Review: Queen's Shadow by E.K. Johnston

Queen’s Shadow
by E.K. Johnston [Johnston]

I really liked the idea of Queen’s Shadow. In all of the Star Wars novels, television shows and movies, we have never really gotten to know just who Padme Amidala is. The fact that she has never really gotten to know who she is functions as an undercurrent in the story. Much of Padme’s life has been serving a role first as Queen of Naboo and then as a Senator of the Republic. Overall, the novel is pretty good. And the idea of getting to know Padme and the handmaidens who have served as friends, advisers and confidants is interesting and carried off fairly well. The challenge with the novel is that there really is not a plot. There’s ample foreshadowing of the Clone Wars and many well-used cameos, but not much of story to tie it together. The ending is a tad clunky. This is a book I really wanted to love, but ending up just liking it. Enthusiastic Star Wars fans will enjoy at least parts of it. Casual fans may have a harder time fully enjoying it. E.K. Johnston’s previous Star Wars novel Ahsoka is a much better example of what the author can do with previously underdeveloped Star Wars characters.

[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston, Most Wanted by Rae Carson, or Rebel Rising by Beth Revis]

[ Queen’s Shadow entry on Wookiepedia ] | [ official E.K. Johnston web site ]

Recommended by Corey G.
Gere Branch Library

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