A review by jonwesleyhuff
Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
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.