Queen’s Shadow by E.K. Johnston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I feel I should make it clear that, essentially, nothing happens here. There’s virtually no action, aside from a brief space battle towards the end. There’s a LOT of politics, a lot talking, a lot of lengthy descriptions of what Padme and her handmaidens are wearing, and lots and lots of political intrigue.
And it’s wonderful.
Beautifully written and incredibly compelling, and despite that fact that there’s really not going on…there’s really a lot going on…at least there is in Padme and Sabe’s heads. And that’s where we spend a lot of this book, examining their thoughts, feelings and motivations.
There’s a lot here to reward fans of both the Prequels and the Clone Wars, which was greatly appreciated as a fan of both.
So, in short, if you like space battles, laser swords and blaster fights, this might not be the book for you. But if you love Padme Amidala, the Prequels and the Clone Wars then this is almost certainly essential reading.