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Star Wars: The Last of the Jedi #6
Return of the Dark Side
FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Ferus Olin's loyalty is to the Jedi, but when he is called to see the Emperor, the Sith Lord makes him an offer he cannot refuse.
160 pages, Library Binding
First published December 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 19, 2023
Another great space opera book from this author!
February 19, 2025
Star Wars: Legends: The Last of the Jedi 06 Return of the Dark Side by Jude Watson
challenging dark informative reflective sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
In this story, we see the evil lurking, (and encroaching). The Empire is making its move...against the entire galaxy, but especially targeting those planets (and technologies) that work cross purpose to their goals.
This tale is how even good people get swept into difficult situations, think they are fighting against the bad guys, but eventually find themselves in ever increasing stupification on whether that's still true.
Now, just reading the above paragraphs, you could make a theory that I'm talking about what is happening in the US in the early part of 2025. Yes, and no. This is a fictious story, but it is bearing strikingly to what was written in the early oughts ('00s).
I think Ferus Olin is deluding himself, and that the Emperor and Darth Vader are using him. That's my opinion. Ferus thinks he's got the upper hand, but I have my doubts.
Poor Trevor, who is stuck in a position of strongly wanting and supporting Ferus, but deep in his gut...he feels that Ferus has lost his way, but who's going to listen to a young teenager?
Really enjoyed this story. I usually flee to SFF to lose the current reality, and imagine something different, but in this series, The Last of the Jedi...I am seeing fiction teach and rebuke our current state of affairs. Listen up, people. This can, and possibly WILL go very poorly. Remember Andor Season One, well Andor Season Two is coming soon. How much of IT will reflect where we currenly are, under the Orange Turd, Smelly Musk, and DOGE? Hmmm? Causing havoc where ever it goes.
challenging dark informative reflective sad tense
Fast-paced
Plot or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters are a main focus? Yes
4.0 Stars
In this story, we see the evil lurking, (and encroaching). The Empire is making its move...against the entire galaxy, but especially targeting those planets (and technologies) that work cross purpose to their goals.
This tale is how even good people get swept into difficult situations, think they are fighting against the bad guys, but eventually find themselves in ever increasing stupification on whether that's still true.
Now, just reading the above paragraphs, you could make a theory that I'm talking about what is happening in the US in the early part of 2025. Yes, and no. This is a fictious story, but it is bearing strikingly to what was written in the early oughts ('00s).
I think Ferus Olin is deluding himself, and that the Emperor and Darth Vader are using him. That's my opinion. Ferus thinks he's got the upper hand, but I have my doubts.
Poor Trevor, who is stuck in a position of strongly wanting and supporting Ferus, but deep in his gut...he feels that Ferus has lost his way, but who's going to listen to a young teenager?
Really enjoyed this story. I usually flee to SFF to lose the current reality, and imagine something different, but in this series, The Last of the Jedi...I am seeing fiction teach and rebuke our current state of affairs. Listen up, people. This can, and possibly WILL go very poorly. Remember Andor Season One, well Andor Season Two is coming soon. How much of IT will reflect where we currenly are, under the Orange Turd, Smelly Musk, and DOGE? Hmmm? Causing havoc where ever it goes.
November 22, 2019
It is a awesome book with suspense and action!!!
October 26, 2014
Excellent book, really feels like a true Star Wars story, legend or not. Ferus thinks he can play both sides of the field and still do good, but when dealing with the Empire that is nearly impossible to do. He is reunited with Trever, but their friendship faces some tough challenges. An excellent series, not just for 'young adult' readers.
October 27, 2023
Witnessing Ferus' slide further along the dark path is oddly entertaining. I'm not usually a fan of endings where not everything is tied up, but Watson has done it so expertly so many times already that I found I couldn't be mad about this one. I am also appreciative that Vader sounds like Vader. Not all authors in the EU/Legends canon have managed this.
January 5, 2019
Star Wars Legends Project #187
Background: Return of the Dark Side was written by Jude Watson and published in November 2006. It is the sixth book of the Last of the Jedi series, following A Tangled Web (my review).
Return of the Dark Side is set shortly after A Tangled Web, 18 years before the Battle of Yavin. The main characters are Ferus and Trever, along with all of the surviving characters from the last book, including Astri Oddo and her son Lune. Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine also play major roles. Most of the action takes place on Samaria.
Summary: Although all of his friends have escaped the Empire, Ferus once again remains behind in his new role as a double agent. Officially, his task is to make contact with the local resistance and convince them to disband. Unofficially, he hopes to uncover the Empire's plan to take over Samaria and sabotage it. But Darth Vader is a far more cunning and implacable enemy than any he has faced so far, and for Vader, this is personal.
Review: I must not have been the only one who noticed how easy our heroes have had it in the series so far because this chapter more than answered that criticism. I'm trying to recall, and I'm not sure whether any of Watson's characters in earlier series have experienced this kind of crushing defeat. Maybe they've come close, but this came as a surprise, and it highlights why I find this era so much more interesting than the Republic-era prequel stuff. There are still plenty of good stories during that time, and a good writer finds ways to generate tension and make danger feel real. But ultimately it's hard to forget that, no matter what situation a Jedi finds themselves in during that era, they can call on the might of the Republic and the Jedi Order, and there is an inviolable safe haven in the Jedi Temple that they will return to. Here, all of that is gone. Master Yoda isn't going to magically appear with a giant army to save the day. There are no true safe havens anywhere in the galaxy. And that's a big part of what Star Wars is to me.
It's also become increasingly hard to ignore how closely this series parallels the later Rebels animated series. Ferus, like Kanan, never advanced beyond the rank of Padawan in the Jedi Order before striking out on his own in a hostile galaxy. Like Kanan, Ferus becomes the mentor to a streetwise kid who lost his family to the Empire (though Trever, unlike Ezra, has no Force powers). The series' prime antagonists are Imperial Inquisitors at first, but they eventually face off against Darth Vader . . . and a major character in both series had a close relationship with Anakin Skywalker but is not initially aware that he became Darth Vader. Also, although both series hop around the galaxy quite a bit, both spend a great deal of time tied to one planet and its struggle to resist the Empire: Bellassa in the books and Lothal in the show. I could go on, but you get the point. Obviously these stories are set over a decade apart, and Rebels takes place in the new Expanded Universe while Last of the Jedi is relegated to Legends, which suggests to me that it's possible that it was regarded as fair game as a source of inspiration. However, I haven't found any confirmation anywhere online that these similarities are more than a coincidence. It just seems unlikely.
I see that I've said precious little so far by way of review of this actual book, aside from listing all sorts of things that were on my mind as I read it, and which contributed to my enjoyment. This is a new, darker and more mature direction for the series, and I am all about that. It's still not as good as the series opener, but it's headed decisively back in the right direction! I never would have expected to see Ferus working closely with Darth Vader under the direction of the Emperor, and that was a great dramatic choice.
B
Background: Return of the Dark Side was written by Jude Watson and published in November 2006. It is the sixth book of the Last of the Jedi series, following A Tangled Web (my review).
Return of the Dark Side is set shortly after A Tangled Web, 18 years before the Battle of Yavin. The main characters are Ferus and Trever, along with all of the surviving characters from the last book, including Astri Oddo and her son Lune. Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine also play major roles. Most of the action takes place on Samaria.
Summary: Although all of his friends have escaped the Empire, Ferus once again remains behind in his new role as a double agent. Officially, his task is to make contact with the local resistance and convince them to disband. Unofficially, he hopes to uncover the Empire's plan to take over Samaria and sabotage it. But Darth Vader is a far more cunning and implacable enemy than any he has faced so far, and for Vader, this is personal.
Review: I must not have been the only one who noticed how easy our heroes have had it in the series so far because this chapter more than answered that criticism. I'm trying to recall, and I'm not sure whether any of Watson's characters in earlier series have experienced this kind of crushing defeat. Maybe they've come close, but this came as a surprise, and it highlights why I find this era so much more interesting than the Republic-era prequel stuff. There are still plenty of good stories during that time, and a good writer finds ways to generate tension and make danger feel real. But ultimately it's hard to forget that, no matter what situation a Jedi finds themselves in during that era, they can call on the might of the Republic and the Jedi Order, and there is an inviolable safe haven in the Jedi Temple that they will return to. Here, all of that is gone. Master Yoda isn't going to magically appear with a giant army to save the day. There are no true safe havens anywhere in the galaxy. And that's a big part of what Star Wars is to me.
It's also become increasingly hard to ignore how closely this series parallels the later Rebels animated series. Ferus, like Kanan, never advanced beyond the rank of Padawan in the Jedi Order before striking out on his own in a hostile galaxy. Like Kanan, Ferus becomes the mentor to a streetwise kid who lost his family to the Empire (though Trever, unlike Ezra, has no Force powers). The series' prime antagonists are Imperial Inquisitors at first, but they eventually face off against Darth Vader . . . and a major character in both series had a close relationship with Anakin Skywalker but is not initially aware that he became Darth Vader. Also, although both series hop around the galaxy quite a bit, both spend a great deal of time tied to one planet and its struggle to resist the Empire: Bellassa in the books and Lothal in the show. I could go on, but you get the point. Obviously these stories are set over a decade apart, and Rebels takes place in the new Expanded Universe while Last of the Jedi is relegated to Legends, which suggests to me that it's possible that it was regarded as fair game as a source of inspiration. However, I haven't found any confirmation anywhere online that these similarities are more than a coincidence. It just seems unlikely.
I see that I've said precious little so far by way of review of this actual book, aside from listing all sorts of things that were on my mind as I read it, and which contributed to my enjoyment. This is a new, darker and more mature direction for the series, and I am all about that. It's still not as good as the series opener, but it's headed decisively back in the right direction! I never would have expected to see Ferus working closely with Darth Vader under the direction of the Emperor, and that was a great dramatic choice.
B
December 31, 2021
Interesting watching Ferus and Vader interacting.
February 10, 2021
A great continuation of Ferus's story!
May 6, 2017
Trevor tries to find and help Ferus by working with a small rebellion, Ferus is close to learning who Vader is, and Vader is making plans to detroy Ferus.
Again, this is a Scholastic book - I should not be this nervous.
Recommended 9+ for Star Wars violence.
Again, this is a Scholastic book - I should not be this nervous.
Recommended 9+ for Star Wars violence.
March 4, 2021
I get the point of Trever as the audience surrogate character for the target audience. I also count three times Trever uses bad judgment to further the plot.
September 27, 2025
Ferus thinks he can play both sides of the field but that's a rookie mistake
June 26, 2018
Well, to be fair, Return of the Darkside, should, in all reality, come in somewhere among the 4 stars category. Afterall, this series’ main plot lines, coupled with Jude Watson’s ability to tell a Star Wars story that actually feels like a Star Wars story have been the reason(s) I’ve enjoyed them so much.
Unfortunately, while still a far more than average read, and a far superior novel to a lot of the new crappy canon material, Return of the Darkside just didn’t really measure up to the previous 5 in this series. The plot is a bit confusing, more focused on Ferus being a double agent for Palpetine and the forming rebellion, instead of on his search for other possible surviving Jedi. There are some moments of action and intrigue, but when compared to other books that came before it, like A Death on Naboo and Underworld, this one just lacks the excitement and tension.
There still are a lot of good moments here, moments that still keep the overall arching story threads and characters interesting. Ferus and Vader’s relationship is definitely a strong point. The fact that Anakin and Ferus were friends in Jedi temple before Order 66 ratchets up the tension between them, especially considering Ferus has no idea that Vader was Anakin before turning to the Darkside. Watson does an awesome job with their fractured relationship. She also excels at Easter eggs and references that few but the most hardcore nerds would notice (fire forms anyone?).
It’s hard to find a legit Star Wars young adult series, or, at least one that has, for the most part, been so consistently enjoyable. Watson’s Last of the Jedi has been the exception to the rule. I have no doubt that Return of the Darkside really just functions more as a filler novel than anything else, which would explain its lack of major importance or thrills. Still though, I’m excited for the next one and to see where Watson takes this series.
Unfortunately, while still a far more than average read, and a far superior novel to a lot of the new crappy canon material, Return of the Darkside just didn’t really measure up to the previous 5 in this series. The plot is a bit confusing, more focused on Ferus being a double agent for Palpetine and the forming rebellion, instead of on his search for other possible surviving Jedi. There are some moments of action and intrigue, but when compared to other books that came before it, like A Death on Naboo and Underworld, this one just lacks the excitement and tension.
There still are a lot of good moments here, moments that still keep the overall arching story threads and characters interesting. Ferus and Vader’s relationship is definitely a strong point. The fact that Anakin and Ferus were friends in Jedi temple before Order 66 ratchets up the tension between them, especially considering Ferus has no idea that Vader was Anakin before turning to the Darkside. Watson does an awesome job with their fractured relationship. She also excels at Easter eggs and references that few but the most hardcore nerds would notice (fire forms anyone?).
It’s hard to find a legit Star Wars young adult series, or, at least one that has, for the most part, been so consistently enjoyable. Watson’s Last of the Jedi has been the exception to the rule. I have no doubt that Return of the Darkside really just functions more as a filler novel than anything else, which would explain its lack of major importance or thrills. Still though, I’m excited for the next one and to see where Watson takes this series.
May 23, 2021
Star Wars: The Last of the Jedi (Book 6): Return of the Dark Side by Jude Watson
I have written this for every review in this series, but the series continues to get better and more interesting as it goes. The cast of characters gets a bit longer and the road the series is taking could go various directions. In this book of the series, Ferus Olin faces a crisis of confidence in the choices he is making and possible consequences. Thus far, Watson treads pretty lightly in canon-related areas, not trying to add anything that would dramatically alter the course of what is already seen in movies. The Olin does not seem to meditate much, however, which is sorely lacking in his character as he makes some questionable decisions that harm others. The author seems more comfortable as she goes. The only downside to these books are that certain action sequences are difficult to visualize without illustrations. I give it four stars of five.
I have written this for every review in this series, but the series continues to get better and more interesting as it goes. The cast of characters gets a bit longer and the road the series is taking could go various directions. In this book of the series, Ferus Olin faces a crisis of confidence in the choices he is making and possible consequences. Thus far, Watson treads pretty lightly in canon-related areas, not trying to add anything that would dramatically alter the course of what is already seen in movies. The Olin does not seem to meditate much, however, which is sorely lacking in his character as he makes some questionable decisions that harm others. The author seems more comfortable as she goes. The only downside to these books are that certain action sequences are difficult to visualize without illustrations. I give it four stars of five.
June 6, 2022
An interesting and dark story with a good ending and great interactions between Palpatine, Vader, And Ferrus. The only problem is Trever. I know these books need a child audience surrogate character, but the author used Obi Wan and then Anakin as that role in her previous two series. Those characters worked, Trever doesn't. He's an aggravating and annoying character who is overall there to make stupid decisions to further the plot.
Also sadly almost all the previous established characters are sidelined just to be replaced by some new characters who are either boring, or just obvious replacements.
More of a mixed bag then the previous book, but still entertaining and mostly well written.
Also sadly almost all the previous established characters are sidelined just to be replaced by some new characters who are either boring, or just obvious replacements.
More of a mixed bag then the previous book, but still entertaining and mostly well written.
May 10, 2018
this book was bad. If I wanted a book where ferus went around doing almost nothing cool then I would've read this book. the only way this book series will regain my enjoyment is if ferus turns to the dark side. the plot of ferus going to get trever was filling this book up to novel worth. they need stuff about the death star in this book. Most of the other introduced characters in past novels have been left unused and wasted. seriously, why not have a part relating to the death star? The emperor only appears for a couple pages on this book.
December 5, 2019
Dark Side Beckons
This is book six in the Last of the Jedi series. It just keeps getting better and better. Ferus finds himself being drawn deeper into Imperial service. While trying to help the resistance, he learns why Emperor Palpatine is so interested in him. Vader is also becoming quite jealous. An excellent, action packed and insightful chapter of the series. Can't wait for the next one.
This is book six in the Last of the Jedi series. It just keeps getting better and better. Ferus finds himself being drawn deeper into Imperial service. While trying to help the resistance, he learns why Emperor Palpatine is so interested in him. Vader is also becoming quite jealous. An excellent, action packed and insightful chapter of the series. Can't wait for the next one.
January 27, 2021
Nnnooooooo!! How could that happen?
The Empire is at least 3 steps ahead. All while I read this I was thinking how smart Ferus was. Maybe he was thinking the same thing. Unfortunately the dark emperor, and Darth, were not thinking along those lines.
The Empire is at least 3 steps ahead. All while I read this I was thinking how smart Ferus was. Maybe he was thinking the same thing. Unfortunately the dark emperor, and Darth, were not thinking along those lines.
December 4, 2023
I loved Ferus's interactions with Darth Vader and Trever (even though they also made me sad)! Ferus seems to be digging himself into a hole by continuing to be a double agent and work for the Emperor.
September 3, 2018
Getting a little better.
May 31, 2019
Aftermath
I like the fact that this writer he brought us mini stories of the aftermath of the Jedi being killed and hunted down. A cool series
I like the fact that this writer he brought us mini stories of the aftermath of the Jedi being killed and hunted down. A cool series
March 9, 2021
The Emperor holds Ferus Olin's friends as hostage against his good behaviour as the Rebels begin to organise.
Watson develops her central character well as the story moves towards its climax.
Watson develops her central character well as the story moves towards its climax.
November 2, 2021
Another fun adventure in the series, but now things are taking a turn for the worse. Everything Ferus is working for seems to all be being destroyed at once.
December 18, 2021
Palpatine inviting Vader’s middle school rival to tea just for the drama of it all
February 28, 2023
Once again, this series does not disappoint! Definitely worried about what's going to happen with Ferus working for the Empire. And I hope he learns who Vader really was, and soon...
April 23, 2023
good story, too short!
The was short, but I guess it’s a kids book so not that bad. This ferus is an interesting character.
The was short, but I guess it’s a kids book so not that bad. This ferus is an interesting character.
October 14, 2024
Not the best one so far, but still a good story with a surprising end.
May 3, 2016
Ferus stayed on Samaria to help with the resistance. Palpatine wants Ferus to flush them out with the promise of amnesty. He also wants Ferus to refer only to him - not Vader. This makes Vader not happy.
Bog tries to turn the Samarians away from establishing an agreement with their neighboring planet, Rosh. Palps wants to control the trade and stirs up mistrust that was starting to heal.
Trever, Solace, Oryon, and Clive go back to the secret base where things aren't doing so well. After helping get health and a semblance of normality, they learn that a woman named Flame is going from Acherin to Somaria to spread tendrils of resistance. Trever secretly leaves to help Ferus and Flame meet up - especially because Trever is very afraid for Ferus' safety.
Vader lets it slip that he knows Ferus. The Dark Side really does slip its way into everything through Vader...through Bog...through politics...through Ferus' mistakes. Who can Ferus trust? Who can trust him?
There's a typo on page 83 with the planet (Somaria) that was quite jarring. That was my biggest issue with the book though. Well, that and the fact that Palpatine's "agent" is not-so-secret like the rest of the EU made it seem with his Hands.
Bog tries to turn the Samarians away from establishing an agreement with their neighboring planet, Rosh. Palps wants to control the trade and stirs up mistrust that was starting to heal.
Trever, Solace, Oryon, and Clive go back to the secret base where things aren't doing so well. After helping get health and a semblance of normality, they learn that a woman named Flame is going from Acherin to Somaria to spread tendrils of resistance. Trever secretly leaves to help Ferus and Flame meet up - especially because Trever is very afraid for Ferus' safety.
Vader lets it slip that he knows Ferus. The Dark Side really does slip its way into everything through Vader...through Bog...through politics...through Ferus' mistakes. Who can Ferus trust? Who can trust him?
There's a typo on page 83 with the planet (Somaria) that was quite jarring. That was my biggest issue with the book though. Well, that and the fact that Palpatine's "agent" is not-so-secret like the rest of the EU made it seem with his Hands.
May 16, 2011
These books are just getting better and better. It is intense and exciting throughout the whole book. Right now Ferus is working for The Empire on the planet Sath. As he is there he is trying to look for the Sath Rebellion so that he can help. He does find them and helps them but there is a big problem, the Empire is trying to elect an Emperial prime minister so that the planet will be under there control. Unfortunatly, they succeed in their evil plot and one of the Empire's officers became prime minister, Bog Divinian. Now the Rebellion has to get a way to get rid of the Empire and save their planet, and the story continues.
July 17, 2015
Having Olin still doing the Emperor's dirty work is a story that has quickly lost steam. As anticipated, Watson is setting up an inevitable confrontation that will occur between Ferus and Vader. And this book is most definitely a "set-up" book. It's not awful, it's just not really going anywhere, not at the same rate as some of the earlier books of the series. But, if Watson has proven anything before, it's that she isn't afraid to shake things up when things start to become sticks in the mud. Here's to hoping that the long-overdue confrontation is coming sooner than expected.
January 7, 2015
Another great action-packed tale from Watson. Ferus Olin is playing a double game, being assigned by the Emperor to infiltrate a rebel group on Samaria, and seeking to find out how he can use the same rebels to further his own aim of revenge on the Empire. Darth Vader, unhappy with having to share the Emperor’s favor with Ferus, is constantly looking for ways to undermine Ferus. Also, Ferus still has no idea that Vader is Anakin Skywalker, his old rival when both were still Jedi.
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