Revenge of the Fifth: Star Wars Villain Recommendations

Star Wars is known for its heroes, but what about the villains? Along with plotting to retake the galaxy and training new recruits, there can be a lot of time to fill while hiding from the authorities. Even bad guys enjoy a good book and a bowl of popcorn every once in a while. Check out some book and movie recommendations from your favorite galactic baddies.

Boba Fett - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Known for his ruthlessness and unparalleled ability to track down his targets, Boba Fett was a legend among bounty hunters. At least, until that incident with the sarlaac. After his escape, he decided to re-evaluate his life choices and forge a new path. Boba Fett would read The Alchemist, a tale of self-discovery and learning to live a life authentic to your values.

Darth Vader - Dune (film adaptation of the book by Frank Herbert)

Darth Vader is many things: Sith lord, tyrant, destroyer of entire planets and more. But once upon a time, he was just a talented young man who wanted to protect his loved ones. Darth Vader sees a lot of himself in the story of Paul Atreides, a young man with a destiny larger than life. And of course, there's sand.

Moff Gideon - The Chain by Adrien McKinty

Moff Gideon is one of the few people who truly appreciates chain letters for their ability to be vaguely threatening and to leave the reader wondering, "but what if it's real?"  There's just something about a mysterious entity pulling the strings to make others do their bidding and keep the victims chasing shadows. He's also not above kidnapping a child. Moff Gideon would read this suspense thriller, if only because he knows that no one would be able to stop his "chain" if it were real.

Syril Karn - How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Syril doesn't understand why his superiors disregard his complaints, why they comment on his tailored outfits or why he is the one in the hotseat after his failed attempt to capture Cassian Andor on Ferrix didn't go as planned. He's a good worker and dedicated to his causes, but he seems to rub people the wrong way. Syril Karn picked up a copy of How to Make Friends and Influence People while working for the Bureau of Standards and would recommend it to all his friends, if he had some friends.

Kylo Ren - Vicious by V.E. Schwab

If everyone is going to call him a power-hungry monster, why not make it true? Betrayed by his uncle and constantly compared to Darth Vader, Kylo Ren has decided to embody the antagonist people think he is. If becoming a villain is what it will take for people to acknowledge his true potential then so be it. Kylo Ren feels a connection to Victor Vale, the misunderstood student-turned-supervillain, seeking revenge against the man who ruined his life and willing to destroy anyone who gets in his way.

Emperor Palpatine - You by Caroline Kepnes

Palpatine (a.k.a Darth Siddeous) is a fan of characters who can recognize the failings of those around them and Joe Goldberg is one such character. Joe prides himself on being able to see the potential in others, especially if he can be the one behind the scenes guiding them. When his obsession begins to have deadly consequences, Joe starts down a path with no return.  While Palpatine would recommend the book series first, he's also a fan of the television adaptation of You.

General Grievous  - Westworld (television adaptation of the film by Michael Crichton)

General Grievous would prefer to spend his time training and sparring with other members of the Separatist Droid Army. However, after starting this series ironically he became invested in the story of Dolores, Bernard and The Man in Black. His initial outrage at the imprisonment and callous treatment of the AI hosts is vindicated with the chaos of ensuing episodes. 

Have other series or villains you'd like recommendations from? Check out our playlists for Marvel Heroes or let us know in the comments!