Queen's Hope (Queen Amidala, #3) by E. K. Johnston

Queen's Hope (Queen Amidala, #3) by E. K. Johnston-280 pages

This is the final entry in the trilogy about Amidala and her handmaidens. In this story, now Senator Amidala is sent on a secret mission for the Galactic Senate after having recently secretly married Anakin Sywalker on her home planet of Naboo. Amidala hasn't told anyone of her secret marriage not even her former handmaidens. Now, she asks Sabe (one of her former handmaidens) to stand in for her as Senator while she goes on this important secret mission to Hebekrr Minor. How long will she be able to keep her marriage to Anakin secret? Can Sabe fill in successfully for her one last time and can their friendship last? If you've seen the Star Wars prequel films, then you know how it all shakes out. It was still enjoyable to explore what Padme Amidala's life was like in between the events of the prequel films. I rate this 4 out of 5 stars. 

Queen's Peril (Star Wars Disney Canon) by E.K. Johnston

Queen's Peril (Star Wars Disney Canon) by E.K. Johnston-276 pages

I enjoyed reading this novel. It explains how Padme Amidala won the election and became Queen of Naboo and it also explains how her handmaidens were chosen. It susses out the process of her handmaidens becoming interchangeable with her and being trained to play the role of Queen. Padme's early time as Queen is explored leading up to the events of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and beyond. The book is mostly from the point-of-view of Padme/Queen Amidala, but the handmaidens' voices and a few others are included, additionally.

Queen's Shadow (Star Wars Disney Canon) by E.K. Johnston

Queen's Shadow (Star Wars Disney Canon) by E.K. Johnston-345 pages

I enjoyed reading this Star Wars Disney Canon novel about Padme Amidala. It covers her last days as Queen of Naboo and her early time spent as a Galactic Senator on Coruscant. It was compelling to read about her time after the events of The Phantom Menace (Star Wars: Episode I) and before Attack of the Clones (Episode II). Additionally, I liked learning about Padme's origins and family on Naboo and about how she first struck a friendship with Senator Bail Organa. I would recommend it to any Star Wars fan, especially those who liked the prequel trilogy.

Alliances (Star Wars: Thrawn #2) by Timothy Zahn

Alliances (Star Wars: Thrawn #2) by Timothy Zahn-342 pages

I have read the original Thrawn trilogy and the first Disney Canon Thrawn novel, so when I saw the pre-pub ads for this I knew I had to read it. I enjoyed reading this novel, especially the flashbacks to Thrawn helping Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars. Timothy Zahn captured the conflict within Darth Vader/Anakin Skywalker well. I was slightly disappointed in his portrayal of Thrawn because he seemed a bit weak compared to his portrayal in Zahn's other novels. I also thought the plot was a bit thin, yet still good. Overall, I enjoyed reading Zahn's latest Thrawn novel and would recommend it to anyone interested in Star Wars.