James Luceno – författare

'The best Star Wars publication to date . . . [James] Luceno takes Darth Plagueis down the dark path and never looks back.' NewsdayDarth Plagueis: one of the most brilliant Sith Lords who ever lived. Possessing power is all he desires; losing it is the only thing he fears. As an apprentice, he embraces the ruthless ways of the Sith. When the time is right, he destroys his Master-and vows never to suffer the same fate. For like no other disciple of the dark side, Darth Plagueis learns to command the ultimate power . . . over life and death.Darth Sidious: Plagueis's chosen apprentice. Under the guidance of his Master, he secretly studies the ways of the Sith while publicly rising to power in the galactic government, first as Senator, then as Chancellor, and eventually as Emperor.Darth Plagueis and Darth Sidious, Master and acolyte, target the galaxy for domination-and the Jedi Order for annihilation. But can they defy the merciless Sith tradition? Or will the desire of one to rule supreme, and the dream of the other to live forever, sow the seeds of their destruction?'Luceno draws on his storytelling skill and prodigious knowledge of the [Star Wars] world . . . to craft a complex tale of ambition and desire.' Library Journal

Explore the worlds of a galaxy far, far away with incredible cross-sections, featuring 9 years' worth of new content from Star Wars™ films and TV series.With more than 60 intricate full-colour artworks and 3D maps, explore iconic locations that bring the Star Wars saga to life. This updated edition has been comprehensively revised and includes brand-new, incredible cross-sections alongside old favourites, with new entries from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Andor.Delve into over 60 immersive cross-sections of iconic Star Wars locationsAuthoritative and fully authorised: Compiled and written by Star Wars experts, who deftly reveal fascinating secrets about new and old locations from the beloved films and TV seriesIncredible new artworks: Contains exclusive new artworks, including Darth Vader’s castle, Cassian Andor’s hometown on Ferrix, and many moreA premium gift for Star Wars fans: Go deeper than ever before into the iconic locations of a galaxy far, far away – an unforgettable experience for Star Wars fans of all agesUncover the unspeakable secrets of Darth Vader’s castle. Explore the ancient Jedi ruins on Ahch-To. Discover the unmatched opulence of Canto Bight and the brutal efficiency of the Narkina 5 prison complex.Created in close collaboration with Lucasfilm, this book also contains the official map of the Star Wars galaxy, charting hundreds of planets from Ajan Kloss to Zygerria.This comprehensive book makes the perfect gift for any Star Wars fan. Readers will spend hours studying the fascinating artworks to gain new insights into iconic locations from their favourite saga.© & ™ 2025 Lucasfilm Ltd.

‘A spectacular novel, with the intrigue, action, and profound characterization we have come to expect from the pen of Luceno… It may very well be one my favorite Star Wars novels.’ – Coffee with Kenobi-----'Of power, I could tell you much. One must seize the moment, and strike.' Grand Moff Wilhuff TarkinHe's the scion of an honourable and revered family. A dedicated soldier and distinguished legislator. Loyal proponent of the Republic and trusted ally of the Jedi Order. Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly...and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion.Rule through the fear of force rather than force itself, he advises the Emperor. Under Tarkin's guidance, an ultimate weapon of unparalleled destruction moves ever closer to becoming a terrifying reality. When the so-called Death Star is completed, Tarkin is confident that the galaxy's lingering pockets of Separatist rebellion will be brought to heel - by intimidation or annihilation.Until then, insurgency remains a genuine threat. Escalating guerrilla attacks by resistance forces and new-found evidence of a growing Separatist conspiracy are an immediate danger the Empire must meet with swift and brutal action. And to bring down a band of elusive freedom fighters, the Emperor turns to his most formidable agents: Darth Vader, the fearsome new Sith enforcer as remorseless as he is mysterious, and Tarkin - whose tactical cunning and cold-blooded efficiency will pave the way for the Empire's supremacy...and its enemies' extinction.

'The best Star Wars publication to date . . . [James] Luceno takes Darth Plagueis down the dark path and never looks back.' NewsdayDarth Plagueis: one of the most brilliant Sith Lords who ever lived. Possessing power is all he desires; losing it is the only thing he fears. As an apprentice, he embraces the ruthless ways of the Sith. When the time is right, he destroys his Master-and vows never to suffer the same fate. For like no other disciple of the dark side, Darth Plagueis learns to command the ultimate power . . . over life and death.Darth Sidious: Plagueis's chosen apprentice. Under the guidance of his Master, he secretly studies the ways of the Sith while publicly rising to power in the galactic government, first as Senator, then as Chancellor, and eventually as Emperor.Darth Plagueis and Darth Sidious, Master and acolyte, target the galaxy for domination-and the Jedi Order for annihilation. But can they defy the merciless Sith tradition? Or will the desire of one to rule supreme, and the dream of the other to live forever, sow the seeds of their destruction?'Luceno draws on his storytelling skill and prodigious knowledge of the [Star Wars] world . . . to craft a complex tale of ambition and desire.' Library Journal

Anakin Skywalker – the Chosen One – is dead. In his place rises Darth Vader, who now hunts what Jedi survived the desctruction of their temple on Coruscant.From the site of Anakin Skywalker’s last stand – on the molten surface of the planet Mustafar, where he sought to destroy his friend and former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi–a fearsome specter in black has risen. Once the most powerful Knight ever known to the Jedi Order, he is now a disciple of the dark side, a lord of the dreaded Sith, and the avenging right hand of the galaxy’s ruthless new Emperor. Seduced, deranged, and destroyed by the machinations of the Dark Lord Sidious, Anakin Skywalker is dead… and Darth Vader lives.Word of the events that created him – the Jedi Council’s failed mutiny against Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, the self-crowned Emperor’s retaliatory command to exterminate the Jedi Order, and Anakin’s massacre of his comrades and Masters in the Jedi Temple – has yet to reach all quarters. On the Outer Rim world of Murkhana, Jedi Masters Roan Shryne and Bol Chatak and Padawan Olee Starstone are leading a charge on a Separatist stronghold, unaware that the tide, red with Jedi blood, has turned suddenly against them.When the three narrowly elude execution – and become the desperate prey in a hunt across space – it’s neither clone soldiers, nor the newly deployed stormtroopers, nor even the wrath of the power-hungry Emperor himself they must fear most. The deadliest threat rests in the hideously swift and lethal crimson lightsaber of Darth Vader – behind whose brooding mask lies a shattered heart, a poisoned soul, and a cunning, twisted mind hell-bent on vengeance.For the handful of scattered Jedi, survival is imperative if the light side of the Force is to be protected and the galaxy somehow, someday reclaimed. Yet more important still is the well-being of the twin infants, Leia and Luke Skywalker, the children of Anakin and his doomed bride, Padmé Amidala. Separated after Padmé’s death, they must be made safe at all costs, lest the hope they represent for the future be turned to horror by the new Sith regime–and the unspeakable power of the dark side.

The third mass market paperback original in our brand-new Star Wars spin-off series, THE NEW JEDI ORDER - which launched in hardcover in October 1999 with VECTOR PRIME. HERO'S TRIAL is the first of a two-part adventure called Agents of Chaos, featuring Han Solo and is written by the co-author of the bestselling Robotech novels. Merciless attacks by an invincible alien have left the New Republic reeling. Dozens of worlds have succumbed to occupation or annihilation, and even the Jedi Knights have tasted defeat. In these darkest of times, the noble Chewbacca is laid to rest, having died as heroically as he lived - and a grief-stricken Han Solo is left to fit the pieces of his shattered life back together before he loses everything: friends, family and faith. Refusing help from Leia or Luke, Han becomes the loner he once was, seeking to escape the pain of his partner's death in adventure and revenge.

In Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Palpatine tells Amidala that "the Chancellor has little real power . . . he is mired down by baseless accusations of corruption. A manufactured scandal surrounds him." In this prequel novel, which takes place shortly before the events of The Phantom Menace, Valorum struggles with his fall from power. As part of this struggle, he has the Jedi Council send some Jedi Knights to a political hotspot, in the hopes of solving a problem and reconsolidating his power.

A Jedi adventure that is a direct prequel to the movie, Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. A must-read for all Star Wars fans!Based on information from George Lucas and written by bestselling Star Wars author James Luceno, this book leads directly into the explosive opening scene of the new blockbuster movie.Now a full-fledged Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker sets out on his first mission with Obi-Wan Kenobi as an equal, instead of as a Padawan apprentice. As they search desperately for clues to the wherabouts of the evil Sith Lord, Darth Sidiuos, they find themselves caught in an intricately woven web of lies that leads them right into the action-packed opening sequence of the upcoming blockbuster movie, Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith!

In an exciting, action-packed adventure spanning the time from The Phantom Menace to the end of the Legacy of the Force series, Han and Leia go an adventure to search for clues to the Millennium Falcon's past...and a possible treasure!Shortly after the events of the Legacy of the Force series, Han and Leia encounter something hidden on the Millennium Falcon that dates back to the years before Han won the ship from Lando Calrissian in a game of Sabaac. In an effort to unravel the mystery, they follow the clues of the Millennium Falcon's history back to its very construction, and discover an elaborate -- and failed -- plot to overthrow the Emperor.

Explore the worlds of a galaxy far, far away with incredible cross-sections, featuring 9 years' worth of new content from Star Wars™ films and TV series.With more than 60 intricate full-colour artworks and 3D maps, explore iconic locations that bring the Star Wars saga to life. This updated edition has been comprehensively revised and includes brand-new, incredible cross-sections alongside old favourites, with new entries from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Andor.Delve into over 60 immersive cross-sections of iconic Star Wars locationsAuthoritative and fully authorised: Compiled and written by Star Wars experts, who deftly reveal fascinating secrets about new and old locations from the beloved films and TV seriesIncredible new artworks: Contains exclusive new artworks, including Darth Vader’s castle, Cassian Andor’s hometown on Ferrix, and many moreA premium gift for Star Wars fans: Go deeper than ever before into the iconic locations of a galaxy far, far away – an unforgettable experience for Star Wars fans of all agesUncover the unspeakable secrets of Darth Vader’s castle. Explore the ancient Jedi ruins on Ahch-To. Discover the unmatched opulence of Canto Bight and the brutal efficiency of the Narkina 5 prison complex.Created in close collaboration with Lucasfilm, this book also contains the official map of the Star Wars galaxy, charting hundreds of planets from Ajan Kloss to Zygerria.This comprehensive book makes the perfect gift for any Star Wars fan. Readers will spend hours studying the fascinating artworks to gain new insights into iconic locations from their favourite saga.© & ™ 2025 Lucasfilm Ltd.

For the first time in one thrilling volume, three novels–Labyrinth of Evil, Revenge of the Sith, and Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader–that follow an epic chain of events: the last days of the Republic, the creation of the Empire, and the ultimate transformation of Jedi Anakin Skywalker into the notorious Darth Vader.On the planet Neimoidia, Jedi Knights Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker seize an unexpected prize: intelligence capable of leading the Republic forces to the ever-elusive Darth Sidious, who is ruthlessly orchestrating a campaign to divide and overwhelm the Jedi forces. As combat escalates across the galaxy, and Darth Sidious remains one step ahead of his pursuers, the stage is set for an explosive endgame. Tormented by unspeakable visions, Anakin edges closer to the brink of a galaxy-shaping decision, while Darth Sidious plots to strike the final staggering blow against the Republic–and to ordain a fearsome new Sith Lord: Darth Vader.Once the most powerful Knight ever known to the Jedi Order, Anakin becomes Darth Vader, a disciple of the dark side, a lord of the dreaded Sith, and the avenging right hand of the galaxy’s ruthless new Emperor. As a few surviving Jedi lead a charge on a Separatist stronghold, the deadliest threat still rests in the swift and lethal crimson lightsaber of Darth Vader–behind whose brooding mask lies a shattered heart, a poisoned soul, and a cunning, twisted mind hell-bent on vengeance. For the handful of scattered Jedi hunted across space, survival is imperative if the light side of the Force is to be protected and the galaxy reclaimed. LABYRINTH OF EVILby James LucenoREVENGE OF THE SITHby Matthew Stover, based on the story and screenplay by George LucasDARK LORDThe Rise of Darth Vaderby James LucenoFeatures a bonus section following the novel that includes a primer on the Star Wars expanded universe, and over half a dozen excerpts from some of the most popular Star Wars books of the last thirty years!

BONUS: This edition contains an excerpt from Star Wars: Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter.A dazzling new short story featuring Darth Maul, merciless apprentice of evil . . . On the distant planet Dorvalla, precious ore is mined by two competing companies: InterGalactic Ore and Lommite Limited. Neither rival suspects that they are central to a sinister plot masterminded by Darth Sidious, Lord of the Sith, himself. Dispatched by Sidious on his very first solo mission, Darth Maul infiltrates Lommite Limited. There, his unique gifts of deception and subterfuge will set off an explosive chain of events that could destroy both companies, leaving them ripe for takeover by the Trade Federation. But a vengeful Lommite Limited Manager with his own thirst for retaliation against InterGal could blow Maul''s cover--and all of Sidious''s fiendishly layed plans . . .

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Lauded Star Wars author James Luceno returns to pen an intense tale of ambition and betrayal that sets the stage for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.  War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top-secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before the Republic’s enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key. Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen; his wife, Lyra; and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves—and the entire galaxy.

Witness the rise of the Empire with these two thrilling Star Wars novels—plus exclusive short stories by Melissa Scott, John Jackson Miller, and Jason Fry! TARKIN “Compelling . . . The villains of Star Wars are as much fun as the good guys.”—New York Daily News Under Governor Wilhuff Tarkin’s guidance, an ultimate weapon of unparalleled destruction—the so-called Death Star—moves ever closer to becoming a terrifying reality. Until then, insurgency remains a genuine threat. Guerrilla attacks by an elusive band of freedom fighters must be countered with swift and brutal action—a mission the Emperor entrusts to his most formidable agents: Darth Vader, the fearsome new Sith enforcer, and Tarkin, whose tactical cunning and cold-blooded efficiency will pave the way for the Empire’s supremacy—and its enemies’ extinction.   A NEW DAWN Foreword by Dave Filoni   “A story with pacing and dialogue that feels like classic Star Wars.”—Nerdist   Ever since the Jedi were marked for death, Kanan Jarrus has devoted himself to staying alive rather than serving the Force. So when he discovers a conflict brewing between Imperial forces and desperate revolutionaries, he’s not about to get caught in the crossfire. Then the brutal death of a friend forces him to choose between bowing down to fear or standing up to fight. But Jarrus won’t be fighting alone. Soon he is joined by Hera Syndulla—a mysterious agent provocateur with motives of her own—in challenging the Empire for the sake of a world and its people.From the Trade Paperback edition.

Lauded Star Wars author James Luceno returns to pen an intense tale of ambition and betrayal that sets the stage for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.  War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key. Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.From the Hardcover edition.

In an exciting, action-packed adventure spanning the time from The Phantom Menace to the end of the Legacy of the Force series, Han and Leia go an adventure to search for clues to the Millennium Falcon's past...and a possible treasure!Shortly after the events of the Legacy of the Force series, Han and Leia encounter something hidden on the Millennium Falcon that dates back to the years before Han won the ship from Lando Calrissian in a game of Sabaac. In an effort to unravel the mystery, they follow the clues of the Millennium Falcon's history back to its very construction, and discover an elaborate -- and failed -- plot to overthrow the Emperor.

The third mass market paperback original in our brand-new Star Wars spin-off series, THE NEW JEDI ORDER - which launched in hardcover in October 1999 with VECTOR PRIME. HERO'S TRIAL is the first of a two-part adventure called Agents of Chaos, featuring Han Solo and is written by the co-author of the bestselling Robotech novels. Merciless attacks by an invincible alien have left the New Republic reeling. Dozens of worlds have succumbed to occupation or annihilation, and even the Jedi Knights have tasted defeat. In these darkest of times, the noble Chewbacca is laid to rest, having died as heroically as he lived - and a grief-stricken Han Solo is left to fit the pieces of his shattered life back together before he loses everything: friends, family and faith. Refusing help from Leia or Luke, Han becomes the loner he once was, seeking to escape the pain of his partner's death in adventure and revenge.

A string of smashing victories by the forces of the sinister aliens known as the Yuuzhan Vong has left New Republic resources and morale stretched to the breaking point. Leia Organa Solo, estranged from her husband, Han, oversees the evacuation of refugees on planets in the path of the merciless invaders. Luke Skywalker struggles to hold the fractious Jedi Knights together, even while one of them undertakes a bold but reckless undercover mission. Manipulating their alliance with the amoral Hutts, the Yuuzhan Vong leave a cunning trail of vital information where New Republic agents are sure to find it-information the desperate defenders cannot afford to ignore: the location of the aliens' next target.Then Han Solo stumbles into the dark heart of a raging battle, thus beginning a furious race against time that will require every skill and trick in his arsenal towin