Lords of the Sith is a bit of a mind trick. What promises to be a barrage of Vader and Palpatine going Dark Side on the seeds of rebellion makes you slowly realize that’s not the story you’re in for.
A relatively new Darth Vader, entrenched between Episode 3 and 4, kicks of Lords of the Sith with a dominating and daring space battle reminiscent of his former self. Even with hints of Anakin internally, the rest of universe is quickly reminded he’s no Skywalker. This isn’t a redemption tale; it’s Vader falling further down the dark side rabbit hole.
After being stranded on planet Ryloth, Vader battles local wildlife while the Emperor has zero concern over the predicament. They slash and burn with little banter or backstory. Why doesn’t Palp’s take a moment to fill Vader in on his master, or a Sith tale, any injection of backstory sorely needed by the new canon?
While the Sith are tight-lipped, the freedom fighters on Ryloth have plenty to say. The rebellion is heating up. There are nods to Star Wars Rebels and The Clone Wars animated shows (canon!). Our new heroes take up the majority of the story, that’s where it falls out of hyperspace.
I believe readers are going to take issue with the title, seeing how the Lords of the Sith take a back seat. Moreover, the collective big bad of the universe never seem like they’re in any tangible danger. Sure, we know they’re not going to die. It seemed like the Emperor knew it as well as he floated through on a cloud of smugness.
The new rebels are formidable for a stretch but forgettable. They served as an ideal, a ramp up to the eventual full-fledged rebellion. Sadly, Star Wars fans are already there. Empire bad, rebels good, ‘nuff said.
A solid effort but ultimately it’s a footnote in the Star Wars universe.
3 stars out of 5… give it a chance.
