Reviews

Queen's Shadow by E.K. Johnston

nagirak's review against another edition

informative

• Strong character development? Yes

3.0

I really enjoyed getting to see more of the political side of Star Wars (if that’s possible with a story that’s already so political 😅). Although it’s touched upon in other Star Wars media, the inner workings of the Senate were the main focus of this book. 

Not that I think many people would be reading this without watching Star Wars, I would definitely recommend having watched the prequels and The Clone Wars prior to reading this book. There are a lot of little nods to them that won’t make much sense without that background knowledge. 

I also really enjoyed getting to learn more about Padme’s handmaidens. They loved her so much and seeing that love makes her death hurt that much more in ROTS. 

beerd1's review

5.0

So pleased that Padme’s character has been expanded on as she deserved so much more that was shown in the second and third movies

a_chickletz's review

3.0

The handmaidens are something I have often wondered about, and sad to say disappointed that Lucas never really gave them more purpose. At least he seemed to tease the fact that they stood in for Padme (see the first film and the second film of the prequel series).

To have this book finally, read it, it leaves me sorry to say that I was a bit disappointed.

I'm giving this book three stars for the handmaidens and Padme's relationship. I am knocking this down two stars because of the plot. The fact is, there was hardly one and the one we got wasn't really meaty enough. Did Padme really jump that quickly into politics? Did she really attempt to rescue the slaves on Tatooine - briefly?

I wanted more and I wish I could tell you what I wanted, but it wasn't what ended up being on the page.

lovdays's review against another edition

reflective tense slow-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? It's complicated

3.75

jesspeachee's review against another edition

4.0

As much as this was about Padmé Amidala when she first joined the Senate, it was also about her loyal handmaidens. Sabe, the Kiera Knightley from the movies. And others I can’t get into. I almost wish there was more.

spiralsparkle's review

5.0

I'm heartsick about the ending and I'm heartsick we didn't get this book 20 years ago and I wish it was edited a little better, but I cherish the whole experience of reading it. It's wonderful. It may bring succor and inspiration to even a long turned-adult girl.

mattjorgdbb's review

5.0

Star Wars books are supposed to be terrible, and when one like this comes along that's actually good I don't know what to do. I'm blown away that someone took something as boring as the Naboo political characters from the Star Wars prequels and made them not only interesting, but actual characters you can enjoy. 10 out of 10. Well, 8 out of 10, because Naboo is the planetary equivalent of a Mary Sue, but maybe 9 out of 10 because it stays within the post-1983 tradition of Star Wars good guys being all superior and stuff.

milliad's review against another edition

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I love space politics

“And to every girl who has ever asked for more from Star Wars. You’re my spark”
What a beautiful dedication from the author, E. K. Johnson. I am so grateful that she has taken the time to flesh out some of the best characters in Star Wars, and breathe new insight into the customs of Naboo, including the Handmaidens.

I also loved how the start and end of the book mirrored each other so perfectly

I love Padme Amidala 

mylibrarybooks's review

4.0

1st read (didn't know it was going to be a trilogy) I want to read so much more about Padme. It was super interesting to see how her handmaids worked and what the beginning of her term in Senate. I hoped it was going to go past this time, and include how she felt when she ran back into Anakin, and how she grew in the Senate. Also, could she please have her own graphic novel series? Please?

2nd read- I listened to the audiobook this time and it was a wonderful experience! Also knowing there is one more book to read after this was exciting, and i highly recommend reading them in chronological order as opposed to book order number. This series is so detailed and smart and shows how incredible Padme really is as a character. I would read so many more!

vivivi's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0