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Dark Disciple: Star Wars  By  cover art

Dark Disciple: Star Wars

By: Christie Golden, Katie Lucas - foreword
Narrated by: Marc Thompson
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Publisher's summary

Based on unproduced episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, this new novel features Asajj Ventress, former Sith apprentice turned bounty hunter and one of the great antiheroes in Star Wars history.

The only way to bring down the Sith's most dangerous warrior may be to join forces with the dark side.

In the war for control of the galaxy between the armies of the dark side and the Republic, former Jedi Master turned ruthless Sith Lord Count Dooku has grown ever more brutal in his tactics. Despite the powers of the Jedi and the military prowess of their clone army, the sheer number of fatalities is taking a terrible toll. And when Dooku orders the massacre of a flotilla of helpless refugees, the Jedi Council feels it has no choice but to take drastic action: targeting the man responsible for so many war atrocities, Count Dooku himself.

But the ever-elusive Dooku is dangerous prey for even the most skilled hunter. So the Council makes the bold decision to bring both sides of the Force's power to bear - pairing brash Jedi Knight Quinlan Vos with infamous one-time Sith acolyte Asajj Ventress. Though Jedi distrust for the cunning killer who once served at Dooku's side still runs deep, Ventress' hatred for her former master runs deeper. She's more than willing to lend her copious talents as a bounty hunter - and assassin - to Vos' quest.

Together, Ventress and Vos are the best hope for eliminating Dooku - as long as the emerging feelings between them don't compromise their mission. But Ventress is determined to have her retribution and at last let go of her dark Sith past. Balancing the complicated emotions she feels for Vos with the fury of her warrior's spirit, she resolves to claim victory on all fronts - a vow that will be mercilessly tested by her deadly enemy... and her own doubt.

Praise for Dark Disciple:

“Reading Dark Disciple really feels like you’re watching some of the best episodes of The Clone Wars.” (EUCantina)

“Emotionally charged.... Christie Golden does a wonderful job of capturing the characters.” (Roqoo Depot)

“A cool inclusion into the Star Wars mythos.... Ventress and Vos have a cool and compelling dynamic, and are used to explore more of what it means to flirt with the Dark Side of the Force.” (IGN)

“[The Clone Wars have been] a huge part of the Star Wars brand for years, and [Christie] Golden manages to craft a story worthy of the themes and characters that fans have come to relate to.... [She] uses this opportunity to craft Dark Disciple into a spy/espionage thriller.” (Tech Times)

“Golden especially excelled at bringing Ventress’s biting but appealing personality to life.... She’s very much a woman trying to find her way, and Dark Disciple adds nuance.” (Nerdist)

©2015 Christie Golden (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Smart, captivating, and unforgettable...among the finest in Star Wars storytelling.” (Coffee with Kenobi)

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What listeners say about Dark Disciple: Star Wars

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The Clone Wars Continues

Fans of The Clone Wars, rejoice! 8 more undeveloped episode scripts from Katie Lucas have been masterfully transformed into a novel that unleashed the full storytelling potential of the series. May it not be the last such story treatments we get. Some loose ends continue to be explored in Rebels, but for the rest, novels like this are the answer. This one proves it. I had heard some questions going in as to whether or not Christie Golden was the right choice for the job. Yes. Yes she is.

Those who are familiar with the Dark Horse Comics that introduced Quinlan Vos will be pleased to see character themes that made him a favorite are explored here. Putting Vos in an unlikely alliance with Asajj Ventress turns out to be a natural choice, and the result is not only a successfully told romance, it also ends up being an powerful exploration of the Dark Side of the Force and the concept of redemption.

Set in the time period where the events of Revenge of the Sith loom large, the Jedi have seen just how far they've fallen from their roles as guardians of the peace. To end the Clone Wars, they ponder the unthinkable: assassinate Count Dooku, and the war will end. I know what you're thinking, that we already know when and where Dooku is killed. So what can this story possibly do to give us suspense? The Clone Wars has always ratcheted up the drama by pushing non-cinematic characters into the spotlight. The team-up of one Jedi who flirts with the Dark Side and one former Sith apprentice who has already been burned by it proves to be a most worthy focus. In an era where the Light is being consumed more and more rapidly, these characters -- whose final fates are unrecorded in the new canon -- take the stage, playing off Dooku, the Jedi Council, and each other.

Veteran Star Wars narrator Marc Thompson is always a superb choice. His interpretations of character voices is close enough without being mimicry to evoke the personas we know so well. I was especially impressed with his Count Dooku. Given the recent passing of Sir Christopher Lee, of whom I am a huge admirer, I can't help but express bittersweet joy at the treatment of the character, both in performance and in narration, for we're treated to a story that really pushes Count Dooku's character in a way that matters. Likewise, returning to the Clone Wars era as it comes closer to its inevitable outcome becomes equally bittersweet. All in all, it's the right story at the right time with the right talent behind it. Toss in some John Williams theme music and familiar sound effects... it's another homerun for the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

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42 people found this helpful

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Indescribable

I have never read a more amazing and beautiful story. I was pulled in right from the begining. In the end I cried from being sad then cried happily for Quin. I felf totally connected to his struggle throughout the book. I beg anyone who likes Star wars to read / listen to this book. It truly is incredible .

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Top notch production and great story

Voices by Marc Thompson fit perfectly along with score and other sound effects.
I haven't watched any Star Wars -Clone Wars episodes but after this book I plan on getting into them.
Characters Vos and Ventress are very interesting and their romance and flirtation with the darkside had me spellbound.
One of the best Star Wars audible books I have listened to.

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Awesome

I've read dozens of books seen the movies watched the clone wars and this is actually the best story there is. I was surprised too because I was never a Vos fan but I am now. (Always liked Ventress) The Bane trilogy is my favorite but this is the most well put together story. It has much more substance that you don't usually find in the Star Wars Saga. Must have, read, listen to!

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Loved it

Great listen!! Really enjoyed all the characters and the twist and turns great story. Pulls at the heart strings but also very action packed

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Great novel would have been even greater episode

Overall I love the novel, and knowing that if the clone wars we're not canceled, this would have been some of the greatest episodes ever made.


I rated this five stars overall because seeing the TV series, I could have imagined how the story would have gone and it would have been some of the greatest episodes ever made

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A strong start, betrayed by an amateur finish

The first half builds with a strong, purposeful progression, teasing you that something great is coming.

Then it all falls apart. Characters make stupid decisions endlessly, just to contrive complication and a second half that did not need to exist.

The performance, however, is magnificent. Voices for Ventress, Obi-wan, Dooku, Yoda, and Mace Windu are uncannily accurate.

Thompson continues his winning streak of amazing storytelling, even when the story he's telling falls on its face.

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Stupid stupid stupid revenge of the emo preteens

The first half of the novel was very good it was full of action and character development. The second half however was like listening to a pair of emo preteens make every mind numbingly morose mistake they could. It was as if the story forgot they were Jedi with any shred of reason and turned them into children on sever medication. At any point the story could have righted itself if the characters simply acted like adults and talked to one another. Rather, they acted like middle schoolers fumbling around with common sense.
The production was great I love the voice work save for Mace Windu that was pretty bad.
I normally love this author and have many of her novels. I wish I could just put it on that she was handed a script and told to follow it, but the quality of writing dropped off the second half of the book and it was painful to read
This book had a bad story for even a cartoon it ruined great characters for no reason
May the force have mercy on your soul if you get this

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Voice performance issues

Overall this is fair story. I was disappointed in how Ventress's story line ended.

Marc Thompson has done a fabulous job in the past with his narration. But his Mace Windu sounds too much like his Lando. They did not speak anything alike. Whenever I heard Mace in this I thought of Lando.

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One Hell of a Book, Does Asajj Ventress Justice

Wow, what a ride. What a wonderfully, complex individual Asajj Ventress turns out to be. Despite the difficulties she's experienced, she remains a Force to be dealt with and an honorable, multi-faceted woman. With the Jedi Council making an ill fated decision, it encompasses Ventress and a sunny Jedi named Quinlon Cos with possibilities, neither could imagine. They are well suited, his open honesty contrasting with her guarded nature. A wonderful love story with tragic consequences. Possesed of the rare gift of balance of the Force, able to use both sides without turning back into a Sith, Ventress finds redemption in Vos, while he falls to the Dark side. Christie Golden has crafted a thrilling adventure, touching love story and a cautionary tale of war's consequences on good people. One of the finest Star Wars books I've ever read, I took my time to savor all the juicy details. I loved the story of the Nightsisters and the lesson for the Jedi to remain true to their ideals, less they go down the path of darkness. I'd really hoped they could've had a happy ending. Bittersweet and beautiful. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audio book. Marc Thompson did an outstanding job as usual in bringing these characters to life.

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