seanrreid's review against another edition
4.0
I've not been a huge fan of the Star Wars books or comics, I reserved my canon to the films (primarily the original trilogy). However, thank in large part to a local book club (shout out to Avid Books in Athens, GA!), I gave this one a shot.
I really enjoyed the book overall, and I think it's a great addition to the Star Wars universe. In many ways it continues the tradition that started with the original Star Wars film (aka A New Hope). Star Wars has always been derivative. The original films are essentially a love letter from George Lucas to Akira Kurosawa (and the American westerns he inspired). The Force Awakens brings this full circle, being a derivative work of its derivative predecessor. Lost Stars is, like all Star Wars films, a common story given a "soft" sci-fi gloss. At its core, the story is another version of Romeo and Juliet. It could just as easily become historical fiction and take place during the United States Civil War by simply by changing the names of the weapons and locations.
However, that's far from a slight or a criticism of the book. Star Wars has always been strongest when it stands on stories that are familiar. The plot is derivative, but it's proven. This freed up Claudia Gray to tell a story that, in spite of taking place in a universe that most people know, still felt fresh and came from a perspective that many fans haven't examined in depth.
I don't think that familiarity with the films is necessary to appreciate this book. It would certainly make the scope of a few scenes easier to comprehend, but I don't think it detracts from the overall story in any way.
Star Wars is experiencing an unprecedented resurgence. It seems like there is new media coming out on a weekly basis. As a fan I'm always a bit worried that we'll get too much of a good thing. Thankfully, this has yet to be the case, and Lost Stars is absolutely a great addition to the mythology.
*edited for typos or grammar problems
I really enjoyed the book overall, and I think it's a great addition to the Star Wars universe. In many ways it continues the tradition that started with the original Star Wars film (aka A New Hope). Star Wars has always been derivative. The original films are essentially a love letter from George Lucas to Akira Kurosawa (and the American westerns he inspired). The Force Awakens brings this full circle, being a derivative work of its derivative predecessor. Lost Stars is, like all Star Wars films, a common story given a "soft" sci-fi gloss. At its core, the story is another version of Romeo and Juliet. It could just as easily become historical fiction and take place during the United States Civil War by simply by changing the names of the weapons and locations.
However, that's far from a slight or a criticism of the book. Star Wars has always been strongest when it stands on stories that are familiar. The plot is derivative, but it's proven. This freed up Claudia Gray to tell a story that, in spite of taking place in a universe that most people know, still felt fresh and came from a perspective that many fans haven't examined in depth.
I don't think that familiarity with the films is necessary to appreciate this book. It would certainly make the scope of a few scenes easier to comprehend, but I don't think it detracts from the overall story in any way.
Star Wars is experiencing an unprecedented resurgence. It seems like there is new media coming out on a weekly basis. As a fan I'm always a bit worried that we'll get too much of a good thing. Thankfully, this has yet to be the case, and Lost Stars is absolutely a great addition to the mythology.
*edited for typos or grammar problems
kendrajem_'s review against another edition
4.0
Overall felt the story was super well done but I found the ending a little lacking
jen_smash's review against another edition
4.75
Checkout audible version if you can. You get to here Star Wars soundtrack and sounds. Almost like a long play.
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!