3.9 AVERAGE

adventurous lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

i have such a soft spot for padmé and i wish we got to see more of her role as a senator in the prequels (yes, i am aware we see a some of it in the clone wars), so this was everything i could’ve ever wanted.

political intrigue and friendship are the foundation of this book although what i really enjoyed was seeing her transition between queen to senator and finding her footing—how should she present herself? what can she learn from others with more experience? is she able to trust herself more and not be fully dependent on her handmaidens? at her age, she’s in a unique position being in, not one, but two public facing roles and you’re finally able fully to appreciate her wit and passion for the well-being of others, which makes the end of her story even more devastating. like, “padmé amidala naberrie was dead, her dreams with her”… did johnston at least kiss the brick thrown at my head?

it’s definitely quiet read as expected and it works considering how political motions/careers take weeks, months, or even years to cultivate. also, while i understand sabé’s role outside of padmé’s orbit was an underlining question throughout, i still wish we saw more than a glimpse of her mission on tatooine or just getting to know her more.

I’m loving learning more about Padme. This series has inspired me to dive into all other Star Wars media outside of just the classic film lineup.
adventurous medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Ever since I watch the Clone Wars as a kid, which was before I watch the Star Wars films (first generation nerd here so cut me some slack lol), I was a huge Padmé fan! Unlike typical princesses/queens you read in fantasy growing up (in my opinion) she was one that had authority without the need of a man. Her power was entirely her own and I was always curious to see and know more about her. 
🚨Spoiler🚨The introduction had thrown me off with starting off with Padmé’s funeral and then the quick transition to the end of her reign as Queen/ beginning of becoming a senator. 🚨
This book is definitely not easy to understand if you’ve haven’t seen the Star Wars prequels and even the Clone Wars tv series, since Padmé’s names and identity change can be confusing since it isn’t something that is explained upfront when it’s used in the first chunk of chapters.
This also may not be suitable for Star Wars fans who aren’t Padmé fans, since there aren’t any narrated fights.
However, if you are like me and were interested in learning more about Padmé, the handmaids, and Star Wars politics this is perfect for you! I absolutely loved this book and I hope to read the sequel soon! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

This book is really irrelevant to anything unless you’re curious about Padme’s initial senate dealings. This was somewhat interesting seeing Mina Bonteri but this also shows her being terrified of who I assume was Dooku? Which seems uncharacteristic of her future demeanor toward him. Hence why I didn’t like this book much. Too many ladies whose names end in é…..
adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
adventurous mysterious slow-paced