A Reader's Guide to Books and Reviews

Title: Be More Vader: Assertive Thinking from the Dark Side
(Star Wars)

Author: Christian Blauvelt

Genre: Humor, Science Fiction, Space Opera, Media Tie-In, Star Wars, Self Help, Business, Philosophy, Nonfiction

Status: Finished

Rating: 5/5

Sypnosis: Move from apprentice to master with assertiveness advice from the Star Wars(TM) galaxy's most powerful leaders, including Darth Vader, Palpatine, and Supreme Leader Snoke.

Negotiating the workplace can be an impossible task, especially if that workplace is a towering, all-powerful force intent on taking over the galaxy. Whether your day-to-day work involves developing plans to build the Death Star, building a rebellion, or simply trying to make the printer work, the leaders of the Star Wars universe offer essential guidance on how to assertively deal with common professional pitfalls.

Find out how to get a promotion, beat the competition, manage difficult employees, and move from intern to CEO with top tips from Star Wars: Be More Vader and the most powerful villains in the Star Wars movies.

The perfect gift for colleagues and friends alike, Star Wars: Be More Vader is a tongue-in-cheek guide on how to advance your career, featuring favourite moments from the Star Wars series alongside hilarious advice and iconic, inspirational Star Wars quotes.

(c) & TM 2018 LUCASFILM LTD. Used Under Authorization.

Review: Ever wanted to learn how to rise in the ranks? From being Apprentice to Master and having the assertiveness of making sure that not only the fleet you control but the entire universe tremble at the very mention of your name?

Then this is the book for you! Learn firsthand what it takes to make it the Sith world and be able to have confidence in your commitment to your job. The information can be very handy and help you not only with your job but also in the real world.

Yes, I mean the real world. You could actually take this information and apply it to your life and you may gain the success that Vader made in rising through the ranks.

This really was a fun read with images from the movie alongside inspiring quotes and strong advice. Seriously, read this. You won't regret it.

Title: Darth Vader (2017-) #16 (Darth Vader (2017-) (Single Issues) #16)
Author: Charles Soule, Giuseppe Camuncoli (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.9/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: May 13, 2018
Book Summary: Vader and his Inquisitors lead an elite squad of clone troopers to flush out the Jedi traitor beneath the waters of Mon Cala…and the oceans will burn with their fury.
Book Review: There are some really good series out there in the comicverse and then there are some really great series like this one that continues to give the readers exactly what they want.

Although the Jedi haven't had a real big front seat in this series during Vader's extermination of them, this one becomes a bit of a game changer in that. Here we find the Jedi taking center stage during a rough time on a planet that has gone to war against the Empire. Much like the occupants of this planet, the Jedi are doing everything to avoid being exterminated even going as far as to go underground to hide.

But when the Empire is determined to find you and eliminate you, then it becomes only a matter of time before you forced to face off against a former Jedi-turned-Sith Lord.

As for Vader himself, he is much more brutal in this issue as he hunts for his intended prey and when he finds them, he uses the force to take them out. He doesn't even have to move from the protective shell that keeps him from drowning to do damage. Yet as he is hunting down the main Jedi to take him out, he is requested by Tarkin to do something else. Of course Vader is Vader and he hates taking orders from someone else but yet he agrees and sets his Inquistors out to capture the main Jedi while he heads out to get the King of the Mon Cala.

I like Tarkin's character in these fellow issues. It is great seeing him more in a bit of a bigger role than what we are normally used to with the movies. His appearances may be here and there but it gives us a more interesting look at his character. We have seen him hold counsel with his officers and take in advice from them. He seems to treat them a bit of an equal but there doesn't seem to be any lost for Vader. There relationship is cordial at best and although Vader hates to be ordered by him, he does do what he asks. So this our first glimpse of their working relationship.

This series continues to show us Vader as he grows not only in his role as a Sith Lord but what he is actually capable of. He has sense shook off the last remaining bits of his humanity and has become exactly what Palpatine has wanted.

I love this series. The storylines are never boring and Vader continues to entertain. Maybe I am a bit biased as Vader has always been my favorite villain but I have yet to come across an issue that I haven't liked. I am really looking forward to further issues of this series.

Title: Darth Vader (2017-) #8 (Darth Vader (2017-) #8)
Author: Charles Soule, Giuseppe Camuncoli (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.9/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: November 21, 2017 to November 22, 2017
Book Summary: LEGACY'S END CONTINUES! Vader and the Inquisitorius set their sights on one of the most dangerous Jedi remaining alive...and it's not who you'd expect.
Book Review: Real Rating: 4.9

This issue opens up with Vader choking one of the Imperial officers in front of the Emperor. Exactly what the officer has done to warrant such a punishment is never really told but whatever it was, it must have been severe enough to be brought before the Emperor and Vader. The Emperor, on the other hand, decides that enough punishment has been dealt and forces Vader to halt the force-choke. This does not seem to forbode well for Vader that he causes his anger to rise. This leads us to know that this restaint placed by the Emperor does not last forever because there are two other Imperial Officers that end up on the far end of Vader's rage later on and even they are not as lucky as this Colonel.

As for the Jedi Master Archivist Jocasta Nu, she arrives on Coruscant for a way into the Jedi Temple. When she finally manages to find a way in, she is angered when she sees the Grand Inquistor leisurely leaning back in his seat perusing the books at his disposal. Of course, this angers Jocasta Nu but she cannot engage with him just yet. She has a mission that needs to be completed and only once it is done, then will she be able to remove the scum from the library. As she moves deeper into the library and into an area where a droid keeper awaits her, she lifts up a mysterious disk to show she has come to use it (?).

A mysterious wreckage has been found by members of the Imperial guards. A piece from the wreckage appears to show a Jedi symbol. Of course, this piece is what brings Vader from his meditation and to where the Imperial Investigator is, whom appears to be not happy whatsoever by his presence. In fact, he tells Vader that he is "only there as an observer" and nothing more. This only causes Vader to become angry and reply, "No you are."

The important disk shows where every force-sensitive child is located. She knows that if the Sith were to get ahold of it, then any chance of defeating them would be for naught. Since it seems to be not discovered at this moment, then it would appear safe for the time being. Once it is safe, she decides now is the time to engage the Grand Inquistor in the library.

Have I mention how much I love this series? No, then know I do. This has been a great series giving us look into what Vader was doing between Episodes 3 and 4 and during Rebel.

In this issue, there is a lesson Vader is learn. He should have some restaint in his rage but we know that even with the Emperor's leash upon it, there will be times that hold will be loosened to the point that Vader's rage will go unrestraint. Unfortunately there will be people who will feel this rage to come. So far we know of only two to three people who have come across it but I am certain as we go into this series, there will be more to come.

As for Jocasta Nu, I am curious as to how to she has managed to remain under the radar after all this time. I would have suspected she would have been the first to be found especially since she has knowledge of the Orders' ongoings. Apparently this has not been the case. Now what lies in her fate remains to be seen until the next issues to come. Still I would love to know what she has been doing prior to this.

I am looking forward to seeing the issue what is to come.

Title: Darth Vader (2017-) #6 (Darth Vader (2017-) #6)
Author: Charles Soule, Giuseppe Camuncoli (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.95/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: October 13, 2017
Book Summary: Darth Vader…meet THE INQUISITORIUS!
Book Review: Real Rating: 4.95

This issue pretty much picks up where the last issue left off. Vader has gotten the kyber crystal and corrupted it to make his own Sith lightsaber. Currently he is recuperating in his healing tank while Palpatine stands outside admiring the new lightsaber that he has created. Of course, Vader is less than pleased by this and even more when Palpatine suggests that he send Vader's suit to be repaired.

The issue changes to an intruder in the Jedi Temple's library. Palpatine lets Vader know of this and sends him out to deal with it. At first, the intruder believes himself to be alone with all these books until he finds himself face-to-face with a lightsaber wielding Vader. Sabers clash against each other as the two begin a fight. Of course, the intruder believes himself to have the upperhand until Vader proves himself to be more powerful than the intruder. Just before the two decide to kill each other, Palpatine appears to halt the fighting and introduces Vader to the new Grand Inquistor.

This issue was pretty interesting as it sets up the storyline for the Rebel series. Here Vader meets Palpatine's group of Grand Inquistors. He has already had a taste of a fight with one of them and the rest will simply be waiting in the wings for their turns. If you have already seen the Rebel series, then you know what has happened to most of them but this is the story we haven't seen as the series focuses on a group of rebels but here, here we get to see the interaction between Vader and the Inquistors. Here we will see how he will be interacting with him and his very thoughts on Palpatine bringing them in. Plus we will also get to his part in all of this inbetween.

Vader has always been a fascinating and complex character. This will only prove to add to this complexity of what even more to what is Darth Vader. Since we never see him really in the series itself (only bits and pieces and only as a plot turning device). Here we will get to see more of Vader during this time and exactly what he does inbetween. I am hoping to see the issues where he was added to the series.

I am really excited to see how this series continues to pan out.

Title: Darth Vader (2017-) #2 (Darth Vader (2017-) #2)
Author: Charles Soule, Giuseppe Camuncoli (Illustrator), Jim Cheung (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.5/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: June 22, 2017 to June 24, 2017
Book Summary: Join Vader as he learns a new way — the way of Darth Sidious and his newly formed Empire…the way of the dark side.
Book Review: Real Rating: 4.5

The events of this new series take place shortly after the ending of Revenge of the Sith.

In this issue, Vader's ship was stolen by thieves and Palpatine has ordered him to go retrieve it. Vader finds the thieves and proceeds to annihilate them.

The scene changes to Mid-Rim Jedi Outpost where Clonetroops are messing around with lightsabers as they are processing inventory at the Outpost. They are conversing about how they won't be the ones protecting and annihilating any new threats that may come to the Empire. It is then one of them announces the incoming of a ship.

It is Vader and he is contacted by the Clones, announcing not to come any closer but Vader ignores this and destroys them. The ones at the base are watching in horror and wonder if not all of the Jedi have been destroyed. As Vader's ship docks, one of them believes that if they have the ability to protect the Outpost, then maybe the Emperor would promote them to the red uniforms that would allow them to stand beside him.

As Vader appears, the Clones engage him until Vader force calls a nearby lightsaber to his hand. It is at this moment, the Clones believe that not all Jedi were destroyed. Unfortunately the Clones don't stand a chance against Vader and are destroyed by him.

Vader walks over to the computer and asks his droid if the computer contains any archive of the Jedi. The Droid tells Vader that yes and Vader asks it Barash Vow before the purge. The Droid questions this and Vader tells him to do as he commands. The Droid returns that an answer would help him in requiring the needed information. Vader explains that he has been tasked with finding a Jedi and taking his Kyber Crystal from him.

It is at this time an explosion device is tossed toward the unaware Vader and two Clones appear, demanding that he surrender to them. Unfortunately for them, Vader doesn't obey their orders and takes them out before heading out to his ship.

I won't spoil the rest but I must admit this comic is really interesting and the art is great. I love the idea of knowing how Vader obtains his Kyber Crystal as well as learning what he has been doing between Episodes 3 and 4.

Vader is an interesting character and we know very little of what he was up to before we see him in Episode 4. I am hoping this establish even into the Rogue One storyline and that we learn a little bit more of his time during that stage and what his thoughts are before his arrival on Leia's ship.

Overall, this comic is a great introduction into Vader's life shortly after his "rebirth" as a Sith Lord. If you have not seen Episodes 1 - 3, this comic may contain spoilers for those movies but it may be little depending on if Vader does any sort of reminiscing of his past, which in all honesty, I don't see him doing as it really sort of goes against his character at this point.

The action is pretty good and you will get a chance to see how powerful Vader can and will be as we get closer to his arrival in Rogue One and Episode 4.

Title: The Perfect Weapon (Star Wars (canon))
Author: Delilah S. Dawson
Format: Epub
Rating: 3.5/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: April 29, 2017 to April 30, 2017
Book Summary: Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens with this exclusive ebook short story set shortly before the events of the film, featuring a quick-witted mercenary who takes big risks for bigger rewards—and now faces the challenge that will take her to the edge.

There are plenty of mercenaries, spies, and guns for hire in the galaxy. But probably none as dangerous and determined as Bazine Netal. A master of disguise—and lethal with a blade, a blaster, or bare handed—she learned from the best. Now it’s her turn to be the teacher—even if schooling an eager but inexperienced recruit in the tricks of her trade is the last thing she wants to do. But it’s the only way to score the ship she needs to pull off her latest job.

An anonymous client has hired Bazine to track down an ex-stormtrooper and recover the mysterious package he’s safeguarding. Payment for the mission promises to be astronomical, but the obstacles facing Bazine will prove to be formidable. And though her eager new sidekick has cyber skills crucial to the mission, only Bazine’s razor-sharp talents will mean the difference between success or failure—and life or death
Book Review: Real Rating: 3.5

This book follows the bounty hunter Bazine a.k.a. The Perfect Weapon. From childhood, she was trained to be the perfect foe...the perfect assassin. She is one not be trifled with and those who have, well, they have met their demise at her hands.

Our story opens on a cantina, Bazine is there to meet a mysterious client. After ridding herself of a few "admirers", she let up to a room where she is given a task to find a metal case. She takes the case and is saddled with a slicer named Orri Tenro on a ship called the Sparrowhawk. They head toward the planet of Vashk in search of this case.

My opinion on this:

Okay, I get it. She is a beautiful woman. She wears black. I got that several times already. You do not need to continously put this out there. We get it. We get it. Just please stop.

The thing I would have liked to know is her backstory. Her complete backstory. There are no mentions of her parents or even how she really ended up being with her mentor and turned into this assassin. This is pretty much something I would have loved to have gotten the story on. This book gave nothing of importance to her character.

This book was short and I suppose it was meant to be that way. I had high hopes that this book would reveal more but I found myself disappointed. I vould not even connect with Bazine in any way and I wish I could have. She has so much potential rather than being just in one scene of The Force Awakens. Maybe we might get something more and I will hang onto that hope.

Title: Darth Vader, Vol 3: The Shu-Torun War (Star Wars Disney Canon Graphic Novel Darth Vader #3)
Author: Kieron Gillen, Salvador Larroca (Illustrations), Leinil Francis Yu (Illustrator), Kaare Andrews (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.5/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: April 18, 2017
Book Summary: The Dark Lord of the Sith's unstoppable march continues! The natives of Shu-Torun are revolting, and there's no way the Empire will stand for that. When Darth Vader is tasked with leading a military assault against the planet, could it be that his rise to glory has begun? But who will follow Vader into war? Would you? Then again, it's better to fight alongside Vader than against him. That's a lesson that the ore barons are about to learn. Collecting DARTH VADER #16-19 and ANNUAL #1.
Book Review: Real Rating: 4.5

Whatever you do never ask Vader to dance.

This comic series is set between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. In this set, Vader has been tasked to bring down a rebellion in Shu-Torun. He has made Trios queen. For now, Vader will have to put aside his need to find the young Skywalker and focus the task at hand. With the twins and the evil counterparts to C-3PO and R2D2 in tow, Vader must prove himself to the Emperor but it won't be easy as espionage and double-crossing are added into the mix!

Although I have loved this series, I felt this series did little to push forth. I suppose with the writers having to insure that it stays in-canon, you really don't have much to do with Vader except send him out to squash a rebellion, install a queen, and search for Aphra, who is currently MIA. Still Vader continues to remain one of the most badass villains to ever grace the screen and comic book pages. I have relatively enjoyed this series and though I am not a fan of this one, I remain loyal to his series.

Title: Lords of the Sith (Star Wars books (canon))
Author: Paul S. Kemp
Format: Epub
Rating: 4.5/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: January 01 to 04, 2016
Book Summary: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . .

When the Emperor and his notorious apprentice, Darth Vader, find themselves stranded in the middle of insurgent action on an inhospitable planet, they must rely on each other, the Force, and their own ruthlessness to prevail.

“It appears things are as you suspected, Lord Vader. We are indeed hunted.”

Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight, is just a memory. Darth Vader, newly anointed Sith Lord, is ascendant. The Emperor’s chosen apprentice has swiftly proven his loyalty to the dark side. Still, the history of the Sith Order is one of duplicity, betrayal, and acolytes violently usurping their Masters—and the truest measure of Vader’s allegiance has yet to be taken. Until now.

On Ryloth, a planet crucial to the growing Empire as a source of slave labor and the narcotic known as “spice,” an aggressive resistance movement has arisen, led by Cham Syndulla, an idealistic freedom fighter, and Isval, a vengeful former slave. But Emperor Palpatine means to control the embattled world and its precious resources—by political power or firepower—and he will be neither intimidated nor denied. Accompanied by his merciless disciple, Darth Vader, he sets out on a rare personal mission to ensure his will is done.

For Syndulla and Isval, it’s the opportunity to strike at the very heart of the ruthless dictatorship sweeping the galaxy. And for the Emperor and Darth Vader, Ryloth becomes more than just a matter of putting down an insurrection: When an ambush sends them crashing to the planet’s surface, where inhospitable terrain and an army of resistance fighters await them, they will find their relationship tested as never before. With only their lightsabers, the dark side of the Force, and each other to depend on, the two Sith must decide if the brutal bond they share will make them victorious allies or lethal adversaries.
Book Review: Real Rating: 4.5

As a kid, I grew up on both Star Wars and Star Trek but Star Wars was always my favorite. I was always happy whenever it came on television and even more thrilled with both the original versions and special editions were released to VHS.

Darth Vader was a favorite of mine. I think he was always one of the most misunderstood villains out there. Misguided by the emperor who, I felt, needed more of a guard dog to keep his throne and a character drawn to the seductive whims of the darker side of human nature. At the time, we really had no idea the extension of what his past was like and although not everyone has been thrilled with the prequels, it was enough to give us some insight into Vader and what changed his life to this point.

Now five years after the prequels canon timeline, we find out what Vader has been up to. He is one of the second most feared Sith Lords to exist.

Twi’leks rebels led by Cham Syndulla are trying to keep planets like Ryloth out of the hands of the Empire's encroaching shadow and the only way to do so is set a daring plan into motion - kill both the Emperor Palpatine and his loyal Sith Lord, Darth Vader. With the rebels failure imminent, what price will they have to pay once Vader finds them?

I was truly impressed with the Paul Kemp's portrayal of Vader's character and the way he got into his head giving us glimpses into the powerful mind of the Sith Lord. It also examined the relationship between Palpatine and Vader. Vader is loyal to his emperor, always willing to do whatever it is his friend and mentor orders but there are moments here and there where Vader finds himself struggling against brief flashes of the past. A past that still shapes him in some way or another.

This has been the first book where the villains take center stage and the heroes are mostly in the background trying desperately to keep their plans and hopes afloat even knowing time is not on their side.

If you are a big fan of Vader, then I recommend this book. even if you are not but a fan of the star Wars universe, then definitely give this book a chance. You might find yourself unable to put this book down until you have devoured every page is finished.

Title: So You Want to Be a Jedi? (Star Wars Illustrated Novels #2)
Author: Adam Gidwitz, Iain Mccaig (Illustrator)
Format: Epub
Rating: 2.5/5
Status: Finished
Reading Date: December 27 to 30, 2015
Book Summary: o you want to be a Jedi?

It seems cool. You can move things with your mind. Control people with your thoughts. Oh, and the lightsabers. Yeah, those are awesome. But it's not all mind control and weaponized flashlights. Being a Jedi is hard work. Also, there are bad guys. Lots of bad guys. Who want to kill you.

Do you still want to be a Jedi?

Well, this book tells the tale of one of the greatest Jedi ever. It's also a retelling of the classic film The Empire Strikes Back. But it is more than that. It also teaches you how to become a Jedi. Maybe you don't need to learn how to levitate or sense your surroundings blindfolded. And maybe you don't want to hear a story about lightsabers and murderous snow creatures and spaceships. But maybe you do want to hear such a story. And maybe, just maybe, you do want to learn how to be a Jedi. Well, in that case, this is the book for you. The choice, my young friend, is in your hands. Literally.
Book Review: Real rating: 2.5/5

I have never been found of the whole "second person point of view" and then change to "third person point of view". Seriously please pick one and be done with it. I had seen enough of these type of books during my childhood in those "pick your own adventure" series. I even thought "Okay, so we are going this way too?" Fortunately we did not and I was able to relax a bit.

You are Luke Skywalker and you want to be a Jedi. The narrative in some parts gives you a bit of advice on how to handle yourself on how to act like a Jedi. And of course, there are no "mushy scenes" because you know boys are probably going to read these books and they don't want that seen in there.

So far this was one book I cared little for. I had to put it down for a bit and do things before I tackled this book again. Fortunately I was able to finish it and prepare myself for the next book in this trilogy.

As for this one, I leave the decision up to those who wish to read it and form their own opinion upon the book themselves. As for me, this one will remain on my shelf and perhaps collect dust until my nephew is a bit old enough to try other books to read.