Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow By E.K. Johnston

I read this book with a friend who is a diehard Star Wars fan and that’s the majority of what he reads. We have read several books together of my choosing so it was time he picked one for us to read. We got the e-book for free on May 4^th for a Star Wars Day promotion! This is the first Star Wars book I have read. I listened to a few on tape when I was younger but I don’t really remember them. Overall, I enjoyed Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow and gave it 4 stars.

I like Star Wars but I am a casual fan compared to my friend. The Revenge of the Sith will always be my favorite movie since I grew up with the prequels. Obi-Wan is my favorite character and Padmé is my second favorite. I LOVED Padmé growing up! I loved all of her outfits in The Phantom Menace and she kicked butt in The Attack of the Clones! The book digs deeper into Padme’s life and rounds out her character more. This is the story her character needs and deserves!

Book Stats

• Title: Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow
• Author: E.K. Johnston
• Series: Star Wars Disney Canon Novel
• Genre: Fantasy, Sci-fi
• Publication Date: March 5th, 2019
• Pages: 400
• Est. Reading Time: 10 hours
• My Rating: 4/5 Stars
• Buy Now: Amazon or BAM!

Summary of STAR WARS: Queen’s Shadow

This story takes place after The Phantom Menace and after Padmé’s reign as Queen of Naboo is over. It shows her transition into the Galactic Senate and how she deals with the politics of serving many worlds versus one. She is not alone on her journey, she brings her most dependable and loyal handmaidens. They help Padmé find herself as she transforms from Queen Amidala to Senator Amidala.

My Thoughts

Padmé

We really get to see what Padmé is all about in this book. In the movies, she is always overshadowed by Anakin or the Jedi. I’m not saying that’s bad but I’m just excited to learn more about her. They really did put a lot of thought and effort into her character in the movies they just didn’t have the time to explain it all clearly.

The book explains the details of why she looks, dresses, and sounds the way she does as Queen. The intricate makeup and outfits make it easier for her handmaidens to be the decoy Queen. People are usually too distracted by the giant headpieces, elaborate hair, and extravagant outfits to look closely at the face and notice it might not be her. The clothes not only distract but can be used as armor to protect or even to hide weapons. She also speaks in a very monotone voice so it’s easier for her handmaidens to copy. (I also feel her monotone voice is much more powerful and final). All of this can be seen in the movies but none of it is said so I’m glad the book made that clear.

E.K. Johnston also does a great job of showing how different Padmé is when she is Queen and in front of her subjects and when she is alone with just her handmaidens. Johnston even goes as far as referring to her as Queen Amidala when she is doing her duties as Queen and Padmé when she is not. I thought that was quite interesting but could see how it could be confusing if you were not already familiar with her character.

Handmaidens

Her handmaidens are amazing! They are more than just loyal servants to the Queen, they are her closest friends. The amount of trust you have to have in someone to believe they will not just mimic your sounds and movements but actually say what you believe to be right to pull off a switch is immeasurable. They can even fool close colleagues. Not only do they have to make a handmaiden look like the Queen but make Padmé look like someone else because she is usually nearby or on a secret mission. The story mentions Qui-Gon was one of the only people to notice a switch but he respected her decision and chose to protect her identity.

The book also talks a little about the rigorous training the handmaidens have to complete at a very young age. They are not just decoys, they are also trained fighters and would die to protect Padmé. Each handmaiden has their own specialty ranging from decoy, hair and makeup artist, outfit specialist, security specialist, and more but they all can step in for each other’s parts need be.

Action

Even though there wasn’t much action, the book didn’t seem slow. I could see how some might find it boring if they don’t care about her character or care about politics. The only reason this book isn’t 5 stars for me is that it does feel more like a filler than a stand-alone. It is hard to write something new and never heard of when you know exactly how a character starts and ends. There are not many different directions they can take Padmé’s character if they are staying in line with the Star Wars universe. So because of this, it feels like there wasn’t really a climax to the book.

The main theme would be her transition into becoming a Senator. She became Queen at such a young age she doesn’t really have an identity besides that. I really enjoyed seeing her become her own person but I’m used to more mystery/thriller and action books than coming of age stories so it felt a little flat to me. There are two more books in the series so maybe this was more of a setup book and the next ones will be 5 stars for me!

Star Wars References

There were a lot of good references to the movies and the rest of the Star Wars universe. My friend that knows Star Wars better and reads more of the books than I do, picked up on a lot more Easter Eggs. It was fun to discuss with him and he helped me connect more of the dots. It’s still enjoyable without catching all of those little details though.

My favorite reference is said by Billaba to Padmé:

“You have grown, of course. You are wiser. You are more balanced. But you haven’t changed. You are still the person who took on the Trade Federation, and I think you always will be. It was probably the oddest compliment Padmé had ever received, including the time a small boy on a desert world had assumed she was an angel, but she was pleased by it nonetheless.”

– E.K. Johnston, Queen’s Shadow

It’s nice they mention Anakin and that she still thinks about him from time to time even though he’s not directly in the book. Also, one of the nicest compliments I have ever received is when someone said my hair in a bun reminds them of Padmé’s hair.

Favorite Quote

My favorite quote is actually from E.K. Johnston’s acknowledgement at the end.

“And every girl who ever asked for more from Star Wars. You’re my spark.”

– E.K. Johnston, Queen’s Shadow

Padmé inspired me not to be a princess but a Queen. She is strong and powerful but she is also caring and reasonable. You can tell tough decisions weigh heavily on her especially playing the game of politics in the Senate.

Star Wars is a huge franchise so I’m glad they are showing women in power with great leadership qualities. It’s nice to confirm what I always believed about Padmé and that she is not just a plot device or a love interest for Anakin. I also have to give credit to Natalie Portman for portraying her so well. She is one of my favorite actresses!

Final Thoughts of Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow

My dad is also a huge Star Wars fan (how I became a fan) but I don’t think this book would be for him. While I loved it and gave it 4 stars because I enjoyed learning about her makeup, clothes, and the close bonds with her handmaidens, I get that’s not for everyone. My friend only gave it 3 stars. His reasons being not enough Jedi and not enough action. I would recommend this book to anyone Padmé inspired growing up since it is a very girl-empowering book. Hopefully, I will read the next book in the series soon and maybe a few others from the Star Wars universe.

Have you seen any Star Wars movies or read any of the books? Who is your favorite character?