Star Wars: Bloodline - New Republic

By: Claudia Gray

Narrated by: January LaVoy

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

Critic reviews

“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

“[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

not a big fan

Falls very far from what the old EU was. I didn't like the story and I don't like where the main characters are going.

Cladia Gray should get her own trilogy to write.

Another great title by Gray filled withamazing character depth and political intrigue. The future of the Star Wars expanded universe is being forged by rising stars like Cladia Gray and A.K. Johnston. They provide a much needed burst of energy to offset lackluster direction by Disney executives who are more concerned with larger matters beyond Star Wars.

An interesting Leia story

I will forever be grateful to every author breathing life to the Star Wars EU, canon or otherwise. I found Bloodline to be an insightful glimpse into Leia’s journey from being a senator to the leader of the resistance. It was interesting hearing about a certain bombshell of information was eventually leaked and handled. Beyond that though, it wasn’t overly captivating. Had we pivoted between the core characters (particularly Luke & Ben during Ben’s training pre Kylo’s rise) I can’t help but think think it would have been for a more exciting story. Can’t hate tho because it kept me listening from start to finish!

Looking for post ROTJ canon? Start here!

Recently I had been craving some EU lore and more specifically the time gap between Jedi and TFA. I started with Aftermath and thought that would be a good bridge. But after listening to this I realized this was the story I should have heard first! Aftermath is more of a side quest to the canon where this is a full on explanation to the origins of the First Order.

This book is amazing and has a little bit of everything. Don’t be fooled into thinking this is just a political drama, though, the political drama is done perfectly and is riveting the whole way through. It’s what Attack of the Clones aspired to be.

If you’re looking to delve into the post Jedi lore definitely start with this, it gives you the perfect launching pad.

Good story fills in gaps

This is a pretty good story. Not a ton of action, but some great insight into how the fist order came to be and how so many ended up in the resistance instead of the New Republic.

January LaVoy is an excellent storyteller. Her pacing and tone throughout the story is fantastic.