Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes

An Expanded Universe is Born

By: Timothy Zahn, Betsy Mitchell - editor

Narrated by: Timothy Zahn, Betsy Mitchell

Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes is a special recording that features new commentary by author Timothy Zahn and editor Betsy Mitchell, written for the 20th anniversary edition of Heir to the Empire, read by Zahn and Mitchell. Each annotation includes audio from the new unabridged recording of Heir to the Empire to enhance their comments. 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.

Empire of Dreams

If you could sum up Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes in three words, what would they be?

Informative. Fun. Insightful.

What other book might you compare Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes to and why?

There isn't another book quite like it. I wish more books took this behind the scenes approach especially with the other Star Wars novels. I would love to hear behind the scenes on the major Star Wars novels. Darth Plagueis I'm looking at you!

Have you listened to any of Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not heard their previous works. This is my first foray but from that alone I was very impressed it felt like a DVD documentary but for books. I loved every moment of it.

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

This book gave me another dimension to the story from the author's POV. I wish it was longer! It had everything. There were plenty of surprises on how it came to be which left me giddy.

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Star Wars in general but also is curious on the inner workings of the author's journey in making such a tale, this is for you.

The Father of the EU Shares Insight

This is a fun and informative look behind the scenes of the book that started started the Star Wars Extended Universe. Timothy Zahn is the father of the EU and his incredible trilogy still holds up and is much loved today. It is the Episode 7, 8, and 9 we should have had on film. Many wonderful and beloved characters debut here, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Mara Jade, Talon Karrde, and more. Thrawn is key to several theatrical projects now.
It’s a thrill to hear all the little details and his thought processes of writing this modern masterpiece.

Takes a little time to get used to

The information is very interesting that is presented. However the playing a bit of the book and then fading out to a Timothy Zahn or Betsy Mitchell comment takes a bit to get used to. Kind of like watching a movie with commetary track on.

Behind the written star wars universe.

Where does Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes - an Expanded Universe Is Born rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Since this is a look at the written universe, this ranks as one of my best books listened to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: Behind the Scenes - an Expanded Universe Is Born?

I would have to say the entire program.

Have you listened to any of Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. This one is just as good as the others I have in my library.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This is a short program, you can listen all at once.

Any additional comments?

If you are a star wars fan, and you love the novels, as well as the films, you will love to listen to this great look behind what it takes to make a star wars novel, and it is great to hear the author comment on his own novel. I would recommend listening to the complete novels in this series. Star wars heir to the empire,dark force rising, and the last command.

We need more like this!

Very unique background about this great character and book. Like watching movie commentary but only listening.