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in: Real-world media, Articles with an excess of redlinks, 2024 releases, Star Wars: The High Republic adult novels

The High Republic: Temptation of the Force

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This article is about the novel. You may be looking for the audiobook.

The High Republic: Temptation of the Force is a Star Wars: The High Republic adult novel by Tessa Gratton. It was published as part of Phase III of the multimedia project on June 11, 2024.

The novel is a major story in the overall High Republic saga while also focusing on the relationship between Jedi Masters Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann,[5] who must confront their true desires amid the ongoing Nihil conflict.[2]

Publisher's summary[]

The reunited Jedi prepare to strike back against the ruthless Nihil in this thrilling sequel to Star Wars: The High Republic: The Eye of Darkness.

For over a year, Jedi Masters Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann were kept apart by the Nihil's Stormwall. After Avar makes a daring escape from inside the Occlusion Zone, the star-crossed Jedi are reunited. But while the physical distance between them has evaporated, their shared grief over their failure to protect the galaxy from the Nihil threat still remains.

To rally the Jedi Order, and the Republic, Avar and Elzar cling to their belief in serving Light and Life. Working together they lead a daring mission into Nihil space to liberate the planet of Naboo, and show those trapped behind the Stormwall that the Jedi will never abandon them. Now back within close orbit of one another, the two Jedi Masters can no longer deny the bond that has always drawn them back together and made them stronger.

After finally embracing their true desires and imbued with renewed purpose, Avar and Elzar devise a plan to turn the tide of the conflict with the Nihil once and for all. Accompanied by Jedi Knights Bell Zettifar, Burryaga, and Vernestra Rwoh, the Jedi begin their hunt for Marchion Ro. But to seek out the Nihil's dangerous leader the Jedi will have to survive the Nameless terrors that they have thus far been powerless to stop.

Plot summary[]

Opening crawl[]

STAR WARS
THE HIGH REPUBLIC
TRIALS OF THE JEDI 
Worlds suffer inside the formidable OCCLUSION ZONE, where
Marchion Ro and his band of Nihil marauders, untouchable by the
Republic, rule with an iron fist.

Jedi Master Avar Kriss has escaped from this occupied space and,
along with fellow Jedi Elzar Mann, leads the Jedi and Republic in a
desperate fight against the Nihil and their Nameless creatures.

But a new danger now threatens the galaxy. A mysterious BLIGHT
has begun to spread randomly across worlds, slowly infecting areas
and turning all life in its path to dust….

Development[]

Writing process[]

"this is the daily word count tracker I used to get to 90k and it looks as messy as Elzar's emotional processing"
―Tessa Gratton on Twitter[6]
PhaseIII-ElzarArt

Author Tessa Gratton put a lot of thought into the story of Jedi Master Elzar Mann (pictured).

Tessa Gratton turned in the first draft for the novel on August 10, 2023,[7] by which point she reflected that she had spent the prior three months "overthinking" matters around Jedi Master Elzar Mann.[8] According to Gratton, Temptation of the Force is a novel where Mann gets "what he needs,"[9] with Gratton then remarking "a kiss on the forehead and a hug" was "a pretty good guess" all things considered.[10] She used a word count tracker while writing in order to push herself to reach 90,000 words.[6] The first draft[7] featured two references to the series Scum Villain, although Gratton was unsure if they would remain in the final copy.[11]

Editor Tom Hoeler teased that the novel featured "the most Elzar Mann thing" the character could do without it involving sex,[12] explaining later it was his decision to speak with[13] Jedi Grand Master[14] Yoda in chapter 47 after[13] fellow Jedi Master[14] Avar Kriss confessed her feelings.[13] Hoeler also thought the chapter was beautifully written and particularly enjoyed how Yoda was written.[15] The last portion of the book Gratton wrote was actually[16] its first chapter. That chapter features an exchange[17] between Mann and Kriss that was released by StarWars.com on May 20, 2024, as the fandom's first tease into the novel's contents.[16] In one early part of the novel, Kriss gives a speech to those trapped within the Nihil marauders' Occlusion Zone. Del Rey was so pleased with the speech that it decided to make the dialogue the book's black blurb.[18] Hoeler teased several specific chapters from the book as remarkable moments in the text.[19]

Release[]

"The second-to-last adult novel in the Star Wars: The High Republic story we've been telling since LIGHT OF THE JEDI in 2021, it’s a crackling read, like an Empire Strikes Back for THR."
―Charles Soule[20]
PhaseIII-AvarArt

Concept art of Jedi Master Avar Kriss (pictured) kicked off Michael Siglain's countdown to Temptation of the Force.

Gratton recieved a copy of her novel in the mail on June 1, which also happened to be the beginning of Pride Month.[21] In the days before release, Michael Siglain began a countdown on his Twitter account wherein everyday he would post concept art of someone from the book's cast by artists Diogo Saito[22] and Ario Anindito.[23] Starting on June 5, he began with Kriss[22] and followed up on June 6 with art of Jedi Knight Bell Zettifar and his Charhound, Ember. He revealed that, within the novel, Zettifar would need to investigate a danger to the Jedi Order and Galactic Republic and be confronted with fear.[24] The next post on June 7 featured concept art of the Wookiee Jedi Knight Burryaga Agaburry, who Siglain promised would go "through a lot" in Temptation of the Force. He further revealed that personal arc set up the rest of The High Republic initiative.[25] On June 8, Siglain posted concept art and a description of smuggler Cair San Tekka[23] while rushing out of his house[26] to get to his daughter's dance recital that day.[27] In that rush, however, Siglain posted the incorrect file[28]—selecting art of Tekka that did not match his final, canonical description[26]—and faced criticism.[27]

Later that day, Siglain posted the up-to-date depiction of Cair[29] and thanked fans for noticing the error. He remarked that the ultimate takeaway of the situation was not to rush.[27] He further apologized for the error and thanked fans for understanding.[30] On June 9, Siglain continued the countdown with art of Grand Master Yoda, who did not have a major role in Temptation of the Force but, as promised by Siglain, did have a major discussion with Mann or Kriss.[31] On June 10, the day before release, Siglain posted art of Mann and promised that—if a fan loved Mann, Kriss, or love in general—they would enjoy the book.[32] In particular, he also had deduced that Ronja, a Star Wars fan who goes by the Twitter handle @fivesgirlfriend, would enjoy the tweet about Mann, which proved to be the case.[33] Previously, he had implied to Ronja that the art would feature Mann in his mission robes, something that had never been pictured publicly before;[34] indeed, the June 10th tweet featured Mann in his Jedi mission robes.[32] On the day of release, June 11, Siglain posted art of Eye of the Nihil Marchion Ro, whom he implied would be more trustworthy than he seemed.[35]

Gratton's fellow The High Republic author Charles Soule celebrated the book's release with a tweet of his own, in which he praised Temptation of the Force as "a crackling read" that was effectively the The Empire Strikes Back of The High Republic.[20]

Media[]

Editions[]

Appearances[]

By type
Characters Organisms Droid models Events Locations
Organizations and titles Sentient species Vehicles and vessels Weapons and technology Miscellanea

Characters

Organisms

Droid models

Events

Locations

Organizations and titles

Sentient species

Vehicles and vessels

Weapons and technology

Miscellanea


Sources[]

Notes and references[]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 StarWars SWCE 2023: 9 Things We Learned from the Star Wars: The High Republic Panel on StarWars.com (backup link)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 StarWars Return of the Jedi Masters Avar Kriss and Elzar Mann in Temptation of the Force — Cover Reveal on StarWars.com (backup link)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Amazon-Favicon Star Wars: Temptation of the Force (The High Republic) on Amazon.com (backup link)
  4. ↑ Star Wars: Timelines dates Starlight Beacon's destruction to 230 BBY. The implementation of the Guardian Protocols, which Star Wars: The High Republic Character Encyclopedia places in 229 BBY, took place one week after Starlight Beacon's fall according to The High Republic: Shadows of Starlight 1. As The High Republic: Temptation of the Force takes place one year and six weeks after the destruction of Starlight Beacon, its events must be set in 228 BBY.
  5. ↑ TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter: "Nope, its the next big High Republic story, of which Avar/Elzar play a key role. In the same way that Empire is "about Leia and Han's relationship" that movie is still largely about moving Star War's overall story forward. If that helps as a comparison. (In response to: "I don’t think I realized until now that this book actually deals with the overall story, I assumed it was just about Avar and Elzar's history and relationship.")" (backup link)
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 TwitterLogo Tessa Gratton (@tessagratton) on Twitter: "this is the daily word count tracker I used to get to 90k and it looks as messy as Elzar's emotional processing" (backup link)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 TwitterLogo Tessa Gratton (@tessagratton) on Twitter: "Well, #TheHighRepublic twitter, I turned in the first draft of TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE so I'm going to lay on the floor and melt for a while" (backup link)
  8. ↑ TwitterLogo Tessa Gratton (@tessagratton) on Twitter: "I've spent the last three months overthinking it so it's only fair ha ha ha" (backup link)
  9. ↑ TwitterLogo Tessa Gratton (@tessagratton) on Twitter: "ONLY WHAT HE NEEDS (In response to: "THE POOR MAN(N) WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO HIM")" (backup link)
  10. ↑ TwitterLogo Tessa Gratton (@tessagratton) on Twitter: "Pretty good guess honestly (In response to: "A KISS ON THE FOREHEAD AND A HUG THEN?")" (backup link)
  11. ↑ TwitterLogo Tessa Gratton (@tessagratton) on Twitter: "there are 2 scum villain references in this draft I hope they make it to the printed version" (backup link)
  12. ↑ TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter: "Editorial note out of context. (WAY out of context) "This is the most Elzar Mann thing Elzar Mann could ever do...without losing his pants"" (backup link)
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter: "Chapter 47 - his conversation with Yoda. A beautiful chapter, truly a lovely scene. But as the reaction to Avar confessing her whole heart to him on Naboo, and him being like "UH, I gotta go ask Yoda if its okay first..." Truly hilarious. 10/10 Elzar. No notes." (backup link)
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 The High Republic: Temptation of the Force
  15. ↑ TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter: "This is not meant to demean that scene. Honestly, one of the few times in #StarWars that Yoda feels like a true character instead of a totem. Feels like he revealed something about himself rather than just acted as a mirror. Impeccable writing by Tessa." (backup link)
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter: "We're getting closer to #StarWarsTheHighRepublic #TemptationoftheForce, coming June 11th Read the first excerpt today. Be sure to check out the insights from author Tessa Gratton that while this is from ch 1, Tessa wrote it last (making books is fun)." (backup link)
  17. ↑ TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter: "Whole chapter (rest of the chapter continues this exchange)" (backup link)
  18. ↑ TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter: "There's a scene early in #StarWarsTheHighRepublic #TemptationoftheForce where Avar Kriss is asked to give a speech to beings trapped by the Nihil across the Occlusion Zone. Tessa wrote such an incredible speech we put it on the book's back cover. Its worth reading all on its own" (backup link)
  19. ↑ TwitterLogo Tom Hoeler (@DarthInternous) on Twitter: "Here's an assortment of awesome chapters from #StarWarsTheHighRepublic #TemptationoftheForce that I still think about (for many reasons) Chapter 5 Ch 6 Ch 8 Ch 13 Ch 20 Ch 36 Ch 47 Ch 48 Ch 53 (the ones before, between, and after are also rather remarkable)" (backup link)
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 TwitterLogo Charles Soule (@CharlesSoule) on Twitter: "Happy book birthday to TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE by @tessagratton, out today! The second-to-last adult novel in the Star Wars: The High Republic story we've been telling since LIGHT OF THE JEDI in 2021, it’s a crackling read, like an Empire Strikes Back for THR. Recommended!" (backup link)
  21. ↑ TwitterLogo Tessa Gratton (@tessagratton) on Twitter: "Finally! Happy Pride to me!!!" (backup link)
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "Loved #TheAcolyte? Want more from the era of #StarWarsTheHighRepublic? Let's start a countdown to TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE and reveal concept art between now and the book's release on June 11. Up first is the Hero of Hetzal herself, the one and only Avar Kriss. Art by Diogo Saito." (backup link)
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "The countdown to TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE continues w/ Cair San Tekka by Ario Anindito. Cair is "a spy, a musician, a secret husband, a security aide, a secretary, a punk kid, a troublemaker, a pilot, & now a smuggler & freedom fighter." Cair is awesome! #StarWarsTheHighRepublic" (backup link)
  24. ↑ TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "The countdown to TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE continues with Jedi Knight Bell Zettifar and Ember the charhound by Diogo Saito. We'll see Bell investigate a threat to the Jedi & the Republic. We'll also see him deal with fear. I sure hope he's going to be okay. #StarWarsTheHighRepublic" (backup link)
  25. ↑ TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "Next in our countdown to TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE is empathetic Jedi Knight Burryaga the Wookiee by Diogo Saito. Burry goes through a lot in TOTF. In fact, his emotional journey in this story is key to the rest of the initiative. Don't miss the one! #StarWarsTheHighRepublic" (backup link)
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "Simple. I uploaded the wrong version because I was racing out the door. Be on the lookout for the right version once I'm back in front of my computer. (In response to "Why is he so pale here compared to the Pride cover?")" (backup link)
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "And the moral of the story: don't rush. I posted the wrong art earlier because I was racing out to my daughter's dance recital. I just got home and posted the correct art. Thank you to all the fans for flagging it earlier. I appreciate it. #MTFBWY" (backup link)
  28. ↑ TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "This is what happens when I go too fast. I was running out the door to my daughter's recital and I posted the wrong image. The right one is up now. Thanks for flagging it and thanks for understanding." (backup link)
  29. ↑ TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "The countdown to TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE continues w/ the CORRECT Cair San Tekka by Ario Anindito. Cair is "a spy, a musician, a secret husband, a security aide, a secretary, a punk kid, a troublemaker, a pilot, and now a smuggler and freedom fighter." #StarWarsTheHighRepublic" (backup link)
  30. ↑ TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "Apologies for the wrong art earlier. I was racing out the door, so it was my bad. Thanks for understanding. (And give Defy the Storm a try when you can--it's awesome!)" (backup link)
  31. ↑ TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "Next in our TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE concept art countdown is Master Yoda by Diogo Saito. Note the subtle THR filigree on his robe. Yoda doesn’t have a major role in TOTF, but he does have a pivotal conversation w/ one of the characters on the cover. #StarWarsTheHighRepublic." (backup link)
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE releases tomorrow, and today we showcase concept art of Elzar Mann in mission attire from artist Diogo Saito. If you love Elzar, this book is for you. If you love Avar, this book is for you. If you love love, this book is for you. #StarWarsTheHighRepublic" (backup link)
  33. ↑ TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "I thought you might enjoy this one. :) (In response to: "Mike Im so serious I am going to start crying-")" (backup link)
  34. ↑ TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "Anything's possible.... (In response to: "Is this- is this gonna be the time we finally see Elzar in his Mission robes? 😱😱 I sure hope they are good to fight in because with Avar looking this stunning I want to immediately propose to her 😍")" (backup link)
  35. ↑ TwitterLogo Michael Siglain (@msiglain) on Twitter: "TEMPTATION OF THE FORCE releases today! We've seen our heroes now it's time to focus on our villain. Here is the sinister Marchion Ro in all his shirtless glory. The Eye of the Storm is not to be trusted...or is he? Concept art by the awesome Diogo Saito. #StarWarsTheHighRepublic" (backup link)
THR-PhaseIII-Logo-SWCE2023
Phase III: Trials of the Jedi
Novels
Adult novels
The Eye of Darkness (audiobook) · Temptation of the Force (audiobook) · Trials of the Jedi (audiobook)
Young adult novels
Defy the Storm (audiobook) · Tears of the Nameless (audiobook) · Into the Light
Junior novels
Escape from Valo (audiobook) · Beware the Nameless (audiobook) · A Valiant Vow
Audiobook Originals
Seeds of Starlight · Untitled Sequel
Audio dramas
Tempest Breaker (script)
Comic books
Marvel
The High Republic (2023) · Fear of the Jedi (2025)
Shadows of Starlight (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · TPB)
Dark Horse
The High Republic Adventures (2023) · Crash Landing / Crash and Burn (TPB)
The Wedding Spectacular · Phase III Annual · The Battle of Eriadu
Saber for Hire (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · TPB) · Echoes of Fear (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · TPB)
Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone (1 · 2 · 3 · 4 · TPB)
Viz Media
The Edge of Balance (3 · 4 · Premonition)
Short stories
Tales from the Occlusion Zone
"No Big Deal" · "Friend or Foe?" · "Survivors" · "Pathogen" · "Family Ties"
"The Fate of Eriadu" · Untitled story
Chronicles of Corellia
"Heir Apparent" · "Cracking the Mask"
Tales of Light and Life
"Light in the Darkness" · "All Jedi Walk Their Own Path" · "Rogue Element"
Reference books
The Art of: Volume 2
Promotional material
The High Republic Show
Related media
Comics
Yoda: The Cave · "All the Republic" · The Acolyte - Kelnacca 1
The Acolyte: Wayseeker · The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown
Unknown medium
Untitled project
Phase I media · Phase II media
[edit]
The Star Wars Novels Timeline by Del Rey & Random House Worlds
The High Republic · Convergence · The Battle of Jedha · Cataclysm
· Light of the Jedi · The Rising Storm · Tempest Runner · The Fallen Star
· The Eye of Darkness · Temptation of the Force · Tempest Breaker · Trials of the Jedi
· Dooku: Jedi Lost · Master and Apprentice · The Living Force
I The Phantom Menace · Mace Windu: The Glass Abyss
II Attack of the Clones · Brotherhood · The Thrawn Ascendancy Trilogy · Dark Disciple: A Clone Wars Novel
III Revenge of the Sith · Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade · Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel · Lords of the Sith · Tarkin ·
Jedi: Battle Scars
Solo · Thrawn · A New Dawn: A Rebels Novel · Thrawn: Alliances · Thrawn: Treason
Rogue One
IV A New Hope · Battlefront II: Inferno Squad · Heir to the Jedi · Doctor Aphra · Battlefront: Twilight Company
V The Empire Strikes Back
VI Return of the Jedi · The Princess and the Scoundrel · The Alphabet Squadron Trilogy · The Aftermath Trilogy ·
Last Shot
· Shadow of the Sith · Bloodline · Phasma · Canto Bight
VII The Force Awakens
VIII The Last Jedi · Resistance Reborn · Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire
IX The Rise of Skywalker
[edit]
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