The Fallen Star (Star Wars: The High Republic, Bk. 3)

Time and again, the vicious raiders known as the Nihil have sought to bring the golden age of the High Republic to a fiery end. Time and again, the High Republic has emerged battered and weary but victorious, thanks to its Jedi protectors—and there is no monument to their cause grander than the Starlight Beacon.

Hanging like a jewel in the Outer Rim, the Beacon embodies  the Hight 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 to welcome to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As survivors and refugees flee the Nihil's attacks, the Beacon and its crew stand ready to shelter and heal.

The grateful Knight and Padawans of the Jedi Order stationed there finally have a chance to recover from the pain of their injuries and the grief of their losses. Following the death of Loden Greatstorm, Bell Zettifar must now take up his master's mantle. Elzar Mann is rebuilding his connection to the light, even as his rage toward the Nihil—and his forbidden feelings for Avar Kriss—simmer. Elzar's escorts back to the Beacon, the mismatched found family of the Vessel, are enjoying a quick opportunity to kick their feet up on the finest space station in the known galaxy (those of them who have feet, anyway).

But the storm they 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.