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You are here: Home / Books / Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp

Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp

April 27, 2015 By Travis

Lords_of_the_Sith_Hero

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.

Filed Under: Books Tagged With: Adventure, Book Reviews, Books, Del Rey, Del Rey Books, Lords of the Sith, Paul S. Kemp, Random House, Science Fiction, Star Wars, Star Wars: Lords of the Sith

About Travis

I'm a lifelong movie fanatic, a watcher of television, a converted bibliophile, and a complete nerd. I'm just passionate about the things that I love. I live in SC with my wife, a beauty blogger, and our zoo of pets.

Comments

  1. Joanne T Ferguson says

    April 27, 2015 at 2:49 am

    Big Star Wars fan from long ago! I saw the original move for 99 cents! I guess I must be aging myself! lol

  2. Ruth says

    April 27, 2015 at 3:12 am

    I have never been a big star wars fan but I Think I Would enjoy reading this book.

  3. Terri Ramsey Beavers says

    April 27, 2015 at 6:45 am

    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. R U S S says

    April 27, 2015 at 11:20 am

    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.

  5. Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says

    April 27, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    I am not a huge Star Wars fan but I’m sure my husband would love this. He is a huge fan!

  6. Liz Mays says

    April 27, 2015 at 2:05 pm

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

  7. Trisha Haas says

    April 27, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    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. Amanda says

    April 27, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    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.

  9. April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says

    April 27, 2015 at 6:38 pm

    I can’t believe how long Star Wars has been around and it’s still going strong! I’m sure this will delight Star Wars fan everywhere!

  10. Cassie says

    April 27, 2015 at 6:51 pm

    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 ๐Ÿ™‚

    • April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition says

      April 28, 2015 at 5:49 am

      I always appreciate an honest review even if it’s not sugar coated. It will give Star Wars fans plenty to talk about and discuss.

  11. Penny Struebig says

    April 27, 2015 at 9:28 pm

    This would be something so many of my friends would love! Great review. I’m sure it’s a great series.

  12. Kim says

    April 27, 2015 at 9:41 pm

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

  13. Franc Ramon says

    April 27, 2015 at 10:10 pm

    It’s really nice to read the in between chapters on the star wars series. It’s a whole new universe to explore aside from the movies.

  14. Vera Sweeney says

    April 27, 2015 at 10:10 pm

    We love Star Wars in my house!! This book would be perfect for any Star Wars fan to read!

  15. Tyra says

    April 27, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    I know so many people who are huge star wars fans. great synopsis.

  16. Pinay Mommy Online says

    April 27, 2015 at 11:50 pm

    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. Rebecca Swenor says

    April 28, 2015 at 1:31 am

    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.

  18. Elizabeth O. says

    April 28, 2015 at 2:08 am

    Star wars fan here! I like reading your work, it was done with love too.

  19. Michele says

    April 28, 2015 at 3:36 am

    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!

  20. Dhemz says

    April 28, 2015 at 7:51 am

    big star wars fan right here, and I have all the series….lol! I can’t wait to see the new one.

  21. Lisa from Life with Lisa says

    April 28, 2015 at 8:39 am

    My two boys are really into star wars. this book would make the perfect gift for them this christmas, thank you for sharing.

  22. Rosey says

    April 28, 2015 at 8:50 am

    I did see and love the first three. I’ve got a lot of catching up though to do, to get current. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  23. Franc Ramon says

    April 28, 2015 at 9:38 am

    I hope they also movies for the parts in between episodes in the saga. This would really be exciting.

  24. CourtneyLynne says

    April 28, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    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!

  25. Dogvills says

    April 28, 2015 at 2:50 pm

    my son is a huge star war fans. He watches everything and reads every book. I love your review

  26. Tom says

    April 28, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    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!!!

  27. Amber Faith says

    April 28, 2015 at 7:51 pm

    I haven’t watched a star wars movie in such a long time, but this sounds like a great read!

  28. Tricia says

    April 28, 2015 at 7:58 pm

    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. Sharon Wong says

    April 28, 2015 at 8:40 pm

    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! ๐Ÿ™‚

  30. Judy says

    April 28, 2015 at 8:54 pm

    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. Michelle Hwee says

    April 28, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    What a great review. I have never read this book but my brother is definitely interested. Thanks for sharing! ๐Ÿ™‚

  32. HilLesha says

    April 29, 2015 at 10:35 am

    I fondly remember getting into star wars as a kid, but I don’t really get into now. my son would probably love this, though.

  33. Jenn@born2impress says

    April 30, 2015 at 1:31 pm

    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.

  34. Aleshea says

    May 1, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    I love star wars. Cant wait to see The New ones. I havent Read the books Yet but want to

  35. Miranda (Myrabev) says

    May 12, 2015 at 6:15 am

    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

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I'm a lifelong movie fanatic, a watcher of television, a converted bibliophile, and a complete nerd. I'm just passionate about the things that I love. I live in SC with my wife, a beauty blogger, and our zoo of pets.

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