CLASSIC IMAGE: ROYAL PROTECTORS!

Loyal as ever, Captain Panaka (Hugh Quarshie) and his elite, skilled guard force are ready to do their Queen's bidding during the Battle for Naboo, as EPISODE I nears its action-packed conclusion.

Find out more about the original invasion and battle of Naboo this summer, with the eagerly awaited second book in the Padme Amidala/Handmaidens saga by E.K. Johnston: Queen's Peril, published in the UK by Egmont.

Get it here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Queens-Peril-Emily-Johnston/dp/1368057144/ref=sr_1_1?crid=161LMUOLXU7C2&keywords=star+wars+queens+peril&qid=1583333918&sprefix=star+wars+queens+p%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-1

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'QUEEN'S SHADOW'

Crafting a new young heroine to follow in the footsteps of Princess Leia Organa, as inimitably brought to life onscreen by Carrie Fisher, was surely not going to be an easy one for the Prequels debuting from 1999 onwards, yet writer/creator/director George Lucas rose to the challenge considerably with his reveal of the enigmatic, loyal and courageous Queen Amidala of Naboo, an even younger regal player and powerful female role model for fans to enjoy as she, alongside her valiant Jedi Knight protectors, valiantly fought to rescue her people from the oppression of the slimy Trade Federation. To this legion of new and impressionable generation of SW female fans, Queen Amidala, as played with sincerity and beauty by Natalie Portman, was their new saga favourite. One of those beguiled and impressed female fans would be fifteen-year old E.K. Johnston, whose love and affection for the Prequel opus and Naboo's finest leader is now effectively showcased in her adult life as an acclaimed novelist, via an all-new adventure launched within the 20th Anniversary of EPISODE I. Queen's Shadow, here next month in UK paperback from Disney/Egmont, is truly a worthy and affectionate tribute in all the best ways.

The young Queen of Naboo, as seen in EPISODE I.

Four years on from the invasion of Naboo, where the inaugural queen proved herself valiantly against the thuggish brutality of the aforementioned Trade Federation, and was not the malleable puppet ruler they'd originally hoped for, the time has now come for Amidala, no longer involved with the Jedi or her young friend in former slave Anakin Skywalker, to pass the torch of power and responsibility on to a new, older Queen. But Padme's dutiful and inspiring work will not be forgotten by her adoring people, some of whom will even try to amend Naboo's constitution in order for her to stay in office. Recognising this popularity and her strengths, it isn't long before her successor offers Padme - herself at a crossroads and pondering the future now that she is separating from many of her loyal handmaidens - the new and soon hard to resist opportunity of being a senator for her people and system, operating between Naboo and the galactic core world of Coruscant- a task that will soon prove to be as considerably challenging as her once position at the centre of her home world. And one that will not be without controversy (targeted and plagued by the kind of 'fake news' smear campaigning we're all seeing in our own modern world) or potential life-threatening danger, engineered by lingering forces possibly out for revenge after the failed Naboo invasion.

Though used to the senate by the time of EPISODE II, Padme's early dealings are on shaky grounding.

Being quite the stranger in a very strange land on Coruscant, discovering the unique characters and ways of the 'Lion's Den' Republic's unique political affairs of ego, greed and powerplays - indeed, a place not for the timid, Padme must become inventive and responsive in interactive ways beyond anything straightforward, especially as many senators are wary of the newly inaugurated senator after she prior deposed the beloved Chancellor Valorum and helped replace him with one of her own in the seemingly benign former Naboo senator, Palpatine. In and out of the main diplomatic chambers, this is a book that gives us important first meetings with the key political figures of the Star Wars universe that will shape her life and destiny by the doom-laden turn of events that will be EPISODE III, including Alderaan's influential Bail Organa, the quietly powerful Mon Mothma, and Padme's future lover who'd go on to appear in The Clone Wars animated series- the slippery and ultimately corrupted senator/banker Rush Clovis.

Senator Amidala and her handmaiden/aide Dorme enter the new and complex political arena on Coruscant.

Further filling in important gaps in the timeline of the Prequel movies (one little moment in the book that we would have loved more of - Padme's dealings with the Wookiees: a potentially great solo tale in itself!), critical events build that will see-in approaching Separatist disharmony (egged on by a mysterious figurehead of respected intellect), leading to Padme and her new allies having to use all their ingenuity and skill-sets to fight the counter-productive, overriding greed and corruption of the senate once an humanitarian crisis beckons, amidst the build-up of rampant space piracy in the mid-rim sectors. Cleverly, the book also leaves room for events years down the line, initiating sequel avenues linked to those surviving characters of Naboo from the aftermath period of Padme's ultimately heart-breaking demise.

Queen Amidala hides as 'Padme' amidst her decoy handmaidens, during the events of EPISODE I.

As the book's star, Johnston's vision of Padme Amidala is every inch the character from the movies transferred to the page for this new story, and in my mind's eye I could effectively imagine Natalie Portman playing out certain scenes had they been filmed- certainly, were this story slipped onto the actresses dressing room table, I'm sure she'd read it and be impressed with the thought and care taken with the character. The new senator even gets a detail-descriptive wardrobe that costume designer Trisha Biggar would be proud of! In between heavy diplomatic duties, Padme's return visits to Naboo see her reunited with her cherished family (sadly necessary casualties of the EPISODE II editing process), providing her with welcome stress relief and initiating the vital heart-to-heart decisions needed in shaping both her life and her new status in helping the weak and the vulnerable.

The ever-loyal Sabe, as played in EPISODE I by Kiera Knightley.

Beyond politics and duty, another intriguing aspect to The Phantom Menace linked to Amidala would be the fascinating nature of protective duality she'd share with her elusive, enigmatic and ultra-loyal handmaidens, always in the background and ready to serve. With Queen's Shadow, we're given an equally thorough exploration of those handmaidens personalities and backstories unlike anything attempted before. alongside vivid development of the affection and emotional bonds they share, almost like symbiosis. The most important of them, Sabe, the handmaiden who was Padme's closest confidante and chief bodyguard/decoy (originally played by Kiera Knightley in EPISODE I), notably her own unique sub-plot missions, including a special trip to Tatooine, and undercover work on Coruscant linked to Padme's safety. All of which goes some way to explaining the character's absence by the time of EPISODE II.

The decoy Queen and her Handmaidens on Naboo.

Continuing the post 2015 LUCASFILM initiative to shake up the status quo and bring more female participation into all the saga's realms, Queen's Shadow further introduces Captain Panaka's wife in the role of successive security chief, plus a feisty new pilot replacing Ric Olie. Though, in all honesty, these additions add very little to the overall existing strong collective.

AFICIONADO RATING: More a book of character incidents rather than having an overall story, Queen's Shadow is a worthy read, better than Miss Johnston's previous, Ahsoka. Though specifically aimed at the female Star Wars side of the market (indeed, the UK cover is very much geared for the young 11-15 year old territory that's now so strong in buying power), it's also one that generic Prequel fans will nonetheless greatly appreciate. 3.5 out of 5.

Available from May 2nd, 2019. Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Queens-K-Johnston/dp/1405293381/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=QUEEN%27S+SHADOW&qid=1556186718&s=gateway&sr=8-2

BEYOND NABOO! COMING SOON TO THE UK: 'QUEEN'S SHADOW'

With Disney finally acknowledging its truly devoted world fan base, and the all-important profit potential Force-fully with them, now has never been a better time to be a devotee of George Lucas's epic Prequel saga of 1999-2005. Not only does the visually exciting and innovative The Phantom Menace, the launcher for so much more for fans to enjoy with the Star Wars universe, celebrate its milestone 20th Anniversary, there's also the return of the much beloved The Clone Wars animated series for its final loose ends wrap-up, and a plethora of new books and comic series celebrating that intense and fascinating time of the Old Republic, with its great heroes and even greater villainy. All that unleashed in 2019, with an early focus on the Prequel saga's key heroes.

Female heroes inspire female writers, so who better than E.K. Johnston - fresh from her success with the saga in prior charting the early destiny of Jedi Ahsoka Tano after the shocks of Order 66 - to bring the dedicated and determined Queen of Naboo turned Senator, Amidala, to satisfying life for a whole new adventure cleverly spanning the timeline of the three prequels. Queen's Shadow is available in paperback May 2nd, published by EGMONT UK.

Here's the book details:

The #1 New York Times best-selling author of Ahsoka takes on another iconic Star Wars hero!

When Padmé Naberrie, “Queen Amidala” of Naboo, steps down from her royal position, she is asked by the newly-elected queen to become Naboo’s next representative in the Galactic Senate. Padmé is unsure about taking on the new role, but ultimately cannot refuse the opportunity to serve her people.

Together with her loyal handmaidens, Padmé leaves her idyllic home for the glistening capital world of Coruscant, where she must learn to navigate the treacherous waters of politics and forge a new identity beyond the queen’s shadow…

Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Queens-K-Johnston/dp/1405293381/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=queen%27s+shadow&qid=1553519026&s=gateway&sr=8-1

MONSTER DELIGHT! 'STAR WARS- ALIEN ARCHIVE' - OUT NOW IN THE UK

Ever since its genuinely interstellar debut in 1977, one of the most popular facets of the Star Wars saga created by George Lucas (and a tradition continued by his successors) must surely be the diverse and truly unique inhabitants populating its galaxies. They have been memorably fascinating, humorous, scary, thrilling, chilling, whilst some have even looked visually unlike anything we've ever seen before captured on sci-fi/fantasy celluloid. They've all had that feeling of reality and believability of sorts operating in their own galactic eco-systems and as part of the visual storytelling (all adding an important extra layer to Lucas's concept of a 'used universe' that would prove so pioneering and copied for years to come), in ways they have related to our main and supporting characters both working for good or evil.

The mystery and magic of Yoda and his species.

With the success of his gorgeous artistic Star Wars Atlas, artist Tim McDonagh builds on that special achievement, returning to a a galaxy far, far away for the gorgeous all-new beautiful tome that is the Star Wars Alien Archive, published by EGMONT UK, and another sure-fire hit on the publishing front. It's a visual tour de force (forgive the pun!) continuance, of which McDonagh brings a fresh and satisfying visual angle of detail and greater realism to a veritable creature confectionery emergent from both the entire film saga (including the recent Solo: A Star Wars Story), animated series, and its official Expanded Universe. Not only is the book a terrific encapsulation of these classic creations, it's also a fine tribute to the innovative artists, craftsmen, special effects geniuses and acting talents who continue to bring them to such glorious and unforgettable life.

A lovely showcase for the many distinctive beasts of the new saga films.

Charting creatures evolved from harsh 'Frozen Lands'.

Here's the book's press info:

Wookiees, wampas and Weequays; Biths, banthas and bogwings; porgs, puffer pigs and Pau’ans; this is the ultimate species guide for Star Wars fans aged 7 to 70! This comprehensive collection will tell you all you need to know about the aliens of the galaxy.

Deep in the stacks of the Graf Archive, an old traveller's journal has been discovered and restored for public viewing. A long time ago this unknown traveller documented his stories about the many creatures found in each destination he explored, and includes famous movie locations such as the Mos Eisley cantina on Tatooine, Maz's Castle and the holy city of Jedha.

The archivist restored this journal and added facts and stats about the cultures, legends and famous members of over 200 species, including famous characters such as Chewbacca, Ahsoka, Wicket and many more.

Alien Archive is beautifully illustrated with full colour artworks, sketches and diagrams by Tim McDonagh, illustrator of Galactic Atlas.

A look at the incredible Wookiees of Kashyyyk.

Truly a lovely Christmas gift that will be poured over and enjoyed for a long time to come, get Star Wars Alien Archive here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Alien-Archive-Species/dp/1405288477/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539187652&sr=8-1&keywords=star+wars+alien+archive

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'STAR WARS: GEEKTIONARY: THE GALAXY FROM A - Z'

Think you know everything about your live action and animated STAR WARS adventures, and the recently rebooted and revised Expanded Universe? Well, think again, as the all-new English translation of the French hit STAR WARS: Geektionary: The Galaxy from A to Z debuts in the UK, packed with lovely illustrations, courtesy of EGMONT.

Here are the details:

From Alderaan to Zuckuss, the Geektionary is the definitive guide to Star Wars. A must-have gift for any fan.

Satisfy your inner geek with this Star Wars A-Z. Explore the rich history of the Star Wars universe, with entries on the Jedi Order, Sith Order, the rise of the Galactic Empire and the struggle of the Resistance.

This comprehensive dictionary details the epic battles of Scarrif, Endor, Yavin and Naboo. Travel across the galaxy with entries on the jungle world of Dagobah, the desert planets of Jakku and Tattooine, and the urban sprawl of Coruscant. Dive into biopics of some of the best-known characters in the Star Warscanon, as well as some of the lesser known players including Yoda, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Wicket the Ewok, and Zuckuss the bounty hunter. Learn about the various types and classes of starfighters, cruisers and star destroyers. Study a range of alien species including Wookiees, Teedos and the fearsome rathtar! And brush up on your droid knowledge with articles on C-3PO, R2-D2, K-2SO, and of course BB8.

With its stunning silver foil cover, portable size and over 400 pages of illustrated entries, the Geektionary is the perfect gift for old and new Star Wars fans.

Get it here: 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Geektionary-Galaxy-Z/dp/140528479X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538306054&sr=8-1&keywords=star+wars+geektionary

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY' - A JUNIOR NOVEL

He's a dab hand in writing adventures concerning that criminal underbelly side of the Star Wars saga, and penned memorable exploits for the likes of Han and Chewbacca, as well as a certain crimson lightsaber wielding Sith Lord, so Joe Schreiber is more than a fine choice in handling the newly released Junior Novel adaptation of Solo: A Star Wars Story, out now in the UK from EGMONT. It's a fast paced and fun book for all ages let alone the junior age group, also featuring deleted scenes soon to be revealed in the film's home entertainment release.

Here's the release blurb:

Board the Millennium Falcon for a galactic adventure that explores the story of one of Star Wars' greatest heroes! Han Solo leaves his homeworld Corellia behind and dreams of becoming the greatest pilot in the galaxy. But before he can find the perfect ship he'll have to survive a dangerous job in the criminal underworld. Read along as Han encounters Chewbacca the Wookiee, smuggler Lando Calrissian and other heroes and villains. Author Joe Schreiber captures all the excitement and adventure of the hit film.

Get the book here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Solo-Star-Story-Junior-Novel/dp/140529194X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1537628526&sr=8-1&keywords=solo+a+star+wars+story+junior

OUT THIS WEEK IN UK PAPERBACK: 'THE LAST JEDI - A JUNIOR NOVEL'

Following on from his 2015 success in adapting the franchise re-launching The Force Awakens, Michael Kogge makes a sterling return in charting the further all-new adventures of our exciting band of STAR WARS sequel heroes to Junior Novels, with The Last Jedi, based on the story by writer/director Rian Johnson, and published by EGMONT just in time to accompany the film's UK Blu-ray/DVD release next week from LUCASFILM/DISNEY.

Kogge once more delivers the accomplished goods with this fast-paced read that features lots of deleted scenes given reality on the page (a lot of which can be found on the new blu-ray release), as well as crafting further insightful opportunities showcasing the expanded adventures of Jedi-to-be Rey, who gets more than she bargained for in meeting the enigmatic self-exiled legend Luke Skywalker, ex-Stormtrooper turned hero Finn's travels to an intergalactic casino world, and the new leader of the Resistance in bold X-wing pilot Poe Dameron, taking on the mantle of responsibility from his friend and leader in Leia Organa in fighting the brutal pursuit of the evil First Order, led by the antagonistic, power-hungry, adolescent psycho Kylo Ren. By the conclusion on the salt world of Crait, Kogge gives both Luke and Leia's characters a welcome sense of closure, for him as a mythic and inspirational Jedi, and her as the original leader of the Resistance. Other memorable fill-in-the blanks between sequences moments are well honed, and, unlike the film, we also finally discover what happened to that shady hacker known as 'DJ'!

Light rises to meet darkness once again, and the resultant conflict in novel form will thoroughly entertain readers old and new.

Get the book here (please note- the UK edition does NOT contain a colour photo section):

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Last-Junior-Novel/dp/1405289228/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522771088&sr=8-1&keywords=the+last+jedi+junior+novel

Other important STAR WARS movie books from Egmont UK.

OUT NOW IN THE UK: 'STAR WARS - REBEL RISING'

A time for survival for Jyn Erso, in Rebel Rising, out now in the UK. Cover art by Brian Rood.

Between the time she was eight years old, at first left alone and orphaned on Lah'mu though ultimately taken under the protective wing of extremist Rebel leader Saw Gerrera, and her eventual rise to womanhood in becoming a key, if at first unwilling, member of the Rebel Alliance in capturing the plans to the devastating Death Star super weapon, a lot, a helluva lot, happened to the courageous Rogue One heroine/icon that was Jyn Erso, as played onscreen with gusto by Felicity Jones. Discover her key events of discovery, adventure and personal tragedy, in this well written, genuine page-turner from bestselling author Beth Revis that is Rebel Rising, available from EGMONT UK paperback. It's certainly one of their best STAR WARS novel adventures released so far, and a worthy tie in to previous Rogue One related novels from Alexander Freed and James Luceno.

Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rogue-One-YA-Character-Novel/dp/1405285079/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1502366285&sr=1-1&keywords=star+wars+rebel+rising

Look out for the AFICIONADO review soon...