First off this is only the second Star Wars novel I've ever read but I am quite familiar with the rather large universe, it's plots, and it's creatures. From a overall stand point this was a fairly decent novel. The writing style isn't overly informative or formal and it flows smoothly. The plot as a whole is pretty interesting and at times fairly gripping. The main character is a bit predictable but then again most Star Wars characters are in a way. In a personal stand point I really liked this book. I found it really cool to read about a large group of Sith instead of just two like most are familiar with. Also if you are not familiar with the Rule of Two comes from then this book is a good way to understand it. Bane (Des) is a fairly interesting character, he's the normal Sith-y type really; he's constantly trying to push himself, he is arrogant at times, the mood swings happen, the want of total power is there...so Sith-y. I was actually fairly surprised at how easy it was to read, I was expecting something drawn out or over explained but it was a fairly relaxed read. The author helped to develop the storyline for the video game Knights of the Old Republic so it is appropriate that he was chosen to write the Darth Bane books, it's clear he knows what's he's talking about and isn't just pulling words from no where. I'm looking forward to the other two books, I just have to go buy them.