STAR WARS DAY 2024
The Queen Series By E. K. Johnston
The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary
It's Star Wars Day again, we're celebrating early, and that means we have more stuff to talk about. This year, we will be highlighting a trio of books starring Padme Amidala. The books follow Padme's life and major points leading up to The Clone Wars. Johnston is a talented writer with two other Young Adult Star Wars books under her name: Ahsoka, opens a new window and Crimson Climb, opens a new window.
Queen's Peril takes place around the time of Episode I. The Naboo monarchy is up for election and Padme Naberrie is the favorite to win. To protect her, Captain Panaka hires six other young women to be her handmaidens and bodyguards, supposedly answering to him. Panaka's in for a surprise when the girls take matters into their own hands, devising an elaborate security system in which they take turns pretending to be the Queen at various times. This leads to the events of Episode I, where Padme must go undercover as a handmaiden while one of her closest friends dons the elaborate headdress and costume of the Queen.
In Queen's Shadow, a few years have passed since the Trade Federation was defeated. Padme is to enter politics as Naboo's new senator and her former handmaidens have gone on to make lives of her own. The new senator must find some new handmaids to assist in her new role, while entrusting her closest friend with a mission of the utmost importance on distant Tatooine.
In the aftermath of the Battle of Geonosis, Padme and Anakin are newlyweds, enjoying a brief honeymoon, before they are torn apart by their responsibilities. Anakin is loathe to abandon his new wife and Padme dreams wistfully of what could have been, and what may yet be, if the galaxy ever finds peace.
~~~
All in all, the three novels are well-written character dives into the life of one of the most important and prominent characters in Star Wars. The novels feel a bit more modern and cosmopolitan, in the best of ways; relatable to modern audiences, without losing anything previously established. It's hard to think sometimes that Queen's Peril is based on a movie that will be celebrating it's 25th Anniversary this summer!
That's right, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is celebrating it's 25th anniversary this year! Commemorative memorabilia is abound on all your favorite online retailers, and the film is returning to theaters on May 3.
So here's a bunch of Episode I stuff from your favorite library:
May the Force be with you!
Add a comment to: Star Wars Day 2024: Queen Series and The Phantom Menace 25th Anniversary