Book Review: Star Wars Darth Bane: Path Of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn
Synopsis
This novel brings us the story set a thousand years before the fall of the Republic. In that there were as many Sith's as there were Jedi's. And they were in constant war with each other. Until one Sith Lord created the Brotherhood of Darkness. In hopes of finally defeating the Jedi Knights and the Republic.
The story introduces us to a man named Dessel. Who works at Apatros Mines, hoping to finally pay off his fathers and his debts. When he kills the soldier of the Republic after a card game, he's forced to flee. His only option is the army of Brotherhood of Darkness.
He quickly rises through the ranks. But after one insubordination he's arrested and brought to the Sith Lord. Sensing that the Dark Side is strong with him. Sith Lord sends him to Sith Academy on Korriban.
My Review
Before we begin I have to tell you that this novel was published almost 14 years ago. In that time it was considered canon. But since Disney acquired the franchise it fall to Legends category. This novel is the first one in the trilogy of Darth Bane.
In this novel Drew Karpyshyn brings us the story we yearned for. It is the story about a villain of epic proportions. Darth Bane is one of the defining members of the Siths.
"All soldiers felt the same thing going into the battle, whether they admit it or not, fear. Fear of failure, fear of dying, fear of watching their friends die, fear of being wounded and living out the rest of their days crippled or maimed. The fear was always there, and it would devour you if you let it."
— Path of DestructionThis book is of slower pace. The author leads us into the story slowly. He reveals us the Sith world layer by layer. And that was the correct decision. If it was faster, we would have lost all those important information that are necessary for this universe. Because the author masterfully builds on the world created by George Lucas.
In this book we follow the main character through his harshest years. From his humble beginnings as a miner. Where he's basically a slave. Without hope of better existence or a brighter future. To his grueling education and training on Korriban.
The power of the dark side. The heat of passion and emotion. I can feel it in you, as well. Burning beneath the surface. Burning like your anger. It makes you strong
— Path of DestructionThis first novel is an excellent foundation for the entire trilogy. The author describes and exemplifies the world of the Sith in a virtuous way. His depiction of the Sith Lords is something fans of Star Wars have been waiting for years.
He shows us all the inner workings and petty bickering of the Sith. Nothing is left to our imagination. The author did a great job painting us the picture of universe we weren't privy to before.
Equality is a myth to protect the weak. Some of us are strong in the Force, others are not. Only a fool believes otherwise.
— Path of DestructionI love how deeply philosophical this book actually is. It introduces us to the core philosophy of the Siths. And, let me tell you, Drew Karpyshyn knocked it out of the park in delivering that philosophy to us. And what's best, he did it in a way it's easy to understand.
In this novel we see how Bane came to embody that philosophy. More and more he yearns to unlocking every aspect of it. He s thirsty for all that knowledge. Ironically, that's what fueled his disgust for Brotherhood of Darkness.
The dark side is emotion, Bane. Anger, hate, love, lust. These are what make us strong, Peace is a lie. There is only passion. Your passion is still there, Bane. Seek it out. Reclaim it.
— Path of DestructionIt's important to understand that Bane doesn't see himself as evil. Rather than that, he sees the universe as evil. Throughout a book he is honest with his feelings. Whatever they may be. And finally he stays true to them and himself.
Honor is a fool's prize. Glory is of no use to the dead.
— Path to DestructionBane in itself is a man created by a cruel world/universe. It's not a defense, but rather a statement. He was born in a cruel and harsh universe. All he had left is to seek power. So, he can finally know peace.
After all the knowledge he accumulated, Bane has come to the only one possible solution. He doesn't even stops to think is he right? He is that sure of his conviction. At the end his will to destroy the Brotherhood of Darkness is on par with some of the Jedi's.
Any Master who instructs more than one apprentice in the ways of the dark side is a fool.
— Path of Destruction
This book is fantastic piece of art. But t is also a social commentary on a our world itself. That's what should be the main point of any good science fiction. Be that a book, movie or tv show.
If you are a fan of Star Wars or space operas, this book is a must read. But I recommend this novel to everyone, not just the fans. I think everyone will find something that will appeal him in this book. Rare are the books that can achieve that. This one does that in a glorious way.
© 2020 LJ Milan