If the measure of a good book is whether you devour it in one sitting, then this is a good book. Despite its billing, this 40-year old reviewer enjoyed this "young adult novel." Its not so much a "young adult romance" as it is a coming of age story. Yes, there is romance, but it is handled in a way that does not distract from the overall plot. While the characters are young adults, the dialogue is not juvenile. Although I had some quibbles (listed below), overall I was very satisfied with this book. The prose is easy to read; the dialogue believable and true to the series (i.e.--no lame modern day idioms). The characters are very likeable and the reader is able to identify with them. The "tone" of the book is true to the Star Wars universe. With minor exceptions, the book does a good job of staying "in universe." Plotwise, this book chronicles the journey of two star-crossed provincials that are caught up and indoctrinated by the empire at a young age. Without spoilers, this book chronicles their journey on either side of the Galactic Civil War. We get to see the main events of the O.T. through their eyes. And, the last 2 chapters gives a "bridge" with The Force Awakens. Also, we get to see how the empire affected the lives of everyday citizens and how the first "Empire Generation" splits and gradually becomes disillusioned/hardened by its policies. The book also contains several allusions to modern day politics, but it is handled well and not obvious or in your face (i.e. "We needed to rebuild the second Death Star; otherwise the terrorists would have won").
Below are my quibbles: (SPOILERS)
1. The plot, at times, is too convenient and contrived. Our heros are literally at the center of every major scene/battle from the O.T. But, I suppose this can be explained by the fact that they were at the top of their class and just graduated--thus, they were more than likely to be at the center of the action. Still, at times, the plot is overly convenient, esp. those instances where the two lovers find themselves involved on opposite sides of the main battle.
2. The one "in universe" complaint I had was that one of the major characters becomes a Lt. Commander on a super star destroyer and yet is allowed to fly a basic tie fighter with no shields into the thick of combat.
3. I was not a fan of the ending. Must have been focused-grouped. The natural and satisfying conclusion would for the two doomed lovers to go down in each others' arms in flames with the lost star destroyer. The "rescue" felt forced and left the main characters in an unsatisfying end.
Despite these quibbles, I am still giving this book 5 stars, if for no other reason that this book is PARSECS ahead of the abomination called Aftermath. Indeed, this is the book that Aftermath should have been. Unlike Aftermath, here we get likable characters, a coherent plot, a fluid, easy-to-read narrative, no forced social agenda, and no silly in verse memes, earth idioms, or juvenile dialogue.
Summary: Although by no means high-literature, this books was a satisfying read and shed some new light on the S.W. universe. A refreshing read after the monstrosity of Aftermath.
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I chose this book to be my first foray into canon Star Wars novels. This was a fun read and it kept me hooked all the way to the end. I especially liked recalling major events through these new characters, and the lead up to the Force Awakens. I am used to reading GoT books with about 4 times as many words on a page, so after being sucked in, this book took less than a week to read.The only downside was the printing was slightly titled and changed every page. When looking at the edge when the book is closed, you can see the chapter icons forming a wave like a DNA stand, instead of it being a straight line. Occasionally I'd notice the tilted text while reading, but it wasn't too intrusive.
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Reviewed in Spain on October 9, 2019