Books Leia Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray

Spoiler

If you go to page 19 of Bloodline you'll see the lock of Kier's hair mentioned in Leia's keepsake box. I wonder how long Claudia had Leia's backstory planned out for or if she retroconned an explanation in?

 

Book Review: Star Wars ‘LEIA: Princess Of Alderaan’ By Claudia Gray

 

Leia is a balance, a symbol of hope, and a force of destiny. And this book by Claudia Gray only reinforces that. Her light in the Force will burn on, always.

^

I have no words sufficient to express how much I agree with the above.

 

Either way, it's the sign of a good author that you're thinking that.

 

Awesome, awesome book.

If Rogue One is the film to look at as a display piece for the #ItsAllConnected continuity work to shine, this is the novel to look to in that regard. It draws from canon material from all eras and media to tell a story that is absolutely perfect, nautral, and fluid. It's amazing that none of the continuity nods appear out of nowhere. In fact, with what we know now, most of them would have been glaring if they HADN'T been mentioned. And the most amazing thing about it? This isn't Continuity Porn, it's a masterful use of what continuity has provided. This is Lucasfilm Story Group at work with a gifted author. This is why they don't provide data dumps, so stories like this can naturally find their time and place to be told.

Most of all, while others have done a very, very good job with Leia (Alexandra Bracken!) , I re-affirm my consideration of Claudia Gray to be Leia's definitive biographer.

 

Spoiler

So is Krennic the unknown Director? The clues seem to fit. Can't think of anyone else with the title Director either.

 

I'm pretty damn certain it is, but I like that it isn't spelt out definitively.

 

Two being former Leia fanfic writers!

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I don't have the book in front of me, but did Alexandra mention anything about Breha in her book? The impression I got from the novelization was that Leia was raised by Bail and her three aunts, which are not mentioned at all in Leia Princes of Alderaan that I could tell.

 

Spoiler

That's one thing I appreciate about the new canon - Leia having a loving relationship with her mother growing up. Too many dead mothers in Star Wars. In the old EU I could see why they couldn't include her because we didn't even know she existed until the prequels so it had be retconned that she died, but it's great seeing their relationship in the new EU. It also sounds like Leia had more of a normal childhood doing normal teenager things in this version of Leia's pre-ANH life.

Also like Leia and Mon Mothma's mentor/mentee relationship developed in LPOA and Moving Target, something that wasn't explored much in the old EU.

 

Sorry about the double post, but here's a pretty thorough review by a Leia lover if anyone's interested: https://www.thefandomentals.com/leias-journey-rebel-leader/

Spoiler

I find it funny that some people were upset that Leia hooked up with Kier instead of Amilyn LOL. Also I didn't pick up Kier being not white until I saw Claudia's tweet that she cast Rami Malek in the role.

 

My copy just arrived, really nice looking book and I love the red boards with the Rebel symbol on the cover. Will have to finish Phasma first but after Lost Stars & Bloodlines, v.much looking forward to this.

 

I'm still waiting for someone to photoshop young Laura Dern with green hair.


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Hello, there. Just finished Phasma (so good!) and starting this one today. I internally debated which to start first. Glaudia Gray writing Leia was a big sell. Ultimately, I, obviously, went with Phasma. I think my reasoning was that it's more timely?

Anyway...Leia! Hear me...

Kinda sad in a way

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My thoughts on Leia: Princess of Alderaan:

Spoiler

I finished the audiobook earlier this morning. It was good. Claudia Gray does it again.

I was surprised to find that Leia was so lonely. I suppose that makes sense since she's a Princess and unlike Legends she doesn't have any Aunts, Winter, or anyone else around. It makes her so much more like her biological parents who were also very lonely.

I'm amazed Bail and Breha managed to hide their Rebel matters from Leia for so long. Though I do understand their reasons and it was probably for the best that she didn't find out until she was older. In Legends, it seems like she always knew.

I liked having so much Breha. I was pleasantly surprised, and even like her. I had not expected that probably because even in old canon we never really saw or heard much about her. They also gave a reason why she and Bail decided to adopt.

I giggled when Breha pointed out that she wished Leia had chosen someone less perfect, scroundrel, or whatever word she used, I don't remember. Though she does her wish in who Leia marries. I sensed she would have liked her future son-in-law, Han.

I loved Kier. Why'd he have to die?! But I didn't like him trying to turn the Rebels in at the end. I mean yes, he's wanting to protect his homeworld, but does he really believe the Organas and Alderaan wouldn't go down with the rest of Rebels if he had the chance to turn them in. Not to mention the Imperials would probably kill him too.

I also LOL'd the other night when I listened to the dinner party and the Organas putting on that old charade. Oh my gosh! I need to go back and relisten to that part.

I'm shocked Moff Panaka made an appearance and in the new canon for that matter. I was sad that he died, but it was a blessing in disguise since he was probably going to contact the Emperor shortly after Leia and the Queen left. I wonder what the Emperor would have done. Really I can't help but wonder how things would have turned out had Panaka not died. Would Palpatine have told Vader? Or would the Emperor have kept Leia a secret from him and in time train and use Leia against Vader? Can someone write a fanfic on this?

Complaints: I wish it were a bit longer. The audiobook was only like 9 1/2 hours. Also I didn't like Kier trying to turn the Rebels in.

Now where's my Padmé novel? Come on, Lucasfilm. Pretty please.

Now as for Amilyn Holdo

Spoiler: possible The Last Jedi spoilers

I'm amazed she and Leia got along and even formed a friendship. Since it seems like TLJ spoilers said they might not get along though many years have passed between LPOA and TLA. Maybe even Leia being outed as Vader's biological child sours Amilyn's opinion of Leia.

 

Re: the Prequel character appeaing in th book

Spoiler

Although it was nice to see Moff Panaka in the book, I prefered his characterization in "Showdown at Naboo" best. I mean, it's just my opinion, of course, but it seems to me that Panaka clinging to the Empire just because he's loyal to Palpatine personally makes him look a bit dumb. A bit "lawful stupid" in sum. In "Showdown", his support of the New Order made sense in that he blamed Amidala for having attracted danger on Naboo and done almost nothing to restore the planet's defenses in the wake of the Trade Federation's invasion. As a military man of strength, he naturally became an Imperial.

 

True, but

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the Panaka of Princess of Alderaan appears more amiable than the one in the cut content (even though yes, the context is different).

 

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How come Panaka recognized Padmé in Leia and Vader didn't.

 

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Vader was convinced that his children died with Padme. That, combined with his bitterness and anger and attempts to put his old life of Anakin Skywalker behind him, blinded him. He had no reason to suspect that.

Or at least that's my theory on it anyway.

 

Spoiler

Panaka also knew Padme well as a teenager. Aside from spending a day or two together in TPM, Anakin didn't spend any timer with Padme until she was an adult. Maybe there was something in 16-year-old Padme that Panaka saw in Leia that Vader would've never known.

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Spoiler

The real reason is purely Doylist: Claudia Gray thought it would be cool. It's not like Carrie Fisher looked like Nathalie Portman.