Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (unabridged audiobook)

Publisher's summary

The individual formerly known as Anakin Skywalker–the Chosen One–is no more. Darth Vader has taken his place, and he is now hunting down the Jedi who managed to survive the destruction of their temple on Coruscant.

From the very place where Anakin Skywalker made his final stand–the fiery landscape of Mustafar, where he attempted to eliminate his friend and former mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi–a terrifying figure cloaked in black has emerged. He was once the most formidable Knight in the history of the Jedi Order, but now he serves the dark side as a lord of the feared Sith and the Emperor's vengeful enforcer. Anakin Skywalker, seduced, driven mad, and ultimately destroyed by the schemes of the Dark Lord Sidious, is gone forever... Darth Vader now exists.

News of the events that led to Vader's creation–the Jedi Council's unsuccessful rebellion against Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, the Emperor's retaliatory order to eradicate the Jedi Order, and Anakin's slaughter of his comrades and Masters within the Jedi Temple–has not yet spread to all corners of the galaxy. On the Outer Rim planet of Murkhana, Jedi Masters Roan Shryne and Bol Chatak, along with Padawan Olee Starstone, are leading an assault on a Separatist stronghold, completely unaware that the tide has drastically turned against them, stained red with Jedi blood.

When the three barely escape death–and find themselves desperately hunted across the vastness of space–it is not the clone troopers, the newly formed stormtroopers, or even the wrath of the power-hungry Emperor himself that poses the greatest threat. The most dangerous menace lies in the incredibly swift and deadly crimson lightsaber wielded by Darth Vader–a figure concealed behind a brooding mask, harboring a shattered heart, a corrupted soul, and a devious, twisted mind consumed by vengeance.

For the few remaining Jedi scattered across the galaxy, survival is crucial if the light side of the Force is to be preserved and the galaxy is to be reclaimed at some point in the future. However, even more critical is the safety of the twin infants, Leia and Luke Skywalker, the offspring of Anakin and his tragically fated wife, Padmé Amidala. Separated following Padmé's demise, their protection must be ensured at all costs, lest the hope they represent for the future be transformed into a nightmare by the new Sith regime–and the unimaginable power of the dark side.

Plot summary

Development

Random House Audio released the audiobook, which was narrated by Marc Thompson, on February 4, 2025, as part of The Essential Legends Collection. Corey Roberts recorded the audiobook at Pony Sound, and Justin Kilpatrick edited it. Paul Goodrich handled post-production and sound mixing. Kevin Thomsen served as the producer and director, while Nick Martorelli was the executive producer.

Media

Editions

• ISBN 9798217021178 ; February 4 , 2025 ; Random House Audio ; Digital audiobook [1]