Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
I think this book combines two interesting concepts - Padmé’s relationship with her handmaidens and her transition from Queen to senator - and while I think that could be done well, in this book it feels completely mashed together.
'Queen's Shadow' by EK Johnston follows the beginnings of the senatorial career of Padmé Amidala, as she steps down as the Queen of Naboo as her term finishes, and is persuaded by the new Queen to take up a position of senator on Coruscant in the hope of continuing to do some good. She admittedly doesn't quite get off to the best of starts, as she gets used to her new role beyond the queen's shadow. But after meeting Senator Bail Organa, and eventually Senator Mon Mothma, she starts to find her feet within the Galactic Senate.
Queen's Shadow could also refer to Sabé, one of the handmaidens from her royal term, as played by Keira Knightley in 'The Phantom Menace'. On occasions during Padmé's Royal reign, Sabé became the Queen's shadow, posing as the Queen as a decoy. And over the course of the term, she also became one of Padmé's trusted confidantes as well as a loyal friend, and would do anything for her. The book focuses on the close, almost sisterly, relationship between the pair.
And that is the premise of the book. It's not exactly action packed, but it is full of political drama, as Padmé settles into her new role, trying to win the favour of senators, all the while standing up for what she believes is right for the Republic.
And when the book isn't focused on the political or on Sabé's supporting role, it also explores Padmé's relationship with her handmaidens and retinue of guards. The time spent with her entourage helps to flesh out Padmé's personality a lot more. We haven't had much of that previously really, the best so far has been her supporting role in Timothy Zahn's' 'Thrawn: Alliance', as the movies and other media have mostly unfairly glossed over her. But here we get to delve into her more as a person, getting to know her ambitions, her hopes and fears, in one of the best character studies of the character yet.
I really enjoyed 'Queen's Shadow'. I liked the look behind the curtain into the life of Padmé Amidala, her close relationship with her royal and senatorial retinues, and at the Galactic Senate. Its a very different Star Wars story, although having said that it does have similar vibes to Claudia Gray's 'Leia, Princess of Alderaan', and is one that is worth reading.
Queen's Shadow could also refer to Sabé, one of the handmaidens from her royal term, as played by Keira Knightley in 'The Phantom Menace'. On occasions during Padmé's Royal reign, Sabé became the Queen's shadow, posing as the Queen as a decoy. And over the course of the term, she also became one of Padmé's trusted confidantes as well as a loyal friend, and would do anything for her. The book focuses on the close, almost sisterly, relationship between the pair.
And that is the premise of the book. It's not exactly action packed, but it is full of political drama, as Padmé settles into her new role, trying to win the favour of senators, all the while standing up for what she believes is right for the Republic.
And when the book isn't focused on the political or on Sabé's supporting role, it also explores Padmé's relationship with her handmaidens and retinue of guards. The time spent with her entourage helps to flesh out Padmé's personality a lot more. We haven't had much of that previously really, the best so far has been her supporting role in Timothy Zahn's' 'Thrawn: Alliance', as the movies and other media have mostly unfairly glossed over her. But here we get to delve into her more as a person, getting to know her ambitions, her hopes and fears, in one of the best character studies of the character yet.
I really enjoyed 'Queen's Shadow'. I liked the look behind the curtain into the life of Padmé Amidala, her close relationship with her royal and senatorial retinues, and at the Galactic Senate. Its a very different Star Wars story, although having said that it does have similar vibes to Claudia Gray's 'Leia, Princess of Alderaan', and is one that is worth reading.
My expectations were blown away
I didn't really know what to expect going into this book and I was super surprised as to what it entailed. Usually Star Wars books take me a bit to get through but this one was easy to read, easy to follow and exciting even though it was heavily centered on politics.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will be moving on to the next book in the series as soon as possible. Highly recommended!
I didn't really know what to expect going into this book and I was super surprised as to what it entailed. Usually Star Wars books take me a bit to get through but this one was easy to read, easy to follow and exciting even though it was heavily centered on politics.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and will be moving on to the next book in the series as soon as possible. Highly recommended!
I'm not terribly well-versed in the Star Wars universe outside of the original six films, but Padme has always been my favorite character, and this glimpse into her transition into the galactic senate was an enjoyable read. Johnston's meticulous attention to detail drops us into the galaxy's "world" with surprising ease. They capture the essence of Padme's character exceptionally well, and I enjoyed the development and exploration of her handmaidens and others in her service. The pacing felt a bit slow for me at times, but it improved over time.
I'm looking forward to picking up the other books in this trilogy.
I'm looking forward to picking up the other books in this trilogy.
TikTok Review - https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMJcNELpo/
If you like a civics lesson on the political system of the Galactic Republic, this is the book for you. If not, skip this one. I feel like I learned only a minimal amount of backstory and character development of Padme. The book spends too much time dealing with the role of her handmaidens only to mostly abandon it a third of the way in. Also, when it comes to the handmaiden system, it feels like heroism by committee. The book also tries to be a story about Sabe as much as Padme but then doesn't go far enough in developing her character as well. The book could have benefitted from more narrow escapes from assassination attempts by the Trade Federation or more action all in the story.
I really, really wanted to like this more, and I did enjoy it, but the pacing of the story just dragged for me. Lots of beautiful imagery and heart-tugging moments, but as a whole it didn’t hang together for me. Still a must-read for any Star Wars fan!
Love reading a book about Padme outside of her relationship with Anakin. The handmaidens are all great, especially Sabé. Anyone complaining about the politics, what did you think a book about Padme in her early days in the senate would involve
A behind the scenes look at Padme and her shadows after her tenure as the Queen of Naboo. This is told from multiple view points and switches almost randomly. It is hard to follow but once you realize what is happening it is nice to see each of their personalities.
As a huge Padme fan it was amazing to see how she becomes a senator and what exactly happens when the movies are looking. This follows through her whole senator experience.
I highly recommend to anyone who is a Star Wars fan to pick this up. It feels right in the universe and doesn't stray from what is already canon.
As a huge Padme fan it was amazing to see how she becomes a senator and what exactly happens when the movies are looking. This follows through her whole senator experience.
I highly recommend to anyone who is a Star Wars fan to pick this up. It feels right in the universe and doesn't stray from what is already canon.
This isn’t a book about big blockbuster style events, this is some sweet, sweet Star Wars back story and I am so here for it.
You never really grasp the connection Padme has with her handmaidens in The Phantom Menace, or the gravity of certain events in Attack of the Clones but now I do.
And boy Queens Shadow made me have so many feelings about characters you barely see in the movies. The handmaidens that are explored further in this book I have come to love and I’m going to have such a great time watching the prequels again and understanding Padme, the handmaidens, Naboos monarchy system and the senate even more.
If you love Padme this is the book for you. I didn’t dream that I would be able to love her more, but here I am.
You never really grasp the connection Padme has with her handmaidens in The Phantom Menace, or the gravity of certain events in Attack of the Clones but now I do.
And boy Queens Shadow made me have so many feelings about characters you barely see in the movies. The handmaidens that are explored further in this book I have come to love and I’m going to have such a great time watching the prequels again and understanding Padme, the handmaidens, Naboos monarchy system and the senate even more.
If you love Padme this is the book for you. I didn’t dream that I would be able to love her more, but here I am.