During the Summer of 2005 I found myself willingly held captive by Matthew Stover's novel Revenge of the Sith. I enjoyed every word, looked forward to opening it during my day at work and school, and every spare moment I could grasp I was reading. Sadly...it all came to an end. When I turned the last page, closed the book, and sat it down for the last time, I was thankful for the experience yet, deeply saddened by it's passing. It was like I had lost my best friend because after you've read it once, it's never quite the same. I didn't think I would ever enjoy a Star Wars book as much as ROTS, however; I just finished a book that rivals Stover's for my favorite.

Dark Lord - The Rise of Darth Vader, by James Luceno. In one word: Amazing! When I purchased the book back in December I had a hard time making myself start it because of the Holidays. On the first day of the new year I broke it open for the first time, and was immediately taken in. The book starts just prior to the materialization of the dreaded "Order 66". It really gives a glimpse of what physical, psychological, and emotional hardships the Jedi endured as they saw their beloved Order violently ripped from the galaxy.

It tells of Clone Troppers who initially disobeyed "Order 66", travels to the well known areas of the Star Wars galaxy we all know and love, and it also ventures into new and exciting systems that Star Wars fans all over will love.

My favorite part, however; is the deep James Luceno goes into the mind, heart, and soul of a newly reborn Darth Vader. It tells of the agitation he experienced inside his suit, the mechanical problems he was forced to deal with every day, and most importantly, it describes why Imperials so deeply feared the masked mystery of fury, and how he finally concealed the last remaining portions of Anakin Skywalker into the immeasurable sea of the Dark Side.

It is a great book and if you love ANYTHING about Star Wars, you know you will adore this book as much as I did. Although, I am going through the same dispair I delt with when I finished ROTS. Next on my list: Labyrinth of Evil. I can't wait!

"For my ally is the Force, and a powerful ally it is!"
CJ Woliver