Introduction
This novel is a part of the Star Wars series. Whenever a novel gets converted to a movie,
a discussion rages as to whether it is better as a movie or as a novel. My personal preference is the novels as they present a broader picture of the story. Anyhow this novel does not feature in any of the Star Wars movies. This novel is set between the time period of "Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi". But this novel embodies each and every feature which the movies depict and that too in a much more detailed and of course less visual manner.
The Plot The Evil Emperor's two most powerful henchmen want to move higher in the hierarchy. Of these two, all the Star Wars fans are aware of Darth Vader, the evil master of Sith. The other henchman is Prince Xizor the leader of the Sun Organization, the centre for organized crime in the Empire. Both feel that it is time ripe to overthrow the emperor and take his throne. But both have reasons to fear each other as they don't see eye to eye.
The Emperor meanwhile is aware of the intentions of both his henchman and is taking delight in watching this duel between the two. Darth Vader is aware of the Emperor's power and knows that he himself might not be able to take on the emperor. So he is on the lookout to bring in his son Luke Skywalker to the dark side.
Prince Xizor is meanwhile no stranger to politics. He understands this plot of Darth Vader and plans to kidnap and kill Luke Skywalker. Meanwhile Luke has some other plans, he is busy with his friends Princess Leia, Chewy et. all in a quest to free Han.
So who succeeds in fulfilling his plans. Do the evil henchmen succeed in overthrowing the emperor or is the emperor too good for them? Does Darth Vader or Prince Xizor manage in killing the other? What happens to Luke Skywalker? Check out this superb political drama
in the Star Wars garb to find out what happens.
The Characters
Emperor
The Evil emperor of the empire is the controller of all the dark forces in the empire. Dark, mysterious and sinister, the emperor keeps plotting against the good side and the absolute control of the empire.
Darth Vader
Once a jedi, Darth Vader is converted to the dark side by the emperor. Now Darth Vader derives all his power by the dark side. He is now a ruthless and evil ruler of Sith. His only intention is to convert his son Luke Skywalker to the dark side and overthrow the emperor.
Prince Xizor
A reptile by birth, Prince Xizor is the king of organized crime in the empire. He is the leader of the Sun Organization which is the centre of all organized crime. Prince Xizor has all the capabilities of a reptile and is pretty cold blooded about all his decisions. His strengths are that he does not rush to decisions or does not have a rash of hot blood. All his decisions are cleverly thought out and well planned.
Luke Skywalker
Son of Darth Vader, Luke wants to become a jedi warrior like his father, but unlike his father does not want to be converted to the dark side. Luke represents the hope of the good side in the empire in its war against the dark side.
The Pros 1) The book is well written and characters are well etched.
2) The best part of the book is the way the details of the characters of Xizor and Darth Vader are contrasted with.
3) The book moves at a brilliant pace with action all the way.
4) The book is well connected with the movies that preceded this book.
5) The plot is pretty good.
Summary Definitely one of the better books in the Star Wars Series, this book is a definite thumbs up for any Star Wars Fan. Let the force be with you.
A high five rating from my side.