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Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp

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Star Wars: Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp

Publisher: Del Rey Books

Publication Date: April 28th, 2015

Genre: Science Fiction/Adventure

Purchase: Physical; Kindle

Author Bio:

 
Lords of the Sith Author Photo

Paul S. Kemp is the author of the New York Times bestselling novels Star Wars: Crosscurrent, Star Wars: The Old Republic: Deceived, and Star Wars: Riptide, as well as nine Forgotten Realms fantasy novels and many short stories.

Paul S. Kemp lives and works in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, with his wife, children, and a couple of cats.

Kemp can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and his official website.

*Author bio taken from Lords of the Sith “About the Author” page; Author photo from Twitter*

Synopsis:

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . .

When the Emperor and his notorious apprentice, Darth Vader, find themselves stranded in the middle of insurgent action on an inhospitable planet, they must rely on each other, the Force, and their own ruthlessness to prevail.

*Synopsis adapted from Goodreads*

Review:

Writing for one of the most iconic characters not only in the Star Wars mythos but in all of cinema must be an intimidating task. Luckily, Paul S. Kemp has proven himself mostly up to the challenge. In Lords of the Sith, Kemp reminds readers just how much of an all-powerful menace Darth Vader has always been while showing that the heart of Anakin Skywalker still beats inside that black armor. Unfortunately, this book suffers from more than one disturbance in the Force.

Set several years before Episode IV: A New Hope, Lords of the Sith delves further into the relationship between Darth Vader and his Sith Master, Emperor Palpatine. Since the films show Palpatine being a father figure to Anakin one minute and then almost immediately shift to the “Yes, my Master” dynamic, seeing the Sith “training” process that Vader is subjected to is something new for fans. Kemp does an admirable job of confirming and reshaping some of the assumptions readers may have had about this relationship. Witnessing the mental anguish that Vader must endure as the feelings of Anakin Skywalker try to push their way through all the while they are being scoured away by Palpatine’s mind games is a particularly powerful experience.

While it is interesting to see the adventures of Vader and Palpatine in print, Lords of the Sith never feels as important as other entries in the new Star Wars canon. Going in, readers know these characters’ fates; no matter what danger they are said to be in, it can never be a seen as a serious threat. The entire time the Sith duo is being hunted by a group of Twi’lek freedom fighters, everyone knows it is just a matter of time before the entire group is slaughtered by Imperial forces. In truth, the entire central plot is nothing but a device to expand the legend of Darth Vader and his Master. However, it is a somewhat effective device.

Vader’s abilities are on full display in Lords of the Sith. If anyone ever questioned how the whole galaxy could fear Lord Vader after seeing what kind of whiner Anakin was in the prequels, this book answers the question with an exclamation point. Some of the action does border on fan-fiction early on, but it is all in good fun and keeps with the feel of the franchise.

What isn’t in good fun is the slow start Lords of the Sith has. It takes almost a full 20% of the book to get going due to new character introductions and some stiff dialogue, especially between Vader and Palpatine. However, it never gets too bad and those who continue on will be rewarded by seeing the aforementioned Master/apprentice relationship unfold.

The biggest disappointment comes from a wasted opportunity. One of the Twi’lek freedom fighters is a former slave who goes into the Ryloth (the Twi’lek home world and setting for Lords of the Sith) underworld, killing Imperial officers and freeing other slaves. It is an interesting subplot and something that hasn’t really been done in a Star Wars novel before. In fact, the idea is probably worthy of its own book. Sadly, the plot is dropped after one half chapter and only briefly brought up again.

It needs to be said that Lords of the Sith is not for young Star Wars fans. There are multiple scenes that feature copious amounts of gore, ichor, beheadings, and other descriptions that could cause parents to squirm. This doesn’t even account for the suggested drug use and the insinuation that Twi’lek females are being sold as sex slaves. If you think your child might be interested in this book, I would at least suggest a pre-read.

Lords of the Sith is far from a bad book. It goes a long way in filling in some of the gaps of the Vader/Palpatine bond and needs to be read by fans of the franchise, especially those who like Darth Vader. However, a beginning that drags and missed plot opportunities keep me from placing it on the same level as its predecessor, Heir to the Jedi. In the end, the Force is strong with this one, but it is not a Jedi… I mean Sith, yet.

Note: I received an advance copy of this book for review purposes. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.

Comments

  3. Tyler and Andrew would surely be interested in this as they are huge star war fans. Thanks so much for sharing, I’m going to bookmark this post to show them when they are here.

  4. I will enjoy reading this. I’ve seen all star wars films but haven’t really gotten a full understanding of the story. the book version of any film is always a good option if you ask me.

  6. I’m still pretty new to the story of Star Wars both inside and outside of the movies. This sounds really interesting though.

  7. This looks like a really good book. Especially with Star Wars Day coming up in a few days. Thanks for sharing this very in detail review with us.

  8. I’ve seen just about every star wars movie but i must admit that sci fi isn’t really my thing. but as a book lover i might give something like this a try.

  10. The review came out great! I know you struggled with this one as it’s a favorite series of yours but the book fell a bit flat with you and you were torn. I think how you honestly felt with no sugar coating came across really well 🙂

  12. I appreciate the review. Sounds like it has it moments that make it worthwhile but maybe not the action some may be looking for.

  16. I am a StarWars fan myself but mostly I watch movies rather than reading books. I think I should start reading to see different stories with regards to the movies. Thanks for sharing about this!

  17. this is a book for my sons would totally love indeed. I have never been a big fan of star wars but my kids have always loved it. His tie is awesome though. Thanks for sharing.

  19. I have always loved star wars–i remember when I went to see the original–it was breath taking and I have seen several more as well. Never read any of the books which is unusual for me. Will see what I can do about that!

  24. HONESTY im not into starwars at all lol…. I cant even sit threw any of the movies. My hubby however omg obsessed!! Im sure he wojld love this book!

  26. I love Star Wars. This will really be a good read in my opinion because I always wondered what happened in between Episodes 3 and 4 with those two. Cant wait!!!

  28. Thank you for your candid review. Not sure I will read the book but if a movie is made of it, I’m sure I will not miss it.. i will make sure my adult son sees this review. he is a star wars fan from begiining to end!

  29. I haven’t watched star wars in ages! it would be a great movie to marathon. The review came out great by the way! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  30. I thought this review was very well written, in such a way you know if you want to read it or not waste your time. The reviewer, though an obvious fan was was candid in his comments and very knowledgeable of his subject. A job well done.

  31. What a great review. I have never read this book but my brother is definitely interested. Thanks for sharing! 🙂

  33. I love the Star Wars movies, I went to the Star Wars Celebration a couple years ago, and it was a lot of fun. I am I would enjoy reading this book.
    Thanks for the review.

  35. though I loved star wars big time I really know nothing much about darth vader and his master etc. I am not sure this is my kind of book to read but thanks for thorough review