Star Wars: Darth Plagueis

By: James Luceno

Narrated by: Daniel Davis

Length: 14 hrs and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

He was the most powerful Sith lord who ever lived... but could he be the only one who never died?

“Did you ever hear the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise? It’s a Sith legend. Darth Plagueis was a Dark Lord of the Sith, so powerful and so wise that he could use the Force to influence the midi-chlorians to create life. He had such a knowledge of the dark side that he could even keep the ones he cared about from dying." -Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith

Darth Plagueis: one of the most brilliant Sith Lords who ever lived. Possessing power is all he desires. Losing it is the only thing he fears. As an apprentice, he embraces the ruthless ways of the Sith. And when the time is right, he destroys his Master - but vows never to suffer the same fate. For like no other disciple of the dark side, Darth Plagueis learns to command the ultimate power... over life and death.

Darth Sidious: Plagueis’s chosen apprentice. Under the guidance of his Master, he secretly studies the ways of the Sith, while publicly rising to power in the galactic government, first as Senator, then as Chancellor, and eventually as Emperor.

Darth Plagueis and Darth Sidious, Master and acolyte, target the galaxy for domination - and the Jedi Order for annihilation. But can they defy the merciless Sith tradition? Or will the desire of one to rule supreme, and the dream of the other to live forever, sow the seeds of their destruction?

©2012 James Luceno (P)2012 Random House Audio

Great prequel to The Phantom Menace

Would you listen to Star Wars: Darth Plagueis again? Why?

I would listen to this again. The story was great. It gave a lot of background to what happened in Episode 1, The Phantom Menace, but it was also a great story in itself. It was interesting to hear the story told with the Sith being the main protagonists, to see what their motivations are. Although the book is titled "Darth Plagueis", it is really about both Plagueis and Sidious. It shows how Plagueis became a Sith Lord, how he tried to unlock the secrets of life (which is important in Episode 3), and how he recruited Palpatine to be his apprentice. It shows why Naboo and Tatooine were critical in Sith plot. I highly recommend it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Star Wars: Darth Plagueis?

Memorable moments were when Plagueis met Palpatine, when Palpatine feel to the dark side, and when Plagueis was surprised by events even though he thought he had everything under control.

Have you listened to any of Daniel Davis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my first Daniel Davis performance, and I thought it was excellent. Of course, Lucasfilm does a good job on all the Star Wars audio.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Episode 0: The Dark Side Emerges

Any additional comments?

I think George Lucas should make a movie from this book. I don't understand why he hasn't made any more movies given the volume of expanded universe books. He runs the risk of the general public "moving on" and forgetting about Star Wars. This would make a great "Episode 0" because of its tie to the prequel movies. Then he should make films from Zahn's Outbound Flight and Thrawn trilogy.

Misleading but GREAT!!!

This isn't really the story of Darth Plagueis as the title and description would have you believe. In fact he rarely appears in the second half of the book. It gives very little information on his trying to use the force to extend his life. If Darth Plagueis interests you, this book will hold your interest but not answer all your questions.
What this book really focuses on is Darth Sidious and the events that led up to Episode 1. What I can't understand is why they didn't just call it Darth Sidious. I am sure it would have sold more copies with that title as Sidious is a much more well-known Sith Lord.
Aside from being misleading the writing was great (for a Star Wars book) and the narration was top notch. I will definitely read more Star Wars books in the future.

100% satisfied

The narrator was amazing.
i've been searching for this book for ever.
truely an amazing listen.

One of the best SW novels hands down

Amazing book. Amazing performances. Amazing back story. One of my top three all-time favorites Star Wars books.

Beautifully done<br />

Well done James. I loved it. Wish it didn't end. Davis keeps you involved in the story.

The origins of Sidious

What did you love best about Star Wars: Darth Plagueis?

While this was more detailed and not as fast paced as most of the SW books I have "read", it goes in line with the scheming nature of both Plagueis and Sidious.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Star Wars: Darth Plagueis?

The escape from his planet in the Infiltrator.

Have you listened to any of Daniel Davis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Good performance, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When each apprentice evaluated it was time his master was ended.

Any additional comments?

Interesting to see the force created origins of Anakin.

an amazing audio book to an amazing novel.

I love this novel it's perhaps one of my favorites in the entire expanded universe. one thing I really love about this audiobook is how the narrator captures the personalities of Palpatine and Darth Plagueis. I recommend this to any Star Wars fan regardless if you're a fan of the new Canon or not. Darth Plagueis is an amazing story that any fans of the prequels and expanded universe would appreciate.

Absolutely phenomenal

I have heard people talk about this book for a while and finally gave it a listen whilst on a long car ride. I was not expecting background music, sound effects, voice changes/effects, etc and was hooked immediately. This is the first book I have listened to through completion on audible, the narrator was absolutely amazing. If you fancy Star Wars even a little bit, I strongly recommend this book.

dark side

great to get a book from the other side of the spectrum and get some insight on why sidous is the way he is

listened twice... and counting

ive listened twice... and counting. very entertaining performance, narrator is great. story is very intriguing and complex, makes for an awesome dark side tale.