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Star Wars: The High Republic
Tempest Runner
The villainous Lourna Dee takes her fate into her own hands in this Star Wars audio original.
572 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2021
230 people are currently reading
2500 people want to read
About the author
Cavan Scott
844 books436 followersis 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 527 reviews
February 18, 2022
The plot is just the girlbossification of Lourna Dee who starts out a girlboss, has some backstory, learns nothing and ends up a girlboss. and i ate it up. completely.
June 30, 2023
Cavan Scott’s “Tempest Runner” is the first High Republic novel that I didn’t find pathetically mediocre, which says a lot, considering it isn’t even a novel.
“Tempest Runner” is actually a script for an audio play, one that is intended to have music, sound effects, and (I assume) different actors playing the different roles. Like most plays, audio or otherwise, much of the action and the plot comes from dialogue, and this is very dialogue-heavy. In a novel, this may not work as well, but as a script, it works very well and helps to build momentum for the story. Indeed, the story is very fast-paced, and the format fits the story.
There are several things that Scott does in this script that are improvements over the last several novels. Narratively, Scott’s story lacks the trademark Star Wars linear story-telling format. Nothing necessarily wrong with that style, but Scott’s nonlinear, non-chronological approach gives the reader more of a challenge, in a good way. Time-jumps, in my opinion, are always better for a story because it makes the reader pay more attention.
It is also somewhat of a more mature approach to storytelling. Star Wars has always harkened to a more old-fashioned, traditional linear form of storytelling, much like the classic Saturday afternoon serials that were the inspiration for George Lucas when he created Star Wars in the late-70s. That style also has a certain appeal, one that modern audiences (especially adults who have, like me, grown up with Star Wars) may find childish. (And please don’t take that the wrong way. I don’t mean that in a negative sense. “Childish”, in this sense, is simply meant to imply that it is targeted to children---or, perhaps more abstractly, the child within, which, in a sense, Star Wars always has been.)
Another improvement is that, unlike the previous novels (and, by the way, “Tempest Runner” is chronologically set between the events of “The Rising Storm” and “The Fallen Star”), the focus is on one character rather than an ensemble of characters. This allows Scott to develop at least one character more fully. It’s a shame that Scott devotes the story to one of the villains, but, for the first time at least, we are given more backstory and humanization of a character than we have seen in any of the previous books.
The story follows Lorna Dee, one of the three Tempest Runners of the Nihil. Within the hierarchy of the Nihil, she is the highest-ranking officer just under the leader, Marchion Ro, whose title is “The Eye”. (Ranks and titles are all storm-related.)
The Jedi are on the hunt for her because they mistakenly believe that she is the Eye. It is unfortunate for her but very fortunate for Ro, who schemes quietly in relative safety.
Also on the hunt for her is another former Tempest Runner, Pan Eyta, who was betrayed by Dee and thought dead. He is, unfortunately, not dead. He is very angry and bent on revenge.
Eventually captured by the Jedi, Dee still manages to keep her real identity a secret, but her situation makes her realize that even she doesn’t know who she is. We get glimpses at the various events in her life that have shaped her into the killer that she is, but can she be redeemed? Does she even want to be redeemed?
Amidst an exciting manhunt, prison escape, and showdown, (and, yes, “Tempest Runner” is exactly what it sounds like: a space western) Scott’s story is also an insightful examination of the birth and evolution of a terrorist.
“Tempest Runner” is actually a script for an audio play, one that is intended to have music, sound effects, and (I assume) different actors playing the different roles. Like most plays, audio or otherwise, much of the action and the plot comes from dialogue, and this is very dialogue-heavy. In a novel, this may not work as well, but as a script, it works very well and helps to build momentum for the story. Indeed, the story is very fast-paced, and the format fits the story.
There are several things that Scott does in this script that are improvements over the last several novels. Narratively, Scott’s story lacks the trademark Star Wars linear story-telling format. Nothing necessarily wrong with that style, but Scott’s nonlinear, non-chronological approach gives the reader more of a challenge, in a good way. Time-jumps, in my opinion, are always better for a story because it makes the reader pay more attention.
It is also somewhat of a more mature approach to storytelling. Star Wars has always harkened to a more old-fashioned, traditional linear form of storytelling, much like the classic Saturday afternoon serials that were the inspiration for George Lucas when he created Star Wars in the late-70s. That style also has a certain appeal, one that modern audiences (especially adults who have, like me, grown up with Star Wars) may find childish. (And please don’t take that the wrong way. I don’t mean that in a negative sense. “Childish”, in this sense, is simply meant to imply that it is targeted to children---or, perhaps more abstractly, the child within, which, in a sense, Star Wars always has been.)
Another improvement is that, unlike the previous novels (and, by the way, “Tempest Runner” is chronologically set between the events of “The Rising Storm” and “The Fallen Star”), the focus is on one character rather than an ensemble of characters. This allows Scott to develop at least one character more fully. It’s a shame that Scott devotes the story to one of the villains, but, for the first time at least, we are given more backstory and humanization of a character than we have seen in any of the previous books.
The story follows Lorna Dee, one of the three Tempest Runners of the Nihil. Within the hierarchy of the Nihil, she is the highest-ranking officer just under the leader, Marchion Ro, whose title is “The Eye”. (Ranks and titles are all storm-related.)
The Jedi are on the hunt for her because they mistakenly believe that she is the Eye. It is unfortunate for her but very fortunate for Ro, who schemes quietly in relative safety.
Also on the hunt for her is another former Tempest Runner, Pan Eyta, who was betrayed by Dee and thought dead. He is, unfortunately, not dead. He is very angry and bent on revenge.
Eventually captured by the Jedi, Dee still manages to keep her real identity a secret, but her situation makes her realize that even she doesn’t know who she is. We get glimpses at the various events in her life that have shaped her into the killer that she is, but can she be redeemed? Does she even want to be redeemed?
Amidst an exciting manhunt, prison escape, and showdown, (and, yes, “Tempest Runner” is exactly what it sounds like: a space western) Scott’s story is also an insightful examination of the birth and evolution of a terrorist.
August 31, 2021
Audio dramas, Star Wars: Tempest Runner, have always been a challenge for me to enjoy because I have auditory processing issues that make it difficult to fully enjoy listening to a cast of characters that I cannot see. I enjoyed past audio dramas like Dooku: Jedi Lost and Doctor Aphra, but both of those I waited to listen to after the script was available for read-along with. My unwavering love for The High Republic compelled me to dive head-first into Star Wars: Tempest Runner without a script in hand and I am so glad I did.
READ MORE: https://yourmoneygeek.com/review-star...
Cavan Scott is a masterful writer of the written word, but perhaps even more talented at crafting words that transcend beyond the page when they are brought to life by a cast of talented vocal artists. In concert with an incredible audio mixing, orchestration, and editing, Star Wars: Tempest Runner is nothing short of a masterpiece.
READ MORE: https://yourmoneygeek.com/review-star...
Cavan Scott is a masterful writer of the written word, but perhaps even more talented at crafting words that transcend beyond the page when they are brought to life by a cast of talented vocal artists. In concert with an incredible audio mixing, orchestration, and editing, Star Wars: Tempest Runner is nothing short of a masterpiece.
January 15, 2022
This is an audio drama that is part of The High Republic series. In this one, the Republic captures Lourna Dee without realizing who she actually is. We get to see her time in prison and thru many flashbacks we get to see her journey into becoming a valued member of the Nihil.
This is the third audio drama produced by Disney for this universe and for me the least enjoyable. There are several reasons that I did not like it compared to the other two audio dramas. I will be honest in saying that I haven't been the biggest fan of the overall series and maybe some of that carried over to this book. I will say once again the production is amazing. We have various actors along with music and sound effects. With the top quality production I didn't even mind listening to it even though it wasn't my favorite story. The first reason I did not like it was the actress who portrayed the main character. I thought her performance was a little over the top. Maybe it was how the story was written. At times I could visualize the main character twirling a fake moustache as to say "Here I am. I am the villain of this piece." My second problem was the switching back and forth between the flashbacks and the present. Without any reference that a scene switched and both settings being similar I did get lost at times to where we were currently. I did enjoy the finale with all the action and Lourna Dee's conclusion to this small arc.
This audio drama did provide some enjoyment but not enough for me to say I liked it. There were things that I did find interesting like Lourna's background. Maybe I was expecting more because of the other two audio dramas. Even though I am not the biggest supporter of this particular story I love these audio dramas. The production is terrific and I would listen to any audio drama in this universe including if one was based on Jar Jar Binks. Actually that might be where I would draw a line in the sand. Any audio drama based on anyone else would get a listen from me.
This is the third audio drama produced by Disney for this universe and for me the least enjoyable. There are several reasons that I did not like it compared to the other two audio dramas. I will be honest in saying that I haven't been the biggest fan of the overall series and maybe some of that carried over to this book. I will say once again the production is amazing. We have various actors along with music and sound effects. With the top quality production I didn't even mind listening to it even though it wasn't my favorite story. The first reason I did not like it was the actress who portrayed the main character. I thought her performance was a little over the top. Maybe it was how the story was written. At times I could visualize the main character twirling a fake moustache as to say "Here I am. I am the villain of this piece." My second problem was the switching back and forth between the flashbacks and the present. Without any reference that a scene switched and both settings being similar I did get lost at times to where we were currently. I did enjoy the finale with all the action and Lourna Dee's conclusion to this small arc.
This audio drama did provide some enjoyment but not enough for me to say I liked it. There were things that I did find interesting like Lourna's background. Maybe I was expecting more because of the other two audio dramas. Even though I am not the biggest supporter of this particular story I love these audio dramas. The production is terrific and I would listen to any audio drama in this universe including if one was based on Jar Jar Binks. Actually that might be where I would draw a line in the sand. Any audio drama based on anyone else would get a listen from me.
April 1, 2023
i did not care about this at all but it was so quick and the audiobooks keep getting me! they’re so fun and cool
September 1, 2021
That was probably my favourite audio drama and backstory, and some of the best content from The High Republic so far. Holy shit I cannot believe how good it was.
I have a new appreciation for Lourna Dee, she's probably the most badass villain in Star Wars, and pretty sure she could take Marchion Ro himself if she wanted to.
*spoilers*
This story both advanced the overall plot of the initiative while going back and explaining not only where she came from but also her beginnings inside the Nihil. And to top it all off, her return to them, in her own terms, and more powerful and badass than ever. WOW.
I have a new appreciation for Lourna Dee, she's probably the most badass villain in Star Wars, and pretty sure she could take Marchion Ro himself if she wanted to.
*spoilers*
This story both advanced the overall plot of the initiative while going back and explaining not only where she came from but also her beginnings inside the Nihil. And to top it all off, her return to them, in her own terms, and more powerful and badass than ever. WOW.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2022
i love and support women's wrongs especially when they’re a lesbian twi’lek named lourna dee
October 20, 2021
Ruthless Nihil space pirate Lourna Dee shouts, grunts and snarls her way through her own backstory and a whole series of post capture misadventures in Republic custody. Major Orange is the New Black vibes, but not in a bad way.
As is often the case with these audiodramas I personally suffer from two problems that detract from my enjoyment.
1. Differentiating between the voices of characters, particularly if they had similar accents.
and,
2. visualizing the various non-human characters without an assist from Wookieepedia to look up examples, and even then (for me) it's hit and miss.
This is what a Bivall looks like, in case you were wondering.
That said, Scott really outdid himself with the plotting and the characterization this time around, likely since he knows and loves the character and setting so well as one of the creative founders of the entire High Republic publishing initiative. Lourna's journey is a compelling one, and the listener is kept guessing just which way she's going to turn up until the very end which is just how a back-stabby Nihil story should be.
I'm not sure if there will be other entries in her saga or if this was a one-off, but in any case I feel it has certainly enriched my perspective on the Galaxy far, far away even longer ago.
As is often the case with these audiodramas I personally suffer from two problems that detract from my enjoyment.
1. Differentiating between the voices of characters, particularly if they had similar accents.
and,
2. visualizing the various non-human characters without an assist from Wookieepedia to look up examples, and even then (for me) it's hit and miss.
This is what a Bivall looks like, in case you were wondering.
That said, Scott really outdid himself with the plotting and the characterization this time around, likely since he knows and loves the character and setting so well as one of the creative founders of the entire High Republic publishing initiative. Lourna's journey is a compelling one, and the listener is kept guessing just which way she's going to turn up until the very end which is just how a back-stabby Nihil story should be.
I'm not sure if there will be other entries in her saga or if this was a one-off, but in any case I feel it has certainly enriched my perspective on the Galaxy far, far away even longer ago.
October 9, 2021
Fun, but not the best of the Star Wars audio dramas. It just can’t compete with Doctor Aphra
May 1, 2023
I give this a 3.5/5 Stars
Full transparency prior to reading this review: I do not like audiobooks. I do not have the ability to listen to them and comprehend what is going on. Can’t tell you why but that’s always how it’s been for me. I picked up this script and read it myself, acknowledging that this is not it’s intended medium. This may have been rated higher if I could bring myself to listen, however, I still found that it was quite enjoyable - but mostly I picked it up to stay up-to-date on plot points for the greater High Republic storylines.
I quite enjoyed the plot line of this. I’m a sucker for a villain origin story and this delivered. We get to learn exactly who Lourna Dee (our titular “Tempest Runner”) really is and why.
This why is the major plot of the book. We learn a lot about her upbringing on Aaloth (a “sub-planet” of Ryloth) as part of the royal family, to becoming enslaved by Zygerrians, to enlisting in the Republic military, working as a mercenary, working her way through the Nihil structure. We learn all of this through interviews conducted during her stay in a Republic prison ship.
Lourna Dee’s backstory reminds me a lot of The Governors backstory in The Walking Dead. We see how a tortured soul can go to any lengths to protect those they care about including (and most importantly) themselves.
We get to see a lot of existing characters, like Avar Kriss, Sskeer, Burry, Nib Assek, Pan, Ro, Wet Bub, and Zeetar. For the majority of these characters, this isn’t ESSENTIAL, however it is nice to see how this fits in with the rest of the High Republic Canon. I personally really enjoyed the role Avar Kriss plays early on. Personally, to date, I was a little let down by how “small” her role seemed. She is the front-and-center cover art character in Light of the Jedi but since, the Hero of Hetzal has seemed more like a background character. We get to see her really spring into action in parts of this and that was refreshing.
Just as refreshing was the character arc of Lourna Dee. As stated, we really get to see why she’s so ruthless but even that she has the capacity to take care of those under her charge. She seems to form important and deep relationships, however, no relationship is more important than one: with Lourna Dee.
One thing I didn’t like, and I don’t like this as a literary tool in general, was all of the time skipping back and forth. I understand it from a plot perspective, but it may have been nice to get more of a liner progression. Also, this may have been because I read it instead of listening, however the revel that the “Hulking Figure” early on is Pan Eyta was far too obvious and did not have the shock factor I would’ve hoped for in bringing that character back. I think it was within the second of 30 appearance that I asked myself, “I wonder if that’s Pan” and 28 appearances later it was finally revealed.
I think this book is a definite read/listen/read&listen. It adds some really good detail to the canon and backstory to one of our primary antagonists.
Also, be sure to read the the final acknowledgement within the acknowledgement section for Cavan Scott to seemingly include an Easter Egg for The Fallen Star.
Full transparency prior to reading this review: I do not like audiobooks. I do not have the ability to listen to them and comprehend what is going on. Can’t tell you why but that’s always how it’s been for me. I picked up this script and read it myself, acknowledging that this is not it’s intended medium. This may have been rated higher if I could bring myself to listen, however, I still found that it was quite enjoyable - but mostly I picked it up to stay up-to-date on plot points for the greater High Republic storylines.
I quite enjoyed the plot line of this. I’m a sucker for a villain origin story and this delivered. We get to learn exactly who Lourna Dee (our titular “Tempest Runner”) really is and why.
This why is the major plot of the book. We learn a lot about her upbringing on Aaloth (a “sub-planet” of Ryloth) as part of the royal family, to becoming enslaved by Zygerrians, to enlisting in the Republic military, working as a mercenary, working her way through the Nihil structure. We learn all of this through interviews conducted during her stay in a Republic prison ship.
Lourna Dee’s backstory reminds me a lot of The Governors backstory in The Walking Dead. We see how a tortured soul can go to any lengths to protect those they care about including (and most importantly) themselves.
We get to see a lot of existing characters, like Avar Kriss, Sskeer, Burry, Nib Assek, Pan, Ro, Wet Bub, and Zeetar. For the majority of these characters, this isn’t ESSENTIAL, however it is nice to see how this fits in with the rest of the High Republic Canon. I personally really enjoyed the role Avar Kriss plays early on. Personally, to date, I was a little let down by how “small” her role seemed. She is the front-and-center cover art character in Light of the Jedi but since, the Hero of Hetzal has seemed more like a background character. We get to see her really spring into action in parts of this and that was refreshing.
Just as refreshing was the character arc of Lourna Dee. As stated, we really get to see why she’s so ruthless but even that she has the capacity to take care of those under her charge. She seems to form important and deep relationships, however, no relationship is more important than one: with Lourna Dee.
One thing I didn’t like, and I don’t like this as a literary tool in general, was all of the time skipping back and forth. I understand it from a plot perspective, but it may have been nice to get more of a liner progression. Also, this may have been because I read it instead of listening, however the revel that the “Hulking Figure” early on is Pan Eyta was far too obvious and did not have the shock factor I would’ve hoped for in bringing that character back. I think it was within the second of 30 appearance that I asked myself, “I wonder if that’s Pan” and 28 appearances later it was finally revealed.
I think this book is a definite read/listen/read&listen. It adds some really good detail to the canon and backstory to one of our primary antagonists.
Also, be sure to read the the final acknowledgement within the acknowledgement section for Cavan Scott to seemingly include an Easter Egg for The Fallen Star.
September 14, 2021
From the very beginning the High Republic has given birth to a Pantheon of characters. It is a well planned property that has an extremely large cast. It is also very much in it's infancy, so it's to be expected that the great influx of characters might make it hard to truly connect to them all. Each new release under the HR banner however brings more of the outer puzzle pieces into focus and creates a place for readers to connect deeply with characters.
The stunning image of Lourna Dee has stuck with me from the initial art release. A member of the Nihil she radiates power an independence. In Tempest Runner we learn what forged her into the woman she is and through her capture we see her willing chose the woman she will become.
For Tempest Runner to succeed with a reader they have to be open to the audio drama format. it's something that has been growing in new canon Star Wars with three already in existence including this one.
I mention this because if someone is not comfortable with the audio format, it will really make it hard to enjoy the craft of this story. I find that doing an activity while listening to audio dramas helps me focus more on the storytelling and the effects being used. Something like the sound of a door closing, strong winds, the clink of a glass or the ignition of a lightsaber makes the storytelling so much more immersive.
Tempest Runner is a story set in the second wave of the High Republic books. If you have already read or have knowledge of Cavan's book The Rising Storm you know enough to join this adventure.
The story opens with the Jedi planning a "response" to the Nihil's actions on Valo. This is tricky place for the Jedi to occupy. It requires them to not act from a space of revenge while the Nihil are willing to go down fighting no matter the cost. In one of these skirmishes the Jedi think they have killed the leader of the Nihil Lourna Dee while in fact Lourna is on one of the Republic prison ships under a different name.
So many different voices are involved in telling Lourna's story. It's not meant to be dismissive of her but to emphasize the life of a woman influenced by others expectations of her. Lourna adapts to each persona her situation demands while bringing to each a burning anger and fierce intellect. She is never perfect in any role, be it Daughter , Subordinate, Friend, or Tempest.
But while a prisoner Lourna has time and choice to reflect on the past and more importantly make a choice for her future. Star Wars as a whole has often dabbled in good and evil, but this story really resonated with me on how there is really no choice for some. Lourna isn't powerless, and she has very definite opportunities to change and make choices and as a reader you learn enough about her past and witness how the pressure of living up to the various roles others want for her bring her to a breaking point. Her ultimate choice is powerful and the galaxy will possibly burn because of it.
I really was immersed in this story. I screamed a few times no Lourna no!, a few times but also truly understood her choices. Cavan really succeeded in showing Lourna as a complex character and treated her with a level of care I really appreciated. So much of her dialogue and frustration really resonated with me and mirrored the situations women in this galaxy face as well. More importantly I now know Lourna in a way that will make her future appearances in the HR a deeper experience to me
The stunning image of Lourna Dee has stuck with me from the initial art release. A member of the Nihil she radiates power an independence. In Tempest Runner we learn what forged her into the woman she is and through her capture we see her willing chose the woman she will become.
For Tempest Runner to succeed with a reader they have to be open to the audio drama format. it's something that has been growing in new canon Star Wars with three already in existence including this one.
I mention this because if someone is not comfortable with the audio format, it will really make it hard to enjoy the craft of this story. I find that doing an activity while listening to audio dramas helps me focus more on the storytelling and the effects being used. Something like the sound of a door closing, strong winds, the clink of a glass or the ignition of a lightsaber makes the storytelling so much more immersive.
Tempest Runner is a story set in the second wave of the High Republic books. If you have already read or have knowledge of Cavan's book The Rising Storm you know enough to join this adventure.
The story opens with the Jedi planning a "response" to the Nihil's actions on Valo. This is tricky place for the Jedi to occupy. It requires them to not act from a space of revenge while the Nihil are willing to go down fighting no matter the cost. In one of these skirmishes the Jedi think they have killed the leader of the Nihil Lourna Dee while in fact Lourna is on one of the Republic prison ships under a different name.
So many different voices are involved in telling Lourna's story. It's not meant to be dismissive of her but to emphasize the life of a woman influenced by others expectations of her. Lourna adapts to each persona her situation demands while bringing to each a burning anger and fierce intellect. She is never perfect in any role, be it Daughter , Subordinate, Friend, or Tempest.
But while a prisoner Lourna has time and choice to reflect on the past and more importantly make a choice for her future. Star Wars as a whole has often dabbled in good and evil, but this story really resonated with me on how there is really no choice for some. Lourna isn't powerless, and she has very definite opportunities to change and make choices and as a reader you learn enough about her past and witness how the pressure of living up to the various roles others want for her bring her to a breaking point. Her ultimate choice is powerful and the galaxy will possibly burn because of it.
I really was immersed in this story. I screamed a few times no Lourna no!, a few times but also truly understood her choices. Cavan really succeeded in showing Lourna as a complex character and treated her with a level of care I really appreciated. So much of her dialogue and frustration really resonated with me and mirrored the situations women in this galaxy face as well. More importantly I now know Lourna in a way that will make her future appearances in the HR a deeper experience to me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
My biggest critique of this series so far has been feeling like the plot isn’t the strongest & being very confused/left in the dark about the bad guys & the how/why/what/when of them of their intentions.
This book cleared up a lot about the Nihil & made Lourna Dee a really really dimensional & interesting character! I truly think she’s perhaps become my favourite of this era & this was such a gripping journey!!! I was in tears and on the edge of my seat
Also just a note that all Star Wars audiobooks have sound effects and slap but specifically the audio performances are some of the best things I’ve ever listened to and this was right up in that category. It was like listening to a Star Wars movie in the best way and I was absolutely gripped.
My only critique of this book is I do feel like the plot in the second half lost me a littttttlleeee bit, but it wasn’t detrimental
My biggest critique of this series so far has been feeling like the plot isn’t the strongest & being very confused/left in the dark about the bad guys & the how/why/what/when of them of their intentions.
This book cleared up a lot about the Nihil & made Lourna Dee a really really dimensional & interesting character! I truly think she’s perhaps become my favourite of this era & this was such a gripping journey!!! I was in tears and on the edge of my seat
Also just a note that all Star Wars audiobooks have sound effects and slap but specifically the audio performances are some of the best things I’ve ever listened to and this was right up in that category. It was like listening to a Star Wars movie in the best way and I was absolutely gripped.
My only critique of this book is I do feel like the plot in the second half lost me a littttttlleeee bit, but it wasn’t detrimental
February 19, 2025
Solid, the first part was the peak, but I simply loved Lourna's time in prison and the arc she gets so close to completing before sabotaging herself. It's too long for an audio drama, in my opinion, though.
October 27, 2021
This story really suffers in two areas: format and characterization of its lead.
1. This did not work as an audio drama. It either needed to be presented in a different way or written and/or edited by someone who better knows how to utilize this format. Many of the character voices sounded the same, making it difficult to distinguish who was speaking. It also moves around in time *a lot*, almost always with very little warning. And considering the lead character, Lourna, is the same no matter where we are in time, it's very difficult to tell when these jumps happen, making it hard to follow the story much of the time.
2. Oh boy, Lourna's character. I prefer to write my reviews without spoilers, so I'll just say it's WILDLY inconsistent between how we've seen her before and how she starts out here, and how she both grows and backslides massively in turn through the story.
1. This did not work as an audio drama. It either needed to be presented in a different way or written and/or edited by someone who better knows how to utilize this format. Many of the character voices sounded the same, making it difficult to distinguish who was speaking. It also moves around in time *a lot*, almost always with very little warning. And considering the lead character, Lourna, is the same no matter where we are in time, it's very difficult to tell when these jumps happen, making it hard to follow the story much of the time.
2. Oh boy, Lourna's character. I prefer to write my reviews without spoilers, so I'll just say it's WILDLY inconsistent between how we've seen her before and how she starts out here, and how she both grows and backslides massively in turn through the story.
May 17, 2025
Many things about the High Republic publication strategy have puzzled me. But here's a new one: They decided to invest all the resources needed to produce a full-cast audio drama into a story about . . . a minor villain. Now we know an origin story that hasn't been hinted at and that has no significant influence on the overarching High Republic story. I don't understand why a production like this wouldn't have focused on at least Marchion Ro, if not some of the principle Jedi we're supposed to be invested in (though Avar Kriss, who initially seemed to be the central Jedi character of this era, has been relegated to some graphic novels and side quests since her introduction in Light of the Jedi).
What I will remember most about Tempest Runner is how loudly Lourna Dee breathes. I have never encountered an audiobook character who breathes so furiously. I felt like almost every line of dialogue from Lourna began with an audible exhale, something like "HhaaAAaahhh." It was a fascinatingly odd, consistently over-the-top performance. And I'm glad it's over.
What I will remember most about Tempest Runner is how loudly Lourna Dee breathes. I have never encountered an audiobook character who breathes so furiously. I felt like almost every line of dialogue from Lourna began with an audible exhale, something like "HhaaAAaahhh." It was a fascinatingly odd, consistently over-the-top performance. And I'm glad it's over.
June 13, 2022
fun and interesting! love the insight it gave into lourna as a character and it painted her in a much more sympathetic light. still it didn’t draw me in as much as the other high republic books.
April 29, 2023
Una barbaridad de audiodrama
Recomendadisimo
Recomendadisimo
March 18, 2022
Cavan Scott has done it again! I enjoyed Dooku: Jedi Lost and absolutely loved The Rising Storm. Cavan Scott's skill at plotting is truly unprecedented in the canon. He does an excellent job at setting things up and paying them off!
This story follows Lourna Dee, Tempest Runner of the Nihil. The main plot is about her capture by the Republic and about her attempts at escape. However, roughly half of the book is composed of flashbacks which show her backstory. These flashbacks actually pair really nicely with the present storyline, as Lourna goes through similar trauma and life changes.
The best part about this book is the feeling it gives. Yes, this has an aura of the canon books where we are just following a character's life, but it has the amazing plotting and connectivity that the best of the EU books had. Cavan Scott is one of those authors who gives you the best of both worlds.
I read this in script format and it was highly enjoyable. It is impressive how Cavan Scott doesn't even have descriptions of the characters, and yet I can perfectly imagine what they look and sound like in my head. His way with dialogue is fantastic! The only complain I have is that there is a reveal in the book that occurs too early in the script that should have remained a surprise for the end of act one. I am sure that it works perfectly in the audio drama, but because of how the script was layed out it's spoiled early on. Other than that, I have no complaints.
I really appreciated how complex Lourna Dee is. You can tell she is a bad person, but you understand why she is bad. She's gone through quite a lot in her life. But there are moments where she questions her morals.
I highly enjoyed some of the supporting cast, including Wittick, Asgar Ro, and Andrik. I can't say why for spoiler reasons, but they all had excellent moments and scenes.
Overall, I loved this book. It is certainly one of my favorite High Republic stories, up there with "Light of the Jedi" and "The Rising Storm"! 9.5 out of 10! Wonderful job Cavan Scott!
By the way, I know why Del Rey releases this the way they do, but I would appreciate it if they would release the script simultaneously with the drama. It would allow those of us visual readers to get the story in the order properly.
This story follows Lourna Dee, Tempest Runner of the Nihil. The main plot is about her capture by the Republic and about her attempts at escape. However, roughly half of the book is composed of flashbacks which show her backstory. These flashbacks actually pair really nicely with the present storyline, as Lourna goes through similar trauma and life changes.
The best part about this book is the feeling it gives. Yes, this has an aura of the canon books where we are just following a character's life, but it has the amazing plotting and connectivity that the best of the EU books had. Cavan Scott is one of those authors who gives you the best of both worlds.
I read this in script format and it was highly enjoyable. It is impressive how Cavan Scott doesn't even have descriptions of the characters, and yet I can perfectly imagine what they look and sound like in my head. His way with dialogue is fantastic! The only complain I have is that there is a reveal in the book that occurs too early in the script that should have remained a surprise for the end of act one. I am sure that it works perfectly in the audio drama, but because of how the script was layed out it's spoiled early on. Other than that, I have no complaints.
I really appreciated how complex Lourna Dee is. You can tell she is a bad person, but you understand why she is bad. She's gone through quite a lot in her life. But there are moments where she questions her morals.
I highly enjoyed some of the supporting cast, including Wittick, Asgar Ro, and Andrik. I can't say why for spoiler reasons, but they all had excellent moments and scenes.
Overall, I loved this book. It is certainly one of my favorite High Republic stories, up there with "Light of the Jedi" and "The Rising Storm"! 9.5 out of 10! Wonderful job Cavan Scott!
By the way, I know why Del Rey releases this the way they do, but I would appreciate it if they would release the script simultaneously with the drama. It would allow those of us visual readers to get the story in the order properly.
September 21, 2023
This was an amazing piece of work with compelling story telling and an amazing look into the drives and motives of one of the most dynamic villains in Star Wars. Its a bit hard to keep track of the characters and which is talking at what time, and there’s a variety of smaller details I can’t quite look up on Wookieepedia without their written name, so I will definitely be picking up the script book when it comes out. I applaud Cavan Scott on another beautifully well done book.
March 25, 2022
LIVE, LAUGH, LOURNA DEE !!!
3.5 rounded up to 4. i really liked the story and the beginning battle was so much fun to listen to as an audio production. HOWEVER all the flashbacks and time jumps were kinda hard to follow through the audio format. i’m planning on revisiting this in script form, so that may change my thoughts.
3.5 rounded up to 4. i really liked the story and the beginning battle was so much fun to listen to as an audio production. HOWEVER all the flashbacks and time jumps were kinda hard to follow through the audio format. i’m planning on revisiting this in script form, so that may change my thoughts.
March 8, 2022
This one was a tiny bit hard to follow in timeline, but otherwise it was super interesting to get the villain backstory!
December 29, 2024
2nd read via print script instead of audio drama. Interesting to see the directions and sound effects info, as well as the structure.
January 12, 2022
Rating of 4.5.
The epic High Republic era of Star Wars fiction continues in Tempest Runner, the brilliant and captivating full-cast audio drama written by impressive author Cavan Scott.
Ever since its beginnings in early 2021, I have been having a lot of fun with the cool new focus of the Star Wars extended universe known as The High Republic. Set hundreds of years before the Skywalker Saga, The High Republic has featured several impressive novels, comics and other media releases that tell a grim story of destruction and strife in the golden age of the Republic and the Jedi. One of more interesting pieces of this fiction from late 2021 was this fantastic full-cast audio drama, Tempest Runner, which focused on one of this era’s best villains, the Nihil Tempest Runner, Lourna Dee. This awesome audio drama was authored by the exceedingly talented Cavan Scott, who not only wrote my favourite High Republic book so far, The Rising Storm, but also a great previous Star Wars audio drama, Dooku: Jedi Lost.
Tempest Runner ended up being an entertaining and captivating piece of Star Wars fiction. Featuring another excellent story from Scott that not only dives into the past of great character Lourna Dee but continues the story set up in several of the past High Republic novels. Perfectly told using a full cast of narrators, this was an outstanding audio drama that I had a wonderful time listening to.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/01/12/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
The epic High Republic era of Star Wars fiction continues in Tempest Runner, the brilliant and captivating full-cast audio drama written by impressive author Cavan Scott.
Ever since its beginnings in early 2021, I have been having a lot of fun with the cool new focus of the Star Wars extended universe known as The High Republic. Set hundreds of years before the Skywalker Saga, The High Republic has featured several impressive novels, comics and other media releases that tell a grim story of destruction and strife in the golden age of the Republic and the Jedi. One of more interesting pieces of this fiction from late 2021 was this fantastic full-cast audio drama, Tempest Runner, which focused on one of this era’s best villains, the Nihil Tempest Runner, Lourna Dee. This awesome audio drama was authored by the exceedingly talented Cavan Scott, who not only wrote my favourite High Republic book so far, The Rising Storm, but also a great previous Star Wars audio drama, Dooku: Jedi Lost.
Tempest Runner ended up being an entertaining and captivating piece of Star Wars fiction. Featuring another excellent story from Scott that not only dives into the past of great character Lourna Dee but continues the story set up in several of the past High Republic novels. Perfectly told using a full cast of narrators, this was an outstanding audio drama that I had a wonderful time listening to.
To see the full review, click on the link below:
https://unseenlibrary.com/2022/01/12/...
For other exciting reviews and content, check out my blog at:
https://unseenlibrary.com/
August 28, 2021
Lourna Dee...her name is whispered amongst the Nihil ranks with both awe and fear. She seemed to come from seemingly nowhere, terrorizing the galaxy alongside her fellow Tempest Runners...but every villain has an origin.
Tempest Runner takes place in the immediate aftermath of Rising Storm and the chaos left in the wake of the Republic Fair on Valo. Cornered and out of options, Tempest Runner Lourna Dee finds herself in the Republic's clutches and, desperate to escape and make her way back to the power and chaos she thrives upon, finds herself perilously close to making friends while reckoning with the ghosts of her past.
This was my first Star Wars audiodrama and boy did it deliver. The cast, sounds, and story all weaved seamlessly together to create yet another unique edition to the already strong High Republic releases set before them. Cavan Scott is a continued master of words, weaving love and hate, violence and quiet, hope and despair all seamlessly together to get into and under the skin of this era's most notorious antagonists. My only 'gripe' is that it took me a few chapters to be able to fully tell some characters apart, but by the end, it wasn't as much of an issue.
This is a must-listen for any High Republic fan and my sincerest hope is that they will do something like this again down the road...this era of Star Wars storytelling thrives on the variety of mediums given to it and Tempest Runner is only the latest in what is sure to be continuation of Wave 2 pushing the bounds of what we know and love about the galaxy far, far, away.
*Special thank you to Del Rey, Lucasfilm and Disney for an advance copy of this book for review purposes*
Tempest Runner takes place in the immediate aftermath of Rising Storm and the chaos left in the wake of the Republic Fair on Valo. Cornered and out of options, Tempest Runner Lourna Dee finds herself in the Republic's clutches and, desperate to escape and make her way back to the power and chaos she thrives upon, finds herself perilously close to making friends while reckoning with the ghosts of her past.
This was my first Star Wars audiodrama and boy did it deliver. The cast, sounds, and story all weaved seamlessly together to create yet another unique edition to the already strong High Republic releases set before them. Cavan Scott is a continued master of words, weaving love and hate, violence and quiet, hope and despair all seamlessly together to get into and under the skin of this era's most notorious antagonists. My only 'gripe' is that it took me a few chapters to be able to fully tell some characters apart, but by the end, it wasn't as much of an issue.
This is a must-listen for any High Republic fan and my sincerest hope is that they will do something like this again down the road...this era of Star Wars storytelling thrives on the variety of mediums given to it and Tempest Runner is only the latest in what is sure to be continuation of Wave 2 pushing the bounds of what we know and love about the galaxy far, far, away.
*Special thank you to Del Rey, Lucasfilm and Disney for an advance copy of this book for review purposes*
March 9, 2023
Tempest Runner absolutely blew me away. Definitely listen to the audio drama (or at least read along!) for the best experience with this book.
This is genuinely one of the best Star Wars books I’ve ever read, up there with Dark Disciple and the Ascendancy books. By far my favorite High Republic entry that I’ve read yet. Cavan Scott is able to make one of the main villains of the series into one of the most likable characters.
At no point during this book did I have any idea at all how it would end. I was gasping at every twist and turn. This was one of my favorite Star Wars experiences I’ve had in ages.
This is genuinely one of the best Star Wars books I’ve ever read, up there with Dark Disciple and the Ascendancy books. By far my favorite High Republic entry that I’ve read yet. Cavan Scott is able to make one of the main villains of the series into one of the most likable characters.
At no point during this book did I have any idea at all how it would end. I was gasping at every twist and turn. This was one of my favorite Star Wars experiences I’ve had in ages.
February 11, 2025
SO FUN. Also why is no one talking about the top or bottom joke it was genuinely so funny and I still cannot believe it was in a star wars/Disney production 💀 loved this, Lorna is SUCH an interesting character in the High Republic era.
September 1, 2022
THIS WAS SO GOOD especially the last couple hundred pages, learning more about lourna and really getting to see how far she will go made such a good story.
April 24, 2024
Lourna Dee's entire story is just an exercise in futility. This is a woman who's led to violence because every man in her life has taken her trust to trick her.
June 1, 2024
3.5/5
December 29, 2024
Audio dramas are cool!!
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