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

  • By: Timothy Zahn
  • Narrated by: Marc Thompson
  • Length: 14 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (6,901 ratings)

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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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Editorial reviews

"Longtime fans should get considerable pleasure from this addition to the saga." ( Publishers Weekly)

Publisher's summary

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.

©2011 Timothy Zahn (P)2013 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

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

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In the 45 years since George Lucas's interstellar fantasy epic Star Wars first hit theaters, the saga has grown to include 12 canonical feature-length films (and counting), a growing number of shows (both animated and live-action), and hundreds of novels and comics inspired by that galaxy far, far away. But there's nothing quite like the magic of a Star Wars audiobook. The stories featured in this collection are as vast and varied as the universe in which they're set.

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What listeners say about Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Good, but not my favorite Zahn

Half the book seemed like it was just developing the plot. A bit slow moving.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Great performance as always.

I love the Timothy Zahn and Mark Thompson combination. I wish Mark would narrate the Xwing series, Splinter of the minds eye, I Jedi and The Jedi search Trilogy.

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

Zahn continues to deliver!

Completely met my expectations for a Zahn Star Wars book! Saga continues! The narration is very strong and crazy entertaining.

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

great

narrator was great. lovely voices all were exceptionally correct. great action will listen to this again.

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

Zahn doesn't disappoint

Very good. The story kept me intrigued the whole time. Marc Thompson does an excellent job narrating except when he does Han Solo. Sound effects are a nice addition. I would definitely recommend it.

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

great!

Who let's anyone other than Marc Thompson narrate Star Wars books?! He brings them to life. every character sounds different. It sounds like a full cast. The story is strong. I highly recommend it to Star Wars fans.

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

This is a good book for Star Wars fans

It adds a lot to the Star Wars universe and something great to listen to when you want to learn more about Star Wars than you did

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

Timothy Zahn at his best

Marc Thompson is one of the best Narrators in the game. The sound Effects and music make this seem more like an audioplay than an audiobook and it's wonderful.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Just what you expect.

Exactly what you would expect from Mr Zahn. Very well written and another great performance by marc thompson.

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

Fantastic

One of the worst things about Disney buying Lucas was the erasure of Mara Jade. great follow up to the original Thrawn Triliogy.
As usual the special effects and Marc Thompson narration is top notch!

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