Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1 cover art

Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1

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Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1

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

 Hugo Award-winning author Timothy Zahn makes his triumphant return to the Star Wars(r) universe in this first of an epic new two-volume series in which the New Republic must face its most dangerous enemy yet--a dead Imperial warlord.

The Empire stands at the brink of total collapse. But they have saved their most heinous plan for last. First a plot is hatched that could destroy the New Republic in a bloodbath of genocide and civil war. Then comes the shocking news that Grand Admiral Thrawn--the most cunning and ruthless warlord in history--has apparently returned from the dead to lead the Empire to a long-prophesied victory. Facing incredible odds, Han and Leia begin a desperate race against time to prevent the New Republic from unraveling in the face of two inexplicable threats--one from within and one from without. Meanwhile, Luke teams up with Mara Jade, using the Force to track down a mysterious pirate ship with a crew of clones. Yet, perhaps most dangerous of all, are those who lurk in the shadows, orchestrating a dark plan that will turn the New Republic and the Empire into their playthings. Adventure Fantasy Science Fiction Space Opera Star Wars Fiction Bounty Hunter Interstellar Pirate

Critic Reviews

"Zahn turns in his usual high-caliber performance."--Library Journal

"Longtime fans should get considerable pleasure from this addition to the saga."--Publishers Weekly
All stars
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enjoyable book, straight off the back of the new ascendancy books and original thrawn trilogy. Story goes well but misses a key element I selfishly desired. haha

I miss Thrawn

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Good read, well written. Enjoyed a lot enter the minimum 16 words here it’s good

Good book

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Overall it was a very fun story, except for any council meetings. All the dialogue sounds like it's coming through a metal pipe, detracting from Marc Thompson's excelent performance.

A good story with some detracting moments.

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it is in total a good listen. It is starwars to the core. Good narration, good story arc, complete in line with what made starwars great and has me wanting to continue to the 2nd book.

another good story, true to the core

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Shame they're no longer canon as there are some fantastic support characters like Mara Jade and Talon Karde etc

It's a shame these stories are no longer Canon

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loved it cant wait for the next book. I really hope Luke and Mara finally get together

great book

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A good setup for another great chapter in the greatest "should have been" story ever.

A good start to another great yarn.

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Great story, narration and feels like star wars should. Marc Thompson is brilliant and brings it to life.

Very good.

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They should have made Zahn's trilogys into the new Starwars movie, very enjoyable. looking forward to getting into the next one.

A good continuation of the Thrawn story.

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Amazing story, the sound effects make the story so much more interesting and takes you into the Star Wars Universe

Amazing Story

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