Star Wars: Heir to the Empire cover art

Star Wars: Heir to the Empire

(20th Anniversary Edition), The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 1

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Star Wars: Heir to the Empire

By: Timothy Zahn
Narrated by: Marc Thompson
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About this listen

Here is a special edition 20th anniversary release of the number-one New York Times best-selling novel that reignited the entire Star Wars publishing phenomenon - unabridged for the first time. The biggest event in the history of Star Wars books, Heir to the Empire follows the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia after they led the Rebel Alliance to victory in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi.

Five years after the Death Star was destroyed and Darth Vader and the Emperor were defeated, the galaxy is struggling to heal the wounds of war, Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting twins, and Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited line of new Jedi Knights.

But thousands of light-years away, the last of the Emperor’s warlords - the brilliant and deadly Grand Admiral Thrawn - has taken command of the shattered Imperial fleet, readied it for war, and pointed it at the fragile heart of the New Republic. For this dark warrior has made two vital discoveries that could destroy everything the courageous men and women of the Rebel Alliance fought so hard to create.

The explosive confrontation that results is a towering epic of action, invention, mystery, and spectacle on a galactic scale - in short, a story worthy of the name Star Wars.

More in the Thrawn Trilogy we have. And listen to all of our Star Wars titles you can!©1991 Timothy Zahn (P)2011 Random House Audio Adventure Fiction Science Fiction Space Opera Star Wars Space Bounty Hunter Interstellar War

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Story and performance were both just perfect. The real Star Wars canon story, how it should have been.

There is just 1 but... same one 3 times. In the performance there was X-Wing engine sound 3 times for an extended time. It was WAAAY too loud, drilling right into one's brain. Hated those moments, especially because they lasted so long (~10 minutes the first time). If you can last through it, you will enjoy every minute of the rest of the book.

Awesome! 99% of it...

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Gilad Pellaeon's introspection in chapter sets the tone, and it some of the best writing within the whole franchise. And he is a seriously underappreciated character in his own right, even if he is Dr Watson.

Thrawn is Sherlock Holmes crossed with Erwin Rommel, and is a brilliant synthesis for a villain. He is not maniacally evil, he has no Force powers, no planet-killing super weapon, and he is in a position of weakness compared to the New Republic.

He has to rely on his own experience, his intellect, his skills and his calculations to stand a chance, let alone be victorious.

This book starts the Quintology that rivals the original despecialized trilogy and knights of the old republic as the heart of Star Wars.

A well deserved reputation.

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Thrawn trilogy was my entry to Star Wars Expanded Universe. One of the masterpieces of Star Wars universe.

Everything Zahn writes and Marc reads turns to gold. Marc's stellar performances make this more of a radio play than audiobook. And that's a good thing.

Highly recommended trilogy.

Beautiful!!!

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Bit slow but good. Hopefully setup for the next book but very similar feel to original trilogy

Good

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Zahn's characterizations are spot-on, with Luke, Leia, and Han feeling true to their cinematic counterparts while also showing growth and development. The introduction of Mara Jade, a complex and intriguing new character, adds another layer of depth to the story. The plot is intricate and well-paced, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. "Heir to the Empire" is a must-read for any Star Wars fan, and it's easy to see why it's considered one of the best books in the Expanded Universe.

staying true to Lucas

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was enjoyable and interesting! definitely a great fit into canon. next one please... a long time ago....

great read! cant wait for the next one

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This book (and the series) have been a firm favourite of mine since they were released in the original book form in the 1990’s - IMO they should have formed the basis of the Disney sequel trilogy (but that’s a different argument). Timothy Zahn is one of the best Star Wars EU writers out there and Thrawn is an excellent foe. That with the combination of Marc Thompson, the definitive voice of Star Wars audiobooks makes these books a must have

The classic sequel trilogy

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What can I say about this book that hasn't already been said? This book is excellent, it takes place 5 years after the destruction of the second Death Star and the New Republic has risen from the ashes, but with a shaky control of the galaxy. The Empire is in complete disarray with almost no hope in sight for them... until Thrawn. Thrawn is by far one of the best EU characters ever introduced, he's smart, competent and a master strategist who rose through the Empire's ranks before being sent to the Unknown Regions.
Thrawn isn't the only fan favourite character to have been introduced in this book, not in the slightest. But to list them all would take way too long and you need to spend that time listening to this book. Not to mention all of the returning characters that are given a new life in this book; Luke, Leia, Han, Chewbacca... all make triumphant returns and they're all just perfectly done, you'll feel as if no time has passed since you watched RotJ and be taken on a wonderful ride back into the Galaxy.
If you didn't quite find the new Star Wars trilogy satisfying enough or you're just looking for a great Star Wars book this is the best place to start.

My favourite Star Wars book to date

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Create voice acting, well written and engaging story. I would wholeheartedly recommend to any star wars fan. See also Bane trilogy ;)

Recommended

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I have three very different versions of this trilogy but this is my favourite . it's unabridged and a good listen from start to finish.
sad though that audiobook only have 2 out of the 3 "20th anniversary" edition available . The third part they have is an abridged earlier version so not part of this set.

great storyline and great storytelling

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