daisy_books's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
jonwesleyhuff's review against another edition
4.0
I must admit, after "Aftermath"my excitement for reading Star Wars novels had been incredibly lessened, even in the run-up to The Force Awakens. But I'd heard good things about this book. I'm glad I gave it a go. The premise is simple and brilliant—two young kids from the same planet join the Empire, only for one of them to turn to the Rebellion and one to stick with the Empire.
Ciena and Thane are both really well rendered characters, and though the way their story weaves around the original Star Wars trilogy from the capture of Leia in A New Hope through The Battle of Endor and beyond (into elements that set-up The Force Awakens) is, of course, a great coincidence, it's also a lot of fun. It's both engrossing and also somewhat disturbing, however, to see the Imperial ranks given a more human face. On one hand, it's great to get an insight into how someone might join up with the Empire. On the other hand, it does make you think about the wanton death and destruction wrought upon the Imperials in the film.
At the end of the day, though, there's a distinct "lower decks" appeal to this book and seeing the familiar story of the original trilogy through the eyes of characters who are just off screen.
Ciena and Thane are both really well rendered characters, and though the way their story weaves around the original Star Wars trilogy from the capture of Leia in A New Hope through The Battle of Endor and beyond (into elements that set-up The Force Awakens) is, of course, a great coincidence, it's also a lot of fun. It's both engrossing and also somewhat disturbing, however, to see the Imperial ranks given a more human face. On one hand, it's great to get an insight into how someone might join up with the Empire. On the other hand, it does make you think about the wanton death and destruction wrought upon the Imperials in the film.
At the end of the day, though, there's a distinct "lower decks" appeal to this book and seeing the familiar story of the original trilogy through the eyes of characters who are just off screen.
ptbrown's review against another edition
3.0
Fun read, Ciena becomes beyond annoying in the second half. Was so glad to be done. There’s definitely worse Star Wars books.
jaigeyes_6's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
jaimyleecastro's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
quesara's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I would’ve ended this book differently but I thought this book was beautifully written! I’ve been waiting for a good Star Wars romance outside of main characters we already know and Claudia Gray executed this perfectly. I loved how she crafted this love story around the Star Wars storyline. I will absolutely be reading it again!
abigcoffeedragon's review against another edition
5.0
This is a much better representation of what I expect from the new Star Wars canon.
This novel focuses on a boy and a girl from the same planet but from different cultures and types of family. This is very much a Romeo and Juliet of Star Wars. The time span is from before A New Hope to after Return of the Jedi, with many instances of events coinciding with the original trilogy.
This is also told from the point of view from the Empire, which gives an interesting angle to seeing the training involved and the mindset of the Imperial forces. Every side has their version of events, and this is a well conceived well represented version of the original trilogy.
The ending drew out a bit too long for me, and there denouement leaves an opening for a follow on novel, but over all, i felt that this was an enjoyable story and worth the read.
This novel focuses on a boy and a girl from the same planet but from different cultures and types of family. This is very much a Romeo and Juliet of Star Wars. The time span is from before A New Hope to after Return of the Jedi, with many instances of events coinciding with the original trilogy.
This is also told from the point of view from the Empire, which gives an interesting angle to seeing the training involved and the mindset of the Imperial forces. Every side has their version of events, and this is a well conceived well represented version of the original trilogy.
The ending drew out a bit too long for me, and there denouement leaves an opening for a follow on novel, but over all, i felt that this was an enjoyable story and worth the read.
vinwriteswords's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Claudia Gray's Lost Stars is a little too cliche, some of the characters are frustrating, and the writing style isn't particularly nuanced... But wow. None of those criticisms really matter, because this is the REAL DEAL. I could not put this book down. I stayed up night after night, uncontrollably reading 20% at a time. For an entire week, I was so excited to read this book, to get immersed in the characters' drama and their struggles and their hopes. Lost Stars is thrilling, emotional, and breathlessly enjoyable. The plot rapidly picks up within a few chapters and doesn't slow down until the very last page. I loved this book so much.
One of the coolest parts of the book is how it incorporates details, settings, and events from the Star Wars universe. This is a fantastic companion piece to the films, even adding extra emotional depth to some of the things we see on screen. The way Claudia Gray examines the Empire and the Rebel Alliance through the point of view of normal humans makes Lost Stars feel like a YA predecessor to Andor. Gray uses Star Wars features to give context to the themes, settings, and politics of the book, playing into the excitement of the film references without letting fan service dominate. This book is solidly focused on telling an engrossing story about two friends who grew up together during wartime. It would have been a fantastic book even without the Star Wars elements, but the film references just make it better.
Fast, emotional, twisty, Lost Stars is a great romantic drama set during the Star Wars Original Trilogy. I can't recommend this book enough.
One of the coolest parts of the book is how it incorporates details, settings, and events from the Star Wars universe. This is a fantastic companion piece to the films, even adding extra emotional depth to some of the things we see on screen. The way Claudia Gray examines the Empire and the Rebel Alliance through the point of view of normal humans makes Lost Stars feel like a YA predecessor to Andor. Gray uses Star Wars features to give context to the themes, settings, and politics of the book, playing into the excitement of the film references without letting fan service dominate. This book is solidly focused on telling an engrossing story about two friends who grew up together during wartime. It would have been a fantastic book even without the Star Wars elements, but the film references just make it better.
Fast, emotional, twisty, Lost Stars is a great romantic drama set during the Star Wars Original Trilogy. I can't recommend this book enough.
pauliib's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0