Queen's Peril, the latest Star Wars canon novel by E.K. Johnston, is a captivating journey that delves into the life of Padmé Naberrie, who becomes Queen Amidala, and her loyal group of handmaidens. Set against the backdrop of Naboo's complex political landscape, the novel offers readers a glimpse into the formation of Amidala's trusted circle and their unbreakable bonds.
“We are brave, your highness.”
One of the standout aspects of this book is its exploration of the handmaidens' lives before the events of The Phantom Menace. Johnston skillfully brings these fiery teenagers to life, allowing readers to laugh, empathize, and connect with them on a personal level. The camaraderie and loyalty among Amidala and her handmaidens are heartwarming and provide a unique perspective on the Star Wars universe.
The novel also introduces the witty and endearing character of Mariek, Panaka's wife, whose humorous retorts add a delightful touch of comedic relief to the story. Mariek's presence is a welcome addition to the narrative.
However, Queen's Peril stumbles when it comes to its portrayal of events from The Phantom Menace. The assumption that readers possess an in-depth understanding of the film's plot can be problematic. While the novel excels in fleshing out the handmaidens' backstories, it tends to quickly gloss over important moments from the film, leaving out crucial information. This oversight disrupts the pacing of the book, particularly in the second half, which features abrupt time jumps that may confuse readers not intimately familiar with the movie.
To enhance the reading experience, the novel could have benefited from brief paragraphs connecting the time jumps and providing context for those unfamiliar with the film. Such exposition would have made the transitions smoother and more accessible.
Despite these shortcomings, Queen's Peril offers a fresh perspective on The Phantom Menace by highlighting intricate details that often go unnoticed. For instance, the revelation that only three out of five handmaidens flee Naboo to save the Queen adds depth to the story and inspires a re-watch of the film to verify these facts.
E.K. Johnston's ability to take such small details and expand them into compelling story lines is commendable. The scenes featuring the handmaidens preparing for their battles against the invaders in camp four, a reference from the film, are particularly engaging.
Queen's Peril is a must-read for Star Wars fans who crave a deeper understanding of Queen Amidala and her handmaidens.
RATING: 3.5/5
★★★★☆
Disclaimer: I was given an E-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.