Star Wars Legends Fan Group discussion

MARCH 2022 Canon Group Read


Queen's Shadow by E.K. Johnston



The Group read starts on March 15th.

- First published in March 2019
- Set 32 -19 BBY in the prequel era

"When Padmé Naberrie, "Queen Amidala" of Naboo, steps down from her position, she is asked by the newly-elected queen to become Naboo's representative in the Galactic Senate. Padmé is unsure about taking on the new role, but cannot turn down the request to serve her people. Together with her most loyal handmaidens, Padmé must figure out how to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and forge a new identity beyond the queen's shadow."

reserved

Are we gonna 'sticky' this thread so it doesn't get lost during March? :)

Did the group already read Queen's Peril ?

Thanks, Don, for reminding me that I should do it. :)

We haven't read Queen's Peril yet. But I think that it's safe to read E. K. Johnston trilogy in publication order - starting with Queen's Shadow.

Do you plan to join us, Don?

Zuzana wrote: "... I think that it's safe to read E. K. Johnston trilogy in publication order - starting with Queen's Shadow"

I totally agree. I was just curious if I missed a thread talking about Queen's Peril. I think I might jump in on this group read. I am a huge Kate Johnston fan. She's a frequent visitor to at our FanX (Salt Lake City's version of ComicCon) conventions.

She has the perfect Young Adult touch. Her Dragon Slayer of Trondheim is a good little read and one I recommend. And of course, I love Ahsoka .

Anyway, have my March 2020 trade paperback version of Queen's Shadow ready to go.

I read the short prologue and chapter one last night. The prologue is a poignant look at Padme at the end of Revenge of the Sith. Chapter rewinds and takes a short look at Padme and her retinue at the beginning and end of The Phantom Menace.

Not a strong, exciting start to the book, but sufficient enough to keep me interested as Padme leaves the 'queenship' to a successor. Johnston's books tend to wind up, rather than blow up at the beginning. As Young Adult fare I think it's fine.

I do shake my head at Lucas's silly use of an 'elected monarch.' Minor grumble from me and not worth discussing.

Well, as weird as an elected monarch is - it's not as weird as having a 13-14yo kids ruling over entire planets. They aren't allowed to drink alcohol or have sex and are not responsible for their criminal conduct but they decide the fate of billions of people. I do shake MY head at Lucas's silliness.

Zuzana wrote: "Well, as weird as an elected monarch is - it's not as weird as having a 13-14yo kids ruling over entire planets."

You are reading my mind! I was going to add the same thoughts, but I was trying to see this novel and the movie through the eyes of a Young Adult. But I agree. A 12-year-old 'runs' for office and wins!? Then is exposed to Anakin's creepiness, in addition to your points, Zuzana. Yeah, it does not sit well with me. One of many Lucas blunders that are head scratchers.

Lucas's treatment of Padmé's character from the midpoint of Episode II till her death is criminal. We discussed it with Rebecca and Hailey while reading Ep I and II novelizations. She lost half her intelligence and all of her integrity the moment she fell in lust with Anakin.

I'd like to know how Johnston will try to salvage Padmé's character in Queen's Hope. She will have to jump through a lot of hoops to make it happen.

As chapter two begins we see that the "Queen's Shadow" is Sabe. That's a cool nod to the handmaid in chief.

While this chapter is a bland, I learned two things that Johnston did well to clean up some of Lucas's shoddy writing/directly. She provides plausible insight into Padme's outrageous dresses. And she does and admirable job of explaining why there is such weird modulation in Padme's voice while in public as queen. Not a bad fix it job by the author.

Guys, this book is not good. At. All. I am not even sure where to begin to note its flaws. I'm thoroughly disappointed. Rather than dwell on its banalities, I'll note what I liked.

The author finally gets around to making Padme seem human when the character sees her sister's newborn baby. Johnston does an adequate job (not great) of planting the seed wherein Padme desires a family life.

The intrigue with Bonteri presented an interesting seed for further consideration and speculation. It may be a potential thread to pull to see what unravels. I do like how the two 'weird' encounters with Bonteri and her unknown contact were not overly developed and allowed to simmer in the reader's mind.

That's it. There is nothing else to note about this book. I do not recommend it. It adds nothing to the Star Wars story and sadly, almost criminal, it adds nothing to Padme's story, except to further discussions on dresses, hair pins, make-up, pseudo-political dull parliamentary proceedings and vapid Senate drama. Two stars because I like Kate Johnston - but more like a 1.5 for the book's literary failure.