latest, Star Wars: The High Republic: The Edge of Balance: Premonition, is an excellent addition to the group.
The artwork in this book was awesome.
I was blown away by the art work from Haining in this book. Some of the images of Yoda were beautiful and outright haunting. It was great.
Yoda seems to have figured out what the Nameless actually want.
One of the biggest mysteries throughout the High Republic publishing initiative has been the Nameless. What have we learned?
We know that the Nameless were taken from Planet X where they transformed into the creatures that we know that have been terrorizing Jedi.
We know that every second of them being alive is suffering. They are uncontrollable creatures unless someone is weilding the various Rods (Daybreak, Power, Ages).
Now, it looks like Yoda has learned another huge development: the Nameless want to go home to Planet X.
The artwork in this book was awesome.
I was blown away by the art work from Haining in this book. Some of the images of Yoda were beautiful and outright haunting. It was great.
Yoda seems to have figured out what the Nameless actually want.
One of the biggest mysteries throughout the High Republic publishing initiative has been the Nameless. What have we learned?
We know that the Nameless were taken from Planet X where they transformed into the creatures that we know that have been terrorizing Jedi.
We know that every second of them being alive is suffering. They are uncontrollable creatures unless someone is weilding the various Rods (Daybreak, Power, Ages).
Now, it looks like Yoda has learned another huge development: the Nameless want to go home to Planet X.
April 10, 2025
Thanks to Viz Media for the review copy of this book.
This dad read The Edge of Balance—Premonition by Daniel José Older & Haining, the next manga installment from phase 3 of The High Republic publishing initiative. This is a standalone story from The Edge of Balance series (volume 4 releases April 22, 2025) and focuses on Master Yoda on the planet Banchii as he tries to keep a group of younglings safe but has to deal with Marchion Ro’s fearsome Nameless.
What’s surprised me most about The High Republic Phase 3 thus far is how many significant story beats happen in non-novel content. George Mann’s Echoes of Fear miniseries from Dark Horse Comics tells a critical portion of how the Jedi find a relic to aid them in their fight against the Nihil. The Edge of Balance Volume 3 holds a key character moment for Azlin Rell that has implications for his story going forward. Mann’s two short audio dramas, Seeds of Starlight and Haunted Starlight (exclusively released on Audible), tell important stories related to the return of a certain plant-type foe. As I’ve said from the very start of the initiative: if you want to know everything, read everything. I cannot stress enough that if you pick and choose your High Republic content there will be portions of the story you’re literally leaving behind.
Soap box aside, Premonition absolutely blew me away. I have to start off by praising Haining’s illustrations. Her depictions of the Nameless and Marchion Ro, in particular, are among the most stunning of the entire publishing initiative. The Edge of Balance hasn’t been afraid to get dark in the past (these books are rated T, for ages 13+) and Haining’s work in Premonition doesn’t shy away from the true horrors the Jedi are facing. There’s just something about telling a story with manga visuals that injects a certain energy into what’s going on, and Haining does a stunning job with this book.
Daniel José Older’s story is a relatively simple one, but the emotional arc that Yoda goes on hit me right in the chest. The Jedi Master faces a real challenge as his priorities are pulled in different directions; can someone this powerful in the Force truly save everyone and still beat the bad guy? We see Yoda struggling like we rarely have seen before and the way he pulls through and figures out how to truly “defeat” the Leveler (with some healthy inspiration from Burryaga) is beautifully handled.
I went into the book expecting a good time, but wasn’t prepared for the emotional whiplash (a good thing) and stunning visuals. The Edge of Balance—Premonition is a can’t miss entry in The High Republic, I give it 🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢/5—highly recommend!
This dad read The Edge of Balance—Premonition by Daniel José Older & Haining, the next manga installment from phase 3 of The High Republic publishing initiative. This is a standalone story from The Edge of Balance series (volume 4 releases April 22, 2025) and focuses on Master Yoda on the planet Banchii as he tries to keep a group of younglings safe but has to deal with Marchion Ro’s fearsome Nameless.
What’s surprised me most about The High Republic Phase 3 thus far is how many significant story beats happen in non-novel content. George Mann’s Echoes of Fear miniseries from Dark Horse Comics tells a critical portion of how the Jedi find a relic to aid them in their fight against the Nihil. The Edge of Balance Volume 3 holds a key character moment for Azlin Rell that has implications for his story going forward. Mann’s two short audio dramas, Seeds of Starlight and Haunted Starlight (exclusively released on Audible), tell important stories related to the return of a certain plant-type foe. As I’ve said from the very start of the initiative: if you want to know everything, read everything. I cannot stress enough that if you pick and choose your High Republic content there will be portions of the story you’re literally leaving behind.
Soap box aside, Premonition absolutely blew me away. I have to start off by praising Haining’s illustrations. Her depictions of the Nameless and Marchion Ro, in particular, are among the most stunning of the entire publishing initiative. The Edge of Balance hasn’t been afraid to get dark in the past (these books are rated T, for ages 13+) and Haining’s work in Premonition doesn’t shy away from the true horrors the Jedi are facing. There’s just something about telling a story with manga visuals that injects a certain energy into what’s going on, and Haining does a stunning job with this book.
Daniel José Older’s story is a relatively simple one, but the emotional arc that Yoda goes on hit me right in the chest. The Jedi Master faces a real challenge as his priorities are pulled in different directions; can someone this powerful in the Force truly save everyone and still beat the bad guy? We see Yoda struggling like we rarely have seen before and the way he pulls through and figures out how to truly “defeat” the Leveler (with some healthy inspiration from Burryaga) is beautifully handled.
I went into the book expecting a good time, but wasn’t prepared for the emotional whiplash (a good thing) and stunning visuals. The Edge of Balance—Premonition is a can’t miss entry in The High Republic, I give it 🧢🧢🧢🧢🧢/5—highly recommend!
January 29, 2026
228 BBY.
After helping to defeat the Nihil on Banchii, Master Yoda follows a Force vision to an abandoned satellite. There he falls into a Nihil trap and comes face to face with the Leveler, the most powerful of the Jedi-killing Nameless.
The High Republic stories have been curiously short of Yoda-centric stories. It's like the writers didn't know how to do the Grand Master justice whilst still keeping the Nihil being a credible threat, so they just decided that Yoda, for some reason, decided not to really get involved. This book, thankfully, bucks that trend and here we see Yoda choosing to confront the threat posed by the Nameless head-on.
What I liked in particular here is that this book didn't follow the formula that the High Republic has fallen on time and time again, in which a Jedi faces the Nameless, has horrifying visions and either dies or barely survives.
To keep the Nameless an ongoing threat, that exact thing plays out dozens of times across the High Republic publishing initiative and, frankly, I was bored of it. Here, however, Yoda experiences the same visions and horrors but is introspective enough to see them for what they are and, by confronting his fear, is somewhat able to control it.
It also helps for it to be the Leveler, the most dangerous of the Nameless, be the one that Yoda has to confront, giving a nice narrative balance between the most powerful Jedi and the most powerful of their enemies (well, unless you count the Sith Lords that are somewhere out in the galaxy keeping their heads down).
The resolution of the conflict between Yoda and the Leveler was one I also liked and feels very in-keeping with Yoda's established character.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
After helping to defeat the Nihil on Banchii, Master Yoda follows a Force vision to an abandoned satellite. There he falls into a Nihil trap and comes face to face with the Leveler, the most powerful of the Jedi-killing Nameless.
The High Republic stories have been curiously short of Yoda-centric stories. It's like the writers didn't know how to do the Grand Master justice whilst still keeping the Nihil being a credible threat, so they just decided that Yoda, for some reason, decided not to really get involved. This book, thankfully, bucks that trend and here we see Yoda choosing to confront the threat posed by the Nameless head-on.
What I liked in particular here is that this book didn't follow the formula that the High Republic has fallen on time and time again, in which a Jedi faces the Nameless, has horrifying visions and either dies or barely survives.
To keep the Nameless an ongoing threat, that exact thing plays out dozens of times across the High Republic publishing initiative and, frankly, I was bored of it. Here, however, Yoda experiences the same visions and horrors but is introspective enough to see them for what they are and, by confronting his fear, is somewhat able to control it.
It also helps for it to be the Leveler, the most dangerous of the Nameless, be the one that Yoda has to confront, giving a nice narrative balance between the most powerful Jedi and the most powerful of their enemies (well, unless you count the Sith Lords that are somewhere out in the galaxy keeping their heads down).
The resolution of the conflict between Yoda and the Leveler was one I also liked and feels very in-keeping with Yoda's established character.
* More reviews here: https://fsfh-book-review2.webnode.page *
April 20, 2025
The most surprising part about High republic phase 3 has been some big story beats happening outside the main adult books.
After recently reading through the previous HR manga, it really does feel like we have been building to a moment in these issues to something really impactful happening that changes how we view a character , species or group.
boy did we get that in this issue but it wouldn't be the high republic without it connecting a moment and character outside these manga issues in burry in temptation in the force. To have yoda build off that moment of burry with a nameless and what he had learned too Yoda to a point successfully communicating with a nameless . We really have been gathering a deeper understanding of the nameless from tears of the nameless and now premonition, they are not the evil creatures we thought they were in phase 1 and 2 but also victims of machion RO.
5 out 5 stars
After recently reading through the previous HR manga, it really does feel like we have been building to a moment in these issues to something really impactful happening that changes how we view a character , species or group.
boy did we get that in this issue but it wouldn't be the high republic without it connecting a moment and character outside these manga issues in burry in temptation in the force. To have yoda build off that moment of burry with a nameless and what he had learned too Yoda to a point successfully communicating with a nameless . We really have been gathering a deeper understanding of the nameless from tears of the nameless and now premonition, they are not the evil creatures we thought they were in phase 1 and 2 but also victims of machion RO.
5 out 5 stars
April 26, 2025
I found it a bit strange that this issue of Edge of Balance didn't focus on any of the main characters from this run, but instead Yoda. This is the one series that's been the most consistent with that, so it's surprising to me to suddenly shift right at the end.
That said, the story was fine. It's mostly just Yoda trying to save people while running away from a Nameless. I will say it is of consequence because Yoda does learn something new about the creatures. But it is something that I have long assumed about them. So even though it is nice that that's finally out there, I wish it would have happened a lot sooner.
Also I really didn't care for how they interpreted Yoda's design here.
All in all, it was an okay, quick little read.
That said, the story was fine. It's mostly just Yoda trying to save people while running away from a Nameless. I will say it is of consequence because Yoda does learn something new about the creatures. But it is something that I have long assumed about them. So even though it is nice that that's finally out there, I wish it would have happened a lot sooner.
Also I really didn't care for how they interpreted Yoda's design here.
All in all, it was an okay, quick little read.
June 19, 2025
The Edge of Balance - Premonition appears to be set between volumes 3 and 4 of the series, but diverts from the main story to focus on Jedi Master Yoda and his adventures in The High Republic era. As a result, you don't need to have read the other installments to enjoy this comic, but some familiarity with The High Republic story as a whole is helpful.
It's great to see Master Yoda in the field, doing what Jedi do best - helping people. It's also interesting to see how one of the greatest Jedi handles the Force-eating Nameless, since one would hope he's not as easily affected as others.
All-in-all, this is a good addition to the Star Wars saga and was a fun and enjoyable read, setting the stage for future High Republic adventures!
It's great to see Master Yoda in the field, doing what Jedi do best - helping people. It's also interesting to see how one of the greatest Jedi handles the Force-eating Nameless, since one would hope he's not as easily affected as others.
All-in-all, this is a good addition to the Star Wars saga and was a fun and enjoyable read, setting the stage for future High Republic adventures!
April 23, 2025
While the story in this is certainly nothing to write home about, the artwork in this is so awesome that it elevates the entire manga. Honestly, its kind of funny but I think the spin-off Edge of Balance volumes (Precedent and Premonition) are better than the mainline volumes.
I appreciated the focus on Yoda here. It is always cool to see him more in stories. Also, the Nihil using a slightly force sensitive member's fear of the Nameless as bait for the Jedi is terribly clever.
I do feel like Marchion Ro is reduced to just another incompetent villain in this, which has been a critique of mine for the entire phase III of the High Republic.
I appreciated the focus on Yoda here. It is always cool to see him more in stories. Also, the Nihil using a slightly force sensitive member's fear of the Nameless as bait for the Jedi is terribly clever.
I do feel like Marchion Ro is reduced to just another incompetent villain in this, which has been a critique of mine for the entire phase III of the High Republic.
July 26, 2025
Another solid addition to the Edge of Balance series. I think this corner of the High Republic is shaping up to be my favorite part of this story. As long as they can stick the landing in volume 4 I don’t see why I won’t be. This is a great read for Yoda fans. It’s rare we see Yoda in so much depth and really get to see him think and act. It’s nice to see how much he cares about all beings no matter if they’ve just been shooting at him or if they’re scared children. All life is precious to him so seeing how he solves a problem without taking life is great. Looking forward to ending the High Republic here soon.
February 14, 2026
This is a more 2.5 star than 3
but I don't dislike this and it's semi my fault for picking this up not knowing it takes place in another series, I just find some of the plot beats pretty generic. The Art is fantastic and does a good job feeling like a Japanese manga but also Western comic art, also interesting to see Yoda at a slightly younger age but clearly getting older as he seems to struggle with the force a tad.
It's certainly got me at least got me wanting to check the main series.
but I don't dislike this and it's semi my fault for picking this up not knowing it takes place in another series, I just find some of the plot beats pretty generic. The Art is fantastic and does a good job feeling like a Japanese manga but also Western comic art, also interesting to see Yoda at a slightly younger age but clearly getting older as he seems to struggle with the force a tad.
It's certainly got me at least got me wanting to check the main series.
May 4, 2025
this is one of the stronger graphic novels in the edge of balance series from the star wars high republic, and interestingly, it is mostly a sode adventure with Yoda as the main protagonist, and the other usual main characters in the series appear really only in the beginning. This is a short and sweet story that had surprisingly good action on top intriguing (though simple) storyline.
June 3, 2025
I usually don't review the manga but I had to for this one. SO GOOD. I'm shocked we had as many callbacks and revelations to the overall High Republic plot as we got here. The characters were written superbly, especially Marchion and Yoda. The manga art was exhilarating too.
A must read for High Republic fans. Color me impresses DJO.
A must read for High Republic fans. Color me impresses DJO.
July 4, 2025
I really enjoyed following Yoda along on an adventure. This book actually takes place mid series but I had read volume 1 so while this is more volume 3 or 4, I was able to pick up the story line and stay engaged. I actually think this one was better than volume 1 and had a good plot line. Not sure if I'll continue the series but I'm glad I read this one.
May 4, 2025
Perfect read for May the 4th. Loved following Yoda around.
I do have one pretty big “ohhhhh no” feeling bubbling up. If every enemy of this high republic adventure is defeated through Force-enthused empathy, I’m gonna be upset. I just need more than one solution to all these problems.
I do have one pretty big “ohhhhh no” feeling bubbling up. If every enemy of this high republic adventure is defeated through Force-enthused empathy, I’m gonna be upset. I just need more than one solution to all these problems.
June 5, 2025
This High Republic manga series has been consistently excellent across the various phases and I so wish the other media releases in this project had followed suit. Yoda finally gets a decent outing here. No, more than decent - it's dark, brilliant and hopeful all at once.
September 15, 2025
Review is for all 6 volumes in the series, read consecutively
A nice run, but far to interconnected with other storylines to be enjoyable on it's own. If you're not going to commit to 30 other books, don't read these.
A nice run, but far to interconnected with other storylines to be enjoyable on it's own. If you're not going to commit to 30 other books, don't read these.
October 23, 2025
After Yoda being absent for most of the High Republic stories, it's nice to see a story focusing on him, even if it seems a little side-quest-y. I was hoping to see more of how he would respond to a confrontation with a Nameless. Not much time left in the series for the Jedi to figure this out.
April 11, 2025
cutest Yoda art ever. great story, great art, so glad to be making progress with the Nameless
May 16, 2025
Yoda is brave enough to ask "How are the Nameless?" instead of "Where are the Nameless"
May 17, 2025
I absolutely loved a Yoda-centric story. The artwork was great in this volume and I feel ready for the 4th and final volume!
May 27, 2025
Not Yoda being like 'hm empathy maybe I should try that one day'.
Great artwork, though.
Great artwork, though.
June 1, 2025
4.5/5
June 4, 2025
Really enjoyed this on! A great story with a more dark tone
June 25, 2025
Of all the Star Wars: High Republic manga, this easily has the best art. This Yoda-centric story is a fun read and does a good job of depicting the Nameless threat.
June 28, 2025
The leveler is just a critter
July 4, 2025
the fact that Yoda finally understands what the Leveler wants hit me, but also poor Leveler being HAUNTED BY THE JEDI IT HAD KILLED :( also did Yoda call the younglings useless??
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews