If there’s a book about Leia (or General Organa, as I prefer), I’ll read it.
If Claudia Gray publishes a new book, I’ll read it.
When both happen, I end my work day early on the release day to read the entire book cover-to-cover.
And that’s exactly what happened when Leia: Princess of Alderaan came out.
It’s not easy to expand the story of a beloved character, but Gray does so respectfully and thoughtfully. While Bloodline showed the Leia’s journey from rebel to stateswoman, Princess of Alderaan traces her journey from princess to rebel.
And what a journey.
The book is a perfect prequel to Rogue One (which I loved) and provides a lot of satisfying detail on how Leia became the fierce, bold woman we know and love.
A lot of it has to do with Breha, Leia’s adoptive mother. She is smart, brave, and unassuming to many.
She’s formidable, and shares a lot of qualities as Leia’s birth mother Padmé. Getting to know Breha, Bail, and Mon Mothma gave me a deeper understanding and respect for Leia.
You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy this book. Gray has written a standalone Leia story that is a joy to read.
Fingers crossed she gets to write a Padmé or Ahsoka series next.
Fellow Star Wars fans should read Lost Stars and Bloodline, if you haven’t already. Claudia Gray’s Firebird trilogy and Defy The Stars are books I thoroughly enjoy and re-read as well.
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