grav_ity | Star Wars: Lost Stars (Journey to The Force Awakens)

If you follow me on Twitter, you saw me losing my mind over this book as I read all 550+ pages of it in a straight run this afternoon. As the first YA entry into the Star Wars canon (new or otherwise), I had REALLY high hopes. And, man, were they ever met.

(Like, I suspected I could have more feelings about Alderaan. But now I know! *rolls around on a giant pile of feelings*)

ANYWAY, here is my review (no spoilers):

This book was, simply put, astounding. I was so, so, so excited for THE VERY FIRST Star Wars YA book, and I could not be more impressed by the book Claudia Gray wrote.

There were amazing parts of this book that took place far away from the well known plot-lines of the OT, and there were some that took place breathtakingly, heartbreakingly close. I can't even pick which I like more; I'm so glad we got to see both, and everything in between. That flash of recognition when a familiar character walks on screen, and inevitability of characters we've just met running into a future we already know made for an excruciatingly compelling read.

Ciena and Thane were masterfully done. Their relationship was deft and brilliant, and real, and didn't feel like anything else I've ever read in the Star Wars universe. Nash, oh god, I can't yet. And Kendy (get it, girl. GET. IT.) was a delight. (Aside: HOW GLAD WAS I about the girls in this book who were friends with Ciena? I WAS VERY GLAD.)

Also, this book was very long, but set up against the pacing of the OT, it never flagged. Sometimes, in fact, *I* had to set it down and take a breath.

ALSO THE EASTER EGG IS GOING TO KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF.

You should definitely buy it, is what I am saying.