Star Wars Queen's Peril
Brand: Disney Lucasfilm Press
Categories: Books, Teen & Young Adult, Literature & Fiction



Grade level: 7 - 12
Dimensions: 6.2 x 1.25 x 8.8 inches
Reading age: 12 - 18 years
ISBN-13: 978-1368057141
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1368057144
Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press
Print length: 288 pages
Publication date: June 2, 2020
subtitle: Hardcover – June 2, 2020
author: Visit Amazon's E. K. Johnston Page search results E. K. Johnston
review: Editorial Reviews From School Library Journal Gr 6–10—This prequel to Johnston's Queen's Shadow chronicles Padmé Naberrie's first year as Queen Amidala of Naboo, including the events from Star Wars 1: The Phantom Menace. Padmé is just 14 when she is elected to the highest position in Naboo's government. Quarsh Panaka, the brown-skinned head of her security team, recruits five young handmaidens who are all near doppelgängers of the fair-skinned Queen. They are also prodigies that come with an array of artistic achievements and skills, and they master the art of working as a team to act as the Queen's decoys—an art that comes in handy after the planet is invaded by the ruthless Trade Federation. The story starts out promisingly, with an in-depth exploration of Naboo culture and politics, and a strong focus on the development of Padmé's close relationship with her loyal handmaidens. However, the story quickly spirals into a rushed recap of the film, relying on readers to fill the gaps in the story. Fans of Queen's Shadow will be disappointed that much of the backstory remains undramatized. For instance, Panaka's combat training for the handmaidens is only mentioned in passing. Also, Padmé does not exchange any words with Qui-Gon Jinn, even though the Queen contemplates their interactions during his funeral at the end. However, if readers enjoyed the earlier book, they will most likely be okay with the rushed conclusion of this story. VERDICT A secondary purchase for teen collections where Star Wars books are popular.—Erica Ruscio, Ventress Memorial Lib., Marshfield, MA Review PRAISE FOR AHSOKA "Ahsoka is a character exploration with sides of action, politics, and drama with an emotional center that gives me a greater appreciation for Ahsoka's role in the galaxy."― Nerdist PRAISE FOR AHSOKA "A great treat for young--and not so young-- Star Wars fans that provides a thrilling backstory for a compelling character."― Kirkus PRAISE FOR AHSOKA "Full of action, emotion, and yes , plenty of answers, Ahsoka is a must-read for any Star Wars fan." ― TV Source PRAISE FOR QUEEN'S SHADOW "It’s not hyperbole to say that when Queen’s Shadow was announced last year at San Diego Comic-Con, there was not only excessive happiness, but an almost frenzied collective exhale. This novel by E.K. Johnston is long overdue and with the expectations of a whole generation of Star Wars fans weighing on her, she delivers with a deeply moving and thoughtful look at this important character and her loyal Handmaidens."― The Force.net PRAISE FOR QUEEN'S SHADOW "[Padmé is] a fascinating character worthy of much more attention―not just to see those details come to life, but watch her courtly arc from defiant yet reserved Queen to shrewd, adventurous politician truly shine. Hopefully, Queen’s Shadow is just the beginning, even if it’s taken us 20 years to get there."― iO9 PRAISE FOR QUEEN'S SHADOW "Johnston’s observation of Padmé is so pitch-perfect that she could herself have been a handmaiden. Consequently, both Padmé and Sabé emerge from under the Queen’s shadow with real heart, and they wear their fallibility and sense of public duty on their heavily embroidered sleeves."― The Mary Sue About the Author E.K. Johnston had several jobs and one vocation before she became a published writer. If she’s learned anything, it’s that things turn out weird sometimes, and there’s not a lot you can do about it. Well, that and how to muscle through awkward fanfic because it’s about a pairing she likes. You can follow Kate on Twitter (@ek_johnston) to learn more about Alderaanian political theory than you really need to know, on Tumblr (ekjohnston) if you’re just here for the pretty pictures, or online at ekjohnston.ca. Read more