Path of Destruction (Star Wars: Darth Bane, Book 1)

I've only read 6 of the expanded universe novels, the Thrawn trilogy and now the Darth Bane trilogy. I started with the Thrawn series as it seemed to come the most highly recommended of all the star wars novels. I read the trilogy, and was sorely disappointed. The story was grand and epic, and the entire universe is at stake again, but the characters were boring and flat. The characters from the movies like Luke, Han, Lei, etc, were just shadows of the movies, with no new character development, often repeating their iconic lines from the movies with sort of a wink and a nod to the reader. A lot of the plot devices from the Thrawn trilogy were cheap and lazy. The only remotely interesting character was Mara Jade, and she was poorly executed most of the time. I thought to myself, if this is the best the best of the star wars books, then we are in trouble. I searched out a different story, hoping it would redeem the poor effort of the Thrawn series, and I decided to give the first novel of the Darth Bane series a shot. I always though the dark side of the force was lacking in depth from the movies, and I wanted to see if anyone was capable of giving that angle new life. I'm very pleased to report that the Darth Bane trilogy is far more compelling, and is overall a really great story. In contrast to the Thrawn trilogy, the physical scope of the novel is far more narrow. The galaxy is not in any immediate danger after the conclusion of the first novel, and there are no clone armies threatening to destroy the republic and there is no death star blowing up planets. This trilogy is all about the small first steps the Sith will take to the eventual galactic domination that culminates in episode III, and thus the action is far more focused and localized to discrete areas of the Star Wars galaxy. Bravo to the author for not falling into the trap of bigger is better. I won't launch into an exhaustive review, but suffice to say, the main characters are very dynamic and interesting. Bane is obviously the main focus of the novels, and getting to see the transformation that he undergoes really gives you a better sense of what Yoda and the crew were fighting against. From the movies, you sometimes get the sense the dark side of the force is just lightning bolts and intimidating names. This series really delves into the philosophy of the Sith, and how it is so different from the Jedi, and gives you a better idea of what powers the dark side offers, besides silly lightning bolts. The story moves at a great pace, and the story itself falls into place without the need to rely on the cheap plot devices that I detested in the Thrawn trilogy. This is a far more subtle and nuanced trilogy. I'm giving the trilogy a 5 because the characters are very compelling and the story feels like a cornerstone to the whole Star Wars universe. It's not perfect, of course, but it's a very strong trilogy that is definitely worth a read.

Given the size of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, there are shockingly few villains with the sort of depth and character development we see amongst the heroes (only Darth Vader and Grand Admiral Thrawn come to mind). Given this, Drew Karpyshyn's Darth Bane series is a welcome treat. It not only explores the rise of an ancient Sith lord, it is also extremely well written and focuses on character development rather than simply action. The first book, Path of Destruction is almost like the anti- Harry Potter . The story begins with Bane's dreary life on the mining world of Apatros. As he flees, he joins the Sith army and rises through the ranks. Like Harry Potter for magic, Bane is discovered to be particularly strong in the Force and trained at the Sith Academy on Korriban. Only, in this anti-Hogwarts, the apprentices engage in cutthroat competition and learn how to harness their hatred. Unlike his peers, Bane forges his own path to the Dark Side, which makes him all the more interesting. Like Vader, Bane wasn't irredeemably evil, yet his transformation is both complete and chilling. After suffering so many setbacks and traumas, Bane adopts a Darwinian philosophy proclaiming that only the strongest Sith should wield power. Path of Destruction juxtaposes this with the reigning Brotherhood of Darkness, which stresses unity and equality against the Jedi. At times, Karpyshyn displays a somewhat worrying insight into the nature of the Dark Side. But this insight also allows readers to see Bane as more than a twisted villain and understand the choices he makes. The one thing really lacking in Path of Destruction is a strong secondary character or foil to Bane - except perhaps Githany. Bane's character seems so overpowering that none of the other Sith holds our attention for long. When he does develop their characters, Karpyshyn does a solid job. I particularly liked Kas'im, the swordmaster and Bane's favorite instructor. I just wish he had taken this further and chosen one or two other Sith to really explore and contrast with Bane. Drew Karpyshyn's Darth Bane saga is right up there with the best of the Star Wars novels, including Timothy Zahn and Michael Stockpole's, and Path of Destruction is probably the best of the series. This feels like Star Wars. Yet, this achievement is all the more impressive given the difficulty of the subject matter. After all, not only does this time period lack the familiar characters from the Star Wars movies, but the books is manage to tell the story of an evil villain without either dehumanizing him or justifying his actions. If only more Star Wars novels were like this.

This is the first book in a trilogy of novels by the same author detailing Darth Bane's rise to power and the institution of the "rule of two" that is still canon (although often violated) based on the Star Wars movies, video games, and animated series. Bane starts out as a coal miner named Dessel in what is essentially a forced labor colony on a planet called Apatros. After a deadly encounter, he is on the run from Republic authorities and winds up at a Sith academy where he is a standout student. He quickly realizes that the Sith as they are currently constituted will end up destroying themselves and he manipulates events that allow him to institute the rule of two, one master to have power and one apprentice to crave power. The story is very well-paced, intertwining action sequences with drama and intrigue. It is set well before the events of the prequel series (about 1000 years), so there are no "recognizable" characters in the novel, but it really does not suffer from that like some of the newer canon novels do. Even though this book has been relegated to Legends status after the takeover of Lucasfilm by Disney, the character of Darth Bane is canon from the Clone Wars series, and of course, the rule of two was mentioned in The Phantom Menace. And, because it is set so far in the past, it does not impact the stories that are currently canon, and at least parts of it could be brought into canon via new movies or tv series. Overall, it is a very good book, telling a good story. And, it is one of the better stories outside of the Skywalker saga that there is. Hopefully, the book will be brought back into canon sometime down the line (or a new book that incorporates some of what is in this novel, such as has been the case with the new canon novels set around the character Grand Admiral Thrawn). It is definitely worth the read.

Although not considered canon, the start of this trilogy is worth everyone's attention if you are a Star Wars fan. Set 1000 years before Episode 1 of the movies, the age old battle between the Dark side and that of the Light still rages. Lord Kaan, a Sith Lord, has united the other Sith into what he has coined the Brotherhood of Darkness where all Dark Lords are considered equals, the term "Darth" has been removed from the language, and united they stand as a front against the Jedi. Into this plot, Dessel a giant of a man works in the mines on a desolate planet, Apatros, to mine for cortosis. He was raised by an abusive father that died of a heart attack and left his debt to Dessel and little else. Consistently beleaguered by a hard life and harder coworkers, Dess seems trapped on this planet but has every intention to pay off his debt and leave. Strong in the Force, though unknowing of such, an opportunity arrives in the form of violence to escape the planet and join the Empire against the Republic and he does so, willingly, forever taking the name of Bane. And thus Bane's story begins. Tenacious, manipulative, strong, and talented, Bane trains under the Dark Lords for a time, but when he stumbles in using the Force he must fight off his own inner demons to fully give himself over to the passions, the emotions, and the inclinations the Dark Side demands. Struggling against his fellow students, he delves into other walks of life that teach about the way of the Force, and continues to become an unstoppable tidal wave. Rife with action, internal and external struggle, the novel is made for a quick read. Although many of the events are highly predictable in the way Bane's origins are developed, Karpyshyn does throw a few curve balls at us that keeps us on our toes, and more than once I was surprised by a choice of action he let Bane enact. Well written and concise, I was never distracted by the unfolding of the story by a poorly written set of words, and for that I am super thankful. I also took great pleasure in seeing how the author molded a sort of grayness into the way the Jedi and Sith raged against each other, both seemingly unknowing about what in the world they were sacrificing all their time, lives, and energy for. Bane, however, once he gets his footing has a singular purpose and tenaciously moves himself towards that purpose without fail. Even though the trilogy isn't considered canon at this point, it is too good of a story to ignore for a Star Wars junkie and ought to be considered for some pretty awesome reading.

I am an avid Star Wars fan and most interested in the Old Republic mythos which made the Darth Bane Triology the perfect read. The first novel: Path of Destruction is a wonderful opener for the series. What we are presented with in this book is a war between the Republic and the Brotherhood of Darkness which is a Sith nation under the shaky leadership of several Sith Lords. Dessel is our hero or anti hero in this book's case. In the beginning Dessel is an unfortunate youth, endentured to a life of paying off his dead, scumbag father's mountain of debt. Dessel works for the tyranical Outer Rim Oarworks mining company and drowns in the misery of his occupation. He desires for a life beyond the bleak rock he inhabits but knows his life, as it is, will not permit him to do so. There are hints that he possesses interesting talents such as the ability to see a few moments into the future or forsee the actions of others. He sees this as a small bit of luck in an otherwise luckless life. What Dessel does not understand in the beginning is that he is destined for something incredible, a path that will change the course of the Sith Order and make him one of the most infamous Sith Lords to ever live. One of my favorite aspects of this novel is that the author presents a Jedi Order very different from the one we know in the prequal trilogy. In this novel the Jedi are at war with the Sith and understand that in war death is a constant. On the battlefield we see Jedi hewing through countless enemies with their lightsabers, not very diplomatic. With the Sith we are given an interesting look at an apprentices training. We also see the crippling effects of the dark side on one's mind. This book is about the Sith so don't expect too much Jedi screen time but the lightsiders still play a pivitol role. Path of Destruction is very well written and grabs you from page 1. I think I read it in about a day. This book is a must buy for Star Wars fans and definately for those who want to know how the Sith went from being a Legion to Master and Apprentice. Awesome Book! Read It!

If you are a Sith sympathizer, Path of Destruction is an absolute must-read. It’s a fantastic start to the series and a gripping look into the origins of the rule of two.

The story of Darth Bane's journey from a cortosis miner with an abusive father to a member of the Dark Brotherhood to reigning Sith Lord is a fascinating, amazingly entertaining read. Science fiction novels, Star Wars titles especially, can get muddled down with technicality, which appeals to some, but I don't want to read a detailed ship analysis, I am more drawn to stories. Drew Karpyshyn delivers a great story, that also is very important to the overall history of the Brotherhood of Darkness and the history of the Lords of the Sith. It is well written and compelling, plenty of story, plenty of humanism to pull you in. There are satisfying obligatory battle scenes, constructed really well, and presented in a way that makes you care about the losses and the cost. One thing I didn't anticipate was my own reaction to the philosophy. I found myself identifying with many of the faults in the Jedi philosophy, their code of honor, strict line of morality and it really helped me understand how some, so skilled, intelligent and capable like Bane, might find themselves on the opposite side of the spectrum. The characterization is superb, and each has a distinct purpose in the book and I had my favorites and I had those that I despised, yet all were interesting. I recommend this book to anyone who loves science fiction, being a Star Wars aficionado is not a requirement, you will love this book.

This is my 15th or so Star Wars book and I can say it's one of the best if not the best. Pros: - You don't need to be a SW fan to like it, nor you have to know anything specific to be able to "understand" it. It's a book that almost stands on its own. - Very well written - this was the fastest I've ever read a book! - It's the foundation of the Dark Side the way you know it from the movies - explained - very convincing, and I mean really! - Bane is cool as Hell, and the story was way less predictable than I expected - don't you dare thinking you've figured it out just by reading the cliche title. - I am going Dark - really, no joke! lol I knew I would, maybe you too, but wait to read it first.. Cons: - There are several occasions where the author repeats himself kinda too much. - The use of the force in the last 1/4th of the book was not really "realistic" and rises questions - a little too "off". (Yeah, I know it's a fiction, but that's not what I mean.) - I finished it TOO fast! Now what??? 8O Great book - get the hard cover! *****

This is one of the best Star Wars novels - mixing elements of the fictional universe created by George Lucas with an original plot, set during the distant past, and involving a new and highly fascinating character. This book introduces Darth Bane - who, although protagonist, is actually the villain of the story. "Path of Destruction" is the first volume in a three-part series of novels about the life of this incredibly powerful Dark Lord of the Sith, written by Drew Karpyshyn. Given the quality of the storytelling, alongside the expert handling of the Star Wars mythos, I fully recommend all three novels. This initial instalment in the trilogy takes place just over 1,000 years before the events of 'A New Hope'. The galaxy is divided and at war - with the Sith Order amassing its armies against the Jedi and the Republic they defend. On a remote mining world, a strong and muscular worker named Dessel - who, unbeknownst to others, is strong with the Force - must flee, as he becomes a wanted man. He enlists into the ranks of the Sith army - and quickly distinguishes himself as a warrior. It's then that the Sith realise the true potential within Dessel - and so they decide to teach him the ancient ways of their Order, and he is renamed Darth Bane. Bane quickly excels - but feels that his teachers lack the knowledge and powers to adequately instruct him in the ways of the Force. So he embarks upon a journey of discovery, seeking the ancient and long-forgotten wisdom of the early Sith. Eventually he finds the Temple of the Ancients, and Bane discovers Darth Revan's holocron. Using this knowledge, Bane crafts the Rule of Two - that the Sith ought to comprise of no more than a master and an apprentice ... all others are superfluous. And so he decides to destroy the other Sith - using a mythical weapon known as the thought bomb. The story culminates on a world in the midst of a battle between the Sith and Jedi - and it's there that Bane proves his mastery ... If you're a Star Wars fan, I cannot recommend this novel too highly. It's action-packed, fast paced, with an interesting story and a great main character. I especially enjoyed discovering events and worlds set so long before the films. More than anything, this book is a lot of fun.

goat level buch

O livro atende ao esperado,uma excelente historia... unica ressalva é que por não ser pocket brasileiro o livro é um pouco fragil

Stop delivering books in terrible packaging amazon, they always come in a little mangled.

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