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Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader
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Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader is a novel written by James Luceno and published by Del Rey. Dark Lord takes place in the immediate aftermath of the events in Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and focuses on Darth Vader and his rise to prominence in the newly-inaugurated Galactic Empire.
Author Luceno devotes much of Dark Lord to the internal conflict that Darth Vader undergoes as he tries to slough off his former identity of Anakin Skywalker. Palpatine intends for these early missions that he sends Vader on to be as much about learning what it means to be a Sith as they are about consolidating the rule of the nascent Empire.
The abridged audiobook was narrated by Jonathan Davis.
This book was included in the Essential Legends Collection, with a trade paperback released in February 4, 2025. The accompanying unabridged audiobook was read by Marc Thompson.
Inkstone Books released a collectible version in June 2025, limited to 500 copies.
Text and facts from the “Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader” article on Wookieepedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Modified for this site.
Facts
- Title
- Dark Lord:
- The Rise of Darth Vader
- Author
- James Luceno
- Cover artist
- David Stevenson
- Publisher
- Del Rey
- Released
- November 22, 2005
- Media type
- Hardcover
- Paperback
- eBook
- Audiobook (Abridged)
- Pages
- 336
- Isbn
- 0345477324
- Audiobook
- Abridged
- Unabridged
- Timeline
- 19 BBY
- Series
- The Dark Lord Trilogy
- Preceded by
- Kenobi
- Followed by
- Imperial Commando: 501st
Who turns up here
Characters: 90
- Celana Aldrete (first appearance)
- Mas Amedda
- Padmé Amidala (mentioned only)
- Appo
- Klossi Anno (first appearance)
- Klossi Anno's master (first mentioned)
- Raymus Antilles
- Passel Argente (mentioned only)
- Darth Bane (mentioned only)
- Archyr Beil (first appearance)
- Bioto (first appearance)
- Filli Bitters (first appearance)
- C-3PO
- Bol Chatak (first appearance)
- Chewbacca
- Climber (first appearance)
- Collus
- Cudgel (first appearance)
- Hindane Darcc
- Eyl Dix (first appearance)
- Dooku/Darth Tyranus (mentioned only)
- Skeck Draggle (first appearance)
- Cin Drallig (mentioned only)
- Jango Fett (mentioned only)
- Kit Fisto (mentioned only)
- Siadem Forte (first appearance)
- Cash Garrulan (first appearance)
- Brudi Gayn (first appearance)
- Gree (mentioned only)
- Grievous (mentioned only)
- Guania (first appearance)
- Nute Gunray (mentioned only)
- Garm Bel Iblis
- Idis (first appearance)
- Ion Team's spec-one (first appearance)
- Armand Isard
- Jally (first appearance)
- Qui-Gon Jinn (voice only)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Ki-Adi-Mundi (mentioned only)
- Agen Kolar (mentioned only)
- Plo Koon (mentioned only)
- Iwo Kulka (first appearance)
- Iwo Kulka's Padawan (first mentioned)
- Lachichuk
- Owen Lars
- Beru Whitesun Lars
- Saras Loorne (first mentioned)
- Jambe Lu (first appearance)
- Darth Maul (mentioned only)
- Sly Moore
- Mon Mothma
- Deran Nalual (first appearance)
- Nat-Sem (first mentioned)
- Jocasta Nu (mentioned only)
- Nullip (first appearance)
- Breha Antilles Organa
- Bail Organa
- Leia Organa
- Sate Pestage
- Darth Plagueis (mentioned only)
- Nam Poorf (first appearance)
- R2-D2
- R4-K5 (first appearance)
- Ras (first appearance)
- Sheltay Retrac
- Salvo (first appearance)
- Jen Shryne (first mentioned)
- Jula Shryne (first appearance)
- Roan Shryne (first appearance)
- Raith Sienar (mentioned only)
- Sifo-Dyas (mentioned only)
- Anakin Skywalker (mentioned only)
- Luke Skywalker
- Shmi Skywalker Lars (indirect mention)
- Olee Starstone (first appearance)
- Tarfful
- Wilhuff Tarkin
- Saesee Tiin (mentioned only)
- Merl Tosche (mentioned only)
- Trace (first appearance)
- Ugan (first appearance)
- Luminara Unduli (mentioned only)
- Unidentified Jedi (SX troop shuttle) (first mentioned)
- Asajj Ventress (mentioned only)
- Quinlan Vos (mentioned only)
- Mace Windu (mentioned only)
- Yarua (mentioned only)
- Yoda (mentioned only)
- Fang Zar
Species: 22
- Bantha
- Archyr Beil's species (first appearance)
- Chagrian
- Chalactan
- Ewok (indirect mention)
- Gossam (mentioned only)
- Ho'Din
- Human
- Hutt (mentioned only)
- Jawa (mentioned only)
- Kaminoan (mentioned only)
- Koorivar
- Neimoidian (mentioned only)
- Rodian
- Togruta
- Trandoshan (mentioned only)
- Tusken Raider (mentioned only)
- Twi'lek
- Umbaran
- Wookiee
- Zabrak
- Midi-chlorian (mentioned only)
Planets: 43
- Agon Nine (mentioned only)
- Alderaan
- Bimmisaari (mentioned only)
- Bogden (mentioned only)
- Bonadan (mentioned only)
- Boz Pity (mentioned only)
- Chandrila (mentioned only)
- Commenor (mentioned only)
- Corellia (mentioned only)
- Coruscant
- Vandor-3 (indirect mention)
- Deko Neimoidia (mentioned only)
- Dellalt (mentioned only)
- Endor (indirect mention)
- Enisca (mentioned only)
- Eriadu (mentioned only)
- Felucia (mentioned only)
- Geonosis (mentioned only)
- Nal Hutta (mentioned only)
- Jaguada
- Jaguada's moon
- Kamino (mentioned only)
- Kashyyyk
- Korriban (mentioned only)
- Kuat (mentioned only)
- Manari (mentioned only)
- Mossak (mentioned only)
- Murkhana
- Mustafar (mentioned only)
- Muunilinst (mentioned only)
- Mygeeto (mentioned only)
- Naboo (mentioned only)
- Neimoidia (mentioned only)
- Ord Mantell (mentioned only)
- Paarin Minor (mentioned only)
- Polis Massa (mentioned only)
- Rodia (mentioned only)
- Saleucami (mentioned only)
- Sern Prime (mentioned only)
- Tatooine
- Utapau (mentioned only)
- Weytta (mentioned only)
- Ziost (mentioned only)
Places: 29
- Aldera
- Royal Palace of Alderaan
- University of Alderaan (mentioned only)
- Emperor Palpatine Surgical Reconstruction Center
- Jedi Temple
- Jedi Archives
- Republic Plaza
- Senate Building (mentioned only)
- Grand Convocation Chamber (mentioned only)
- The Works
- Petranaki arena (mentioned only)
- Separatist communications facility
- Chenachochan
- Kachirho
- Kepitenochan
- Okikuti
- Rwookrrorro
- Murkhana City
- Argente Tower
- Great Chott salt flat
- Anchorhead
- The Weary Traveler
- Tosche Station (mentioned only)
- Jundland Wastes (mentioned only)
- Ben Kenobi's home (mentioned only)
- Mos Eisley (mentioned only)
- Western Dune Sea
- Wayfar (mentioned only)
- Stars' End (mentioned only)
Galaxy: 8
- Coruscant system
- Hutt Space (mentioned only)
- Jaguada system
- Kashyyyk system
- Murkhana system
- Outer Rim
- Perlemian Trade Route (mentioned only)
- Tion Cluster
Starships: 30
- Droid tri-fighter
- Variable Geometry Self-Propelled Battle Droid, Mark I
- Acclamator-class assault ship (mentioned only)
- Aggressive ReConnaissance-170 starfighter
- Alpha-3 Nimbus-class V-wing starfighter
- CloakShape fighter
- CR25 troop carrier
- CR90 corvette (mentioned only)
- Tantive IV (mentioned only)
- Dead Ringer
- Death Star I (mentioned only)
- Detainer CC-2200 interdictor cruiser
- Eta-2 Actis-class interceptor
- Darth Vader's black Eta-2 Actis-class interceptor
- Heavy Missile Platform
- Imperator-class Star Destroyer
- Exactor
- Executrix
- Providence-class carrier/destroyer
- Invisible Hand (mentioned only)
- Low Altitude Assault Transport/infantry
- Lucrehulk-class battleship
- Mankvim-814 light interceptor
- Recusant-class light destroyer
- Drunk Dancer
- Theta-class T-2c shuttle
- Venator-class Star Destroyer (mentioned only)
- Victory I-class Star Destroyer
- Gallant
- Victory II-class Star Destroyer (mentioned only)
Vehicles: 8
Organizations: 49
- Alderaan Guard
- Baktoid Armor Workshop (mentioned only)
- Black Sun
- BlasTech Industries (mentioned only)
- Claatuvac Guild (mentioned only)
- Confederacy of Independent Systems
- Commerce Guild
- Corporate Alliance
- InterGalactic Banking Clan
- Lethe Merchandising
- Separatist Council (mentioned only)
- Trade Federation
- Vibroblade Brigade
- Galactic Empire
- Delegation of 2000
- Emperor's Royal Guard
- Imperial Security Bureau
- Imperial Senate (mentioned only)
- Loyalist Committee (mentioned only)
- Stormtrooper
- 501st Legion
- Clone pilot
- Clone shock trooper
- Galactic Republic
- Galactic Senate (mentioned only)
- Grand Army of the Republic
- Clone trooper
- 32nd Air Combat Wing
- Advanced Recon Commando (mentioned only)
- Biker Advanced Recon Commando (mentioned only)
- Clone commando
- 22nd Air Combat Wing
- Ion Team
- HoloNet News
- Incom Corporation (mentioned only)
- Jedi Order
- Acquisition Division (mentioned only)
- Agricultural Corps
- Jedi High Council (mentioned only)
- Kuat Drive Yards (mentioned only)
- Merr-Sonn Munitions, Inc. (mentioned only)
- Neuro-Saav Corporation (mentioned only)
- Sienar Fleet Systems (mentioned only)
- Sith
- SoroSuub Corporation (mentioned only)
- Tenloss Criminal Syndicate (mentioned only)
- Shadowfeed (mentioned only)
- Old Guard
- Sith statues
Events: 20
- Battle of Endor (mentioned only)
- Clone Wars
- Outer Rim Sieges
- Battle of Murkhana
- Battle of Deko Neimoidia (mentioned only)
- First Battle of Geonosis (mentioned only)
- Battle of Kashyyyk (mentioned only)
- Battle of Manari (mentioned only)
- Battle of Paarin Minor (mentioned only)
- Declaration of a New Order (mentioned only)
- Great Jedi Purge
- Showdown on Coruscant (mentioned only)
- Operation: Knightfall (mentioned only)
- Skirmish in the Senate (mentioned only)
- Duel on Mustafar (mentioned only)
- Skirmish near Murkhana
- Battle of Kashyyyk
- Great Hyperspace War (indirect mention)
- Mission to rescue Shmi Skywalker Lars (mentioned only)
- Separatist Crisis (mentioned only)
Technology: 41
- R2-series astromech droid
- R4 astromech droid
- B1-series battle droid
- B2 super battle droid
- Droideka
- DSD1 dwarf spider droid
- LM-432 crab droid
- Sith Elite Warbot (mentioned only)
- 2-1B surgical droid
- 3PO-series protocol droid
- Prowler 1000 seeker droid
- TT-8L gatekeeper droid
- Hoversled
- Bowcaster
- Mechno-arm
- Darth Vader's armor
- DC-15A blaster rifle
- DC-17m Interchangeable Weapon System
- DX-2 disruptor pistol (mentioned only)
- E-5 blaster rifle
- EMP grenade
- Holocron
- Jedi holocron (mentioned only)
- Hologram
- Hush-98 comlink
- Hyperdrive
- Katarn-class armor
- Lightsaber
- Dual-phase lightsaber
- Darth Vader's lightsaber
- Obi-Wan Kenobi's third lightsaber
- Darth Sidious' lightsabers (mentioned only)
- Navicomputer
- Shock baton
- Thermal detonator
- Vibroblade
- Vibro-whip (mentioned only)
- Credit
- Katarn-class commando armor
- Synthcrystal (mentioned only)
- Synthflesh
Lore: 33
- Emperor
- Vigo
- Galactic Emperor
- Jedi Knight
- Jedi Master
- Lost Twenty (mentioned only)
- Padawan
- Dark Lord of the Sith
- Sith Lord
- Sith Master
- Aurodium (mentioned only)
- Basic
- Blue milk (mentioned only)
- Chosen One
- Force lightning (mentioned only)
- Force scream
- Force empathy
- Force jump
- Force persuasion
- Force speed
- Force vision
- Telekinesis
- Koorivar
- Cho Mai
- Dun Möch
- Form I: Shii-Cho (indirect mention)
- Form II: Makashi
- Form III: Soresu
- Form IV: Ataru
- Form V: Shien/Djem So
- Form VI: Niman (indirect mention)
- Form VII: Juyo (indirect mention)
- Military Creation Act (mentioned only)
Media: 1
- Sabacc (mentioned only)
Everything else: 133
- Astromech droid
- R-series
- Battle droid
- B-series battle droid
- Droid starfighter
- Labor droid
- Loader droid (mentioned only)
- Binary loadlifter (mentioned only)
- Maintenance droid
- Medical droid
- Protocol droid
- Grand Ballroom (mentioned only)
- Grand Reception Room
- Emperor's throne room
- Palpatine's meditation chamber
- Chancellor's office (mentioned only)
- Wawaatt Archipelago
- Aurek-Bacta (mentioned only)
- Murkhana Bay
- Murkhana Landing
- Tingel Arm (mentioned only)
- vizier
- Bounty hunter (mentioned only)
- Magistrate (mentioned only)
- Viceroy of the Trade Federation (mentioned only)
- Flight school (mentioned only)
- Imperial Academy (mentioned only)
- Moff/Regional Governor
- Office of the Supreme Chancellor (mentioned only)
- Youngling (mentioned only)
- Moisture farmer (mentioned only)
- Murkhana Space Traffic Control (mentioned only)
- Sith apprentice
- Students of Collus (mentioned only)
- skimmer
- Landspeeder (mentioned only)
- Relay
- Skiff
- SX troop transport
- Vagabond Trader
- Anti-laser aerosol
- Blaster
- Comlink
- Comm unit
- Computer terminal
- Cybernetics
- Cyborg
- Datapad
- DL-13 ion blaster
- Droid buster
- Electrobinoculars
- Fine-point laser cutter
- Glowrod
- Sith holocron
- Holobook
- Holocam
- Holomap
- Holoprojector
- Hyperdrive ring
- Hyperwave transceiver
- Identify Friend/Foe transponder
- Intercom
- Ion cannon
- Ion engine
- Jedi beacon transceiver
- Laser cannon
- Macrobinoculars
- Magnetic shield
- Mine
- Moisture vaporator
- Photoreceptor
- Proton torpedo (mentioned only)
- Stun net
- Sublight engine
- Tractor beam (mentioned only)
- Turbolaser cannon
- Turbolift
- Vocoder
- Brandy (mentioned only)
- Bronzium
- Ceramacrete
- Death
- Diatium (mentioned only)
- Durasteel
- Emergency Code Nine Thirteen
- Flimsiplast
- The Force
- Dark side of the Force
- Disturbance in the Force
- Force sense
- Telepathy
- Galactic Constitution (mentioned only)
- Hangar bay
- Hardwood
- Hero With No Fear (mentioned only)
- Hide-and-seek (mentioned only)
- HoloNet
- Hrrtayyk ceremony (mentioned only)
- Hyperspace
- Identichip (mentioned only)
- Language
- Frizz (first appearance)
- Wild gundark chase
- Lekku
- Lightsaber combat
- Cho Mok
- Cho Sun
- Lightsaber duel
- Sai Cha
- Shiak
- Shiim
- Lightspeed
- Medkit (mentioned only)
- New Order
- Orbital bombardment
- Permacrete
- Permaplas
- Permaplex
- Petition of 2000 (mentioned only)
- Plasma
- Plastoid
- Polyplast
- Republic Classic era style
- Slicer
- Smuggler
- Spacer
- Sugar (mentioned only)
- Synthfur
- Theocracy (mentioned only)
- Transparisteel
- Trash compactor (mentioned only)
- Trephination
- Wroshyr tree
Not in the archive: 2
- Hyperwave repeater
- Ceramaton
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