Dark Lord: Star Wars Legends

The Rise of Darth Vader

By: James Luceno

Narrated by: Marc Thompson

Anakin Skywalker–the Chosen One—is dead. In his place rises Darth Vader, who now hunts what Jedi survived the destruction of their temple on Coruscant.

From the site of Anakin Skywalker’s last stand—on the molten surface of the planet Mustafar, where he sought to destroy his friend and former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi—a fearsome specter in black has risen. Once the most powerful Knight ever known to the Jedi Order, he is now a disciple of the dark side, a lord of the dreaded Sith, and the avenging right hand of the galaxy’s ruthless new Emperor. Seduced, deranged, and destroyed by the machinations of the Dark Lord Sidious, Anakin Skywalker is dead . . . and Darth Vader lives.

Word of the events that created him—the Jedi Council’s failed mutiny against Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, the self-crowned Emperor’s retaliatory command to exterminate the Jedi Order, and Anakin’s massacre of his comrades and Masters in the Jedi Temple–has yet to reach all quarters. On the Outer Rim world of Murkhana, Jedi Masters Roan Shryne and Bol Chatak and Padawan Olee Starstone are leading a charge on a Separatist stronghold, unaware that the tide, red with Jedi blood, has turned suddenly against them.

When the three narrowly elude execution—and become the desperate prey in a hunt across space—it’s neither clone soldiers, nor the newly deployed stormtroopers, nor even the wrath of the power-hungry Emperor himself they must fear most. The deadliest threat rests in the hideously swift and lethal crimson lightsaber of Darth Vader–behind whose brooding mask lies a shattered heart, a poisoned soul, and a cunning, twisted mind hell-bent on vengeance.

For the handful of scattered Jedi, survival is imperative if the light side of the Force is to be protected and the galaxy somehow, someday reclaimed. Yet more important still is the well-being of the twin infants, Leia and Luke Skywalker, the children of Anakin and his doomed bride, Padmé Amidala. Separated after Padmé’s death, they must be made safe at all costs, lest the hope they represent for the future be turned to horror by the new Sith regime—and the unspeakable power of the dark side.

©2011 James Luceno (P)2025 Random House Audio

Performance of the narrator

Great book, great story, and best of all great narration. Makes you remember how good the Star Wars books back in the day.

A Perfect Vader Story!

A perfect story introducing Vader as we know him in his earliest days. Excellent tale and an easy recommendation!

Another great classic novel.

If you are a fan of the sith, and Vader, you must listen to this. This is a must have if you want to get in depth information about what Skywalker has become, and how he must live in his armored suit. There should be more legends novels that should be re recorded.

Dark Lord

This book was originally targeted as the sequel to revenge of the Sith. A tie is the entire expanded universe’s prequels era into a nice bow. I can’t imagine a better book than this for what happens after the movie.

Fire!!!

This book definitely scratched the Star Wars itch! Get listen that I recommend to any fan!

Great book

Amazing book with lots of info. The only gripe I have about it is the reader it’s just way to much going on. It reminds me of the guy on tik tok that acts like an anime character there’s just a lot of mood swings but definitely loved the book.

Darth Vader.... Kinda

First off I enjoyed this book my only two criticisms that I have are that Vader was not the full focus. I understand we need others' perspectives and I don't mind that just would have enjoyed hearing more about Vader and some of the Sith teachings Sidious is teaching him.

Second is a critical criticism I have of all Star Wars books set in this period. I am sick to death of always hearing about the movie characters in virtually every single novel, the galaxy far away is full of potential but it seems to be stuck always reusing characters like Han, chewy, Leia, Luke, etc. I want a series to be about new characters I can learn about or maybe new factions in the unknown regions. They already established the chiss ascendancy yet it remains criminally under unutilized.

An intriguing look at Vader's struggle

A fun listen- made my recent drive to SC a lot more interesting! Also enjoyed the story's timeline- never thought much about that span of time after Episode III if/how Vader struggled with his new persona.

Great story but has audio issues.

The story is excellent but the audio has issues. I listened to it on my Alexa Dot. The narrator would talk at a normal or comfortable level and then start talking so quietly that you couldn't hear him well enough to understand him without turning the volume up and then all of a sudden he's talking very loud to where it's uncomfortable to listen. This isn't necessarily the narrator's fault as much as an audio issue. When doing the finishing touches there should be a way to ensure that the audio stays at a certain level so that it can always be heard and understood without being so loud as to be uncomfortable.

The audio quality, the narration and the story was well written.

What I liked most about the book was the story and characters. There was nothing to dislike about the book. I am very glad Disney did an updated audio book and did the full version. The book is a must read for all Star Wars and Vader fans.