Lords of the Sith

I know, it's been a while since I've posted anything.  I've been busy being lazy.  That's partially true.  I've been preparing for a new Autumn Bible study that I'll be teaching, and that has included reading about four books at the same time, writing notes, and turning that into complete written lessons.  So, yeah, busy.  The lazy part is, I haven't done much reading of anything else.  I have listened to a bunch of podcasts though.  Go brainpower!

Anyhow, I just finished reading one of the newer Star Wars books that have come out as part of the all new Expanded Universe as mandated by Disney.  Several have come out already, several more are slated to arrive before the big day in December.  I decided to give this one a shot.  Oh, in case you didn't read the title, it's Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp.  I read it, enjoyed it, mostly liked it, and that's about it.

OK, since this is about what I read, here's what I thought about it.  Pay attention my two readers.

This book was promoted as a look into the Emperor and his best bud, and everybody's favorite villain, Darth Vader.  The cover art even sports the Emperor sparking off a few bolts of force lightning beside Vader holding his ignited light saber.  Oh, and a few AT-ATs in the background for good measure.  Why, I don't know.  That wasn't a scene in the book.  Unless aliens abducted me and I'm missing some time.
     We did gain some insights into the relationship, described by Palpatine to Vader as being symbiotic, between the two greatest Sith lords of all time.  But...the book really isn't about them.  And that's my beef.  It's well-written, the story moves at a great pace, but it is really about Twi'lek rebels and their plot to kill the Emperor and his pet monster.
     The Emperor manages to continue to guard his true identity from everyone, except those he intends to obliterate.  Old Palpatine really comes off as a disturbing character.  I like the way Palpatine is treated in the book.  It's probably the best version of him that we have seen since Return of the Jedi.  But, then I'm very biased.
     We are shown a tormented and haunted Vader who is still coming to grips with the person he has become.  He appears powerful, lethal and amazing.  Of course, Vader is always amazing.  Except in Revenge of the Sith.  That never happened.
     I just wish we had been given more of Palpatine-Vader 2015 and less of the rebels.  I don't care about the rebels.  I wanted and had hoped to see more of the two Sith, and maybe gained some insights as to why Vader continued to serve the Emperor until he finally tossed his wrinkled old behind down the core shaft above the moon of Endor.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book.  It doesn't make my list of the best Star Wars books, but it does go into the good list.

Thanks for reading.

Darth Baptist