Books for the Dark Side - Fondulac District Library

“If you only knew the power of the Dark Side.” – Darth Vader

How much do you really know about the Dark Side of the Force? Have you explored what motivates these agents of evil? Is it lust for power? Is it pain and hate? Is it all of these and more? Explore the Dark side with these books.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn

Era: Old Republic (25,000 – 1,032 years BBY*)

This title is part of Star Wars Legends, not a canon title.

*BBY = Before the Battle of Yavin that occurs at the end of Star Wars: A New Hope.

Start down the dark path with the Darth Bane trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn. The first book in this trilogy, Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, is set 1,000 years before the Battle of Yavin and explores the origins and motivations of Darth Bane, a pivotal Sith persona. Based on a character from the online game, Star Wars: The Old Republic, book one follows Dessel, an abused boy from the planet Apatros, who joins the Sith army to elude Republic forces who are hunting him. As an acolyte of the Sith, Dessel reshapes himself into Bane and vies for acceptance into the Brotherhood of Darkness, but will infighting and treachery destroy all that he hopes to gain?

Darth Plagueis by James Luceno

Also available as audiobook and eBook.

Era: Rise of the Empire (1,032 – 19 BBY)

This title is part of Star Wars Legends, not a canon title.

“Did you ever hear the Tragedy of Darth Plagueis, the Wise?” These ominous words spoken by Chancellor Palpatine to a vulnerable Anakin Skywalker lead to fateful consequences…but that’s another story. To actually learn the story of Darth Sidious’ mentor, you’ll find it in the novel Darth Plagueis by James Luceno. For nearly a thousand years, the Sith have abided by the “rule of two” meaning only one master and one apprentice. Inevitably, this means the apprentice will rise by destroying the master. But what if the master has learned to control life and death through the Force? Can his desire to live forever and his command of the Force save him from his apprentice’s unyielding ambition for galactic domination?

Thrawn by Timothy Zahn

Available in all formats.

Era: Republic Era (1,032 – 19 BBY)

This title is Star Wars canon.

Mitth’raw’nuruodo, better known as Thrawn, is a villain Star Wars fans love to hate. First introduced in 1991 with the book Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn, Thrawn’s entrance into the Star Wars universe was rebooted in 2017 with the first book of a new trilogy titled Thrawn, also written by Zahn. The updated Thrawn is as cunning and ruthless as we remember. Calculating and ingenious, his meteoric rise through the Imperial ranks is no surprise. But can he quell the insurgency that threatens the Empire? And does he have an ulterior motive for leaving the Chiss Empire?

Phasma by Delilah S. Dawson

Also available as audiobook and eBook.

Era: New Republic (5 – 34 ABY*)

*ABY = After the Battle of Yavin

This title is Star Wars canon.

What do we really know about the merciless Captain Phasma? One of Phasma’s adversaries wants to know more. Discover the mysterious origins of this feared and commanding warrior as her foe digs deep into her past and may even reveal Phasma’s most highly-guarded secret.

More Dark Side adventures can be found at the library in book, audiobook, eBook, or eAudiobook formats. Follow the links to see what’s currently on the shelf or place a hold.

Phasma by Delilah S. Dawson

Dark Disciple by Christie Golden

Revan by Drew Karpyshyn

Deceived by Paul S. Kemp

Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp

Darth Plagueis by James Luceno

Labyrinth of Evil by James Luceno

Tarkin by James Luceno

Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter by Michael Reaves

Maul Lockdown by Joe Schreiber

Red Harvest by Joe Schreiber

Star Wars: Rise of the Empire