In follow-up to last year's Queen's Shadow, author E.K. Johnston (Star Wars: Ahsoka) has further chronicled the early career of Padmé Naberrie aka. Queen Amidala with her latest YA book from Disney/Lucasfilm Press: Queen's Peril.
It is forgivable after the open ending of Queen's Shadow to have assumed that this novel would continue the Padmé story chronologically, getting closer to the events of Attack of the Clones. Instead Queen's Peril is set many years before, and details Padmé's election to become Queen of Naboo, then her early days as ruler. The two books seem to be part of a series but could be read individually or in chronological order, not necessarily in release order.
Although the main characters are a several years younger than they were in Queen's Shadow, this is also a young adult novel with young adult themes and language.
It is forgivable after the open ending of Queen's Shadow to have assumed that this novel would continue the Padmé story chronologically, getting closer to the events of Attack of the Clones. Instead Queen's Peril is set many years before, and details Padmé's election to become Queen of Naboo, then her early days as ruler. The two books seem to be part of a series but could be read individually or in chronological order, not necessarily in release order.
Although the main characters are a several years younger than they were in Queen's Shadow, this is also a young adult novel with young adult themes and language.
The events of Queen's Peril lead right up into, and overlap with, much of The Phantom Menace. If it's been a while, it might be worth a rewatch of Episode 1 before readers dive into this book. Many moments in this book happen between-the-scenes of the movie moments and presume the reader knows that part of the story already.
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| Author E.K. Johnston |
Tensions grow between the newly-elected Queen and increasing threats from the Trade Federation, and Naboo becomes far from the safe haven for arts and culture it usually is.
The heart of Queen's Peril is the formation of Amidala's security team, especially her group of handmaidens. Partly bodyguards, partly companions and friends, the team of young teenagers must learn to work together, live together and utterly trust each other. None of those are always simple.
Despite the fact that the handmaidens were selected for their ability to blend together and be interchangeable, Johnston does a good job of giving each of them a truly developed personality and story. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, and the story does much to humanize the whole team.
The main focus of personal tension arises between Padmé and handmaiden Sabé. Then there is the frequent friction between Amidala, and the handmaidens' other boss, Captain Panaka.
The heart of Queen's Peril is the formation of Amidala's security team, especially her group of handmaidens. Partly bodyguards, partly companions and friends, the team of young teenagers must learn to work together, live together and utterly trust each other. None of those are always simple.
Despite the fact that the handmaidens were selected for their ability to blend together and be interchangeable, Johnston does a good job of giving each of them a truly developed personality and story. They all have their strengths and weaknesses, and the story does much to humanize the whole team.
The main focus of personal tension arises between Padmé and handmaiden Sabé. Then there is the frequent friction between Amidala, and the handmaidens' other boss, Captain Panaka.
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| Also available |
Captain Quarsh Panaka and his wife Mariek play key roles not only in the Naboo security force but in the events that unfold here. Along the way there are also interwoven moments featuring Darth Maul, Jar Jar Binks, Qui-Gon Jinn, Anakin Skywalker, Yoda and more, as each story builds ultimately towards the Battle of Naboo, and the return of the Sith.
With the publication of Queen's Peril, Canadian author E.K. Johnston now has the distinct title of being the most prolific Star Wars YA author (at least until Claudia Gray's High Republic novel comes out this fall). Let's hope we keep seeing more from this talented voice in the galaxy!
Although not an illustrated book, a word of praise must also be said for the hauntingly beautiful front and back cover art by Tara Phillips.
With the publication of Queen's Peril, Canadian author E.K. Johnston now has the distinct title of being the most prolific Star Wars YA author (at least until Claudia Gray's High Republic novel comes out this fall). Let's hope we keep seeing more from this talented voice in the galaxy!
Although not an illustrated book, a word of praise must also be said for the hauntingly beautiful front and back cover art by Tara Phillips.
(Publisher’s
Recommendation: Ages 12 and up)
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