In the Star Wars universe, there have been many romances.
Of course there are the classics: Han Solo and Leia Organa. Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Satine Kryze.
One couple that was introduced nearly a decade ago in one of the then brand-new canon books was Ciena Ree and Thane Kyrell.
Ciena and Thane’s story is depicted in the novel, Star Wars: Lost Stars, written by Claudia Gray and published in 2015. The book was published as part of the Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens series, which led up to the release of that film in December 2015.
Lost Stars begins a few years into the Empire’s reign following Revenge of the Sith. Ciena and Thane are introduced as two young characters who meet as children on their home planet Jelucan. The two bond over their shared love of flying and both vow to enter the Imperial Academy.
The bond between Ciena and Thane is organic in its growth. They start as strangers and eventually become close friends, behaving like brother and sister at times. Even when they have brief falling out at the academy, they still feel pulled to the each other and they find their relationship deepening.
Soon, both graduate at the top of the Imperial Academy. Ciena is stationed aboard the Star Destroyer Devastator, which is Lord Vader’s flagship. Meanwhile, Thane is assigned to a top-secret space station, later revealed to be the Death Star.
A few weeks after their graduation, both Ciena and Thane are present on the Death Star when Grand Moff Tarkin orders the destruction of Alderaan. This vicious display of power shakes both characters, though they react differently. Ciena chooses to be loyal to her oath, while Thane’s faith becomes shaken.
Thane eventually witnesses more of the Empire’s brutality, which convinces him to leave the Empire shortly after the destruction of the Death Star. Ciena tries to persuade Thane back, which ultimately fails and the two go their separate ways, with Thane ultimately joining the Rebel Alliance.
However, nothing can keep Thane and Ciena apart for too long. They continue crossing paths during the war between the Rebellion and Empire, and it’s clear that their love for each other is stronger than their opposed ideals.
Thane’s leaving the Empire and joining the Rebellion contrasts wonderfully with Ciena’s devotion to the Empire. It makes their relationship even more compelling to see. Gray succeeds in showing that above all, these characters love each other, despite their separation.
The book could be called a Romeo and Juliet story set in the Star Wars universe. However, unlike Romeo and Juliet, Thane and Ciena don’t love each other to spite anyone. Their relationship is the result of years of friendship and trust. Despite being on opposing sides, it is so easy to root for them.
The best part of the story is how events throughout it take place against events of the original trilogy. Indeed, the book reveals Ciena is present when an Imperial officer declares an escape pod has likely malfunctioned when one launches after the capture of the Tantive IV (as depicted in A New Hope when R2-D2 and C-3PO escape from the ship). The book contains several mentions of the original trilogy’s golden trio. Thane even muses on the actions of Princess Leia several times.
The book’s crossing over to the films is similar to legacy characters appearing in Star Wars Rebels. If you enjoy those types of cameos, you’ll enjoy them in this book.
Lost Stars is a wonderful love story for all fans of Star Wars and is a must read!
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