Death Star is a novel from the Star Wars Legends continuity, penned by both Michael Reaves and Steve Perry. Del Rey first released it as a hardcover on October 16, 2007, with the paperback version arriving in 2008. The narrative is centered around a diverse group of Death Star personnel, unfolding across a three-year timeframe that culminates in the famous Battle of Yavin.
The moniker of the Death Star is brutally accurate, striking fear into the hearts of all. Functioning as a self-contained world, it possesses immense power designed for one cruel purpose: the instantaneous destruction of entire planets. The annihilation of Alderaan, callously ordered by Grand Moff Tarkin, remains an infamous act. Conversely, its own demise at the hands of Luke Skywalker has become a legendary tale. However, what is the complete narrative, and who are the key individuals involved in the creation of this planet-destroying satellite of doom?
The near eradication of the Jedi Order paved the way for Palpatine—a power-hungry Senator and Sith Lord—to seize control of the Republic. He declared himself Emperor, ushering in an era of oppressive, totalitarian rule. Yet, even with the menacing Darth Vader enforcing Palpatine's malevolent will, the specter of rebellion persists. The Emperor understands that only profound fear—coupled with the ability to punish dissent with devastating consequences—can guarantee his unchallenged dominion over the galaxy. This is where the ambitious and ruthless government official Wilhuff Tarkin steps in, the architect of the Emperor's terrifying vision.
From its initial concept to its final construction, the creation of the unprecedented Death Star is rife with intrigue, concealed agendas, surprising revelations, and bold strategies among those involved at every level. The most brilliant minds and the most inflated egos, the most ambitious and the most corrupt, the desperate and the cunning—all have a vested interest in the Death Star and its potential to dictate the destiny of the galaxy.
Soldiers and slaves, loyalists and Rebels, spies and avengers, the innocent and the wicked—their lives and destinies will intersect and intertwine as the Death Star progresses from its inaugural mission to its ultimate confrontation. In this thrilling and unforgettable adventure, a shadowy chapter of Star Wars history is brought to vivid light.
Michael Reaves and Steve Perry, the authors of Death Star, originally planned to name Motti "Zi," a name that received approval from Lucasfilm. However, following George Lucas's humorous suggestion of "Conan Antonio" on Late Night with Conan O'Brien in 2007, a last-minute change was implemented. Despite this, one instance of "Zi" remains within the novel's thirty-eighth chapter.
- ISBN 9780345477422 ; October 16 , 2007; Del Rey ; US hardcover [1]
- ISBN 9780345477422 ; 2007; Del Rey; US hardcover, Science Fiction Book Club edition (1245028) [7]
- ISBN 9780345477439 ; November 25 , 2008 ; Del Rey; US paperback [2]
- ISBN 9780307795847 ; June 28 , 2011 ; Del Rey; US eBook [3]