CANON
Written by: Adam Christopher
Published on: November 11, 2025
Published by: Random House Worlds
Pages: 304
Timeline: 19 BBY
Key characters: Darth Vader, Halland Goth, TC-99, Sheev Palpatine
Era: Reign of the Empire
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Publisher’s Summary
In the wake of Emperor Palpatine’s rise to power, the true nature of his most sinister enforcer remains a mystery. Darth Vader is a dominant yet illusive figure: the shadow cast by a malignant Imperial regime, unknowable to even its top officials. But even as his humanity gives way to myth, Vader remains haunted by the promises of the dark side, seeking the ultimate power that his master has hinted at but withheld—the power to conquer death itself.
On the volcanic world of Mustafar, Vader undertakes a dark ritual, bleeding a kyber crystal to forge his lightsaber. This act unleashes a power far greater than he anticipated, giving him a glimpse into the limitless potential of the Force.
Vader is determined to follow this vision, even if it means defying his master’s orders. Yet he finds the Emperor suspiciously supportive of his mission, even sending Vader to the Diso system to investigate rumors of a Force-wielding shaman able to raise the dead. At his side are a cadre of the Emperor’s scarlet-robed Royal Guard, led by Colonel Halland Goth—a decorated soldier with a very personal interest in Vader’s mission.
Even as the Emperor’s true motivations reveal themselves, Vader falls deeper into obsession. His journey takes him far across the galaxy, chasing rumors and phantoms. But no matter how far he travels, he cannot escape the shadows within his own soul. Haunted by the echoes of his past, Vader circles the true resolution to his quest: only once all weakness is purged can he become a master of evil.
Quick Summary
Darth Vader’s mysterious mission may lead him down a path even darker than he’s dared before: the possibility of disobeying his master in favor of his own desires.
Book Details
Audience: Adult
Author: Adam Christopher
Publisher: Random House Worlds
Publication date: November 11, 2025
Language: English
ISBN-10: 593874730
ISBN-13: 978-0593874738
Pages: 304 (hardcover)
