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Star Wars: Lost Stars (manga) #1
Star Wars: Lost Stars, Vol. 1
The Empire can be seductive, particularly if you're an aspiring young pilot...
Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree both know this very well when they enroll Imperial Academy, eager to pursue their dreams. When Thane discovers the darker side of the Empire, though, and defects to the Rebellion, the pair's lifelong friendship will be put to the ultimate test.
Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree both know this very well when they enroll Imperial Academy, eager to pursue their dreams. When Thane discovers the darker side of the Empire, though, and defects to the Rebellion, the pair's lifelong friendship will be put to the ultimate test.
258 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
86 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Gray
79 books14.2k followersClaudia Gray is not my real name. I didn't choose a pseudonym because my real name is unpleasant (it isn't), because I'd always dreamed of calling myself this (I haven't) or even because I'm hiding from the remnants of that international diamond-smuggling cartel I smashed in 2003 (Interpol has taken care of them). In short, I took a pseudonym for no real reason whatsoever. Sometimes this is actually the best reason to do things.
I live in New Orleans. So far, in life, I've been a disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist and an extremely bad waitress, just to name a few. I especially like to spend time traveling, hiking, reading and listening to music. More than anything else, I enjoy writing.
I live in New Orleans. So far, in life, I've been a disc jockey, a lawyer, a journalist and an extremely bad waitress, just to name a few. I especially like to spend time traveling, hiking, reading and listening to music. More than anything else, I enjoy writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 27, 2023
Loved the original, and I love the Manga with the great artwork. The book starts in a different order than the novel. This starts about 3/4 into the novel, and then the story recaps and fills in all the missing years.
Thane and Ciena grew up on the planet Jelucan. Even there, they were born to separate classes. They were never supposed to be friends, but fate and a shared dream bring them together. However when their dream of the Empire does not match up to reality. They will be torn apart again.
Good artwork and an awesome story. The manga version seems to have captured all the important story points. Even though I know the story, I can’t wait for volume 2.
Thane and Ciena grew up on the planet Jelucan. Even there, they were born to separate classes. They were never supposed to be friends, but fate and a shared dream bring them together. However when their dream of the Empire does not match up to reality. They will be torn apart again.
Good artwork and an awesome story. The manga version seems to have captured all the important story points. Even though I know the story, I can’t wait for volume 2.
January 30, 2023
Always disappointed when a book aimed at the YA audience is used as an excuse to not produce the best product. Worse than that this is actually a Romance book pretending to be a YA book (aimed at teens).
While the lead female character takes charge once or twice, she now hates the boy of her dreams that she has known since childhood (the only person to accept her as she is no questions asked). The male lead is right more times than not and defends the female lead when she does not even need his help. The male lead figures out the Empire is "evil" while the female is happy to serve with Darth Vader himself just to show the Empire is not bad.
But the real reason I give this just two and not 3 or even four stars is it is a bad Star Wars story. It ices out Luke at the Battle of Hoth. Our main characters against all odds are at many key moments in the Star Wars movies outshining our established heroes both Luke and Leia. I could go down a list of all the things that are not correct from the location of the Academy to lots of other errors in SW canon. If you want to have a cool story in the Star Wars universe with two (or more new characters) they could have been heroes / villains in the entire Galaxy, there was no need for them to just be extras in the movies (they are no Tag & Bink).
1.5 stars rounded up.
While the lead female character takes charge once or twice, she now hates the boy of her dreams that she has known since childhood (the only person to accept her as she is no questions asked). The male lead is right more times than not and defends the female lead when she does not even need his help. The male lead figures out the Empire is "evil" while the female is happy to serve with Darth Vader himself just to show the Empire is not bad.
But the real reason I give this just two and not 3 or even four stars is it is a bad Star Wars story. It ices out Luke at the Battle of Hoth. Our main characters against all odds are at many key moments in the Star Wars movies outshining our established heroes both Luke and Leia. I could go down a list of all the things that are not correct from the location of the Academy to lots of other errors in SW canon. If you want to have a cool story in the Star Wars universe with two (or more new characters) they could have been heroes / villains in the entire Galaxy, there was no need for them to just be extras in the movies (they are no Tag & Bink).
1.5 stars rounded up.
October 13, 2020
I really didn’t read the summary going in so I was pleasantly surprised to find this is a story about two characters during the original Star Wars trilogy.
This first volume was really good! I like the set up and I’m excited to read the other two.
Edit: finished the series. It was good!! It’s complicated and conflicted and shows how differently people deal with trauma. I hope there’s more though.
This first volume was really good! I like the set up and I’m excited to read the other two.
Edit: finished the series. It was good!! It’s complicated and conflicted and shows how differently people deal with trauma. I hope there’s more though.
June 6, 2018
It’s kind of ridiculous how well Star Wars translates to manga. Disney is leaving money on the table by not rereleasing the old adaptations of the movies.
June 17, 2018
I love all the art but the actual book is way better. Because of the format, we don’t get to fully explore Thane and Ciena’s characters which is one of the main reasons the book is so great. I also feel like, because of this, Ciena is painted in a weird light which left me feeling like she’s being shelved for man pain which just doesn’t make sense.
April 14, 2020
(covering all three volumes)
This is an enjoyable secondary Star Wars story. It doesn't expand on the universe or introduce anything new, but gives us a look into the how the rise and fall the Empire affected the lives and relationships of the main characters: Thane and Ciena. The story does a good job of integrating with the mainline Star Wars story without stepping on it.
I haven't read the Gray's original novel on which the manga is based, so I can't speak to the adaption, but the art in the manga captures the cinematic elements of Star Wars in away that helps bring the story to life. As young adult graphic novel, it has some juvenile aspects but not too many. I definitely enjoyed it (I devoured them in two days).
This is an enjoyable secondary Star Wars story. It doesn't expand on the universe or introduce anything new, but gives us a look into the how the rise and fall the Empire affected the lives and relationships of the main characters: Thane and Ciena. The story does a good job of integrating with the mainline Star Wars story without stepping on it.
I haven't read the Gray's original novel on which the manga is based, so I can't speak to the adaption, but the art in the manga captures the cinematic elements of Star Wars in away that helps bring the story to life. As young adult graphic novel, it has some juvenile aspects but not too many. I definitely enjoyed it (I devoured them in two days).
January 3, 2023
*4.5
I've been waiting to read this for YEARS - Lost Stars is one of my favorite SW books, and I bought all of the manga a year or two ago because I was so excited and ready to read them.
The distinctive style and panels are really fun, and I liked how this book not only shook around the timeframe of Lost Stars but also, in certain places, changed the storyline here and there. It's like watching Shadowhunters or Shadow and Bone - different, but in a new and exciting way.
4.5/5 stars!
A ROJ1 read
I've been waiting to read this for YEARS - Lost Stars is one of my favorite SW books, and I bought all of the manga a year or two ago because I was so excited and ready to read them.
The distinctive style and panels are really fun, and I liked how this book not only shook around the timeframe of Lost Stars but also, in certain places, changed the storyline here and there. It's like watching Shadowhunters or Shadow and Bone - different, but in a new and exciting way.
4.5/5 stars!
A ROJ1 read
May 22, 2020
Nunca pensé que diría esto, pero que buenos están los mangas de Star Wars.
October 3, 2021
I love star wars, but this was bad. "It was a library staff pick and it was so straight!!! Not gay enough!!! Awful romance plot!!! Literally more awful than the rise of Skywalker. Just bad. And there's more volumes. They're ruining star wars for ppl!! Omg they're making books bad to appreciate movies more??? What a scheme!!!"
May 11, 2019
More of a teen-manga with star wars trappings than a star wars teen manga, which isn't terrible, just contrary to expectations.
December 20, 2019
Fun adaptation of one of my favourite Star Wars books. It's also the first Manga I've ever read so I had to get used to the style.
April 30, 2020
I love experiencing this story all over again in a new medium.
April 5, 2020
Yeah. This is ok.
Was SUPER excited to read this and started reading about this guy, Thane, also got me excited, especially starting to read about when he was little, so we get to see him grow up and stuff, just like reading about Kanan growing up, and also since this guy is trying for the Empire and to be a damn Stormtrooper. Sounds real promising.
But...
It's not. It's ok. It's not interesting, it personally at least not interest me at all, it reads not like a Star Wars themed manga, but like a sci-fi over the top drama manga ( aren't they all? ) that exaggerates every single feeling the characters have ( aren't they all? ) and that's just too much of everything ( Aren't. They. All. )
Basically it feels like reading One Piece in space (w/o the powers). And I wanted to read Star Wars.
This is ok I guess if you're a kid. Other than that, I'm really hoping once he grows up it'll get better, so I'm gonna continue reading hoping!
Was SUPER excited to read this and started reading about this guy, Thane, also got me excited, especially starting to read about when he was little, so we get to see him grow up and stuff, just like reading about Kanan growing up, and also since this guy is trying for the Empire and to be a damn Stormtrooper. Sounds real promising.
But...
It's not. It's ok. It's not interesting, it personally at least not interest me at all, it reads not like a Star Wars themed manga, but like a sci-fi over the top drama manga ( aren't they all? ) that exaggerates every single feeling the characters have ( aren't they all? ) and that's just too much of everything ( Aren't. They. All. )
Basically it feels like reading One Piece in space (w/o the powers). And I wanted to read Star Wars.
This is ok I guess if you're a kid. Other than that, I'm really hoping once he grows up it'll get better, so I'm gonna continue reading hoping!
December 7, 2019
The Manga adaption of one of my favorite books (Star Wars and not Star Wars) really holds up. The character designs are phenomenal the art is great, the emotional weight it still there, I’m very pleased with how this adaption is turning out. I waited until the full manga was complete before reading it and I’m glad I did.
Now I can make a day of it!! I love how even in these early new canon books they are exploring the difference between joining the leaving the empire and joining the rebellion, for a lot of people it was two separate things which really makes me think about Finns arc. Anyway, I’m very impressed with the first volume and almost done with the second. I’m sure my opinions will likely not change as I already love this base story.
Now I can make a day of it!! I love how even in these early new canon books they are exploring the difference between joining the leaving the empire and joining the rebellion, for a lot of people it was two separate things which really makes me think about Finns arc. Anyway, I’m very impressed with the first volume and almost done with the second. I’m sure my opinions will likely not change as I already love this base story.
December 29, 2019
Lost Stars the novel is one of my favorite books. I loved reading this first volume of the manga and seeing these characters I love come to life in a new way! The story jumps around a bit and doesn’t start exactly where the novel does but it’s a fresh take that I like. I’m excited to start volume two right now!
May 22, 2018
Looks like this is an adaptation of a Star Wars novel I haven't read. At any rate, the story as shown here is actually pretty good. I do like seeing the Empire from the perspective of Imperials, and this comic is doing a pretty good job so far of showing why Ciena is a loyal subject.
June 11, 2018
I adored this book in novel format and was excited to read the manga version - I am so happy to say I was not disappointed. The order of things is changed up a little but it works really well and the art is amazing! I cannot wait for the next volume.
December 1, 2018
I really loved the story of the novel and enjoyed seeing this adaptation in Manga form. The concept of Star Wars manga in general was pretty cool. Was a little sad that this was just volume 1, can’t wait for volume 2.
May 13, 2018
A fantastic manga style adaptation of Claudia Gray's story.
January 20, 2020
A faithful adaptation of the young adult novel, with excellent artwork.
September 16, 2018
Beautiful adaptation of an amazing book. Can't wait for the next volume!
December 8, 2019
VERY much not for me. glossing over canon stories from the movies and making everyone look like they're 17 were all...choices.
July 26, 2020
SO FUN. I immediately need the rest!
May 4, 2023
Not a big fan of Star Wars but this book ate, its literally as simple as that
May 13, 2023
`✵•.¸,✵°✵.｡.✰ STᗩᖇ ᗯᗩᖇS: ᒪOST STᗩᖇS ✰.｡.✵°✵,¸.•✵´
3.75 Stars
Thane Kyrell is a skilled pilot working for the Rebellion, but before he flew in the sky, he put his life on the line each time he lived a life of privilege. Back then, he noticed the way that outsiders were treated and was intrigued by a girl named Cienna Ree. When he stands up for her, the two form an unlikely friendship that lasts years until it leads them to the Empire. Someone has messed up Cienna and Thane's chances at passing the test—someone who wants to turn them against each other. The two take the bait, academic rivals wishing to be friends but truly to be something more. Thane's story truly begins when his undying loyalty to the empire changes. He sees the Empire for what it really is, and it changes his life forever.
"I want to leave the imperial army." That feeling was born from that day onward."
Star Wars: Lost Stars was a delightful surprise that ended up being better than I had expected. Different from the other Star Wars stories, this feels more contained, as if it focused on a smaller scope rather than the overall universe. It is a canon manga based on the novel that has a couple of cameos 😉. The story begins by focusing a lot more on two characters journeys: Thane and Cienna. By the end of the story, it seems as if the lens has been widened, and we finally get to see the greater impacts on many of the people in the universe.
I love how it started with Thane in the rebellion, only to go back in time to show the reader the progression of his character. I liked him as a protagonist, though I look forward to his internal conflict that will progress throughout the other volumes in order to give his character more dimension. Then there was Cienna, who had so much potential yet overall fell flat. She just felt very inconsiderate and flat. The way their relationship was depicted was well done. I loved seeing Cienna and Thane throughout several important parts of their lives. It was sad to see that their relationship had easily changed.
I do feel as if the whole empire vs. rebellion plot point involving Cienna vs. Thane felt very contrived, almost ridiculous. I thought it was interesting, but at the same time, it felt like the author was trying to add a romance with all the YA tropes into a Star Wars novel. I did love the exploration of classism and power imbalance, which added some real-world problems to the story. The art style by Yusaku Komiyama was well-done, beautiful, and breath-taking. I love how Darth Vader is drawn! In conclusion, I am excited to read the next volume!
"Friends . . . if I told you that I thought we were more than that . . . would it bother you to hear that, Cienna?"
☑️PLOT
☑️CHARACTERS
☑️PLOT TWIST
3.75 Stars
Thane Kyrell is a skilled pilot working for the Rebellion, but before he flew in the sky, he put his life on the line each time he lived a life of privilege. Back then, he noticed the way that outsiders were treated and was intrigued by a girl named Cienna Ree. When he stands up for her, the two form an unlikely friendship that lasts years until it leads them to the Empire. Someone has messed up Cienna and Thane's chances at passing the test—someone who wants to turn them against each other. The two take the bait, academic rivals wishing to be friends but truly to be something more. Thane's story truly begins when his undying loyalty to the empire changes. He sees the Empire for what it really is, and it changes his life forever.
"I want to leave the imperial army." That feeling was born from that day onward."
Star Wars: Lost Stars was a delightful surprise that ended up being better than I had expected. Different from the other Star Wars stories, this feels more contained, as if it focused on a smaller scope rather than the overall universe. It is a canon manga based on the novel that has a couple of cameos 😉. The story begins by focusing a lot more on two characters journeys: Thane and Cienna. By the end of the story, it seems as if the lens has been widened, and we finally get to see the greater impacts on many of the people in the universe.
I love how it started with Thane in the rebellion, only to go back in time to show the reader the progression of his character. I liked him as a protagonist, though I look forward to his internal conflict that will progress throughout the other volumes in order to give his character more dimension. Then there was Cienna, who had so much potential yet overall fell flat. She just felt very inconsiderate and flat. The way their relationship was depicted was well done. I loved seeing Cienna and Thane throughout several important parts of their lives. It was sad to see that their relationship had easily changed.
I do feel as if the whole empire vs. rebellion plot point involving Cienna vs. Thane felt very contrived, almost ridiculous. I thought it was interesting, but at the same time, it felt like the author was trying to add a romance with all the YA tropes into a Star Wars novel. I did love the exploration of classism and power imbalance, which added some real-world problems to the story. The art style by Yusaku Komiyama was well-done, beautiful, and breath-taking. I love how Darth Vader is drawn! In conclusion, I am excited to read the next volume!
"Friends . . . if I told you that I thought we were more than that . . . would it bother you to hear that, Cienna?"
☑️PLOT
☑️CHARACTERS
☑️PLOT TWIST
March 2, 2024
Oh my gosh this made me fall in love with Star Wars again. It felt so fresh and new to be getting the story from inside the Empire for a while, with characters that really believed in it. It’s all the more satisfying when Thayne finally realizes he doesn’t want to be there and has a reason to rebel.
June 29, 2024
HOLY MOLY THAT WAS CRAZY! I haven’t seen the original movies 1-6 so this manga was just bliss and a sneak peak into the greater background story there is to Star Wars. I liked the characters in this book! As well as the Royal Academy of the Galactic Empire-the military school to become commanders and lieutenants. I loved the school setting even though it was a smaller part of the story.
April 16, 2025
A decent book, both as a SW story and as a manga. The story itself doesn't need to be set in the SW universe, but the setting gives the details a bit of kick. The art isn't much to write home about, but it's fair enough.
May 11, 2023
Such a great adaptation of one of my favorite Star Wars stories and one of my all-time favorite books!
May 10, 2024
Lost Stars is my favourite Star Wars book, so it's no surprise that I loved this adaptation! I can't wait to read the other volumes!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews