Star Wars: Tarkin by James Luceno - Paul's Pre-Reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectrain in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Star Wars: Tarkin
Author: James Luceno
Recent Release Date: November 4, 2014

Synopsis: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . .

Bestselling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life.

He’s the scion of an honorable 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 his 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, however, insurgency remains a genuine threat. Escalating guerrilla attacks by resistance forces and newfound 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. 

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Why?: This is the second book in the new canon Star Wars. I've read Star Wars books and comics in the past, but now that the Lucasfilm story grown has declared these books canon I'm even more excited to read them. 

Expectations: I'm expecting this book to show Tarkin becoming the malevolent grand moff he is in the original film. He had a cameo in Revenge of the Sith and he was also in The Clone Wars animated series, so he must already be in the military pretty high up when this starts. It will be interesting to see how this book bridges the gap between the prequels and the original trilogy. 

Judging a book by its cover: The cover is reminiscent of the original trilogy in its style and tone. It is dark, which makes sense considering the two characters on the front are villains. Tarkin is at the forefront. It is an okay cover. 


--PAUL