adam_z 's review for:

Lost Stars by Claudia Gray

4.0

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I've been reading Star Wars novels since Timothy Zahn's [b:Heir to the Empire|216443|Heir to the Empire (Star Wars The Thrawn Trilogy #1)|Timothy Zahn|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1398253847s/216443.jpg|1133995] was published in 1991, and this is unlike any other Star Wars book I've read. The main characters are completely original to the story, and while familiar characters are mentioned or make a couple brief appearances, they remain in the background. Interestingly, that's actually where the strength of this novel lies - seeing the major events of the original trilogy through the eyes of common soldiers in the war, and seeing how they grapple with the rise and fall of the Empire is a unique story element. It's interesting to read how "good" people wound up fighting for the Empire, and how they justified their continued service to an oppressive regime. Lost Stars explores themes of friendship, romance, duty & honor, and is a great entry point into the world of Star Wars novels.