Status
Available
Series
Publication
Disney Lucasfilm Press (2017), 416 pages
Description
Fantasy. Science Fiction. Young Adult Fiction. Young Adult Literature. Sixteen-year-old Princess Leia Organa faces the most challenging task of her life so far: proving herself in the areas of body, mind, and heart to be formally named heir to the throne of Alderaan. She's taking rigorous survival courses, practicing politics, and spearheading relief missions to worlds under Imperial control. But Leia has worries beyond her claim to the crown. Her parents, Breha and Bail, aren't acting like themselves lately; they are distant and preoccupied, seemingly more concerned with throwing dinner parties for their allies in the Senate than they are with their own daughter. Determined to uncover her parents' secrets, Leia starts down an increasingly dangerous path that puts her right under the watchful eye of the Empire. And when Leia discovers what her parents and their allies are planning behind closed doors, she finds herself facing what seems like an impossible choice: dedicate herself to the people of Alderaanâ??including the man she lovesâ??or to the galaxy at large, which is in desperate need of a rebel h… (more)
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User reviews
LibraryThing member vonze
Being a longtime Star Wars fangirl, for years, I've wanted more information on the young Princess Leia. Finally, we now have that book. And, wow, does it ever deliver the feels! By the end I was nearly overcome by bittersweet tears.
As the book opens, we follow Leia as she faces her Day of Demand,
Course our adventurous heroine doesn't stay on Alderaan the entire time. She journeys to many planets, both old and new to Star Wars fans. She makes new friends along the way. Falling significantly in love for the first time. As well as, making enemies who will eventually destroy her homeworld. Leia grows and accepts the challenges in front of her before the reader's very eyes. Personally, I felt like I was on a trip with a childhood friend.
In short, everything a Princess Leia fan could dream of!
As the book opens, we follow Leia as she faces her Day of Demand,
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the biggest ceremony and day of her life thus far. In front of her adoptive parents, Bail and Queen Breha, and the people of Alderaan she declares the tasks she will complete for her challenges of mind, heart, and body. Tasks to prove her worth as future Queen. Course our adventurous heroine doesn't stay on Alderaan the entire time. She journeys to many planets, both old and new to Star Wars fans. She makes new friends along the way. Falling significantly in love for the first time. As well as, making enemies who will eventually destroy her homeworld. Leia grows and accepts the challenges in front of her before the reader's very eyes. Personally, I felt like I was on a trip with a childhood friend.
In short, everything a Princess Leia fan could dream of!
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LibraryThing member DarthDeverell
Claudia Gray's Leia, Princess of Alderaan beings with Leia Organa's Day of Demand, when she asserts her claim as heir to the throne of Alderaan. Following this, she begins developing the skills that will lead her to become the Rebellion leader we meet in Star Wars: A New Hope. She joins the
Gray successfully blends elements from the original and prequel trilogies in this story. At one point, Leia undertakes a charitable mission to one of Naboo's moons, where she meets with the local moff, Quarsh Panaka, who served Queen Amidala in The Phantom Menace. When he sees Leia, he stops short, "eyes wide with shock" (pg. 156). He suspects her parentage, but an attack from Saw Gerrera's partisans prevents him from following up on his suspicions. This recalls the scene in Marvel Comics' "Princess Leia, Part II." In foreshadowing later events, Leia's mother, Queen Breha, offers the dating advice, "Sometimes it does a girl good to fall for a bit of a scoundrel, now and then" (pg. 217). Later, when Leia has to save a classmate in the pathfinding program, she makes a leap reminiscent of that on the Death Star while possibly drawing upon the Force (pg. 260). She and one fellow apprentice legislator Amilyn Holdo also discover a senator selling quadanium to an imperial known as Director, likely Orson Krennic from Rogue One (pg. 320-321). In tying this novel to the forthcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Gray makes the planet Crait a major plot point as an early Rebel base and Leia becomes good friends with Holdo, who will be a grand admiral in the eighth film. Gray writes that they become "friends for a lifetime" (pg. 394).
This is Gray's third Star Wars novel and each is amazing. She previously wrote Star Wars: Bloodline, which focused on Leia following the events of Return of the Jedi. Being able to go back to Leia's early years allows Gray to explore the development of those characteristics she focused on in her previous novel. Though Gray writes for a young adult audience, she never panders and tackles some serious issues about ethics and morality in a way that will keep even the oldest Star Wars fan riveted.
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apprentice legislature to take an active role in galactic politics, takes survival courses to develop her physical strength and confidence in her abilities, and undertakes charitable missions to help those in need. Alongside this, Leia learns of her parents' role in the nascent Rebellion and negotiates her desire to help fight against Palpatine's oppression with her parents' goal of protecting her from the coming fight.Gray successfully blends elements from the original and prequel trilogies in this story. At one point, Leia undertakes a charitable mission to one of Naboo's moons, where she meets with the local moff, Quarsh Panaka, who served Queen Amidala in The Phantom Menace. When he sees Leia, he stops short, "eyes wide with shock" (pg. 156). He suspects her parentage, but an attack from Saw Gerrera's partisans prevents him from following up on his suspicions. This recalls the scene in Marvel Comics' "Princess Leia, Part II." In foreshadowing later events, Leia's mother, Queen Breha, offers the dating advice, "Sometimes it does a girl good to fall for a bit of a scoundrel, now and then" (pg. 217). Later, when Leia has to save a classmate in the pathfinding program, she makes a leap reminiscent of that on the Death Star while possibly drawing upon the Force (pg. 260). She and one fellow apprentice legislator Amilyn Holdo also discover a senator selling quadanium to an imperial known as Director, likely Orson Krennic from Rogue One (pg. 320-321). In tying this novel to the forthcoming Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Gray makes the planet Crait a major plot point as an early Rebel base and Leia becomes good friends with Holdo, who will be a grand admiral in the eighth film. Gray writes that they become "friends for a lifetime" (pg. 394).
This is Gray's third Star Wars novel and each is amazing. She previously wrote Star Wars: Bloodline, which focused on Leia following the events of Return of the Jedi. Being able to go back to Leia's early years allows Gray to explore the development of those characteristics she focused on in her previous novel. Though Gray writes for a young adult audience, she never panders and tackles some serious issues about ethics and morality in a way that will keep even the oldest Star Wars fan riveted.
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LibraryThing member texascheeseman
Star Wars: Leia: Princess of Alderaan
Author: Claudia Gray
Publisher: Disney Book Group/Lucasfilm Press
Date: 2017
Disposition: Hoopla e-book
_________________________________________________
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
A young princess of Alderaan comes of age in a galaxy on the verge of Civil
_________________________________________________
Genre:
Science Fiction
Space Opera
Movie Adaptions
Coming of Age
Why this book:
It’s Star Wars.
_________________________________________________
Favorite Character:
I like that this reinforces the idea that R2D2 is the true hero of the Rebellion.
Favorite Scene / Quote:
Love the scene on Wobani during her first mercy mission when she sees the Imperial commander smirk at her and in a flash of anger her future self comes to the fore. Good foretelling of the person she will be. The exuberance of young Leia off to prove herself and running afoul of the Empire and the Rebellion’s plans is well done.
In the words of Grand Moff Tarkin from A New Hope, she’s much too trusting. She let Kier Domani behind the curtain way too easily.
The flight on the Chalhuddan ship and Leia’s negotiating the repayment of a favor to the Chalhuddan leader.
Pacing:
This would be a limiting milieu for both author and character. Leia can’t take huge steps in opposition to the Empire without invalidating her later character strokes in the films. It’s unfortunate that the limitations of what happens beyond the scope of this novel is so glaringly apparent in the constrictions that the story finds itself in. You can only go so far in a midquel that requires you to land between the last of the prequels and Rogue One.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
Based on my perception of Panaka, he seems out-of-character here. But what could 20 years in IMperial service do to a person. Still seems a betrayal what he was planning to do after he met Leia. Mirrors what Kier does later on. Maybe it’s just like the Jedi and Sith, the nuisance of the shades of gray between the two is fulsome and rich.
Hmm Moments:
I feared that they were going to Rogue One all these new characters, except for Holdo.
WTF Moments:
If Tarkin was as aware as is intimated here and in light of the atrocities that were commited, it seems like her would have jailed and executed the royal family and taken Imperial vengeance on the planet.
Meh / PFFT Moments:
While I wanted coming-of-age drama, we seem to be mired in the opera elements of space opera.
_________________________________________________
Last Page Sound:
Glad I read it.
Author Assessment:
Case by case basis.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
glad I read it
_________________________________________________
Author: Claudia Gray
Publisher: Disney Book Group/Lucasfilm Press
Date: 2017
Disposition: Hoopla e-book
_________________________________________________
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
A young princess of Alderaan comes of age in a galaxy on the verge of Civil
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War. Her parents are keeping secrets from her. She is finding out what it means to be a leader, a Senator, a rebel. She is Leia of Alderaan. And she is growing up. _________________________________________________
Genre:
Science Fiction
Space Opera
Movie Adaptions
Coming of Age
Why this book:
It’s Star Wars.
_________________________________________________
Favorite Character:
I like that this reinforces the idea that R2D2 is the true hero of the Rebellion.
Favorite Scene / Quote:
Love the scene on Wobani during her first mercy mission when she sees the Imperial commander smirk at her and in a flash of anger her future self comes to the fore. Good foretelling of the person she will be. The exuberance of young Leia off to prove herself and running afoul of the Empire and the Rebellion’s plans is well done.
In the words of Grand Moff Tarkin from A New Hope, she’s much too trusting. She let Kier Domani behind the curtain way too easily.
The flight on the Chalhuddan ship and Leia’s negotiating the repayment of a favor to the Chalhuddan leader.
Pacing:
This would be a limiting milieu for both author and character. Leia can’t take huge steps in opposition to the Empire without invalidating her later character strokes in the films. It’s unfortunate that the limitations of what happens beyond the scope of this novel is so glaringly apparent in the constrictions that the story finds itself in. You can only go so far in a midquel that requires you to land between the last of the prequels and Rogue One.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
Based on my perception of Panaka, he seems out-of-character here. But what could 20 years in IMperial service do to a person. Still seems a betrayal what he was planning to do after he met Leia. Mirrors what Kier does later on. Maybe it’s just like the Jedi and Sith, the nuisance of the shades of gray between the two is fulsome and rich.
Hmm Moments:
I feared that they were going to Rogue One all these new characters, except for Holdo.
WTF Moments:
If Tarkin was as aware as is intimated here and in light of the atrocities that were commited, it seems like her would have jailed and executed the royal family and taken Imperial vengeance on the planet.
Meh / PFFT Moments:
While I wanted coming-of-age drama, we seem to be mired in the opera elements of space opera.
_________________________________________________
Last Page Sound:
Glad I read it.
Author Assessment:
Case by case basis.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
glad I read it
_________________________________________________
Show Less
LibraryThing member caanderson
Really enjoyed this book. Claudia Gray did an excellent job writing about the Star Wars genre and filling in the story of Princess Leia. I will be buying her other two books on Star Wars, I hope she writes more about General Organa.
LibraryThing member Codonnelly
Claudia Gray has made a name for herself as one of the strongest writers contributing to the new Star Wars canon. Lost Stars, Gray’s first foray into the Star Wars universe, tops most “Best of” lists, and Bloodline, set six years prior to the events of The Force Awakens, continues to receive
While much of the plot revolves around Leia’s ascension to the throne, which requires the completion of three challenges (heart, mind, and body), the Rebellion plays an integral role in Leia’s maturation from willful teenager to selfless heir. Two of the strongest scenes in the novel revolve around the imminent dangers of participating in any act of disobedience against the Empire. Since secrecy is tantamount to the fledgling Rebellion’s success, Bail and Breha Organa must proceed with caution, particularly as the leaders of a peaceful planet. Throughout most of the novel, Leia struggles to understand why her parents keep her in the dark, so she sets out on a series of dangerous missions to prove herself.
The familiar characters, places, and events keep the reader invested from the very beginning. Detailed references to the vast Star Wars universe appear often, which gives the novel a greater sense of meaning. The more you know about what is to come for these characters, the higher the stakes. The strong relationships prove most heartbreaking, for we all know that they will be obliterated in a few short years. Gray beautifully shows, not just tells, that Leia comes of age in a tumultuous period of time, and the sacrifices she must make to fight the Empire will only escalate as the years pass by.
A major theme of the novel is the necessity of taking action, even if the action is violent in nature. Gray gives Mon Mothma, the leader and voice of the movement, many powerful lines, including my personal favorite: “There comes a time when refusing to stop violence can no longer be called nonviolence…At some point, morality must be wedded to action, or else it’s no more than mere…vanity.” Leia’s adopted mother, Breha, who has been virtually silent in the Star Wars universe up to this point, is one of the greatest strengths of the novel. She espouses a bold perspective on love and sacrifice, openly choosing to place her beloved planet at risk for a greater good. Leia will eventually adopt a similar stance, which will one day lead to the destruction of her planet, but also the Empire.
Leia, Princess of Alderaan is one of the first of a series of books leading into Star Wars: The Last Jedi. No major spoilers appear throughout (that I’m aware of), but we do meet a young Amilyn Holdo, a new character who will be played by Laura Dern. Leia also travels to Crait, one of the planets featured in the trailer. If you’re hoping to walk into the movie completely blind, I wouldn’t worry too much, as these spoilers seem minor.
Claudia Gray’s newest addition to the Star Wars canon provides a refreshing and intimate look into Leia’s upbringing, as well as the early years of the Rebellion. Star Wars aficionados will appreciate the nods to the movies, and will most likely consider Gray’s clever additions as welcome contributions to an already rich company of characters and planets. If you’re looking for something to read to prepare yourself for the next theatrical release, Leia, Princess of Alderaan will more than satisfy.
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high praise for Gray’s skillful portrayal of the former princess, now general. In Leia, Princess of Alderaan, set three years before A New Hope, Gray travels back many decades to the formation of the Rebel Alliance, witnessed through the eyes of sixteen-year-old Leia.While much of the plot revolves around Leia’s ascension to the throne, which requires the completion of three challenges (heart, mind, and body), the Rebellion plays an integral role in Leia’s maturation from willful teenager to selfless heir. Two of the strongest scenes in the novel revolve around the imminent dangers of participating in any act of disobedience against the Empire. Since secrecy is tantamount to the fledgling Rebellion’s success, Bail and Breha Organa must proceed with caution, particularly as the leaders of a peaceful planet. Throughout most of the novel, Leia struggles to understand why her parents keep her in the dark, so she sets out on a series of dangerous missions to prove herself.
The familiar characters, places, and events keep the reader invested from the very beginning. Detailed references to the vast Star Wars universe appear often, which gives the novel a greater sense of meaning. The more you know about what is to come for these characters, the higher the stakes. The strong relationships prove most heartbreaking, for we all know that they will be obliterated in a few short years. Gray beautifully shows, not just tells, that Leia comes of age in a tumultuous period of time, and the sacrifices she must make to fight the Empire will only escalate as the years pass by.
A major theme of the novel is the necessity of taking action, even if the action is violent in nature. Gray gives Mon Mothma, the leader and voice of the movement, many powerful lines, including my personal favorite: “There comes a time when refusing to stop violence can no longer be called nonviolence…At some point, morality must be wedded to action, or else it’s no more than mere…vanity.” Leia’s adopted mother, Breha, who has been virtually silent in the Star Wars universe up to this point, is one of the greatest strengths of the novel. She espouses a bold perspective on love and sacrifice, openly choosing to place her beloved planet at risk for a greater good. Leia will eventually adopt a similar stance, which will one day lead to the destruction of her planet, but also the Empire.
Leia, Princess of Alderaan is one of the first of a series of books leading into Star Wars: The Last Jedi. No major spoilers appear throughout (that I’m aware of), but we do meet a young Amilyn Holdo, a new character who will be played by Laura Dern. Leia also travels to Crait, one of the planets featured in the trailer. If you’re hoping to walk into the movie completely blind, I wouldn’t worry too much, as these spoilers seem minor.
Claudia Gray’s newest addition to the Star Wars canon provides a refreshing and intimate look into Leia’s upbringing, as well as the early years of the Rebellion. Star Wars aficionados will appreciate the nods to the movies, and will most likely consider Gray’s clever additions as welcome contributions to an already rich company of characters and planets. If you’re looking for something to read to prepare yourself for the next theatrical release, Leia, Princess of Alderaan will more than satisfy.
Show Less
LibraryThing member thebookdaddio
Yet another solid read from Claudia Gray. Personally I will say that Lost Stars is still my favorite of her trilogy.
I found it entertaining on how she weaved existing Star Wars movie canon, as well subtle references to her previous 2 novels. It was nice to visit parts of Alderaan, as well as
A great read for those who loved our princess. In loving memory of Carrie Fisher.
I found it entertaining on how she weaved existing Star Wars movie canon, as well subtle references to her previous 2 novels. It was nice to visit parts of Alderaan, as well as
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introduce a character that'll appear in the upcoming Last Jedi movie.A great read for those who loved our princess. In loving memory of Carrie Fisher.
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LibraryThing member wishanem
A surprisingly emotionally-engaging story based on the coming-of-age of the titular character. Her relationship with her parents and their individual characterization were the big stand-out elements of the book to me, but the rest of the supporting cast get some strong moments too. The political
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bits weren't great, specifically the depiction of the Empire was as more cartoonishly evil than even typical Star Wars Extended Universe stuff, but that's not what anybody is reading this book for anyway. Show Less
LibraryThing member jsabrina
The book opens with sixteen year-old Princess Leia underoing the "Day of Demand" ritual, in which the heir presumptive to the throne of Alderaan publicly demands that her parents recognize her as crown princess. Their response is to require her to undergo the three traditional challenges of Mind,
As I have written before, I think Claudia Gray writes the best version of Princess Leia: a woman of intelligence and vulnerability as well as action-hero courage. As a teenager, this Leia still has a great deal to learn, but is already a person of both passion and substance. Gray also does a good job in capturing the paradox of principled royalty: being born into both extrordinary privilege and extrordinary obligation.
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Heart, and Body, to prove her worthiness. Completing these three challenges provides the throughline for this novel and the incidents which slowly but surely bring her into full participation in the Rebellion. The challenges, and what Leia does to prepare for them, also serve to explain how a very young princess and senator came to have the skills which Leia reveals during the original trilogy movies.As I have written before, I think Claudia Gray writes the best version of Princess Leia: a woman of intelligence and vulnerability as well as action-hero courage. As a teenager, this Leia still has a great deal to learn, but is already a person of both passion and substance. Gray also does a good job in capturing the paradox of principled royalty: being born into both extrordinary privilege and extrordinary obligation.
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LibraryThing member SESchend
Very good book with solid characterization that builds and fleshes out prehistory of Leia, her adoptive parents, Alderaan, etc. Nicely done for a YA crowd yet not written down and thus a fun read.
LibraryThing member MoonLibrary
I really hope there's going to be some kind of followup set between this and the Original Trilogy that explores Leia becoming more involved in the Rebellion, but between this and Bloodline I am absofuckinglutely never passing up a Leia-centric Claudia Gray novel.
LibraryThing member Kavinay
Disclaimer: I liked Lost Stars. I don't mind YA titles, nor the idea of a romantic one. This book though is profoundly frustrating. About halfway through, I gave up hoping to enjoy it and kept going in case any new bits of the canon were fleshed out. They weren't. There's really no good reason to
Why is it so frustrating? The novel goes out of its way to both point out Leia's privilege and her awareness of it, but it's just so dull to observe Leia learning what we already know about the nascent Rebellion. It's a fatal flaw, as this tack just makes her come across as young Picard in "Rascals" rather than someone we can empathize with.
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read this book.Why is it so frustrating? The novel goes out of its way to both point out Leia's privilege and her awareness of it, but it's just so dull to observe Leia learning what we already know about the nascent Rebellion. It's a fatal flaw, as this tack just makes her come across as young Picard in "Rascals" rather than someone we can empathize with.
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LibraryThing member BarnesBookshelf
I really love the insight into what Leia was like as a younger person. I appreciated all of the hints at future characters, places, and events. However, the last line of the book made me cringe because her parents, friends, and world do get taken away by the Empire in the future. Overall, a pretty
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decent read. Show Less
Awards
Dragon Award (Winner — 2018)
Language
Original publication date
2017-09-01