Two childhood friends with different upbringings with the same goal in mind: to join The Empire and become the best pilots in the galaxy.

Ciena Ree and Thane Kyrell’s story starts off well since their view on the Empire is positive. They see nothing out of the ordinary and they think the Empire will bring peace after the Clone Wars. They join the Imperial Academy and both excel. Their friendship and loyalty are questioned when an accident frames Ciena of sabotaging Thane’s work. Ciena doesn’t put much thought of the accident but Thane’s view of the Empire starts changing. The final straw was when they witnessed the destruction of Alderaan. It forever changed the relationship when Thane decided to leave the Empire. It felt like such a betrayal to Ciera. The once close friends now turned enemies. Love and loyalty is tested.

I enjoyed this book but at times it was frustrating. Ciena’s view of the Empire did waver but not enough for her to leave. She tries to justify their actions which I just wanted to shake her and for her to just snap out of it. She was taught that loyalty is everything and her loyalty to the Empire was everything even though it separated her from Thane.

And Thane….he’s such a sweetheart. I don’t think there was ever a moment I disliked him. Every time he would put his life in danger for Ciena, I would get annoyed but then I would end up loving him more.

The story is about love, pain, sadness, and hope; like all Star Wars stories. It was definitely an enjoyable read and I hope to hear more of Thane and Ciena in the future.