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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
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:
No
Conceptually, I'm very into this concept. Queen Amidala and her handmaidens are an adolescent force to be reckoned with. Who run the world? Girls. I am very interested in the idea of what might happen if you put a bunch of teenagers in a room together and actually gave them true authority to make something happen.
In execution, the book was good, but somewhat lacking. None of the handmaidens, except for maybe Sabé, who I would argue only comes close, are fully realized characters. The handmaidens definitely have their moments (I'm looking at you in particular, Saché), but I really felt like I wanted more from them in terms of development. The handmaidens all have excellent backstories but then don't really go anywhere as more than plot pieces. Their roles came to them easily and most of what they do works out. This is excellent for presenting the handmaidens as a formidable force, but less excellent for character growth.
Then again, you could argue that all of this is reflective of their roles as a cohesive unit designed for them to shed their individuality and blend together.
The entire second half of the book is a retelling of The Phantom Menace. Parts of this are fascinating. I particularly enjoyed Yané and Saché's experience back on Naboo in the prison camp because it's a whole new part of the story, and some of the character insights to certain events from Amidala's perspective were interesting. I would have liked to see more depth in the lead up to these events, however, and less time rehashing plot that we're already familiar with.
In execution, the book was good, but somewhat lacking. None of the handmaidens, except for maybe Sabé, who I would argue only comes close, are fully realized characters. The handmaidens definitely have their moments (I'm looking at you in particular, Saché), but I really felt like I wanted more from them in terms of development. The handmaidens all have excellent backstories but then don't really go anywhere as more than plot pieces. Their roles came to them easily and most of what they do works out. This is excellent for presenting the handmaidens as a formidable force, but less excellent for character growth.
Then again, you could argue that all of this is reflective of their roles as a cohesive unit designed for them to shed their individuality and blend together.
The entire second half of the book is a retelling of The Phantom Menace. Parts of this are fascinating. I particularly enjoyed Yané and Saché's experience back on Naboo in the prison camp because it's a whole new part of the story, and some of the character insights to certain events from Amidala's perspective were interesting. I would have liked to see more depth in the lead up to these events, however, and less time rehashing plot that we're already familiar with.
I am FLYING through these books. I love the series so much and the way the Handmaidens are written is incredible. The ending seemed rushed, but the epilogue was amazing
I find this moved too quickly. The characters are interesting and the POV is surely different, unique and needed to give depth to The Phantom Menace but the pacing is off. The lead up to the invasion was fair but following that things progressed extremely fast through the rest of the events of the Phantom Menace and while I appreciated the POV of Sache and Yane I would have liked just more. More of Sabe on tattooine, more of Sabe and Eirtae on Coruscant as well.
I did find the "Anakin Skywalker liked flying" line funny however.
I did find the "Anakin Skywalker liked flying" line funny however.
Although this book doesn't have much of a plot of its own, that's not a bad thing. It does a great job of fleshing out the events leading up to and during The Phantom Menace. Most of the attention is focused on Padme, her handmaidens, and others within her close circle. It does a great job in developing their characters and roles, and in providing a broader context for Naboo society and the Trade Federation blockade.
It's a great addition to the Canon.
It's a great addition to the Canon.
I read this before queen’s shadow, as I’m currently reading the Star Wars novels (canon) in chronological order. I feel like it was a great introduction as it takes place before.
Ek Johnston does a great job at introducing the different handmaidens and the dynamic between them. Though they are all supposed to be “Amidala” they are each unique and different. I especially loved getting to know more about padme and her love for others. This is a wonderful book for Star Wars fans, especially those who love the prequels.
Ek Johnston does a great job at introducing the different handmaidens and the dynamic between them. Though they are all supposed to be “Amidala” they are each unique and different. I especially loved getting to know more about padme and her love for others. This is a wonderful book for Star Wars fans, especially those who love the prequels.
I’m glad I read it but it’s only getting 4 stars cause I’ve always liked the Queen and her handmaidens, and I always enjoy covering time periods we’ve already heard about (episode 1 in this case) from the perspective of other characters. The writing was just not super amazing. Also I’ve met enough teenagers to question exactly how many can be prodigies in every single possible way. But- I was able to suspend my disbelief long enough to get through the story, and I did enjoy learning more of the handmaidens’ backgrounds and what happened on Naboo while the Queen and Jedi were on the way to Coruscant.
Other random things I liked:
- I always want to know more about the Queen’s wardrobe, so I enjoyed all the fashion details (and wouldn’t have minded more).
- This book is gay af but not in a heavy-handed way, and I appreciated it a lot.
- “Anakin Skywalker liked flying.” ... “Anakin Skywalker *really* liked flying.” lmao
- The very ending <3
Other random things I liked:
- I always want to know more about the Queen’s wardrobe, so I enjoyed all the fashion details (and wouldn’t have minded more).
- This book is gay af but not in a heavy-handed way, and I appreciated it a lot.
- “Anakin Skywalker liked flying.” ... “Anakin Skywalker *really* liked flying.” lmao
- The very ending <3
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I can't get enough of the behind the scenes view of the handmaidens. its very good but it has gaps where you wouldn't understand the plot unless you've seen the movie.