Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi Leia, Princess of Alderaan

By: Claudia Gray

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Sixteen-year-old Princess Leia Organa faces the most challenging task of her life so far: proving herself in the areas of body, mind, and heart to be formally named heir to the throne of Alderaan. She's taking rigorous survival courses, practicing politics, and spearheading relief missions to worlds under Imperial control. But Leia has worries beyond her claim to the crown. Her parents, Breha and Bail, aren't acting like themselves lately; they are distant and preoccupied, seemingly more concerned with throwing dinner parties for their allies in the Senate than they are with their own daughter. Determined to uncover her parents' secrets, Leia starts down an increasingly dangerous path that puts her right under the watchful eye of the Empire. And when Leia discovers what her parents and their allies are planning behind closed doors, she finds herself facing what seems like an impossible choice: dedicate herself to the people of Alderaan--including the man she loves--or to the galaxy at large, which is in desperate need of a rebel hero...

The Music

This book was wonderful. However, I've listened to a lot of SW audio books, and the music playing during this one was insanely, laughably loud. So loud that it drowned out the narrator in several scenes.

my all-time favorite Star Wars book..

After reading Queen’s Shadow, I immediately threw myself into Leia, Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray. And, in true Star Wars fashion, this book and Queen’s Shadow are like poetry; they rhyme. (And oh my god, my heart!!!)

This book held tight into my emotions and never let me go. Leia Organa is my all time favorite Star Wars character. Growing up, and even more-so now as an adult, I’ve looked up to Leia for her headstrong bravery. But now, I admire her more for her kindhearted resilience. This book gave me so much of Leia that I didn’t even know I needed until I read it. Against all odds, Leia does what is right and doesn’t back down until something good is accomplished. Even when she’s ultimately at her lowest, or when she is uncertain of her place in the Galaxy, Leia leads with her mind and her heart. She puts her duty to her family, her planet and her conscience first, and it’s something I greatly admire.

Not only did this book make me feel closer to my favorite character, but it made me understand the Rebellion so much more than I ever did before through Bail and Breha Organa. Claudia Gray gave both of these characters the voices they’ve always needed. Breha, the good-natured, regal woman with a brilliant mind and Bail, the pillar of strength and love. Together, Bail and Breha represent what I believe to be the first loving, organic and realistic portrait of parenthood in the SW universe. After reading and reflecting on this beautiful novel, Bail and Breha have skyrocketed to the top of my favorite characters list.
If you’re a Leia fan of any kind, this book is a must read. It’s a poignant look at Leia’s life just as it’s really beginning and the weight of all the losses she will endure in order to become the woman and leader we know her to be. There are so many surprises and gripping storylines, and I’m still reeling from *all* of them.

Leia's background story

This pre-quil to New Hope give great detail into the background and upbringing of a princess with just a tiny connection to the first three stories and of Leia's real Mom. Great adventure and plot building of a true Rebel.

Close Personal Experience With Our Favorite Princess

This was an excellent story. This showed the fans a very personal side to Leia. We witnessed her first love and her first kiss; and we get a chance to see Leia as a kid and young teenager as opposed to the hardened general we all know her as. It was a very good story and was read very well. All the Star Wars books are great because we get the sound effects. It’s as if the film was rolling by our very eyes...
A++

Charming and Relatable

Leia was a truly wonderful listen. Highly recommend for all audiences. Relatable, funny, wonderous, and downright tense, very much a story worthy of Star Wars.