Allegiance: Star Wars Legends

By: Timothy Zahn

Narrated by: Marc Thompson

Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

Never before has the incendiary mix of action, politics, and intrigue that has become Timothy Zahn’s trademark, been more evident that in this new Star Wars epic. On the heels of the stunning events chronicled in Star Wars: A New Hope, the newly minted heroes of the Rebellion - fledgling Jedi Luke Skywalker, smuggler turned reluctant freedom-fighter Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa, a bold leader with a world to avenge - must face the harsh realities of the cataclysmic conflict into which they have so bravely plunged. From this point forward, legends will grow, treachery will abound, and lives will be irrevocably altered, in the long, hard fight to counter the fist of tyranny and restore hope to a galaxy too long in darkness.

The destruction of the Death Star by the Rebel Alliance was a decisive blow against the Empire, but Palpatine and his monstrous enforcer, Darth Vader, are no less of a threat. The brutal extermination of Alderaan not only demonstrated the magnitude of their murderous power, but served as a chilling testament to their resolve to crush the Rebel uprising. Standing against them, Skywalker, Solo, and the Princess remain uncertain opponents. Luke is gifted and brave, but unschooled in the power he possesses. Han has doubts about waging someone else’s war - and his contentiousness is one more burden for Leia to bear as she struggles to help keep the Rebellion alive. The three have been sent to mediate a dispute between Rebel Alliance factions in Shelsha Sector - agitating matters by forcing Han to deal not only with pirates, but with his more dreaded enemy, politics. At the same time, Mara Jade - all of eighteen and years away from her fateful meeting with Luke - is serving her evil master, Palpatine, well in her role as the Emperor’s Hand: tracking suspected treachery in the Empire to what may be high places - while trying to stay out of Darth Vader’s way.

But the Rebels will prove to be only one of the Empire’s concerns. For Imperial Stormtrooper Daric LaRone, his faith in the Empire shaken by the wanton destruction of Alderaan, will commit a sudden and violent act of defiance, and take four other enforcers with him, in a desperate bid to elude their masters’ wrath.

Each of these fateful actions, whether sanctioned, secret, or scandalous, will expose brutality and corruption, spur upheavals destined to shake the Empire to its core, and shape momentous events yet to come.

©2013 Timothy Zahn (P)2013 Random House Audio

entertaining and well read.

one of the best narrators I've heard. really liked the stormtrooper unit. it's always interesting when the writers get into the humanity of the bad guys. surprising how kind Mara Jade was compared to her depictions when she was introduced with talon karde.

Good story so so narration

Story is good but the voices are a little wonky. Specifically han and Luke. Han sounds like family guy is trying badly to sound like han and Luke sounds like a whiny kid.

Mark Thompson does it again!!

Again I wish Nr. Thompson would read ALL Star Wars audiobooks! I love his voice range and use of sound effects where needed. Hes the best reader Ive heard to date!

decent story

not many good books here but this one is ok for the background on mara jade

Awesome!

This was an excellent addition to the Legends story line! The story was expertly written and brought new and old characters together in believable situations and for heart felt reasons. The narrator did a masterful job flawlessly spinning the tale and bringing all of the characters to life.

Wonderfully Perspective

I loved this perspective of this story. It tells the story of what some of the footsoldiers in the Empire thought of their jobs, their superior, and the rebels. Great characters and fairly interesting story. I do wish there had been more about the soldiers and less the rebels but great story. There needs to be more stories like this.

Outstanding book. Well worth the listen

Zhan has another hit on his hands. The performance was spectacular as well as the story. You see Mara Jade on one of her first mission and you see a side of her your don't see on the other Zahn trilogies.

Good book

I actually own this book and it's a great read. I got this for free so i gave a listen. I liked everything about but had some issues. Since I read the book and listened I feel that in my head some characters sounded different. Like when Leia talks I envision a young Carrie Fisher version. With the audio book it's just not the same when a guy tries to impersonate Leia . I think the narrator captured the vibe of Han and Luke. I love the added sound effects it fleshes out more of an authentic Star Wars vibe. I wish the bool Choices of One was available

Once again..

Timothy Zahn has written a great book, and Marc Thompson is perfect with his reading and delivery of the novel!

Mara Jade more Mara Jade

Great introduction of a character I would love reading more about. The history of Mara Jade to better explain her character.