Queen’s Hope is in kind of an interesting position, as it’s the conclusion to the trilogy, but not the conclusion to Padmé’s story, as it falls shortly after the events of Attack of the Clones, setting it amid a lot of other canon events across various media. That means that while some of the character work and mini-adventures have a similar feel to Queen’s Shadow, and even follow up on some arcs in that one, it does feel very constrained, as parts of Queen’s Peril did. I definitely did not expect a real solid conclusion, but it evolves its character relationships well and helps provide a compelling piece of the puzzle to Padmé’s life between AOTC and ROTS. As in the prior books, the character relationships are central. And as these are YA books, I love how each one tackles a key part of growing up, but through the lens of Padmé and the handmaidens in the midst of this galactic conflict, which Alex from the YouTube channel Star Wars Explained, also emphasizes in his reviews for the trilogy. If being a Queen and her handmaidens was like high school, and then the initial move to the Senate felt like college, now the interactions in this book are about growing up and growing apart. Padmé has recently entered a secret marriage with Anakin, and regardless of her intentions, it results in a shift in the dynamic, particularly with Sabé. There’s an intriguing interaction between Sabé and Anakin that reflects this, and even knowing Anakin’s emotions aren’t regulated by rationality, it still hurts to see Sabé seeing some truth in what he says.
Speaking of which, I quite liked the way Anakin and Padmé’s relationship was fleshed out. It adds dimension to both of them and their relationship, and while it doesn’t undo some of the toxic elements of that relationship, it does feel more believable.
The book also gives brief peeks into the lives of other central matriarchs of the Star Wars universe, much like Queen’s Shadow had some introductory and interstitial moments from Leia’s perspective. To get further insight into what Shmi went through is particularly cathartic, given the time the rest of the book is set, as well as that of a young Beru. Those perspectives are also made richer by the fact that Padmé, through Sabé, had been working to combat slavery on Tattooine, initially with Shmi in mind.
Whether you like this book will depend both on how much you like Padmé and whether you enjoy a more character-driven narrative. It doesn’t radically shake up the canon or provide grand, consequential adventures. But it provides character growth and compelling interpersonal relationships that contextualize Padmé’s evolution between AOTC and ROTS.

Thanks to NetGalley & Disney Lucasfilm Press for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.

I will preface by saying I had no idea this was part of a trilogy of books, lol. It was honestly explained pretty well and made very clear so I could follow what was going on despite not having read the first two books.

This is, as I realized 10% of the way through, the third and final book in a series focusing on Padme during the prequel films. Anakin and various other characters get minor chapters but it's mainly from Padme's POV. She is struggling with political intrigue in Coruscant as well as across the galaxy. One of her unique issues in this book is that she's supposed to help follow a thread in secret, but she can't suddenly disappear from the senate. Enter her old friend, Sabé, ready to help keep up an Amidala disguise long enough to fool the senate until Padme returns from her mission.

Sabé was an interesting character, though I feel like I probably would've liked her more if I had read the other two first books. Whoops. I'll read them later, but Sabé was a pretty decent character if albeit hyper-focused on Padme and nothing else.

My only complaint is that we could've used more Anakin/Padme scenes and the book could've been a smidge bit longer but it was still a pretty solid read. A must for any Padme fan!

did a blog post as a part of the Rockstar Book Blog Tour on April 14, 2022 - great book, I want more!

I really enjoyed this book! It was a highly anticapited read for me so I was a little dissapoitned we didn't get too see more battles but overall it was full of policatics and love and it was a great star wars novel!

This is the last book in this series which start as the war begins and we follow Padme’s journey while she decides what she is going to choose to do next duty, friends or what she wants to. This book covers her happy times and her sad and a great saying goodbye to Padme.

As someone who has been a LONGTIME fan of Padme Amidala, this book series has fed me SO MUCH content and I have lived for every piece of information! This book is no exception, and I am so happy that this series is concluded. Padme still deserves better, but it's amazing to see her story told so incredibly well! I also love knowing all that I know about the handmaidens. Highly recommended for any Star Wars fans!

I'm such a fan of all of E.K. Johnston's Star Wars books, and this one was nothing short of amazing! I have read all of the other books in the series, so I was so elated to be able to read this one as well. Padme is one of my favorite characters, and in the movies we never really got to see much of her character ebhind the scenes, and for that reason, I adore these books! I love getting to see a side of Padme that's not what we got on screen. I also love all of the handmaidnes and how all of their stories interwtwine, especially since there is basically nothing on them in the movies either. I just love the story that is being told, and these books will forever be my favorites. This book amazing, and if you are a Padme fan, this is a must read!

This look into Padme Amidala's life takes place after Queen's Peril and Queen's Shadow during the beginning of the Clone War and Padme's marriage to Anakin. Padme has fewer handmaid know that her job as senator has become more straight forward, but I loved that she did one last swap with Sabe, and I appreciated the look into Sabe and Sashe's lives at this time, and the foreshadowing for what Palpatine's plans for the future are.

3.5 stars = Good +

I have really enjoyed this series and the fascinating handmaiden characters, as well as a closer, deeper look at Padmé. The author does a great job of anchoring these books in Star Wars events that readers will recognize, but then telling new stories.

The story here isn't intense or driving. There's not really one story arc holding all the pieces together. They ARE held together, but more by timing - this happens, and then this happens, and then this other thing happens. There's not much peril and most of the "conflicts" in the story are quickly resolved. I feel like this will be a better fit for readers who love character-driven stories and those who are already attached to these characters than for readers who are looking for a Star Wars "adventure" or "mission."

Star Wars: Queen's Hope is the third book in the series following Padme Amidala from her election as Queen of Naboo and now through the events immediately post Attack of the Clones. This book starts with the handmaidens scattered through the galaxy and Padme recovering from her injuries sustained on Geonosis. She is preparing for her wedding to Anakin but of course, she is never allowed to just relax and their first days of marriage are not going to be an easy honeymoon.

I do not recommend reading this without reading the others in the series. The true strength of these books are the evolution of Padme and her handmaidens becoming their own people and getting to live their lives, particularly Sabe and Sache. I loved learning in this book about how they transition to civilian life and how their relationships evolve.

And what is truly special about this book is there are little stories about some of the less known and written about characters and some amazing women. Please write more about them!

I should not be reviewing this book. Not because I disliked it by any means. Star Wars: Queen’s Hope is a love letter to Padmé Amidala. One I adored maybe even more so than the previous two entries in E.K. Johnston’s series of Young Adult novels following the life of Padmé Amidala and those closest to her. No, there is a simple reason I should not be reviewing Star Wars: Queen’s Hope. There is no need for another cis white guy to drop his thoughts on a story like the one in this book, even if I did love it. Unfortunately, our reviewer whose thoughts I was seriously looking forward to reading had other commitments, and that’s why I’m here.

Now that’s out of the way, let’s dive into what this is and why you should read Star Wars: Queen’s Hope. This book picks up during the closing moments of Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, showing the day of Padmé and Anakin Skywalker’s wedding. Right from the off, it’s clear Johnston knows exactly how to depict this doomed couple’s relationship. I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to be brought around to understanding why these two people would fall in love. But throughout Star Wars: Queen’s Hope, we see their internal reasoning for just that, and thanks to the obvious centering of Padmé in this story, I ended up in a place I never thought I’d be; invested in the love between the Jedi from Tatooine and Queen from Naboo.

But Padmé isn’t the only focus of Star Wars: Queen’s Hope. While she heads out on a vital mission for the Senate, we return to the other focus characters of Johnston’s previous books in her Padmé Trilogy; the Handmaidens of Naboo. Primarily we follow Sabé, Padmé’s body double doing her best to help those in the most need, and Saché, now an esteemed member of the Naboo government, giving her all to find a way forward for her home planet in dark times.

Across the three books in this trilogy, Johnston has done what should have been impossible; taken these character-less characters and transformed them into some of the most well-rounded, engaging people in the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Sabé especially has become one of my favorite characters in the franchise. How Star Wars: Queen’s Hope depicts her changing relationship with Padmé, as they inevitably grow apart due to their different wants in life, was enough to bring me to tears.

Throughout Star Wars: Queen’s Hope, there is the inevitable, encroaching shadow of war. To quote Yoda, “Begun, the Clone Wars has.” We only see the war front in a few brief scenes, one of which features a landmark moment of representation in Star Wars. It is one I never saw coming, but that brought a smile to my face, and one of just many moments that see Star Wars breaking ground in inclusivity. Padmé’s mission turns out to be something that could prove vital to the war effort, one that will bring help to people, not cause more destruction. There is nothing more fitting for who Padmé is than that, bringing hope, even in the darkest moments the Galaxy has seen to date.

Thanks to all this, and cutaways to various iconic women connected to Padmé in one way or another peppered throughout, Star Wars: Queen’s Hope is a shining example of how to tell an engaging, character-focused story. One that stands as a beautiful love letter to Padmé Amidala and the women of Star Wars.

The Padme trilogy of Young Adult books are controversial, to say the least. Some think they are amazing. Others, are more critical of the books. I am afraid I find myself on the critical side of things for Queen's Hope.

The book centered around the premise of Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and Senator Padme Amadala getting married, which does indeed happen, but so little time of the actual book is dedicated to their relationship. It is really like they get married...and that is it. By the end of the book I am left rationalizing whether it actually happened or not because it changed so little.

In terms of the how the book reads, not like a YA one, I'll say. While officially classified as a Young Adult novel by Lucasfilm and Disney publishing, it reads more like a middle grade book centered to young readers. The writing feels particularly dense. The amount of fashion talk within this book is enough to make one think that this book is not about Padme at all, or the Sabe's noble mission helping enslaved people upon Tattooine, but about fashion. Now, I don't particularly care about fashion at all, so maybe it stands out to me more than most, but it seems every chapter is entrapped in its own talk about make up or hairdos or what to wear. While all of those things are important, it is really too much.

In terms of the plot, it feels like a half cobbled together idea. There was a particular scene with Sabe and Anakin that I found particularly squeamish and out of place. Now, that might have been the point, but it still felt really out of place with the overall tone with this book. And in the end, everything ends almost a bit too perfectly. There is nothing wrong with happy endings, but the stakes in this book don't honestly feel existent. That might be partially because we know Padme's fate, Sabe is running around in the ongoing run of Vader comics, but the book doesn't feel like it gives a whole lot of weight to any of these character's decisions that they make. Everything will be ok in the end no matter what they do is the sort of vibe that this book gives off.

So at this point, one must be wondering why I am giving this book 2.5 stars. For one, representation. One of (if not the first) the first transgender characters making their debut in Star Wars canon is monumental. That alone gives this book a star or two. It may only be one scene and she only has a few lines, but it is still massive progress that deserves praise. And the half star is because of the other representation in the book. A gay couple. A non-binary character. Star Wars Queer Watch on Twitter will have a full breakdown I am sure for all of the representation throughout this book.

In the end, while this book does do a lot in terms of bringing more representation within the Star Wars worlds, it falters in all other regards, bringing this trilogy of books to stumbling close.

Queen's Hope was everything I wanted and more from a Clone Wars-era Padmé and more. We get behind the scenes of the wedding, details into "who knows" about Anakin + Padmé, hints of the rise of the rebels, and I just . . . I love this era of Star Wars. The only thing missing was Ahsoka, but that's beside the point. This was another chapter in Padmé's story that deserved to be shared, explored, and given voice to. All while I'm reading I'm thinking what a shame it is that Padmé's story is so short. Her life so short. Because if she lived, if no one dared to stop her and stand in her way, imagine what the Galaxy would be like because of her. Even still, she left her mark on the world with her legacy.

Another thing I loved about this book was the perspectives of other influential women in Star Wars who never really had much of a say, like Shmi Skywalker and the future mothers of Padme's children, Beru Lars and Breha Organa. It was so poetic and moving and shined a wonderful light on such powerful women in the story we don't often talk much about.

Plus anytime Anakin showed up I was just fangirling all over.

I do feel like Queen's Hope was a great conclusion to Padme's life and really pulls the movies and series together in a way that is quite beautiful. More than that, there was conclusion in her handmaidens and their stories, especially Sabé. I've been invested in her side of the story since the first book and I've loved where her character has gone ever since. I think I would love to read a Sabé spin-off after the fall of the Jedi. Would be such an encapsulating story to see where life takes her during the rule of the Empire.

E.K. Johnston hit it out of the park again with another Padmé book (the greatest Star Wars character ever.) I honestly want more. I want one right in the middle of Revenge of the Sith just from her perspective. I want the tragedy. It'll completely destroy me, but the circle might be perfect.

With Queen's Hope, E.K. Johnston delivers a profoundly satisfying conclusion to her series of books focused on Padmé Amidala. Even though the plot is well-executed, the book's true strength is its focus on its characters and their relationships. The handmaidens return, and we see how their lives have evolved since coming into Padmé's service—and how their relationships have changed over the years. We see how far Padmé goes to keep the nature of her relationship with Anakin secret and the strain it places on her most meaningful friendships. Like its predecessors, Queen's Hope offers a welcome exploration of a character who is both one of the saga's most important figures and one of its traditionally most underserved. It enriches both the prequel trilogy and the Clone Wars television series, and fans of both will enjoy this book and the other two in the trilogy.

I’m a huge Star Wars fan and this book is perfect for any Star Wars fanatic. It’s especially good for anyone who likes reading about kickass female characters.

Reading the different points of view of both a handmaiden and a Senator in the midst of war was fascinating! Loved learning more about Sabe and her role in the Clone Wars! Perfect read for any Star Wars fan of any of the shows or movies.

I’m always on the lookout for Star Wars novels, no matter where they fall out on the timeline. So, when Netgalley.com offered Star Wars: Queen’s Hope for review, I jumped at the opportunity. I love learning more about Padmé Amidala and this novel would provide much more insight into the woman who was Queen of Naboo, became a formidable Republic Senator, married Anakin Skywalker and would eventually give birth to Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, heroes in their own right.
Queen’s Hope takes place just after the Battle of Geonosis. Anakin and Padmé have taken leave on Naboo, supposedly to recover from their injuries. In reality, the two are about to consecrate their love for one another through marriage. They must keep the wedding a secret for Anakin’s sake. This is harder for Padme to do, considering how close she is to her handmaidens, but she is determined to protect Anakin and prevent him from being expelled from the Jedi.
Their secret is put to the test when Padmé is sent on a secret mission and her handmaiden, Sabé, must take her place as Senator Amidala. While Sabé learns what really happens behind the scenes in the Senate, Padmé sees the reality of the Clone Wars from the front lines of a planet that is not under the protection of the Republic. Both women must make peace with their pasts before making decisions that will affect their lives and the lives of the very people they are trying to help.
When I started reading this novel, I had no idea that this was the third book in a trilogy. How did I miss the other two? Regardless, I was able to dive right in without too much confusion. It’s about time someone decided to really offer a backstory for Padmé and her handmaidens. I loved gaining insight into how Padmé became who she was and her relationship with the handmaidens in her service. Who knew that, in addition to helping her in her daily activities, playing the bodyguard role, and serving as her double, these handmaidens had very specific tasks and missions all their own? Sabé’s mission to free the enslaved on Tatooine, Rabé’s musical talents, Saché’s role as a politician in Naboo, and Yané’s mission to find homes for Naboo’s orphans – all speak to higher callings for the handmaidens of Naboo.
Something readers will notice right away is the inclusiveness of this novel. Yané and Saché have become partners in more ways than one. A new handmaiden is referred to by the pronoun ‘they’. This is all in an effort to provide all genders with someone they can look up to and to give others an understanding that different genders and sexual preferences are the norm in both the real world and the Star Wars Universe. I have read some reviews in which people thought these views were being forced down their throats. I feel that isn’t the case – more like the powers that be finally realized that they only showed heterosexuals and his or her genders in their novels. How do you sell a book to someone who can’t recognize a part of themselves in any of the characters represented?
As for the story, I was completely captivated by the whole thing. There was something for everyone in here – romance, action, intrigue. I enjoyed seeing the various characters reflecting on their moral beliefs and values in an effort to figure out what course of action they were about to take would be the correct one. Sometimes, that meant giving up old grudges born from pain and anguish. Sometimes it meant giving up everything you were trained to be for something you felt was an even greater calling. The emotional and psychological drama was well-written for each character. And of course, the sinisterness of the Emperor and his backdoor machinations are always there. I liked the fact that we were able to see things from the Emperor’s point of view.
I loved that E.K. Johnston had studied the characters enough to write them perfectly. I never felt like there was a discrepancy in the way any particular character behaved as opposed to how they behaved in the movies or other novels. Johnston’s descriptiveness put you right in the story and I could picture all that was taking place in my mind’s eye.
I found Star Wars: Queen’s Hope to be quite an enjoyable read. I will now have to get my hands on the first two novels to enjoy the complete trilogy experience.

Some Housekeeping before I get to my thoughts:

I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I know the author personally.


That being said as always my opinions are my own !

The existence of Queen's Hope is a gift. As I continue to be a Star Wars fan care taking of characters has become very important to me. With the Queen's trilogy we get to see the full realization of the life and loves of the Amidala we saw on the screen for the briefest of moments. Padme speaks to a generation of young women. The Prequels were their first Star Wars and seeing a brave young woman at the center of a galaxy about to unravel was very empowering to them.

Queen's Hope centers around the final act of Padme's life. This includes her choice to marry Anakin as well as the heartbreaking severing of ties with a sister and a friend that has been her greatest ally and support. Johnston also explores another important relationship in this book, the one Padme has with Anakin. In a relationship fraught with red flags and secrecy, we also get to see the precious moments that show why they work as a couple, the strength it took both of them to grasp a little bit of happiness in an uncertain world. These themes resonated a lot deeper for me due to the struggles we are facing in our own galaxy right now.

Though we all know where Padme and Anakin's story ends this book is a bittersweet homage to their existence and their love. Kate also manages to give almost every woman in the Prequel trilogy a moment to shine, to have their worth be spotlighted. It's rare that a book can bring you to tears in the prologue, the feels continue as we see snippets of life from the women in Anakin and soon to be Luke Skywalker's life. This was such a satisfying way to revisit and say goodbye to a shining light in Star Wars Galaxy.

Link to our complete discussion and review on our podcast, Star Wars English Class, is linked but I will also link it here. https://starwarsenglishclass.buzzsprout.com/1745523/10361775

Oh how I have waited for this book and it didn't disappoint! I found myself yet again lost in Padme's story, this time in the age of the Clone Wars! It was a lovely read (and I can't get over how detailed the dress descriptions are... I can see the gorgeous garments in my mind!). Admittedly, I had a hard time remembering some of the relationships due to the amount of time passed since I read the first two, but overall, I'd say this wraps up the trilogy nicely.