Darth Vader Interrogates the Emperor in First Excerpt from ‘Master of Evil’
Adam Christopher’s upcoming Darth Vader novel receives a first look featuring the Dark Lord and his master as they discuss Vader’s desire to plunge deeper into the dark.
Sep 4, 2025
Random House Worlds
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Key takeaways:
Polygon has released our first look at Adam Christopher’s Master of Evil with a scene featuring Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine on Coruscant
Throughout the scene, Vader accuses his master of hiding the true secrets of the dark side
Although Vader’s power is evident, Palpatine never lets us forget that Darth Sidious is the true master of the Sith
Check out a preview of the excerpt below and get your pre-orders in before the novel’s release on November 11th!
Random House Worlds
Vader finally stood. As the Emperor sank slowly into his throne, Vader stepped up onto the dais, his huge frame towering over his master.
“When I bled the kyber crystal in the cave, the dark side showed itself to me in a way I did not think possible. I have seen it, my master.” He raised a fist and clenched it in the air. “I have seen the true power of the Force. What you have taught me is only the beginning.”
A wry smile played over the Emperor’s wizened features. “Good, my apprentice. Good. Your experience on Mustafar was indeed a worthwhile exercise. It is true, there is much to understand about the dark side.” Then his smile dropped, and the Emperor stood. Vader took a step backward as his master held out both hands. “But beware what it promises.”
The Emperor’s hands snapped into claws, and from the tips of his bent fingers burst an onslaught of blue lightning, the forks of which seemed to be drawn to the shape of Vader’s body, embracing him in a cradle of crackling, snapping Force energy. Vader was lifted off his feet and fell backward, carried across the room by the wave of lightning. He hit the floor on his side and rolled over, the power still coursing from the Emperor’s outstretched hands, the Emperor’s face twisted into a grimace of pure hatred.
Then it stopped. The Emperor stepped off the dais and walked slowly over to where Vader lay. Smoke curled from Vader’s armor as he tried to raise himself up, his mechanized breathing regular but now wheezing slightly with effort.
“Remember, Lord Vader,” said the Emperor, standing over his apprentice. “There is no power in the Force that is not mine, for I am the dark side.”
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Eric Eilersen is a Senior Writer at Youtini and co-host of The Youtini Show. He loves collecting Star Wars Funkos, lightsabers, and LEGO as well as playing video games, reading Brandon Sanderson novels, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and spending time with his wife and pets. You can follow him at @EricEilersen.
