Read, You Must: Queen's Shadow

Paperback available March 20, 2020

What do you do when you're a teenager and your reign as Queen of Naboo has finished? Well if the Chancellor of the Galactic Senate asks you to serve, you become one of the youngest senators in the galaxy.

Now available in paperback, Queen's Shadow is a Young Adult novel from Disney-Lucasfilm Press that details Padmé's transition from Queen to Senator. 

From her awkward first days on Coruscant to backroom meetings and uncertain alliances, the story covers this period between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones. It's not an easy life for Padmé with all eyes on her and powerful enemies working against her. She continues to surround herself with her handmaidens and security staff, the few she can trust.

Written by E. K. Johnston (author of Star Wars: Ahsoka), this novel fills in part of the 10 or so year gap between Episodes 1 and 2.

Fans of the political intrigue of The Phantom Menace will enjoy the strategic moves required as the young senator learns the delicate dance her new job requires.

Fans of the larger Star Wars saga will appreciate reading of Padmé's first meetings with Bail Organa and Mon Mothma, and The Clone Wars fans especially will appreciate the introduction of characters like Mina and Lux Bonteri, Rush Clovis and others. This story interweaves many key characters from earlier in their careers than has ever been depicted before.

Original hardcover design (2019)

It's hard to say what the plot here is, exactly, as much of the book feels like the first part of a much larger story. Johnston seems to be working very hard though the entire book to set up for whatever comes next. And sure enough, coming this summer is the follow-up novel, Queen's Peril. It's not clear if that was the plan all along, but it feels that way.

As Padmé navigates the tricky waters of politics, Johnston also strategically sets up the pieces in place for the next book. At times this can be a bit slow, but for those who enjoy the political maneuvering, this is quite an enjoyable story in its own right.

Along the way there is espionage, attempts at character assassination and even romance. That element is pretty tame by YA standards but still a little more adult than a middle-grade novel would ever have.

Also along the way are many, many wardrobe and hairstyle changes. Due to the nature of the handmaidens often playing decoy, these are a necessary security measure.  

As The Clone Wars returns with new episodes on Disney+, it’s a lot of fun to revisit the “prequel” era of Star Wars. For Young Adult fans who grew up with a fascination for Padmé Amidala and her tragic part of the Skywalker saga this story is a welcome way to flesh out her tale.

(Publisher’s Recommendation: Ages 12 and up)

Also by E. K. Johnston

Dive into the Star Wars universe with In-Universe books

Other than those "sacred Jedi texts" that Yoda couldn't even pretend to enjoy reading, you don't often see much reading of books happening within the Star Wars movies.

However there are plenty of books out there, and more to come, set within the Star Wars universe. These books are often described as being "In-Universe". But what does that mean?

An In-Universe book is a book written here on earth, published by an earthbound publisher, but presented as though written by a Star Wars character. In many cases, the book is put together as though it would be one that Star Wars characters might read.

For example, the recent The Secrets of the Jedi is presented as though Luke Skywalker himself wrote it. Although actually written by non-Jedi earthling Marc Sumerak, it comes across as Luke's own thoughts and knowledge, his notes for future Jedi.

The journal style is a common one for In-Universe books, like Rebel Journal by Ezra Bridger and Sabine's My Rebel Sketchbook (both written by Daniel Wallace) or Rey's Survival Guide, Rose Tico: Resistance Fighter, or Rogue One: Rebel Dossier (all by Jason Fry). These books appear to be the personal diaries/scrapbooks of the characters, giving young readers a more intimate perspective on the characters' onscreen adventures.

Along this line are the instructional manual books like The Jedi Path, The Book of Sith and The Bounty Hunter Guide (all by Daniel Wallace & others). These books are actually put together as though if it were a training manual in each respective field. On top of that, there are notes from key Star Wars characters jotted in the margins, as though the copy you are holding has been in many notable hands before.

Another type of In-Universe book is the reference book, like Galactic Maps or Alien Archive. Both of these are written to be as non-fiction books you might find within the Star Wars universe. Every library must have them, presumably.

Taking the In-Universe idea even further are books like Myths & Fables (and presumably its upcoming follow-up Dark Legends).  Myths & Fables is completely presented as if it's a storybook you could purchase somewhere in the Star Wars universe. What would a bookshop on Coruscant carry in it's Kids section? Probably something like this.

Also coming soon is Galaxy's Edge: Traveler's Guide to Batuu. This guidebook to the Disney Parks attraction will also be In-Universe "as if you are a visitor from another part of the galaxy looking for recommendations on where to eat, shop, and sightsee while on your trip to this exciting location."

If you are looking for a change of pace in your Star Wars reading, try out an In-Universe title for a different perspective and a lot of fun!

Coming July 2020

The High Republic: A New (Old) Era in Star Wars!

Earlier this week Lucasfilm announced a brand-new era of Star Wars books and comics that will be arriving soon: The High Republic. Set approximately 200 years BEFORE The Phantom Menace, this era has never before been properly explored. Now it will be the time-frame for numerous books and comics!

“Star Wars: The High Republic features the Jedi as we’ve always wanted to see them — as true guardians of peace and justice. This is a hopeful, optimistic time, when the Jedi and the Galactic Republic are at their height. But of course, into this glorious new era something wicked this way comes,” says Lucasfilm publishing creative director Michael Siglain. “This initiative will give readers young and old a new corner of the galaxy to explore through rich, meaningful stories. Plus, readers will learn what scares the Jedi.”

So far only the first wave of stories has been announced but already there's plenty of cause for excitement for young Star Wars fans:

Into the Dark (Disney/Lucasfilm Press)
From Claudia Gray (Lost Stars) comes the mysterious Young Adult novel of Padawan Reath Silas, stranded on what appears to be an abandoned space station...at first.

A Test of Courage (Disney/Lucasfilm Press)
From Justina Ireland (Spark of the Resistance, Lando's Luck) comes the middle grade novel about a teen Jedi Vernestra Rwoh, a young Padawan, an audacious tech-kid, and the son of an ambassador who are stranded on a jungle moon where they must work together to survive both the dangerous terrain and a hidden danger lurking in the shadows.

 
The High Republic comic series from Marvel Comics will begin written by Cavan Scott, one of our favourite current Star Wars writers! He has written several of the Adventures in Wild Space books, as well as the Choose Your Destiny titles, numerous Star Wars Adventures comics and Dooku: Jedi Lost!

For younger comic readers comes The High Republic Adventures (IDW Publishing)! These will begin with stories by Daniel José Older author of the Solo: A Star Wars Story tie-in novel Last Shot.

Details are still pretty sparse at the moment but other titles will be announced soon from this exciting new era!

Learn The Secrets of the Jedi

Wouldn't we all like to know the secrets of the Jedi? How to attune ourselves with the Force and become a powerful guardian of peace in the galaxy?

That may not be entirely possible just yet, but a new book from Insight Kids (Insight Editions) seeks to give young Jedi a start on their path of unraveling all of the Jedi order's mysteries...and secrets.

The Secrets of the Jedi is journal of sorts, told by Luke Skywalker himself (actually Marc Sumerak), detailing a brief history of Jedi lore, techniques, philosophies and more. Presumably Luke took a few hours to himself to get all his thoughts down before appearing at the battle of Crait at the end of The Last Jedi.

Over 32 beautifully illustrated pages (illustrations by Sergio Gómez Silvan), "Luke" discusses topics like the Old Republic, The Force, The Light Side, The Dark Side and more. He also goes into detail about lightsabers, Jedi combat techniques, and Force abilities.  

The Secrets of the Jedi really feels like an extension of the earlier book The Jedi Path by Daniel Wallace, like it's Luke's additional notes on that text. In fact one of the sections inside is titled The Jedi Path.

Not only is this large-size hardcover book illustrated, it also contains fold-outs, pop-ups, envelopes to open, and a poster of the cover artwork.

Author Marc Sumerak (Star Wars: Droidography) truly captures the voice of the troubled older Luke, looking back on the successes and failures of his teachers and his own teachings. He reflects on what he had learned from Masters like Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, but also what younger students like Ben Solo and Rey taught him. Luke frequently refers to Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader as his father, personally connecting himself to these stories.

Not to be confused with this one!

Occasionally Luke here knows something where one must stop and ponder HOW Luke would know that. Some are easy to sort out, others pose interesting questions. Like how did Luke know the true circumstances of Mace Windu's death? Only Darth Sidious, and newly named Darth Vader, walked out of that office alive. Perhaps through the Force he was able to learn the truth. The official Imperial account of the events would have been much different.

I have mentioned this in previous more recent book reviews, but it bears repeating, that one of the wonderful aspects of the Disney era of Star Wars books is that the entire saga can be used and referenced. There are many examples here of Luke discussing not only details we saw in the movies, but also characters and events from The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels too. Treating the saga as one big story really makes it feel like a cohesive and interconnected galaxy. Years ago had this book been written, it would be much more limited in scope.

For younglings, Padawans, and older fans looking to dive into the teachings of the Jedi, and especially Master Luke Skywalker, The Secrets of the Jedi is an excellent start.

(Publisher's Recommendation: 8 - 12 years)
 
See also:

Also "by Luke Skywalker"