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

Fascinating Look Into Palpatine's rise to Power

I hadn't read/listened to a Star Wars novel since I was around 12 yrs old. For Nostalgia's sake, I decided to give this one a try.

I was nothing short of impressed. From the detailed character development to the atmospheric ambient noise, and amazing narration, I felt like I was in an entirely different world everything I pressed play.

There's tons of detailed political intrigue that sets the stage for the entire Saga as well as the Prequels.

But you also get to take a behind-the-scenes look at how the Sith (relatively unknown/undeserved in the movies) moved in power and secrecy. You see how they manipulated entire galaxies and economies, while keeping their secret and living double lives.

In a way, it reads like an intergalactic Mafia novel. Enjoyed every minute of it

A masterpiece.

This is the best star wars book ever written. the narrator is fantastic, the story is interesting throughout the book.

The Tragedy That Wasn't

Great job from the reader and the music and sound guys. Politics is difficult to follow, imaginary politics even more so. But the performance and effects make this a fun story to immerse yourself in. The story wasn't all trade dealings and politics. Admittedly, this is mainly a swashbuckling adventure story with some insight into Sith traditions and culture. The author elegantly explains midichlorians as interpreters of the Force and not the source of it. Before the end of the book the reader will be convinced the Sith truly are the masters of the Force with a true and deep understanding at what the Jedi can only guess at.

Plagueis isn't wise so much as pragmatic. It was said he could save the lives of those he loved, but in this story he only loves his research. What drives him, what spurs him to do great and horrible things is never fleshed out beyond a deep respect for the Dark Side. There are inconsistencies from this and Palpatines famous telling of his death, but i decided to just check my brain and enjoy the story.

I have listened to this book three times. Definitely worth the credit.

Darth Plagueis to Darth Sideous

Immensely good performance, amazing story and tons of good climaxes all over the book! I was dragged in from the start, and i loved the build-up of the ending!

A Must for true Star Wars fans

The performance is amazing.
The story can get muddled with galactic politics, but highlights the manipulation of events by the Sith. To have a true understanding of the Star Wars universe leading up to the Galactic Empire you need to know the story of Plagueis. The story centers on the rise of Plegueis as Sith Lord, his quest for immorality, his search and training of his apprentice Darth Sideious and their plan to rule forever through the power of the dark side of the force.

phenomenal book!

kept me constantly entertained! I wish it would have never ended!

the narrator was amazing, and the story pivots and weaves through important characters and Arch's that aren't normally seen.

Great foundation to understanding the Star Wars Saga

Not always a fast moving book. However, I found it to be very entertaining and informative! Fills in a great deal of unknown "foundation" about Plagueis and Palpatine. Definitely recommended!

Should be called Darth Sideous

It was a great story though! So you should check it out. As always great orrarion on star wars books.

A whole new perspective

This story really puts Episodes I, II , and III in a new light and was very enjoyable. Very interesting learning about the sith and the events leading up to episode I.

It's all about the master plan...

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

@JamesLuceno did Palpaltine ever tell Annakin the full version of the Tragedy? Like how the Jedi didn't even know about Darth Plagueis so they couldn't have told him about Plagueis if they wanted to? Asking for a friend.