Second book of the Darth Bane trilogy (Path of Destruction, Rule of Two and Dynasty of Evil).
(Synopsis from the back cover):
«As the last surviving Sith, Darth Bane promulgated a harsh new directive: the Rule of Two. Determined to put this policy into action, Darth Bane thinks he has found the perfect apprentice. Zannah, though young, possesses an instinctive link to the dark side that rivals his own. Under Darth Bane's tutelage, she will become essential in his quest to destroy the Jedi and dominate the galaxy.
But there is one who is determined to stop Darth Bane: Johun Othone, Padawan to Jedi Master Lord Hoth, who died at Bane's hands in the Sith War. Though the rest of the Jedi scoff at him, Johun's belief that there are surviving Sith is unshakeable. But not even Johun could foresee the astonishing new knowledge and power that Darth Bane discovers through Force–induced visions—power that will alter him in ways he could never have imagined.»
The story is told from the perspective of evil, without moral ambiguity: the protagonists are consciously evil and embrace the Dark Side as a way of life.
It presents predominantly negative values, though this is done explicitly and without deception: evil is shown as evil, but also as attractive, effective, and seemingly victorious, which demands discernment from the reader. However, the consequences of this are also exposed: loneliness, distrust, inner corruption, and self-destruction. There is no redemptive horizon. Ambition, manipulation, and domination for purely selfish ends are exalted.
That said, the work, like the previous installment, is very well written.
Violence is frequent, though not as much as in the first book. There is no sexual content. The language is neither crude nor vulgar.
Recommended only for Star Wars fans curious to learn the lore of Darth Bane, founder of the "Rule of Two" of the Sith Order. Obviously, it's advisable to start with the first book in this trilogy: "Darth Bane: Path of Destruction."
It's a book for adults. And, above all, one must read with a clear head, without being seduced or fascinated by the apparent allure of evil, nor by its ideology of "Only the strong deserve to live and have power over the weak," etc.