The Force Unleashed, a novel belonging to the Star Wars Legends series, was penned by Sean Williams as an adaptation of the video game of the same name. Del Rey initially released it as a hardcover on August 19, 2008, followed by a paperback version on August 25, 2009. A subsequent novel, entitled The Force Unleashed II, saw publication in 2010.
"The Sith are notorious for their treachery against each other....I am confident you will realize this truth before long."
The Republic's downfall is now a reality. The forces of the Separatists have been crushed, the Jedi Council has suffered near-total annihilation, and the remaining members of the Order are virtually extinct. Consequently, ultimate authority now resides with Darth Sidious—the devious Sith Lord, formerly known as Senator, and now Emperor, Palpatine. Nevertheless, further actions are required. Scattered pockets of resistance throughout the galaxy must still be subdued, and any surviving Jedi must be located…and eliminated. These vital responsibilities are entrusted to the Emperor's merciless agent, Darth Vader. In turn, the Dark Lord has been training a deadly apprentice, assigning him a highly confidential mission: to scour the galaxy, eliminate the last of his master's adversaries, and thereby solidify the dark side's triumph by ensuring the Jedi's demise.
From his earliest years, Vader's unnamed operative has been indoctrinated into the cold, calculating principles of the Sith. His origins are unknown; his present existence revolves around executing his lethal assignments. However, his future holds the allure of a dark, glittering prize: the opportunity to stand alongside the only father figure he has ever known, with the entire galaxy under their control. This destiny can only be achieved by overcoming the ultimate test of his training: the destruction of Emperor Palpatine.
The apprentice's adventures will lead him across the vast expanses of the galaxy, from the Wookiee home planet of Kashyyyk to the desolate junkyard world of Raxus Prime. During these missions, the young Sith initiate will form an unexpected bond with a disgraced Jedi Master seeking atonement, and he will grapple with forbidden affections for his beautiful ally, Juno Eclipse. Furthermore, he will face unprecedented trials—including shocking revelations that challenge the very core of his beliefs and awaken long-dormant desires to reclaim his identity…and reshape his fate.
According to The Essential Reader's Companion, a reference book published in 2012, the events depicted in The Force Unleashed and The Force Unleashed II are set between 3 BBY and 1 BBY. This places them chronologically between the novels The Hutt Gambit (1997) and Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu (1983).
- ISBN 9780345499028 ; August 19 , 2008 ; Del Rey ; US hardcover [1]
- ISBN 9780345502858 ; August 25 , 2009 ; Del Rey; US paperback [2]
- ISBN 9780307795953 ; June 28 , 2011 ; Del Rey; US eBook [3]
- ISBN 9780593726136 ; November 5 , 2024 ; Random House Worlds ; Trade Paperback [5]