9. Darth Plagueis
In "Revenge of the Sith," Chancellor Palpatine tells Anakin the legend of Darth Plagueis, a Sith lord who was able to manipulate midi-chlorians to create new life and save others from dying. Anakin, who experienced a vision of Padme dying, is fascinated by this legend and wonders whether it is possible to harness this power. In this novel, we learn just exactly who Darth Plagueis was. In events spanning several decades and leading up to "The Phantom Menace," we follow Plagueis as he searches for the secrets of immortality. After killing his master in accordance with the Rule of Two, Plagueis wants to make sure that he never suffers the same fate. We also watch as Plagueis takes on his own apprentice; a young man named Palpatine who's ambition and lust for power will reshape the galaxy in ways it has never seen before. Although the primary narrative is about Darth Plagueis, the book is also great background for those interested in Palpatine's past. Essentially the evil incarnate of the Star Wars universe, this book explains how he set out on his path to control the galaxy and become possibly the most powerful Sith Lord of all time.