‘Star Wars: Queen’s Peril’ is a Fantastic Prequel to ‘Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow’ That Fans of Amidala’s Tale Will Love – Book Review
A prequel to the best-selling, Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow, Queen’s Peril follows the events post-election for Padmé, including Captain Panaka seeking out all the young girls who will serve as the Queen’s handmaidens. Each of them has their own set of particular talents that will aid in keeping the young monarch safe and secure.
However, when Naboo is invaded by the Trade Federation, Queen Amidala and her loyal friends will be tested in ways they never could imagine. You will have to delve into the world of Queen’s Peril to see just what Padmé and her handmaidens will encounter and do to ensure the safety of the citizens of Naboo and themselves.
E.K. Johnston delivers another exquisite Star Wars novel about Naboo’s Queen, Amidala. While there is so much Star Wars lore and canon available, a story that I’ve often felt was one of the more neglected ones, was the story of Padmé Naberrie (Amidala) and her time as one of the youngest queens in Naboo’s history. As the story focuses on Amidala’s beginnings as queen, there is a lot of history to follow. However, Johnston lays all of the lore out in a way that isn’t daunting and even if you’ve never picked up one of the other Star Wars novels, you’ll be able to keep up easily with Queen’s Peril.
Although it’s unnecessary to read the other books to be able to follow along with Queen’s Peril, it may be beneficial to revisit Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace as the story in Queen’s Peril runs parallel to it. Therefore, it might be a good precursor to the elements found within the book. Regardless, the tale of Amidala’s reign is always been one that’s been fascinating and this is solidified further in Queen’s Peril.
Fans of the otherworldly franchise will be thrilled with some of the easter eggs that will be found whilst reading and Johnston’s descriptions of everything from the landscapes and architecture to the art of Naboo and Amidala’s royal fashions are so vivid that you won’t be able to put the book down.
The above said, the book truly flourishes with its character-driven plot. Queen’s Peril gives readers a view into the life of both Padmé and her handmaidens Sabé, Eirtaé, Yané, Rabé and Saché. We see the young girls go from being wary of one another to true friends – even though they didn’t always agree on everything that was set into their paths. It was interesting to see how the group found ways to make sure that everyone felt included and safe, despite their disagreements. It’s rare that you read a YA book that doesn’t end up with too much dramatic brouhaha as it relates to a group of young girls, but Queen’s Peril manages smartly to avoid that.
As a fan of Padmé, I truly enjoyed Queen’s Peril for giving us more time with the Queen after her reign begins and fills in the gaps that weren’t addressed in the films. Fans who are looking to be further entrenched in the prequel series should definitely add this book to their TBR lists.
Queen’s Peril is available for purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indigo and your local independent bookstores now!
