Darth Vader is back and hungry for more than just galactic domination: in the upcoming novel “Star Wars: Master of Evil,” the iconic villain seeks to conquer death itself. This new book, penned by New York Times bestselling author Adam Christopher (“Star Wars: Shadow of the Sith”) promises a chilling exploration into the dark side’s most powerful temptations.
The story unfolds after “Revenge of the Sith,” with Vader under Emperor Palpatine’s sway but driven by his own ambitions. While outwardly obeying Palpatine’s command, he secretly pursues forbidden knowledge about immortality – a quest hinted at by the Emperor but never fully revealed. Vader believes there’s more to be gained from the dark side than simply galactic conquest; he seeks ultimate power and dominion over even death itself.
This pursuit takes him to the volcanic world of Mustafar, where he performs a sinister ritual involving a kyber crystal – an act that unleashes a terrifying glimpse into the limitless potential of the Force. Fueled by this vision, Vader defies Palpatine’s orders, setting off on his own path of discovery. But here’s the twist: the Emperor seems strangely supportive of Vader’s mission. To assist in this chilling investigation, he sends Vader to the Diso system to find a rumored Force-wielding shaman capable of raising the dead. Leading this expedition is a cadre of Palpatine’s elite scarlet-robed Royal Guard, spearheaded by Colonel Halland Goth – an experienced soldier with a deeply personal stake in Vader’s quest.
Why does Vader seek immortality? What’s behind Palpatine’s seemingly cryptic support for his apprentice’s dangerous desires? And what exactly is the Emperor hiding about the Force’s true potential? These questions, posed by Christopher’s exclusive excerpt below, are only some of the chilling mysteries “Star Wars: Master of Evil” promises to unravel.
The excerpt focuses on Colonel Goth, a decorated member of Palpatine’s Royal Guard tasked with observing Vader – a terrifying assignment even for a seasoned soldier. The encounter is unsettling for Goth: Vader’s imposing black armor and skull-like mask are designed to inspire fear, and the unnatural rasping sound of his mechanical breath adds to the chilling presence. Even in this brief interaction, Christopher masterfully captures the immense power Vader projects, both through technology and sheer aura.
Goth is further unnerved by how seemingly unfazed by Imperial hierarchy the ISB supervisor Desler appears – a constant reminder of the shadowy organization’s vast reach within the new Empire. As Goth prepares to accompany Vader on his morbid mission, the Emperor delivers an ominous order: Vader answers directly to him now. This adds another layer of tension as we anticipate how Palpatine will manipulate Vader’s dark ambition for his own ends.
“Star Wars: Master of Evil,” arriving November 11, 2025, promises not just a thrilling action-packed adventure but also a chilling glimpse into the heart of one of fiction’s most iconic villains – and the unsettling depths he might plumb in pursuit of ultimate power.
