Star Wars: Dark Disciple by Christie Golden - Paul's Pre-reading

*I received this book as an eARC from Del Ray via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Star Wars: Dark Disciple
Author: Christie Golden
Recent Release Date: July 7, 2015

Synopsis: Based on unproduced scripts from the blockbuster TV show Star Wars: The Clone Wars!

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

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's 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's 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.

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Why?: Christie Golden wrote some of my favorite Star Trek books, the Voyager: Homecoming duology! She also has quite the resume with Star Wars books, but I have not had the pleasure to read any of them. This book has been created from unproduced episodes of The Clone Wars animated series. It is also part of the new canon of books. The two main characters are Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Voss. The Clone Wars Darkhorse graphic novels are my favorite comic book form of Star Wars and they featured Vos prominently. There is absolutely no reason why I would not read this book.

Expectations: I'm expecting a high action story with two characters that are the very definition of gray. Quinlan Vos doesn't have much canon backstory before this book compared to his vast history in the old Expanded Universe. I'm interested to see how similar he is to his EU origins. 

Judging a book by its cover: Amazing cover. I loved it the first time I saw it. The colors are great. The way the facial tattoos pop is great. The yellow and green lightsabers are great. I need everything about this book! 


--PAUL