A review by saurahsaurus
Queen's Shadow by E.K. Johnston

adventurous hopeful inspiring 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? No

4.5

Hands down, one of my favorite Star Wars books thus far. I liked Queen’s Peril alright, but this was so far above. I live to see Padmé in her element, doing what she excels at: using her eloquence, diplomacy, charm, and intellect to be an effective Senator and to help those who need it. Seeing her relationships with her handmaidens and the rest of her inner circle was a wonderful insight that we didn’t really get in the Prequels. And I loved that all of it occurs without Anakin lol. It really shows just how much Padmé did not need that boy, even if she did love him. 

Not really a plot point, but I loved all the details about her wardrobe and how much detail went into her appearance and voice, as part of her public persona.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Death of parent and Death

Minor and major spoiler ahead. Overall, the tagged content warnings are very brief in the book and not a major or even moderate plot point. Please be aware that the tagged content warnings are discussed in the spoiler tag ahead. Proceed with caution.

Spoiler

The book very briefly mentions the death of a minor character’s parents, but no further details. In the epilogue, the book briefly mentions Padmé’s funeral and the fact that her passing left many loose ends. It also briefly detailed how it affected Sabé. Furthermore, other character deaths are mentioned very briefly in the epilogue, but no further details are given.