Queen's Hope (Star Wars)

Catherine Taber narrating was the only thing that got me through this. Nothing really happened and a cohesive story was never developed.

This was the conclusion of the Padme trilogy. It begins with the aftermath of the Battle of Geonosis, covers her marriage to Anakin Skywalker and the rest of her handmaidens relationships. It was actually quite good, showing how young women had grown and adjusted to ever changing situations. Johnston did a good job with Anakin as well. The only part of the book that was weak to me was Palpatine/Sidious. He is much too disciplined to use Force lightning that could be discovered by others. I also don't believe that he would call out the decoy swap either. Johnston isn't good at writing Sith. Otherwise it's an nice wrap up to the beginning of the Clone Wars, with hints of sadness only glimpsed. Catherine Tabor, who voices Padme once again narrates. She does a good job with the exception of Yoda. Much better than many of the High Republic YA books that have come out.

Thank you Netgalley and Disney Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book! All thoughts and opinions are my own. Set in between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, Padme Amidala and Anakin Skywalker are newly weds in the conclusion to the Queen's trilogy. If you are familiar with Star Wars, or know enough about the Clone Wars, I think you'll be fine in reading this trilogy. We are given more of an insight into the life of Padme and her handmaidens as they navigate the ranks in politics and a war on the horizon. E. K. Johnston adds more development to new characters (some with LGBTQ rep), and old characters we know and love, or in some cases, give in to the hate. I've been loving the new Star Wars canon books, in the YA genre especially, and I feel they are perfectly written for any reader at any age. I do wish we had more POV from Padme though. As much as I like to continue learning about the current/former handmaidens and what they are up to, this is still Padme's series. There were times when it was jolting to switch POVs without an indication of who was up next. The switches between POVs happen often, sometimes too often, leaving ne wanting more from the one before. The friendships and relationships were handled very well and I did like the moments between Anakin and Padme. Of course, I wish there were more! I've always loved their forbidden relationship and was excited for more insight and development. I highly recommend checking out the Clone Wars animated show afterwards. Honestly ANY of the YA Star Wars books! I'm crossing my fingers for an Obi-Wan Kenobi and Satine book next. Seriously, check that tension out. 4 stars

Queen's Hope is the third book in EK Johnston's Padme Amidala trilogy. Set just after the dawn of The Clone Wars, we find Padme standing at the precipice of a new life with Anakin Skywalker. The honeymoon is cut short by a special mission that finds Padme in the middle of some dangerous entanglements. In her absence from the Senate, Padme enlists former handmaiden Sabe to cover for her as the governing body grapples with the realities of war. The book finds all of our main characters at the edge of what could be a promising future or a disastrous fate. Hard decisions are pondered while the galaxy continues to change around them. While it might not be my favorite of the three books, Queen's Hope still offers a bold look at the some of the strongest characters of the era. New additions bring fresh perspectives and Johnston's prose is consistent with the other two books in the series. Her themes of hope in the face of uncertainty and determination in the face of fear are palpable and are resonant in the modern world. Recommended.