Bloodline (Star Wars)

Claudia Gray

May 2016 · Sold by Random House Worlds

About this ebook

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of Star Wars: Lost Stars comes a thrilling novel set in the years before the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“Unmissable . . . Bloodline’s tense politics, vivid new characters, and perfectly characterized Leia make it feel as central to the Star Wars universe as one of the films.”—Tordotcom

WITNESS THE BIRTH OF THE RESISTANCE
 
When the Rebellion defeated the Empire in the skies above Endor, Leia Organa believed it was the beginning to a lasting peace. But after decades of vicious infighting and partisan gridlock in the New Republic Senate, that hope seems like a distant memory.
 
Now a respected senator, Leia must grapple with the dangers that threaten to cripple the fledgling democracy—from both within and without. Underworld kingpins, treacherous politicians, and Imperial loyalists are sowing chaos in the galaxy. Desperate to take action, senators are calling for the election of a First Senator. It is their hope that this influential post will bring strong leadership to a divided galaxy.
 
As the daughter of Darth Vader, Leia faces with distrust the prospect of any one person holding such a powerful position—even when supporters suggest Leia herself for the job. But a new enemy may make this path Leia’s only option. For at the edges of the galaxy, a mysterious threat is growing. . . .

Praise for Bloodline
 
“[Claudia] Gray paints a much more complete galaxy than we often get to see on the big screen. . . . Knowing that Rian Johnson (writer, director of Star Wars: Episode VIII) had some creative input on the novel provides hope that we haven’t seen the last of all of these wonderful characters. . . . Star Wars: Bloodline isn’t just a great Star Wars book, or a great Leia book, or a great book; it’s a great introduction into the larger world of Star Wars in general.”—ComicBookdotcom
 
“Bloodline is a nonstop page-turner that grabs at heartstrings that you weren’t aware of and yanks down on every one of them. The story is loaded with context for The Force Awakens that plants the seeds for The First Order in perfectly haunting ways, and leaves the reader grasping for more details on newly discovered favorite characters.”—Inverse

Ratings and reviews

This was good when I first read it but I also think it's stolen from George Lucas's original draft of Episode 7. My rating stays the same since it borrows plot elements from Lucas but I am unhappy with how Disney disregarded his plans to just make a crappier version of the Original Trilogy.

The characterization in this novel was excellent: each character expressed themselves in different ways and words, making each personality feel separate and unique. The author succeeded in getting me to care about the characters, and although the fate of one of them was not unexpected it was extremely saddening. To that end, the elements introduced to the story all turned out to be relevant and have some meaning later down the line, which I personally find very satisfying in a story. It was a clever and enjoyable story, and I would highly recommend it.

Claudia Gray did an amazing job of bringing Threepio, Han Solo, and especially Princess Leia to life in this important and gripping story. It not only stays true to the feel of Star Wars and helps us make sense of the crazy world into which JJ Abrams thrust us in Episode VII, but this story introduces a score of new heroes and villains that I can't wait to meet again!

About the author

Claudia Gray is the author of Star Wars: Lost Stars, as well as A Thousand Pieces of You and the Evernight and Spellcaster series. She has worked as a lawyer, a journalist, a disc jockey, and a particularly ineffective waitress. Her lifelong interests include old houses, classic movies, vintage style, and history. She lives in New Orleans.