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.

Thank you to Disney, publishers, and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this audiobook!

Seeing part of the Star Wars story through Padme’s perspective was humanizing and wonderful. I got to hear her thoughts, sense her wariness, and experience part of the well-known story through her. The characters were true, well-written, and realistic enough that I could hear them right next to me

Set during the Clone Wars, Senator Padme Amidala has just secretly married Jedi Anakin Skywalker. After a brief time together on Naboo, they both have to return to their duties. Padme returns to the senate and is sent on a secret mission on the front lines of the war. While she is away, her handmaiden Sabe fills in as Senator Amidala. Meanwhile, Anakin is off fighting in the war and trying to return to Padme whenever he is able. While Padme sees the horrors of war first-hand, Sabe sees the scheming happening in the Senate and realizes she must make a decision about the future of her service to Padme.

I really enjoyed E.K. Johnston's Star Wars novels and this one was no exception. It is nice to get more of Padme's story as well as her handmaidens. While there were a lot of serious topics in this book there were still fun aspects and cameos from beloved Star Wars characters. Fans of the Clone Wars will especially enjoy this book. I highly recommend the audio of this book, the sound effects and narrator, Catherine Taber, were great!

First line: Once there was a girl who had nothing, and she was not content.

Summary: In the third book of the Padme trilogy, E. K. Johnston brings to life the time right after the marriage of Senator Amidala and Anakin Skywalker. They have married in secret but that does not mean that their lives and duties have taken a break. Padme continues to go on secret missions for her faction, checking on the progress in the war, making alliances and delivering goods to those in need. While Anakin is in the thick of some of the fighting alongside the other Jedi and their clone army.

My Thoughts: I have enjoyed each and every one of Johnston’s stories about Padme Amidala. Episodes I-III are definitely not my favorite but I did like many of the characters including Padme. I am glad that Disney is fleshing out and giving more of a story to this character. The books are always exciting with lots of politics, espionage and Star Wars easter eggs.

On top of giving more of an insight in Padme we also get to experience the lives of her handmaidens too. They are used as bodyguards, body doubles but also friends. Even though they seem to all be very similar these books have made them more than background players.

FYI: Perfect for young and old Star Wars fans who want to look deeper into the world they know and love so well!

⭐⭐⭐.4
I am submitted a review on this fun date 2/22/22
This is another story in the Stars Wars Disney Canon Novel series.
Although I have only read a few it is best that readers be somewhat familiar with the series.
It is far more enjoyed when you are in the know.
To more information, you may want to check out
starwars.fandom.com

The sound effects in this audiobook are great. Totally puts you in the that....galaxy far far away…
Narrator Catherine Taber is one of my favorite audio performer, she did a beautiful job!

Want to thank NetGalley and Disney Audio Disney Lucasfilm Press for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 5, 2022.