(W) Mike Chen Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker must stem the tide of the raging Clone Wars and forge a new bond as Jedi Knights. After an explosion devastates Cato Neimoidia, the jewel of the Trade Federation, the Republic is blamed and the fragile neutrality of the planet is threatened. The Jedi dispatch Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the Order's most gifted diplomatic minds, to investigate the crime and maintain the balance that has begun to dangerously shift. Amid the brewing chaos, Anakin Skywalker rises to the rank of Jedi Knight. Despite the mandate that Obi-Wan travel alone - and his former master's insistence that he listen this time - Anakin's headstrong determination means nothing can stop him from crashing the party, and bringing along a promising but conflicted youngling. The two knights must learn a new way to work together-and they must learn quickly, to save Cato Neimoidia and its people from the fires of war.

(W) Claudia Gray In this gripping sequel to Star Wars: The Rising Storm, the light of the Jedi faces its darkest hour. Hanging like a jewel in the Outer Rim, Starlight Beacon embodies the High Republic at the apex of its aspirations: a hub of culture and knowledge, a bright torch against the darkness of the unknown, and an extended hand of welcome to the furthest reaches of the galaxy. As survivors and refugees flee the Nihil's attacks, the Beacon and its crew stand ready to shelter and heal. But the storm the Knights and Padawans of the Jedi Order stationed there thought had passed still rages; they are simply caught in its eye. Marchion Ro, the true mastermind of the Nihil, is preparing his most daring attack yet-one designed to snuff out the light of the Jedi.