Star Wars: Tempest Breaker (The High Republic)

Star Wars: The High Republic

by Cavan Scott

The Jedi reluctantly team up with the nefarious Lourna Dee in this full script for the Star Wars the High Republic audiobook original, Tempest Breaker.

A High Republic adventure featuring former Nihil turned mercenary for hire, Lourna Dee, teaming up with the Jedi.

Genres: Star Wars, Audiobook, Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Adult, Space Opera

508 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 3, 2024

About the author

is a freelance comic writer and author. He is best known for his work on a variety of spin-offs from both Doctor Who and Star Wars, as well as comics and novels for Vikings, Pacific Rim, Sherlock Holmes, and Penguins of Madagascar.

Cavan Scott, along with Justina Ireland, Claudia Gray, Daniel Jose Older, and Charles Soule are crafting a new era in the Star Wars publishing world called Star Wars: The High Republic. Cavan's contribution to the era is a comic book series released through Marvel Comics titled Star Wars: The High Republic.

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll break with what seems to be the consensus view here and say that this audiodrama didn't hit for me as much as Tempest Runner, in part I felt that the dramatis personae was overcrowded with characters introduced in the High Republic comics I had half forgotten but mostly since some of the production choices were personally irksome to me. To wit, yes, it is apparent that the lizardlike Trandoshan Jedi Master Sskeer suffers a lot of physical and mental distress throughout the events of the story, but was it really so necessary to convey it through shouting and groaning and growling nonstop? Marc Thompson is a Star Wars narration legend, no denying it, but I felt the director could have reined him in and used a "less is more" approach in some of those scenes. Instead it felt his one note was


Kylo knows the score.

As for Lourna's arc? It was fine, I guess. I wish she could have starred a bit more in her own story though.

[Jonathan Koan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining read, and the character of Lourna Dee is great to follow. I particuarly like seeing how she changes over time, and in this whole series she has become one of the most complex characters.

Keeve Trennis and Avar Kriss were good additions in the book. I did feel the team working with Lourna was a bit too large at times, and it was hard to differentiate the characters. There were portions of this book that I didn’t care for, I felt like they could have been cut down.
Most of my compliments for the book are related to spoilers, so my review seems very lopsided but I did enjoy it a lot.

I do feel that Marchion Ro is used a little too much in this series. He can't be everywhere all at once.

overall was a fun read. Better than most of the YA/Middle Grade books in the series. 7.5 out of 10.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic and iconic character Lourna Dee has turned out to be. Star Wars does an amazing job with all their audiobooks but their audio dramas with a full cast are top tier.

It might feel daunting the start the High Republic books but there are several guides and it’s one the most enjoyable eras of Star Wars IMO.

Also love the LGBTQI+ rep 🏳️‍🌈

[Zettifar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just outstanding!!!

From the quality of having a full cast and the developments in the overall story plus the main casts, multiple times I thought I knew where the story was going but to be left honestly surprised .

Now for people that have read the main comic run for phase 3 might find the first half a lil slow as it's a little recap of what's been happening there( remember not everyone reads everything HR) but the second half has me in shock every chapter.

Spoiler warning !!!!! you are warned

Since reading Tempest runner and changing from wanting Lourna Dee to be a character that died to wanting and hoping she gets a redemption ark. The happiness i felt at the end of this book getting that for Lourna was such an emotional ride thinking she was about to throw everything away.

For some us that read almost everything HR, It's already been a journey seeing Keeve go from Jedi padawan to now Jedi master. To be one of the few jedi to acknowledge that the jedi have turned into something they never should of been , i think shows she is one of the shining lights of the order and she would of been best buds with qui-gon jin.

Multiple parts of this book i found difficult to listen to for what Skeer has had to endure and for me since phase 1 he has been the ideal example of a jedi knight and master!!! We embrace the light and acknowledge our darkness!

[rou · Rating 5 out of 5]

fucking incredible from the characters to the plot to the quality of the audiodrama per se

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely FLOORED by Tempest Breaker. Officially one of my most favorite installations to The High Republic of all time. Lourna Dee is an icon. WOW cavan scott! I simply couldn’t pull myself away from it… and I’m sad that it’s over. 🥲 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this really hard to focus on. I couldn't care less about Lourna Dee, who has been almost entirely absent (and not missed) in Phase 3. At this point, I'm just crawling toward the end of the High Republic. There's been some good stuff in Phase 3, but this one didn't capture my interest.

[Adam Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook should be called "The Redemption of Lourna Dee". Very fast paced and good story about Lourna teaming up with the Jedi against Marchion Ro, while still making things work within her own sense of morality. Glad to see her, by book's end, as the head of a Bounty Hunter Guild, doing good work for the galaxy.
BUT.... the real vocal star here is Marc Thompson. Voicing Sskeer, Baron Boolan, and Marchion Ro, his very intense vocal style should win him awards! He's been a long time Star Wars audiobook actor, but if he's doing Sskeer without digital assistance.... WOW
Overall, a good story. Would be open to hearing what happens to Lourna after all of this High Republic/Nihil stuff...
Recommend.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this were just based on story, I’d give this a 3.5 but I gave it a 5 based on my pure enjoyment of it all. I love Lourna Dee, I love these Star Wars audio dramas, and I’m going to miss the high republic audio dramas in particular. Tempest Runner, Battle of Jedha, and Tempest Breaker have all been wonderful, the casts have been full of amazing voice actors, and the stories have been so engaging. Here for the end of phase III, it has been such a fun ride.

[Alex in the Abstract · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lourna Dee stan 5eva

[Max Laux · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audio drama has been my absolute favorite so far. While it’s almost essential to read the comics beforehand to fully grasp the beginning—although it is briefly summarized—the story truly shines from the middle onward.

Especially for readers of Phase II, the experience was incredibly rewarding, as there were numerous references to previous events. However, the real highlight was Lourna’s character development. She was already an intriguing character, but this High Republic story added incredible depth to her arc.

One small critique for me was that Marchion Ro felt slightly out of character towards the end.

Apart from that, though, it’s an absolute must-read!

[Jacqui · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than the previous Phase I Lourna Dee audio drama, and the Star Wars audio dramas are always well-produced and acted in my opinion. I find Keev's journey the most interesting and compelling, and I wish she had been the central character of the audio drama rather than Lourna.

The connections to Dalna, Phase II, and the Path of the Open Hand (particularly with the Baron and how it related to his motivations and research) were also among the highlights for me.

[Christa Chirico · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful romp with fun development for the iconic Lourna Dee. Some of my favorite moments were the Lourna Dee and Marchion interactions—their scene in the chapter “Dance of Death” was SO good.

I love how this provided just enough momentum to get me excited for the upcoming final books of the High Republic saga yet was also its own story. The connective tissue tying us back to Dalna was so exciting to me!! Anytime we jump back into the weird lore of the Path of the Open Hand, I’m fully in.

Shoutout as always to the fantastic actors who brought this full-cast audio drama to life. (The intense breathing/shouting of characters like Sskeer and the various Nihil had me stressing, so props to them haha)

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were many plot points I enjoyed a lot, but I'd probably have preferred to read them in a novel instead of listening to them in an audio drama.

[Iwi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Why do they always pick the most action heavy stories for these. The fight scenes are unintelligible. The chokes, gasps, and grunts are giving me nothing.

I love the idea of the story but the focus was so all over the place. When it was good it was about Lorna and Ro when their paths crossed. When I got to these parts--the dancing!--I wished I had been reading a novel!! I wanted the emotions, the descriptions so badly.

Everything else was noise.

And unfortunately it uses some of the worst takes Acolyte recently put into the Star Wars "canon" like masters are parental figures solely and of course jedi being unable to refute kidnapping accusations because "their childhoods were robbed from them". And of course everyone is already saying the jedi ARE the republic and too closely tied to it.
, and apparently yoda is chill with that idea for 200 years. And I guess everyone just has and recognizes cortosis now, why notttt

Don't worry Mister Ro, they could never make me hate you. Sorry, he's just so 😗💕👌🏻✨

[Robert Wills · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really feel like a Star Wars story. I really appreciate the production level of the audiobook, unfortunately the main character screaming all the time and the cheesy dialouge took me out of the story.

[Phillip Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Star Wars announced the High Republic Era publishing initiative, they said that there would be some audio dramas included with the books and comics. They have delivered. The latest, Star Wars: Tempest Breaker, really advances the whole initiative toward the finish line in ways that I wasn’t expecting.

There isn’t a lot of time left with just the final wave of Phase III remaining, but the last set of books left a lot of questions that needed to be answered with not a lot of time left to get there. They’ve spent a lot of time in the couple of comics from Dark Horse (Echoes of Fear and Dispatches From The Occlusion Zone), but Tempest Breaker really pushes us closer to the finish line.

The book tells the story of Lourna Dee partnering up with Jedi Masters Keeve Trennis and Avar Kriss (among others) to capture the Nihil Minister of Advancement Baron Boolan and rescue Jedi Master Sskeer.

I was surprised at the number of requests and turns in this book, as Cavan Scott took what I thought would be a simple, straight-forward story and provided a lot of progression for the entire story of the Jedi/Republic vs. the Nihil.

I enjoyed this more than the previous audio drama focus on Lourna Dee.

While the previous Tempest Runner focused a lot on Lourna’s past climaxing with her killing fellow Tempest Runner Pan Eyta, Tempest Breaker progressed not just Dee’s story forward but also the stories for all of the characters currently in Marvel’s High Republic book (also written by Scott) and the main plot of the entire publishing initiative.

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It’s really good.

The character arcs for Lourna Dee and Baron Boolan in this story are excellent.

Dee has been one of my favorite characters throughout the High Republic. She’s so complex and intense which is fantastic for a villain turned hero something-better-than-a-villain-but-not-quite-a-hero.

As for Boolan, I always felt that he was a little underserved by not being more prevalent in Phase III. He is such an evil character, and I was excited to see where he would be allowed to go in the story. The path (no pun intended) that he takes in this story blew my mind.

The voice cast crushed it.

The whole voice cast deserves a lot of credit for delivering an outstanding audio drama. I particularly wanted to mention that Jessica Almasy absolutely crushed it as Lourna Dee.

Almasy builds upon her excellent work as Dee in Star Wars: Tempest Runner and helps make this story shine. Every emotion that you wanted to hear Lourna express is done terrifically by Almasy. Just tremendous work.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of listening to this audiodrama, and as always, the production quality is amazing. The voice acting, sound design, and pacing made it feel cinematic. I truly appreciate the care that goes into these audiobooks and audiodramas for this series.

Lourna Dee is a standout for me. She has been one of my favorite characters from the very beginning, and I love how she has never been manipulated into being anyone but herself. Her development feels so natural, without losing her unique style. She's angry, yes, but why? Now we know. No spoilers, though! I also loved Marc Thompson as Marchion Ro; his performance added to this story. Dance of Death, anyone? This really helped spark more interest for me in what his character has to come as I near the end of this initiative!

That said, some portions felt a bit drawn out. As an audiodrama, I found myself wondering how much longer I'd have to listen to characters screaming in my ear or weird background noises that didn't seem to match what I had envisioned. Additionally, this book didn't hit me as hard as Tempest Runner, but I understand it focuses more on other characters alongside Lourna. Perhaps the crew was too large to keep track of with voices so similar, or perhaps I really craved just Lourna. Either way, I appreciated that the story leaned into her being a survivor rather than a traditional hero, even if the ending wrapped things up a bit too neatly.

Overall, this story was engaging, and a thoughtful addition to the series.

[Chris Rempel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy these full-cast audiodramas. They give a different life/production quality to the characters and story. I also like that they're typically a short story (sub-6 hours of listening time), and so they're really easy to consume, even if the plot isn't your favourite - *especially* if the plot isn't your favourite - in order to get on to the next volume.

I wasn't desperate for another Lourna Dee-led audio drama, but it also wasn't a huge disappointment or anything. I just feel like her character constantly backtracks on any personal progress she's made, but having the larger cast of characters be Jedi and others that we know motivations of a lot better now in Phase III helped with balancing that out.
To be honest, I also wasn't a fan of the first chapter essentially being a recap of the adult comic arc, but I do understand needing to get those that missed/skipped those up to speed on the story.

My only issue is that this recording in particular went a little heavy on the "spacial audio" effects. Sometimes, characters that were supposed to be farther away from others were almost too far away to hear (and/or their audio was lost in the ambient noise of the environment). Being that this is an audio release first, I think some of those details are especially important.

[Joshua Smithrud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a rough start, in my opinion - it was a bit slow and was a bit too much tell and not enough show. But it eventually picked up and I really enjoyed it. The performances (especially Mark Thompson, as always) were great. And I was impressed by Lorna's character arc over the course of this series - she is not a character I would have expected to receive this level of development.

Would recommend, though I think it would be hard to pick this up if you haven't read the core High Republic stories to date.

[Declan O'Keeffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the best audio audiodrama Star Wars has done since they started a few years ago.

I love Dooku Jedi lost, and Aphra is OK. The 2 previous THR ADs as good but just feel like holdovers before the next big story.

This one felt like it really truly impacted the story, tying things together from previous stories, recapping the story before pushing it forward closer towards the finale.

An excellent secret origin story to the bad guy that replaced Lourna after she ditched the Nihil and it takes her story and the stories of the main marvel comic characters forward brilliantly before we rocket into the final lap.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what a production.

Excellent voice cast and effects. The story started off a bit slow, as it was kind of integrating some recap information into the overarching interview of the plot, but it was a nice set-up and lead-in to the advertised Jedi/Lourna team-up.

This production surpasses Tempest runner, and the end has me eager for more from Lourna Dee!

I am also rather partial to Marchion Ro's voice actor. He has such a way of really making the character come alive, bringing Ro's sinister malice to fruition.

[Alain del Risco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will read more regarding phase I, II, III. This literary project is the best effort since the EU. I wish Disney would make at least one novel audio presentation (not to be confused with audio narration) per year.

[Tommy · Rating 2 out of 5]

OKAY. It’s fun. It’s Star Wars. Production is great, especially the droids. LOVE DROIDS. My biggest gripe with this audio drama is the plot. There were bits of fun throw backs to phase 2 of the High Republic project that I enjoyed, but overall the story betrays the intelligence and power of one of the most cunning, ruthless villains Star Wars has created. A whole Jedi order can’t figure out how to beat this guy even once, yet one character can repeatedly do it… come on. Also, there are characters and consequences that feel like a means to a pre-determined end. There is very little character development. I could keep blabbing, but it’s the same point. My favorite character was Skeer though treating him as an indestructible demigod felt cheap.

With Scott’s phase 3 comics and this audio drama, I get the feeling that the creative well has run a bit dry. The same applies to Older with the adventures comics.

I will keep consuming High Republic content, but as with all things, it’s hard to stick a perfect landing. I’m prepared for a bit of a let down, though Soule spins magic. We’ll see.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lourna Dee's story has been one of the most exciting character arcs in The High Republic. It's like she was doomed to be redeemed, the only obstacle her own resistance.

I thoroughly enjoyed the second Tempest audio drama, though it didn't hit me as much as Tempest Runner did due to the less narrow focus on its main character Lourna and her internal struggles. Still, I really loved Lourna's dynamic with the cast, Avar specifically, and her emancipation from old Nihil ways.
The two things that bothered me about the audio drama is that firstly, the interview structure felt like a missed opportunity and Rhil as well as Lina's appearance was pretty useless to the plot. Secondly, while this audio drama is a massive upgrade in terms of sound production (which was already really good before), there was too much screaming and groaning when it comes to a certain character who was hard enough to understand as it is. This especially made the audio drama less enjoyable for non-native or impaired listeners.

All in all, this was a solid story, a fast and fun time, a satisfying character "conclusion", and in my book it counts as a romantasy, right? ;)

[Lalo · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is a weird one. One thing about Cavan Scott is that the fact that he’s in charge of the comics means that he’ll then need to reference them in his other work. In Phase 2 this meant Path of Deceit recapping the comic events of Battle of Jedha, and in this audio drama that the first half is recapping what his comic characters have been up to since like 5 novels ago.

Sadly I can’t tell where the actual new story begins because I haven’t caught up to the comics for Phase 3. Nonetheless the overall story is great. The character exploration for Lorna was enjoyable, though it’s hard to reconcile this character as the same one from Phase 1, but that’s off-screen development for you.

I’ll probably need to do a reread of this once I go through all the comics, and have a script version, but the production for the audio drama is pretty well done. I particularly liked Ithorian characters having both the translated Basic speech and the native language in the background.

[Tyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

rotating them all in my mind so hard right now

[Nunya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lourna Dee is in her Arcane Season 2 Jinx grindset era because it's time for a hasty, yet satisfying redemption.

Yes, a mute child is involved.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Penguin Random House Audio and Random House Worlds for the review copies of this audio drama and script book for review.

This dad listened to and read Tempest Breaker, an audio drama and script book by Cavan Scott from phase 3 of The High Republic. The audio drama was released in December 2024 and its accompanying script book in May 2025.

Lourna Dee isn’t a hero or a villain—she’s a survivor. Once a feared Tempest Runner of the Nihil, she’s now hunted by both her former allies and the Republic. When a mysterious blight threatens the galaxy, Lourna is offered a deal: help the Jedi stop it, and she’ll earn a clean slate. Partnered with Jedi Avar Kriss and Keeve Trennis, Lourna must track down the elusive Baron Boolan and uncover Marchion Ro’s secrets. As she ventures deeper into enemy territory, Lourna faces a choice between freedom, survival, and revenge—one that could change the fate of the galaxy.

I listened to Tempest Breaker upon its initial release but waited to publish my review until I had the script book in hand. I’m not typically an audiobook person, especially when it comes to fiction, but the Star Wars audio dramas usually work better for me thanks to their full cast and immersive sound design. However, I found Tempest Breaker a bit challenging to follow in audio form—likely due to the end-of-year chaos when I first listened. Some of the action scenes were hard to parse, and certain sound effects and voice choices (like Sskeer’s specific brand of stressed Trandoshan breathing) became a bit distracting. At the time, I left the experience feeling disappointed and pretty confused about the plot overall. Reading the script book—with its helpful stage directions—gave me a much clearer understanding of the story. In the end, I’d say Tempest Breaker is solid, though not a standout.

This story serves as a finale of sorts for Lourna Dee, a character whose arc I’ve mostly enjoyed since her introduction back in 2021. Cavan Scott has done a great job evolving her from a villain into a more complex, morally gray figure. I love when Star Wars leans into that ambiguity, and Lourna is a prime example. That said, Tempest Breaker didn’t quite land the emotional impact I was hoping for. Lourna’s character felt somewhat fractured, and I struggled to connect with her journey in the way I had in previous installments. It’s possible that the time gap since Tempest Runner contributed to this disconnect—several returning characters, like Muglan Tarantyne, didn’t resonate as strongly for me, and I had to remind myself (and look up) who they were. I think her connection and evolved relationship with the Jedi was strongest and if that aspect was the sole emotional foundation I would have felt more satisfied.

Still, there’s a lot to appreciate. I enjoyed how the story pushes forward key Phase 3 plotlines, including the Jedi’s investigation of the blight, Marchion Ro’s schemes, and the unexpected dynamic between Baron Boolan and Sskeer. Tempest Breaker clearly plays an important role in setting the stage for the High Republic’s endgame. Having read Trials of the Jedi, I can now better appreciate where this story fits in the larger narrative.

While it’s not my favorite entry in The High Republic, Tempest Breaker remains an exciting audio drama and a meaningful chapter in Lourna Dee’s saga. I give it 🧢🧢🧢/5—recommended for fans of the audio drama format and High Republic completionists.

[Zain · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audio drama format has become a cornerstone of The High Republic over the years. For those unfamiliar, these stories are crafted as script-style books, where dialogue drives the narrative and brings scenes vividly to life. As a result, if you’re looking for production value, few audiobooks can match the immersive experience these dramas deliver.

While ‘Tempest Breaker’ pushes the story forward and raises the stakes in the third and final phase of The High Republic, it also acts as a sort of sequel to Cavan Scott's ‘Tempest Runner’ from phase one. That earlier audio drama gave us our first deep dive into the enigmatic Lourna Dee’s story, and this installment continues her journey as we approach the finish line.

Keeping this spoiler-free, I’ll start with some thoughts on the publishing and release decisions that might influence whether you pick up the audio version of this story. The audiobook excels at creating a dynamic atmosphere, but the script adds crucial layers of detail that don’t entirely translate in the audio format alone. With the script not set to release until May, you might find yourself revisiting this later to fully appreciate every nuance or to clear up any confusion.

Personally, I prefer to read the script while listening to the audio for this kind of release. Without the script in hand, I found myself occasionally lost—particularly when it came to keeping track of which character was speaking. This isn’t a typical issue for me with audio dramas, but it stood out here, and I must admit I listened to ‘Tempest Breaker’ twice to make sure I fully grasped everything happening (I typically listen on 2x speed and had to slow this down). While it could just be me, I do think it bears mentioning that this might affect your experience.

On to the book itself - As someone who reads all the comics to keep pace with the entire story, I felt the first half was a bit redundant in getting readers up to speed. I've always been under the impression that The High Republic was a cohesive story, where readers who go the extra mile would be rewarded. That wasn’t the case here, and it made me question whether investing my time to such a degree was worth it.

If I can get past those issues, I quite enjoyed ‘Tempest Breaker’. Cavan’s work is always exceptional, and I don’t think I can put some of these decisions entirely on him. The story flows in a very natural way, and his ability to balance action with character development really shines here. The stakes feel high, and there’s a sense of urgency that drives the narrative forward. Lourna Dee’s journey continues to captivate, adding depth to a character we first saw in Tempest Runner. Oh, and as a small aside, for video game fans - there’s a nice Easter egg hidden in the story that is sure to make you smile. All in all, while the book had its flaws, the overall experience was engaging and worth the read.