Star Wars: Queen's Hope

Padmé Amidala is a galactic senator secretly married to a Jedi during the Clone Wars.

This book picks up near the ending of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones. Padmé Amidala is on Naboo recovering from her injuries on Geonosis and is not yet married to Anakin Skywalker. She is preparing for her wedding and her future return to the Galactic Senate. The galaxy is preparing for war.

After their honeymoon period, Anakin must return to the Jedi and Padmé must go on a sensitive mission for Bail Organa. Since Padmé cannot be absent from the Senate, she must call on her old handmaiden Sabé to play Senator Amidala.

Both Anakin and Padmé struggle with keeping their marriage a secret, as they must remain out of contact on their various missions across the galaxy. Anakin becomes comfortable with combat during skirmishes and Padmé blooms as a senator for Naboo.

While most know that Anakin and Padmé's story is not a happy one, the novel still ends on a hopeful note reminiscent of many of the Star Wars films.

Catherine Taber is a great narrator for Padmé because she voiced the character in The Clone Wars animated series. Her impression of Yoda is abysmal but other than that she delivers a solid performance. The audiobook incorporates music and sound effects to evoke the Star Wars universe. The noises are much less distracting than the previous audiobook, as most sounds are background hums or voice modulation.

Recommended for Star Wars fans, especially if they enjoy The Clone Wars.

E. K. Johnston is a Canadian author who primarily writes YA fantasy and science fiction.

Series: Star Wars (Johnston's Padmé novels #3)

Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press (print); Disney Audiobooks

Narrator: Catherine Taber

Running Time: 6 hours, 41 minutes

Length: 352 pages

Release Date: April 5, 2022

I received an electronic audio recording of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.