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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
Woof, this was dull. Maybe it's just Natalie Portman, but I always felt like Padme had an interesting character some where hidden of the muddle of prequelness, but maybe not. Here she lacks agency and doesn't feel strong enough to carry the narrative. The troupe of interchangeable handmaidens only served to bog down an already boggy story.
For more indifference on this title tune in to this episode of the All the Books Show.https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-202-spider-man
For more indifference on this title tune in to this episode of the All the Books Show.https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/episode-202-spider-man
I think Star Wars audiobooks are generally well done and this was no exception. Also it’s nice to see Padme as a more well rounded character.
I wanted to like this book more than I did.
It is the story of Padme after she steps down from being Queen. I wanted more... just more. This book felt to me like an amalgamation of ideas but the story never really manifested for me. I know this was a YA book but that doesn't mean there couldn't have been more intrigue, more store... just more.
Not sure if I will move on to book 2, which I understand is her story before becoming Queen.
It is the story of Padme after she steps down from being Queen. I wanted more... just more. This book felt to me like an amalgamation of ideas but the story never really manifested for me. I know this was a YA book but that doesn't mean there couldn't have been more intrigue, more store... just more.
Not sure if I will move on to book 2, which I understand is her story before becoming Queen.
A slow start, but by the end I was on the edge of my seat. Loved the insight you get to Padme and her handmaidens relationships. It's interesting to see more of the senate's inter-workings.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A wonderful look at the political side of Star Wars, as well as a much needed character piece on Padmé. I truly loved the distinction made between Padmé Naberrie, the person, and Amidala the concept.
I also have always loved Sabé as a character in the original EU, so it was nice to see her featured again. I'm also living for her and Tonra as a bisexual power couple.
The only "fault" is an arbitrary one, but if, like me, you've read a lot of the 90s Expanded Universe novels focusing on the Big Three than you're used to reading political thrillers from Leia's perspective cut with Jedi and smuggling action. This was all political drama, with some light espionage. I could have used more of the latter.
On a sidenote, the easter eggs thrown in from across the SW multiverse were great!
I also have always loved Sabé as a character in the original EU, so it was nice to see her featured again. I'm also living for her and Tonra as a bisexual power couple.
The only "fault" is an arbitrary one, but if, like me, you've read a lot of the 90s Expanded Universe novels focusing on the Big Three than you're used to reading political thrillers from Leia's perspective cut with Jedi and smuggling action. This was all political drama, with some light espionage. I could have used more of the latter.
On a sidenote, the easter eggs thrown in from across the SW multiverse were great!
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I massively appreciated this book. Amidala got totally screwed in the movies and you finally get to learn more about her, the Organas, the handmaidens.
As someone who works in politics, I very much appreciated watching her journey as a freshman Senator.
That epilogue has me wanting MORE immediately though.
As someone who works in politics, I very much appreciated watching her journey as a freshman Senator.
That epilogue has me wanting MORE immediately though.
3.75 stars, rounded up — the politics of this book! As a general rule I’m not a prequel era fan, and I’m certainly no proclaimed fan of Padmé (until now?) but I thought this was great. The transition period for her from Queen to Senator and the difficulties and pitfalls associated with that I thought was handled great. Her relationships with Mon, Bail, Palpatine — all the things I didn’t know I wanted fleshed out but came to greatly appreciate. And that ending though! I have so many questions. Also - Sabé was such a great part of this book! If I have any complaints it’s that I wish I could’ve spent more time with her.
If the first three Star Wars movies had been adaptations of these books, the prequels would have been my favorite Star Wars films. As it stands, this story is best told in book form with Johnston's writing, because the glimpse into Padmé's internal thoughts and the perspectives of multiple handmaidens (especially Sabé) are a treasure. Johnston's version of Padme is one of my favorite characters, and the bond between the young girls who are Amidala's handmaidens is an unparalleled dynamic.
Featuring a healthy dose of Alderaan, as well, which is always a plus for me.
Featuring a healthy dose of Alderaan, as well, which is always a plus for me.