When the first issue of Marvel’s Phase III of Star Wars: The High Republic revealed that (spoiler) Lourna Dee had survived and returned not as a member of the Nihil but as part of Skarabda the Hutts forces, I was surprised but glad. During Phase I, I enjoyed the journey that we got to go on with Dee’s character through the books, comics, and audio dramas. It was a great, unexpected return.

It did not prepare me for the even more unexpected reveal at the end of book number two. There will be some spoilers ahead.

There was a handful of really cool stuff in this book, and I always enjoy Cavan Scott’s work. His stories have been continually great and not just in the High Republic.

I really liked the body suits/armor worn by the Republic soldiers in this. The grey with blue trim look was a nice combination. I also liked them being useful and nuts just fodder.

The Jedi finally caught two massive breaks in their battle against the Nihil and investigation into the Nameless. Not only did they capture one of Marchion Ro’s experiments in a Child of the Storm, but Terec killed a Nameless monster. Is this the break they’ve been looking for?

Then, at the end of the book, we get the reveal that the big man himself Sskeer is alive and well. As described by one of the Child of the Storm, “But I saw him for who he was. Trandoshan scum. A devil. A monster.” Sskeer was an absolute unit in the Phase I appearances he made, and I can’t wait to get more of him.

As a “good” Trandoshan, he’s a rare site in Star Wars, and it was great learning more about his species and afflictions. More Sskeer!

How did he survive? What’s he been up to? Will he continue to survive? Don’t break my heart too hard here, Cavan.