10 Best Star Wars Books That Explore The Dark Side

“Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering. This is the path to the dark side.” This warning delivered by Jedi Master Yoda gives a basic overview of the opposite side of the Force in the Star Wars universe. But apart from the films and representation presented from the good guys’ point of view, what’s it really like on the other side?

The Sith, the Empire, the First Order, all are synonymous with the dark side of the Force, and through the novels of the expanded universe, fans across the galaxy are given a new perspective on the evil shadows throughout the universe.

10 Revenge Of The Sith by Matthew Stover

Although it might be a novelization of the film of the same name, this book comes highly recommended for those wanting to dip their toe into the dark side of the Force. The book offers a new experience for those wanting to watch Anakin’s slow transition into Darth Vader and doesn’t skimp on the details.

Simply put, the novelization offers details that the film doesn’t. It’s not so much as the movie put into words than an enhancement on an already solid story.

9 Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter by Michael Reeves

If there’s one member of the Sith that is almost universally beloved, it’s Darth Maul. This devil-like Sith Lord has had more of a career outside the films than any other character, and fans know it.

Shadow Hunter essentially acts as Darth Maul’s introduction to the Star Wars universe. It provides his backstory, his training by the Emperor, and the events leading up to The Phantom Menace. It lays the foundation for one of the Jedi’s biggest threats, and it’s a worthy addition to any Star Wars fan’s library.

8 Darth Plagueis by James Lucien

“Have you ever heard the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise?” Well, James Lucien lays out one of the grandest epics of the Sith. Not only does this book explore one of the darkest legends of the dark side, but expands on the mythology as a whole.

Plagueis himself is like something out of a high fantasy novel. His plunge into the dark, forbidden magic of life and death, tampering with elements beyond his understanding truly puts the dark in ‘the dark side.’

7 Lords Of The Sith by Paul S. Kemp

When one hears the term “Sith Lord” two figures usually come to mind, Vader with his intimidating presence and the Emporer with his mastery of the dark side. Lords of the Sith is essentially bad guy fanservice, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

What it lacks in depth it more than makes up for in, as Palpatine would say, unlimited power! It’s a novel simply made to show off the power of the dark side. After all, “the ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.”

6 Tarkin by James Luceno

He doesn’t have Force powers, doesn’t wield a lightsaber, and does not need an intimidating mask, but Grand Moff Tarkin is one of the evilest characters to ever grace the galaxy. So why wouldn’t he get his own novel and backstory?

The novel covers Tarkin’s origins and rise to power through the ranks of the empire. Not only is he one of the most feared entities in the Empire, but one of the few that can command someone as powerful as Darth Vader himself.

5 Dark Disciple by Christie Golden

The enemy of my enemy is my friend, or so the saying goes. Dark Disciple explores the relationship between an ambiguous Jedi master and one of the deadliest assassins of the Sith.

When Master Vos is tasked with assassinating the infamous Count Dooku, he is forced to join forces with his former apprentice, Asajj Ventress. Their story blurs the lines between the light and dark sides of the Force, and much more than a shared enemy rises between them.

4 Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott

How does one become a Sith Lord? They’re not exactly recruiting and marketing themselves to younglings across the galaxy. Count Dooku is one of the most prolific Force-users, and Cavan Scott gives him a unique origin story, showing his fall from grace and into the clutches of the dark side.

Once a promising Jedi, Dooku’s tale is both tragic and provoking as both sides conflict with his innermost beliefs and desires. This novel truly delivers a complex narrative worthy of such an invigorating character.

3 Dark Lord: Rise of Vader by James Luceno

Darth Vader is perhaps the most incredible villains in all of fiction. Regarded as the most dangerous Sith Lord in all the galaxy, Vader’s exploits are the stuff of legends and nightmares, and this novel is ideal for those wishing to follow his tale of destruction and death.

Taking place after the events of Revenge of the Sith, the novel follows what happens on Vader’s quest for power and his acts of agony along the way. It’s practically the perfect novel for fans of the character.

2 Phasma by Delilah S. Dawson

Captain Phasma was one of the most underused characters in the history of the galaxy far, far away. Phasma not only gives the infamous Stormtrooper captain a backstory, but a complete and total display of her cruelty, tenacity, and appetite for power.

If she were even the least bit Force-sensitive, she would be a Sith Lord on par with Kylo Ren or even Vader. The book doesn’t skip on any gruesome details and even paints the First Order in a strangely sensitive light at times. It’s an intriguing read to say the very least.

1 Lost Stars by Claudia Gray

Considered by many to be one of the essential Star Wars novels that any fan of the universe must-read, Lost Stars is an incredible experience that explores the lifestyle of the Empire. Not only does it show the recruitment process of the Emporer’s forces, but the effects their deeds have as well.

The plot concerns two members of the Empire’s war machine who are forced to choose aside when the tyrannical nature of the Empire reveals itself. It’s a romance novel with a healthy slice of space opera, one that delights its readers.

About The Author