Star Wars: Lost Stars review
Star Wars tells a tale of two star-crossed lovers
Part of the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens initiative, Lost Stars retells the stories of the original Star Wars trilogy while also giving some insights to the events of The Force Awakens. However, unlike most Star Wars stories which are told through the Skywalker family, Lost Stars introduces two new characters and presents a love story at the core of the plot. The result? One of the best Star Wars novels in the galaxy not so far away!
The story begins on the Outer Rim planet of Jelucan where the two protagonists, Thane Kyrell and Ciena Rea, are introduced. Thane’s family are distant, but wealthy. Ciena’s are the direct opposite: close and caring. They’re not meant to like each other. Even know each other. But their friendship is strong enough to withstand all of this, and even grow. Their friendship is portrayed in a beautiful and well written way, with a depth that you may not expect from a Star Wars novel. But Claudia Gray does an absolutely fantastic job of creating two compelling, believable and wholly likeable protagonists who are full of childhood innocence and excitement.
Their worlds soon change forever when the Empire visits their city. Thane and Ciena both want to see the Empire’s ships close up so sneak their way through the celebrations. But they are caught by Grand Moff Tarkin, who is impressed with their initiative and suggests that the children to join the Imperial Academy, which they were already very eager to do. Tarkin is one of few beloved Star Wars characters who make an appearance, along with Darth Vader, Wedge Antilles, and even Luke Skywalker is referred to. But for me the best appearance is Princess Leia, who is present at the Imperial Academy’s graduation ball, but is described as looking as if she has something on her mind...
Lost Stars follows the events that we all know so well from the original Star Wars movies. But Thane and Ciena’s feelings and views towards these events offer a new perspective. A particular highlight being the destruction of Alderaan and both dedicated Imperial recruits being shaken by witnessing this kind of destruction. This also acts as a catalyst for a big change within the novel as Ciena and Thane’s relationship is challenged like never before.
The story also provides insight into the lives of the Imperials. No longer faceless or nameless villains, they are presented as real people with normal morals. Lost Stars adds grey to the black and white portrayal of good vs evil.
Claudia Gray’s novel is so full of poignant moments and perfectly entwines the events of the Star Wars trilogy in with the new story based around Thane and Ciena. Perhaps the only disappointment with the novel is the ending, which to me felt a little flat. But overall Lost Stars offers something completely new to the Star Wars canon is a must-read for all fans!