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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
I love Leia, but the main enticing factor for my wanting to read this right away was actually hearing that it fills out some of her history with Holdo, which I found intriguing in The Last Jedi. And on that front, it didn't disappoint (except, perhaps, in that I want more).
Amilyn Holdo is basically a slightly more grounded (slightly) space Luna Lovegood. I also got a suuuuuper neurodivergent vibe from her (most especially in that she's repeatedly described as having a "monotone" voice and communicates largely through metaphor and references). She's really just delightful, and her friendship with Leia is great not only because they're both awesome (in very different ways, which is part of what makes them such a good duo) but because it finally gives us a chance to see young Leia interacting with someone who isn't male.
But aside from that, the book also delves into the early stages of Leia's introduction to what would become the Rebellion. I don't want to give too much away, not even what other characters might make appearances, but suffice it to say I really enjoyed and felt enriched by what is fleshed out here. I don't think it's a spoiler to say we get to see what Alderaan was like when it, y'know, existed, so that was really nice too. Elements from the original trilogy, the prequels, the new trilogy, and even Star Wars Rebels are all seamlessly woven into the story to give the overall universe an even more cohesive quality.
ALSO, there is an alien race with multiple/shifting genders and it's explicitly said that it's appropriate to use singular "they" for them, and thereafter that's exactly what's used in the book. It's done very smoothly without calling TOO much attention to it. Thank you, Claudia Gray, for showing how easy and natural it can be.
All in all, I loved this entry into the new canon EU and am glad to be ending 2017 with such a great story.
Amilyn Holdo is basically a slightly more grounded (slightly) space Luna Lovegood. I also got a suuuuuper neurodivergent vibe from her (most especially in that she's repeatedly described as having a "monotone" voice and communicates largely through metaphor and references). She's really just delightful, and her friendship with Leia is great not only because they're both awesome (in very different ways, which is part of what makes them such a good duo) but because it finally gives us a chance to see young Leia interacting with someone who isn't male.
But aside from that, the book also delves into the early stages of Leia's introduction to what would become the Rebellion. I don't want to give too much away, not even what other characters might make appearances, but suffice it to say I really enjoyed and felt enriched by what is fleshed out here. I don't think it's a spoiler to say we get to see what Alderaan was like when it, y'know, existed, so that was really nice too. Elements from the original trilogy, the prequels, the new trilogy, and even Star Wars Rebels are all seamlessly woven into the story to give the overall universe an even more cohesive quality.
ALSO, there is an alien race with multiple/shifting genders and it's explicitly said that it's appropriate to use singular "they" for them, and thereafter that's exactly what's used in the book. It's done very smoothly without calling TOO much attention to it. Thank you, Claudia Gray, for showing how easy and natural it can be.
All in all, I loved this entry into the new canon EU and am glad to be ending 2017 with such a great story.
I've been a big Star Wars fan for years, and I've especially always wanted more background on Leia and Alderaan. I was actually given this book at the beginning of December, but I decided to wait until after I watched The Last Jedi.
Sixteen-year-old Leia Organa is exactly the character you'd expect: she's headstrong, smart, determined to do the right thing, and tiny enough to be underestimated. It was wonderful to be in her head, but what I loved even more was the insight we got on her family life, and the characters of Bail and Breha Organa. By benefit of being in Leia's head, you also get a wealth of information on Alderaan, and it's heartbreaking to know that in three years, come 19 BBY, there won't be an Alderaan anymore.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more of Claudia Gray's Star Wars novels. I already have Bloodline on my bookshelf waiting to be read, and I've heard many good things about Lost Stars.
Spoiler
I'm glad I did: the character of Vice Admiral Holdo appears in this novel as a young girl, which makes her scenes in The Last Jedi all the more poignant. She was like Luna Lovegood in space, which might explain why I was so drawn to her.Sixteen-year-old Leia Organa is exactly the character you'd expect: she's headstrong, smart, determined to do the right thing, and tiny enough to be underestimated. It was wonderful to be in her head, but what I loved even more was the insight we got on her family life, and the characters of Bail and Breha Organa. By benefit of being in Leia's head, you also get a wealth of information on Alderaan, and it's heartbreaking to know that in three years, come 19 BBY, there won't be an Alderaan anymore.
I'd definitely be interested in reading more of Claudia Gray's Star Wars novels. I already have Bloodline on my bookshelf waiting to be read, and I've heard many good things about Lost Stars.
Leia is and will always be one of my biggest heroes, period. This is a great book for lifelong Star Wars fans, and especially teens, who want to see another side of their favorite iconic space princess. Gray is very good at holding onto what makes these characters who they are on the screen, while giving us new depths that only the page can explore. I loved getting to see a more vulnerable Leia, and I felt like it was a good tie-in to her character arc in the sequel trilogy (especially The Last Jedi, since she is vulnerable there too, if in a different way). The story holds up, especially the glimpses we get at Leia's relationship with her parents, how she views her duties to Alderaan, and how she treats her teenage friends. The seeds of our hero are strong in this one.
3-3.5 stars. Leia is one of my favourite characters from the original Star Wars movies. Though, as she's the only female character of any significance from the original movies does kind of limit my choices for favourite character....This is a story of Leia at sixteen years old, gradually going through a variety of trials in preparation for becoming officially recognized as the future ruler of Alderaan. Claudia Gray gives us a picture of the loving and solid family life that Leia grew up in, and it was lovely to see Leia's role model in her mother Breha. And to see more of Bail Organa wrestling with his role in a burgeoning Rebellion against Palpatine.
Leia is already a a pretty determined person, but this tale shows us how she gradually becomes the person we see leaving a message for Ben Kenobi in Artoo and shooting a stormtrooper in the face. At sixteen, she's a little headstrong, a little impatient, not always thinking through the implications of her actions. Leia gets a crash course in the impact on others of precipitate decisions. She also begins her long relationship with Mon Mothma (there's that woman again! She's proving to be enormously important both within the Rebellion and in the many years after.)
Leia also begins a relationship with a fellow Alderaanian (is that what you call them??) that's kind of sweet in a first love kind of way. Claudia Gray also shows how Leia learns to behave covertly, and builds relationships with others during her trials and in other situations, actions that have larger implications as we all know what she's going to be doing eventually.
I found it hard sometimes to believe Leia was ever a sixteen year old, just learning to be an adult, never mind having to do so within the highly charged political atmosphere that she did. Claudia Gray has created a plausible earlier life for the princess who took charge of her escape from her Death Star holding cell.
Leia is already a a pretty determined person, but this tale shows us how she gradually becomes the person we see leaving a message for Ben Kenobi in Artoo and shooting a stormtrooper in the face. At sixteen, she's a little headstrong, a little impatient, not always thinking through the implications of her actions. Leia gets a crash course in the impact on others of precipitate decisions. She also begins her long relationship with Mon Mothma (there's that woman again! She's proving to be enormously important both within the Rebellion and in the many years after.)
Leia also begins a relationship with a fellow Alderaanian (is that what you call them??) that's kind of sweet in a first love kind of way. Claudia Gray also shows how Leia learns to behave covertly, and builds relationships with others during her trials and in other situations, actions that have larger implications as we all know what she's going to be doing eventually.
I found it hard sometimes to believe Leia was ever a sixteen year old, just learning to be an adult, never mind having to do so within the highly charged political atmosphere that she did. Claudia Gray has created a plausible earlier life for the princess who took charge of her escape from her Death Star holding cell.
3.5 stars for this one. This is a decent young adult novel set in the Star Wars world. Leia's personality shines through here and there with the impatience and aggravation which I appreciate. Holdo is great and the young leader program was interesting. One of my complaints is that I feel like any character could be put in here as the main character (Padme for example), and any parents could be substituted and it would still be the same story. It's not very complex but it is enjoyable, I liked the entire thing. Fun and interesting.
You didn't know you could love Leia more, before reading this book. Leia has long been a symbol of resistance and of female power. This coming of age story of 16 year old Leia only shows how truly fitting that is for her character.
This is the story of how Leia came to be in the resistance; it lays the foundations for the General Organa we know she becomes decades later; and it is the story of how a young girl - with determination, idealism, and wisdom - is hardened by the realities of war into a leader.
You'll meet several familiar characters, including Wedge Antillies, Mon Mothma, Grand Moff Tarkin, Captain Panaka - even R2 and C3PO make cameos! But their roles aren't fan service. The characters we know from the future are rounded out. We gain some context from their past that make them feel even more real when you encounter them again years later. And it is very juicy to meet again the few characters we we're introduced to in the 'past' (like Captain Panaka) and see what has become of them since the Emperor has risen to power.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did an ok job with the different voices. She makes Young Leia sound very much like young Carrie Fisher which helps you imagine her so clearly. But the real advantage of the audiobook is the subtle music (some original, some very familiar, like Leia's Theme) and the folio they add at different points. It all contributes to the experience.
This is the story of how Leia came to be in the resistance; it lays the foundations for the General Organa we know she becomes decades later; and it is the story of how a young girl - with determination, idealism, and wisdom - is hardened by the realities of war into a leader.
You'll meet several familiar characters, including Wedge Antillies, Mon Mothma, Grand Moff Tarkin, Captain Panaka - even R2 and C3PO make cameos! But their roles aren't fan service. The characters we know from the future are rounded out. We gain some context from their past that make them feel even more real when you encounter them again years later. And it is very juicy to meet again the few characters we we're introduced to in the 'past' (like Captain Panaka) and see what has become of them since the Emperor has risen to power.
I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did an ok job with the different voices. She makes Young Leia sound very much like young Carrie Fisher which helps you imagine her so clearly. But the real advantage of the audiobook is the subtle music (some original, some very familiar, like Leia's Theme) and the folio they add at different points. It all contributes to the experience.
Another great Star Wars novel by Claudia Gray. It's not as essential as Bloodline, or as broad in scope as Lost Stars, but it's still a great coming of age story.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
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:
Yes
For the love of. Just when I thought Leia couldn’t be put through the wringer any more than she already has. Can she just have ONE thing that doesn’t implode completely? For the love of the Force, let Ben come back from the Dark Side in Episode VIII, PLEASE!
This is a great story about a teenage Leia, and how she joins the Rebellion.
We see great interaction with Bail and Breha. It’s good to see that Breha was just as involved with the Resistance, in her own way.
We also see how she meets Holdo, and I honestly found Holdo much more likable here than in The Last Jedi.
We see great interaction with Bail and Breha. It’s good to see that Breha was just as involved with the Resistance, in her own way.
We also see how she meets Holdo, and I honestly found Holdo much more likable here than in The Last Jedi.