Free Excerpt: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Behind the Scenes  By  cover art

Free Excerpt: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Behind the Scenes

By: Timothy Zahn, Betsy Mitchell - editor
Narrated by: Timothy Zahn, Betsy Mitchell

Publisher's summary

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. Included here is audio from the that new unabridged recording 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.

©2011 Timothy Zahn (P)2011 Random House

What listeners say about Free Excerpt: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Behind the Scenes

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

no

nah I didn't like this book at all. not a fan of star wars maybe that's why.

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21 people found this helpful

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When a Sample Works

I found Timothy Zahn's Behind-the-Scenes section to be interesting. The voice acting of the audiobook excerpt sounded good as well, but the constant interruptions by the otherwise interesting annotations made me grateful for this excerpt - because it's not a book I would want to purchase in audio. The print version is going in to my Wishlist. The audio is not.

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6 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very interesting, but far too short!

Would you consider the audio edition of Free Excerpt: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Behind the Scenes to be better than the print version?

There is no print version (that I know of). I found it fascinating and could have easily listened to it for hours more. It's only 20 minutes long, at least an hour of content would have been great.

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic but too short

What about Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell ’s performance did you like?

It's great to hear the forward and the behind the scenes notes by Tim Zahn himself!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
  • Ed
  • 09-27-18

A great excerpt. For a free book, this is a nice l

A great excerpt. For a free book, this is a nice listen. Worth listening to.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

No story, just history.

Would you try another book from Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell (editor) and/or Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell ?

I might - since I didn't really hear any of the book, it's hard to tell.

Has Free Excerpt: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Behind the Scenes turned you off from other books in this genre?

There is no genre. The "excerpt" is nothing but why the book was written.

What three words best describe Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell ’s performance?

Really couldn't say.

What character would you cut from Free Excerpt: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Behind the Scenes?

Everything befor the actual beginning of the story.

Any additional comments?

Waste of time.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Great insight in the commentary!

What did you love best about Free Excerpt: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Behind the Scenes?

The commentary was masterful and made since. The narrators performance was nearly flawless.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Grand admiral Thran was my favorite character. I like the way that Timothy Zahn portrayed him, and the fact that he had a command throne.

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

No, I have not listened to their other performances. However, I look forward to hearing some of them.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Star Wars: Episode 7 Heir to the Empire

Any additional comments?

Will the other two books in the trilogy ever be released in unabridged audio? I sincerely hope so.

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1 person found this helpful

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

Free Excerpt: Star Wars: Heir to the Empire

Introduction:
Greetings, fellow beings from the vast universe. I am Kiba Snowpaw, an Alpha Ice Wolf from the frozen world of HowlStrom. As our planet is gripped in a winter that comes once every hundred years, I find solace in the tales from galaxies far, far away. Today, I shall share my thoughts on "Star Wars: Heir to the Empire - Behind the Scenes."

Basic Plot Summary:
This unique piece isn't just a story but a journey behind the curtains of one of the most iconic Star Wars books. It delves into the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia after their victory in "Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi." But more than that, it offers a rare glimpse into the minds of the creators, Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell.

Analysis/Evaluation:
The essence of this work lies not in the plot but in the intricate details of its creation. It's a testament to the dedication and passion of its creators. The commentary by Zahn and Mitchell provides a deeper understanding of the Star Wars universe and the challenges faced in expanding its lore.

Characters:
While the beloved characters of Luke, Han, and Leia are central to the story, the real protagonists here are Zahn and Mitchell. Their insights, reflections, and anecdotes breathe life into the narrative, making it more than just a behind-the-scenes look.

Structure:
The intertwining of the original story with the commentary is seamless. It's structured in a way that neither overshadows the other, allowing for a harmonious blend of fiction and reality.

Impact:
For a Star Wars aficionado like myself, this piece is a treasure. It not only enriches the experience of the original "Heir to the Empire" but also deepens one's appreciation for the craft of storytelling.

Hook and Thesis:
The allure of this work lies in its promise to take the listener on a journey behind the iconic story. It's a rare opportunity to understand the thought processes, challenges, and triumphs of its creators.

Praise and Critique:
The depth of insight and the passion of the creators are commendable. However, some might find the constant interjections a tad disruptive to the flow. But for those keen on understanding the nuances of storytelling, this is a goldmine.

Evaluation:
As an Ice Wolf who has witnessed countless tales from across the galaxies, I find this piece both enlightening and captivating. It's a testament to the enduring magic of Star Wars and the brilliance of its creators.

Comparison:
While there are many behind-the-scenes looks at various works, few offer such a comprehensive and intimate look into the creation process. This stands out not just as a commentary but as a narrative in its own right.

Conclusion:
From the icy realms of HowlStrom, I send forth my howl of appreciation to Timothy Zahn and Betsy Mitchell. This work is a beacon for all Star Wars enthusiasts and a testament to the timeless allure of this galaxy far, far away. May the force be with you, always.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good, but too short

I liked the author's thoughts on why he wrote what he did, but I want more.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Boring

Really for the most ultra (and I do mean ultra) Star Wars canon nerds only.

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