• Star Wars: Heir to the Empire

  • (20th Anniversary Edition), The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 1
  • By: Timothy Zahn
  • Narrated by: Marc Thompson
  • Length: 13 hrs and 9 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (26,139 ratings)

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Star Wars: Heir to the Empire  By  cover art

Star Wars: Heir to the Empire

By: Timothy Zahn
Narrated by: Marc Thompson
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Publisher's summary

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

Featured Article: Who Is Grand Admiral Thrawn? The Ultimate Guide


Looking for a rundown of what The Mandalorian's latest name-drop means for the Star Wars universe? We've got you covered. Whether you're a casual fan who was left asking, "Wait...who is Grand Admiral Thrawn?" or a certified fanatic overjoyed at the very mention of the big blue bad, it's never a bad time for a quick refresher. We’ve compiled the best listens featuring Thrawn that offer key information on one of the most chilling villains in the entire franchise.

Experience Star Wars Like Never Before

Experience Star Wars Like Never Before

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What listeners say about Star Wars: Heir to the Empire

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    4 out of 5 stars

a 3D audio experience!

If you could sum up Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (20th Anniversary Edition) in three words, what would they be?

Fun Fun Fun!!!

What other book might you compare Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (20th Anniversary Edition) to and why?

none that I've heard so far even come close.

What does Marc Thompson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings these beloved characters to life. Han and Luke are spot on!

Any additional comments?

Star Wars fans don't miss this unique listening experience.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Wowderful!

Although I enjoyed this story, I felt as if Luke seemed rather inept. As was Leia.

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  • AJ
  • 03-29-12

Great Job By Marc Thompson

For those who have been wondering....

Unabridged Dark Force Rising and The Last Command audiobooks coming in June

We might not be getting further annotated editions of the Timothy Zahn classics, but at least audiobook fans are getting something: Unabridged recordings of Dark Force Rising and The Last Command will be coming out in June, Random House audio announced this week. Read by Marc Thompson, the audiobooks will be available digitally on June 26.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great book

really good story I like the continuation of the original trilogy and thrawn is a military genius.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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truly enjoyable!

wish it was longer! but it is since I get two more in the series! always enjoy star wars stories, this is just another great Legend!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Simply amazing performance and a classic book too

What did you love best about Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (20th Anniversary Edition)?

The amazing performance by Marc Thompson. The variety in his voices, the understanding of what he is reading... Simply amazing. I wish all audiobooks were read this well.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Admiral Thrawn - the accent, the sound of genius.

Have you listened to any of Marc Thompson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Sadly, I haven't yet had the pleasure, but I will gladly look to other books read by Mr. Thompson.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Neither. I know the story very well having read it as a kid.

Any additional comments?

This book has to appear in everyone's library. Even if only to see how amazing an audiobook can be.

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great legends series nov

awesome story, believable character use, very in-line with original trilogy, voice acting is really good and accompanying musical score is outstanding.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Timothy Zahn and Marc Thompson :Dynamic Duo

My family loves these stories, especially "The Thrawn Trilogy" series. Timothy Zahn, to me wrote the quintessential Star Wars Canon novels. I don't know which I like better. Zahn's storyline or the "Lucas/J. J. Abrams /Disney" storyline.
Marc Thompson is a master storyteller. The voices he created/emulates deeply immerse and engross you into the story. I am particularly fond of the accent of Talon Karrde.
Definitely a worth while listen. We've listened several times, always a goto book for us.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Perfection. the original episode 7!

flawless story. wicked fun, a far better episode 7 than episode 7. do it now!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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For my first audio book THIS WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!

If you could sum up Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (20th Anniversary Edition) in three words, what would they be?

Thrilling, Memorizing, Amazing

What did you like best about this story?

What I loved best about this story was the way it still keeps me entertain and still feels like if I am watching the next part to the Star Wars Saga... The Suspense of Jedi and Space Battles as if your actually there! The Background Sound really makes this book even more amazing! As if your watching the actual movie in you head!

What about Marc Thompson’s performance did you like?

Its was amazing the way he adds emphasize to what he is reading and it isn't just one tone he uses but different one to different situation which keep you intrigued and at the edge of your seat!!!! Also the different voices that are added to the characters and of course Luke, Han, C3P0, sound just like them! Of course there is a con to the women voices they are not actually women voices which take away from the narrative but its something you can deal with if it doesn't concern you!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes the first time Luke uses his light-saber in the story! Wow but of course I won't say anything for readers who haven't heard the book yet!

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