Queen's Shadow

"It's the story of Padmé changing from a queen to senator and the person right behind her and all the other handmaidens behind Padmé."

- E. K. Johnston

Queen's Shadow is a canon young-adult novel written by E. K. Johnston. It was published by Disney–Lucasfilm Press on March 5, 2019. Set four years after the events of Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace, Queen's Shadow focuses on Padmé Amidala and her transition from queen to senator.

Publisher's summary
The end of her reign is just the beginning....

''When Padmé Amidala steps down from her position as Queen of Naboo, she is ready to set aside her title and return to life out of the spotlight. But to her surprise, the new queen asks Padmé to continue serving their people&mdash;this time in the Galactic Senate. Padmé is unsure about the new role but cannot turn down the request, especially since, thanks to her dearest friend&mdash;and decoy&mdash;Sabé, she can be in two places at once. So while Padmé plunges into politics, Sabé sets off on a mission dear to Padmé's heart.''

''On the glistening capital planet Coruscant, Padmé's new Senate colleagues regard her with curiosity&mdash;and with suspicion for her role in ousting the previous chancellor. Posing as a merchant on Tatooine, Sabé has fewer resources than she thought and fewer options than she needs.''

Together with Padmé's loyal handmaidens, Padmé and Sabé must navigate treacherous politics, adapt to constantly changing landscapes, and forge a new identity beyond the queen's shadow.

Continuity
The novel establishes that the Monarch of Naboo could only reign for two terms, with two years per term. However, the 2016 reference book Star Wars: Complete Locations previously stated that King Veruna of Naboo reigned for thirteen years.

In one instance, Gregar Typho's first name is misspelled as "Gregor."

Editions

 * ISBN 9781368024259; March 5, 2019; Disney–Lucasfilm Press; US hardcover
 * ISBN 9781368025638; March 5, 2019; Disney–Lucasfilm Press; US eBook
 * ISBN 9781405293389; May 2, 2019; Egmont UK Ltd; UK paperback