Lost Stars - Kirjakasa

Paperback, 576 pages

English language

Published Aug. 1, 2017 by Disney Lucasfilm Press.

ISBN:: 978-1-368-01378-9
OCLC Number:: 1038612132

(1 review)

"The reign of the Galactic Empire has reached the Outer Rim planet of Jelucan, where aristocratic Thane Kyrell and rural villager Ciena Ree bond over their love of flying. Enrolling at the Imperial Academy together to become fighter pilots for the glorious Empire is nothing less than a dream come true for the both of them. But Thane sours on the dream when he sees firsthand the horrific tactics the Empire uses to maintain its ironclad rule. Bitter and disillusioned, Thane joins the fledgling Rebellion--putting Ciena in an unbearable position to choose between her loyalty to the Empire and her love for the man she's known since childhood. Now on opposite sides of the war, will these friends turned foes find a way to be together, or will duty tear them--and the galaxy--apart?" --

4 editions

Thom reviewed Lost Stars by Claudia Gray

Review of 'Lost Stars' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

While many young adult style novels exist in the Star Wars genre, this is the first labeled as such. It is also the second in the new Disney franchise, a Romeo & Juliet style tale at many levels, and touches on the events of episode IV through VI. Ms. Gray tackled a lot with this story - and succeeds on all levels.

Both the main characters are strong, growing throughout the story. Ciena Ree is a strong female character, resourceful and insightful. Appearances by a few well-known characters from the franchise feel accurate, and add to the story - these are not just cameos. The settings also feel very Star Wars, and the moral questions raised are equal to those from the movies, leading right up to the appearance of a thoroughly evil emperor Palpatine.

This author wrote another Star Wars novel the following year, which I read shortly after …

While many young adult style novels exist in the Star Wars genre, this is the first labeled as such. It is also the second in the new Disney franchise, a Romeo & Juliet style tale at many levels, and touches on the events of episode IV through VI. Ms. Gray tackled a lot with this story - and succeeds on all levels.

Both the main characters are strong, growing throughout the story. Ciena Ree is a strong female character, resourceful and insightful. Appearances by a few well-known characters from the franchise feel accurate, and add to the story - these are not just cameos. The settings also feel very Star Wars, and the moral questions raised are equal to those from the movies, leading right up to the appearance of a thoroughly evil emperor Palpatine.

This author wrote another Star Wars novel the following year, which I read shortly after it came out. I commented there that I liked her writing style, and that shines through in this book as well. While the ending to that book felt rushed, this one feels just about right. All-in-all, a five star performance. I plan to visit another of her books soon.