Savior (Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith, #4)

Title: Savior (Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith, #4)

Author: John Jackson Miller

Published in: 2010

Date read: 20th May 2013

Score: 3/5

Genre: Science fiction, Fantasy

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Savior" by John Jackson Miller is the fourth novella in the "Lost Tribe of the Sith" series (part of the Star Wars Legends continuity), following "Purgatory." It continues the story of the isolated Sith descendants on the planet Kesh, focusing on a period of intense religious and political upheaval driven by a new, messianic figure.

The novella is set after centuries of brutal internal conflicts among the Lost Tribe of the Sith, who have established a rigid, caste-based society on Kesh, maintaining their dominance over the native Keshiri. The Force-sensitive Purebloods rule, while the Human descendants often find themselves in lesser positions, and the Keshiri are enslaved.

A pivotal moment arrives with the emergence of a charismatic figure known as High Lord Daiman. Daiman, a powerful Force-user, presents himself as a long-prophesied "Savior" sent to lead the Lost Tribe. Unlike previous Sith Lords who focused solely on internal power struggles and conquest of the Keshiri, Daiman articulates a grander vision: to finally break free from Kesh and return to the wider galaxy, reclaiming their rightful place as rulers.

Daiman's appeal lies in his ability to inspire fervent devotion, particularly among the lower castes and those disillusioned by centuries of aimless infighting. He uses his power and charisma to consolidate control, often through public displays of Force prowess and carefully orchestrated "miracles" that solidify his divine image among his followers. He promises a new era of expansion and glory, an end to their millennia of isolation.

The novella explores the various reactions to Daiman's rise: the ardent belief of his followers, the scepticism and fear of rival Sith Lords who see him as a threat to their own power, and the quiet desperation of the Keshiri who hope his arrival might bring change, for better or worse. Daiman's reign is marked by a zealous drive to rebuild the technology and knowledge necessary for interstellar travel, a goal that forces the long-isolated Sith to look beyond their planetary confines.

"Savior" delves into the dangers of unchecked religious fervour combined with Sith ambition. It showcases Daiman's ruthless methods for achieving his grand vision, including the suppression of dissent and the exploitation of Kesh's resources and population. The story ultimately sets the stage for the Lost Tribe's eventual re-engagement with the wider galaxy, driven by a leader who believes he is destined to liberate them from their "purgatory" on Kesh.

Comments:
Firstly, I have left the word "Savior" in the plot section as it is the name of the book. I have struggled to not correct it to the English spelling of Saviour. I am using the American version of the spelling out of respect to the American author.

Books that we've read by John Jackson Miller (8):
Skyborn (Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith, #2) (2009), Precipice (Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith, #1) (2009), Paragon (Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith, #3) (2010), Purgatory (Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith, #5) (2010), Savior (Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith, #4) (2010), Knight Errant (Star Wars) (2011), Sentinel (Star Wars: Lost Tribe of the Sith, #6) (2011), Lost Tribe of the Sith: The Collected Stories (2012)