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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
This book gave me all the feels. I felt like it was a fast read and gave loads of insight into not only Padmé but also Sabé.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
once again good character and world building work - i think johnston does a great job taking a lot of choices made in the phantom menace that seem ridiculous and explaining them in a believable way.
wasn’t super engaged in the plot though- but do really like sabe and want to see more of her. i don’t know how anyone would know what was going on without the prequel to this though, which is weird since it came out after this novel.
wasn’t super engaged in the plot though- but do really like sabe and want to see more of her. i don’t know how anyone would know what was going on without the prequel to this though, which is weird since it came out after this novel.
I grew up watching & loving the Star Wars prequel trilogy, and I absolutely adored Padmé's character. so when I learnt about this book's existence, I was thrilled! and even though I had my doubts, I absolutely LOVED this!
let me tell you; this book is
let me tell you; this book is
Not my favorite character in the Star Wars universe. However I did enjoy the politics and details surround the Republic and Naboo. It was different and gives a bit more background for some characters I am quite fond of like Organa and Mon Mothma. The addition of Clovis from the Clone Wars series was nice as well. A little touch of Jedi badassery with Billaba. It earns it's 5 stars with ease.
another fun adventure for Padme. This time we get to see what her first year as a senator was like and all the alliances and deals she started to make.
This isn't a bad book, and it's written better than most star wars books, stylistically speaking. There just wasn't much of an actual story. It was a little slice of lifey, but not enough to carry it fully into the slice of life genre. I don't have any particular complaints but I just don't feel like the book ever convinced me it had a story necessary to tell.
Clone Wars fans will be delighted by the reappearance of Senators Clovis and Bonteri, and all fans will be happy to see the expansion of the Organas and Mon Mothma. The world building around the political arena of the Republic is altogether satisfying. Johnston is also equipped with considerable skill in diversifying a cast and drawing readers in for the secondary characters who feel very human thanks to her crisp emotional setups. However, the lively prose and engaging cast suffer pacing problems and a lack of substantial conflict in the middle.
Padmé's narrative doesn't clearly bridge Episode I and II as intended because Padmé's emotional arc doesn't track here with either persona beyond basic personality traits. Needing to find a place for herself and assert herself in the Senate doesn't feel authentic to such a consistently confident and self assured character. Some moments land, but the big picture is muddy. Lack of consistent interpersonal conflict also makes it hard to track what Padmé wants and what's at stake for her in a given section.
A series of generally satisfying character moments and well executed payoffs might save it for some. It kept me reading, but the end is jammed with conflict that needed to occupy more of the middle to give this book a stronger sense of direction and unity.
Despite these problems the book is worth a read, particularly for fans of the political structure of the prequels or young fans who want to see more of themselves reflected in the universe. While Padmé behaves like her composed adult self, she has all the inner conflicts of a teen, and is surrounded on all sides by well executed queer representation. This book would have meant a lot to me as a child on principle alone, even if it struggles in craft.
Padmé's narrative doesn't clearly bridge Episode I and II as intended because Padmé's emotional arc doesn't track here with either persona beyond basic personality traits. Needing to find a place for herself and assert herself in the Senate doesn't feel authentic to such a consistently confident and self assured character. Some moments land, but the big picture is muddy. Lack of consistent interpersonal conflict also makes it hard to track what Padmé wants and what's at stake for her in a given section.
A series of generally satisfying character moments and well executed payoffs might save it for some. It kept me reading, but the end is jammed with conflict that needed to occupy more of the middle to give this book a stronger sense of direction and unity.
Despite these problems the book is worth a read, particularly for fans of the political structure of the prequels or young fans who want to see more of themselves reflected in the universe. While Padmé behaves like her composed adult self, she has all the inner conflicts of a teen, and is surrounded on all sides by well executed queer representation. This book would have meant a lot to me as a child on principle alone, even if it struggles in craft.
3.5 stars. Definitely enjoyed this one more so than Queen’s Peril. Audio was well done.
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated